Prologue

At the far end of the Gate of the Otherworld, The New Gate rested quietly.

Two shadows stood opposite each other. One belonged to Origin, the gate’s guardian monster. It was the final and most powerful creature in the VRMMO-RPG The New Gate. Origin resembled a dragon-man, possessing a human physique combined with a dragon’s head, wings, and tail. Towering at about seven mels, its eyes sparkled like the azure sky, while its scales and the horn on its forehead radiated a golden glow. Clad in gleaming golden armor, its impressive warrior-like body wielded a smooth, unadorned spear, similarly made of gold.

Despite Origin’s potentially garish colors, its massive size and overwhelming presence evoked a sense of divinity rather than disgust. It was a monster truly deserving of being called the “strongest,” akin to a divine beast.

The other shadow belonged to a Human man named Shin, whose real name was Shinya Kiritani. Among the players in the VRMMO-RPG The New Gate, he was one of the oldest and possessed top-notch combat Skills. He stood just over 180 cemels tall, with a slender build, black hair, and black eyes. His face, neither strikingly handsome nor ugly, showed no signs of tension despite facing Origin.

A thin black scarf with red lines was wrapped around his neck. He wore a long black coat and trousers, both featuring red lines. His arms and legs were protected by dark crimson bracers and greaves, but he had no other armor. In his right hand he held a black katana. Both the hilt and guard were black, while the blade shimmered faintly red as if embedded with rubies.

As Shin stepped forward, Origin prepared its weapon.

The contrast of Shin’s lightly armored self vs Origin’s gleaming golden armor would cause any observer to believe this challenge was utterly reckless. One could only envision Shin being transformed into a mere mass of flesh by a single sweep of Origin’s spear.

As Shin advanced, Origin thrust forward with its spear. The combination of swift movement and the spear’s massive size created the illusion of a wall charging at Shin. The spear slammed into the stone-tiled floor, shattering tiles and deeply gouging the ground below. Yet, Shin was absent—he had shifted to stand beside Origin’s feet.

Just before the assault, Shin had employed the Support-type Martial Skill Mind’s Eye to anticipate his opponent’s moves, followed by the Movement-type Martial Skill Ground Shrink for rapid movement. Unable to locate Shin, Origin’s right foot became the target of Shin’s Swordsmanship-type Martial Skill Crescent Moon Slash. The blade glowed red as the Skill was triggered, enhancing its sharpness and attack speed by 150 percent.

Harnessing the energy of his movement, Shin swung his blade with all his might. “Hah!” he exclaimed, channeling his spirit into a single decisive slash. The blade carved a bright red arc, cutting through the boot on Origin’s right foot. The slash carried on, almost severing the foot entirely. Blood poured out, soaking the golden scales red.

Origin’s HP gauge dropped by one-fiftieth. This represented an incredible amount of damage from a single strike against this most formidable monster.

“■■■■■… Nnn!”

Origin let out a piercing cry, its metallic, high-pitched voice echoing across the room. In response, Shin swiftly jumped back, anticipating the attack thanks to Mind’s Eye. His enhanced leg strength allowed him to move so rapidly that an afterimage remained.

A moment later, the spear’s butt struck down, obliterating the afterimage. Although the force of this blow was weaker than the last, leading to fewer broken tiles, the attack remained undeniably potent.

“Fast. Just what I expected from the final boss,” Shin said, still maintaining his composure as he admired the spear’s destructive power. The final gatekeeper. An adversary worthy of his full strength.

Shin was far from careless. He understood that if his HP gauge reached zero, it would mean his death. He had entered this place fully aware of that reality. His goal was to overcome The New Gate, which had evolved into a death game. Though he lacked comrades for this battle, he was not alone—he had supporters backing him.

Shin primarily wore his own equipment, as the items he had gotten from his companions were largely ineffective in this battle. Still, the emotions of his supporting comrades deeply affected him.

A girl wept, longing to reunite with her family. A boy felt lost after the death of his brother. A man battled hardships, determined not to surrender. A woman rushed to assist those in distress. Each individual faced struggles, despair, challenges, fights. Many had even vanished.

A year had passed since they had become trapped. Shin couldn’t determine if it felt long or short. Still, one word consumed his heart. Win. That was all that mattered. He needed to defeat Origin and liberate those who supported him from the game.

For that reason—

“I’ll take your head!” Shin yelled, confronting Origin, who glowered back at him. He lifted his katana again.

“Uoooooooh!” With a mighty roar, Shin’s slash cut through one of Origin’s wings at its base. This was the Swordsmanship-type Martial Skill Mountain Breaker. It unleashed a top-down strike powerful enough to cleave a mountain, causing 250 percent damage to opponents larger than Shin.

Origin, having lost a wing, eventually collapsed from sustained damage. Shin nodded silently to himself. By disrupting Origin’s balance, he concealed the exposed weakness caused by the Skill’s post-use stiffness.

The armor encasing Origin’s body lay shattered, with cracks visible in many areas. It had not only lost one wing but also its left arm, and the tip of its golden horn was broken.

Origin’s HP gauge was now dangerously low.

“Hah, hah, hah.”

As he confronted the nearly vanquished Origin, Shin bore his own injuries. Although his gear remained quite durable, he had been dodging, deflecting, and occasionally absorbing the relentless assaults from Origin’s towering form. Though his HP gauge still registered in the safe zone, the mental strain left his breathing uneven, as if he were still in battle.

“Hah, hah, suuh… hah…”

He took a deep breath and exhaled. Even though the system deemed it unnecessary, this action was vital for Shin. He steadied his uneven breathing, soothing his rapid heartbeat.

Although another blow with Mountain Breaker would end it, the cooldown for using this technique again was significant—among the longest of all his abilities. It seemed improbable that he could employ it again in this fight.

This opponent won’t be tricked by the same powerful tactic repeatedly. It’s just one ability; there’s no point in fixating on it.

If quality was lacking, he would compensate with quantity.

“Don’t rush me.”

Although Origin’s HP gauge was low, it wasn’t entirely depleted. If he relaxed too much, believing it was almost over, he would be finished. Origin’s gaze remained locked on him, exuding a fierce fighting spirit. Even though it was just a graphical display, Shin could feel it vividly.

Suddenly, an imposing female voice—the game’s announcer—echoed in Shin’s ears.

[Survival Instinct activated: Attack power and speed increased.]

[Golden Wave activated: HP, missing parts, and damaged equipment gradually recovering.]

The auto-activation Skill Analyze X activated, informing Shin that Origin’s abilities had improved. Simultaneously, Origin’s HP gauge started to refill gradually. Golden light surrounded the stumps of its severed arm and wing, gradually reaching out to regenerate the limbs.

If not interrupted, Origin would revert to its initial form. Unsurprisingly, Shin was determined to prevent that from occurring.

Immediately after receiving data from Analyze X, Shin triggered Ground Shrink, approaching the kneeling Origin.

“■■■■■■—nn!”

As Shin moved, Origin unleashed a deafening roar and swung its spear in a swift horizontal arc, creating a whooshing sound that cleaved through the air.

Shin quickly activated the Swordsmanship-type Martial Skill White Blade Flow along with the Unarmed-type Martial Skill Steel Deflection. White Blade Flow enabled him to lower his center of gravity and deflect incoming attacks, while Steel Deflection enveloped his arms and legs in a reflective aura that partially repelled strikes.

By employing White Blade Flow, Shin intercepted the spear with his katana, allowing the blade to slide down the spear’s shaft and redirect its energy. He subsequently rested his left arm on the katana’s spine, applying Steel Deflection to effectively reduce the spear’s impact.

Unfortunately, the attack, boosted by Survival Instinct, couldn’t be fully deflected despite the combination of Skills. Shin’s HP gauge was slightly decreased.

“Hmph!”

Despite taking damage, Shin seized the moment when the spear was released from his blade. He rose from his crouched position, adding force to the spear’s trajectory. This made the spear swing faster than Origin intended, throwing its balance off.

Seizing the opportunity, Shin executed the Swordsmanship-type Martial Skill Moonlight Slash Dance. A silvery light reminiscent of moonlight enveloped his black sword, forming a brilliant edge that momentarily lengthened the blade.

“Seeeeeeaaaaah!”

The silver light blade hit Origin’s vulnerable torso. One! Two! Three! The rapid movement of the light blade created afterimages as it sliced through the air, each strike forming a silver arc. By the third slash, the damage dealt had overridden the HP gained from Golden Wave. Four! Five! Six! Seven! Eight! Nine! Ten! The subsequent seven slashes quickly drained Origin’s HP gauge.

Once the tenth arc was completed, the light on the blade faded, indicating the Skill’s conclusion. Moonlight Slash Dance was a technique that released ten consecutive enhanced slashes at 130 percent attack speed and double attack range.

While each hit of Moonlight Slash Dance may not deliver significant damage on its own, the extensive range and quick succession of strikes combined to create a total damage output greater than that of basic power-enhancing Skills. Thanks to Shin’s STR and the attack power of his weapon, he could deal damage almost matching that of Mountain Breaker.

Indeed, after the intense barrage of ten consecutive strikes, Origin’s HP gauge was nearly depleted.

“Let’s finish this!” Shin declared.

As Origin’s body started to crumble from the impact of Moonlight Slash Dance, Shin raced up its form. Even though Origin’s HP gauge began to replenish, Shin assessed that he still had time.

In a last-ditch effort, Origin let go of its spear and threw a backhanded punch. Shin jumped over it, raising his katana above him while airborne.

Their eyes locked. Despite nearing the conclusion, Origin’s stare remained serene, free from fury. For some reason, Shin felt this calmness.

Yet, despite the lack of hostility, Shin’s determination to win remained steadfast. The power behind his blade stayed resolute.

“It’s over!” Shin yelled, bringing his black blade down onto Origin’s forehead.

※※※

[Gatekeeper Origin defeated. Boss defeat bonus granted.]

[Titles Limit Breaker, Achiever, and Liberator acquired.]

[Skills Dark King’s Wave, Concentrated Wave, and Diffuse Wave acquired.]

[Items Guardian’s Remains, Guardian’s Soul, and Guardian’s Heart acquired.]

When the game announcement resonated in his ears, Shin remained motionless. A brilliant light flooded the room, emanating from Origin, who had dissolved into golden particles that illuminated the area. Gradually, the light diminished, revealing a room that was battered and worn, with only the intact gate and Shin standing alone.

Then, another announcement played:

[Gatekeeper Origin of the deepest part of the Gate of the Otherworld has been defeated, and the dungeon has been cleared.]

This announcement declared Shin’s victory to his comrades.

[As a result, all players can now log out.]

“It’s over…” Shin muttered.

Yes, it was finally finished. The death game that had ensnared Shin and his friends for a year had concluded. To confirm, he accessed the menu screen, and at the bottom of the options list, the Logout command was indeed present.

He chose to review his friends list. One by one, the online status beside each player’s name switched to offline. Everyone was logging out safely.

“I kept my promise, right, Marino?”

Shin felt a deep sense of accomplishment. He pondered if she, who had died in this world, would commend him.

“Okay! I’ll wait until all the other players have logged out.”

With that thought, he resolved to push aside the grim ideas and sat down. He had made up his mind to log out only after seeing everyone else leave.

Shin retrieved the Survivor’s List from his Item Box and carefully unrolled the parchment. This list showed the names of surviving players as they changed in real-time.

The list Shin held was a treasured creation by an alchemist friend who recognized his wish for everyone to return safely before logging out. This friend had dedicated seven days and nights to its creation. Whenever a player died or logged out, their name would disappear from the list.

Shin observed the names fading from the list, quietly expressing gratitude to his friend. It took roughly three minutes for them to disappear, leaving just one name: Shin.

“So, I’m the last one,” he murmured to himself.

He had been fighting nonstop until now, but with the ordeal finally over, he felt a deep surge of emotion. Once he logged out, he would never come back. It was hard to believe that an online game, which had turned into a death game, would continue to operate.

Despite it turning into such a disaster, I did enjoy it at the beginning.

Shin had dedicated a significant portion of his life to playing The New Gate. Whether it was a good or bad choice, he had invested countless hours in this game. He recognized that it might be a questionable sentiment, but the time spent with his friends in this world was truly unique and irreplaceable.

“Goodbye, The New Gate,” he murmured, bidding farewell to the game. Just as he was about to log out, the door in front of him, which shouldn’t have opened, creaked.

“Hm?”

The sound drew his attention, and his finger halted just short of clicking the Logout command. The ornately decorated door slowly opened, permitting a bright light to enter. The brilliant light made it impossible for Shin to see what was beyond.

“What the…? There shouldn’t be any events remaining…”

As Shin stood there in confusion, the light started to fill the room, turning everything a dazzling white.

Something’s not right.

Just as he was about to press the Logout command, a light surrounded him.

Shin’s awareness gradually faded into the light.

Chapter 1: The Third Reality

Part 1

Shin’s first sensation was the wind. A warm breeze caressed his skin, softly rousing his half-awake mind. He noticed the firm surface under his back and a faint, sweet aroma teasing his nose. His eyes stayed closed, keeping his vision shrouded in darkness.

“Mm…”

He gradually opened his eyes and sat upright. The first sight that met him was an endless grassland extending to a far-off thicket. All around where he lay, numerous white and pink flowers were in full bloom. The fragrance that caressed his senses originated from these blossoms.

“Where am I?”

To understand why he was in such a place, he started to think.

Today, I battled and overcame the boss monster Origin in the deepest part of the Gate of the Otherworld. Yes, I cleared The New Gate. This made logging out possible. Everyone was freed, and I was the last one remaining…

His thoughts slowly grew clearer. The final thing Shin saw was—

“The gate… opened?”

Indeed, overcoming Origin had saved everyone, and he had been ready to log out. At that moment, the locked gate had swung open, and he had blacked out.

“What was that? And where is this…?”

As he scanned the area once more, nothing seemed familiar to him.

“Could it be that I’m still in the game?”

Shin couldn’t remember whether his outstretched finger had truly pressed the Logout command. He speculated that the white light might have been related to some event that stopped him from logging out. To investigate this idea, he brought up the menu screen.

“… You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Before him was the recognizable semi-transparent screen, displaying familiar menu items clearly from The New Gate.

“So, am I still in the game?” He sighed with relief, believing it was just a scare. As he looked down, he continued examining the menu options.

There was no logout option.

“… It’s not here.”

The line, Logout, which should have been positioned between Currency and Help, had disappeared. When he checked after defeating Origin, those six letters had indeed been present.

“No, no, no, this can’t be happening!”

He frantically opened every menu option he could find, but the Logout command was nowhere to be found. It felt as if the death game hadn’t ended.

“Wait! What about the others?”

Considering that others might be in a similar situation, Shin retrieved the Survivor’s List from his Item Box. If any other players were still trapped, their names would show up on the list.

“What the…?”

The only name on the list was Shin. Under his name, the message read:

[Unable to display due to network connection issues.]

The alchemist behind the list had clarified that the list retrieved data from The New Gate’s network via avatars to identify players still in the game. This revealed that Shin’s avatar was not connected to The New Gate’s system at the moment.

“Unable to connect to the network. So why can I still control my avatar?”

If he hadn’t logged out but was disconnected from the system, how could he still move his avatar? This situation should have left him completely unable to control his avatar.

Although Shin wasn’t a VR technology expert, he realized that The New Gate was not meant to handle this type of anomaly. Operating the avatar while disconnected from the network went against the game’s specifications.

“I don’t understand. What’s going on?”

The sense of relief he felt moments ago evaporated, and Shin lay back on the ground. He didn’t feel like standing up, his mind racing with questions that had no answers.

It’s no use. When you’re stuck like this, sometimes it’s best to clear your mind.

Shin used this method to soothe himself when his thoughts became chaotic. Whenever he faced confusion, he would set everything aside briefly to clear and arrange his mind.

1. Unable to connect to the network.

2. The avatar is operable.

3. The above two points are contradictory.

Point one was verified by the Survivor’s List program and the message shown on the list.

Point two was clear as he was able to move around.

Point three, based on the game’s specifications, stated that operating an avatar required a network connection.

He remembered players reporting that their avatars became frozen during network problems, which confirmed its accuracy.

How could these contradictory points coexist? Shin considered the possibilities:

One possibility was that there was a glitch in the Survivor’s List and he remained connected to the network. This wasn’t entirely implausible.

Another option was that, despite his lack of network connection, new technology might have enabled his avatar to stay functional. Perhaps such an advancement had taken place.

“And then there’s the other possibility… Fantasy,” he mused aloud.

Shin chuckled at a thought that popped into his head while he seriously considered the situation. As a dedicated gamer, his friends often referred to him as a “net game addict.” He was also passionate about anime, manga, light novels, and web novels, having read countless stories featuring the now-classic trope of being transported to a game-like world.

In those stories, the main character discovered themselves in a game-like realm with their attributes intact. Shin’s recent thought echoed this idea—maybe he wasn’t playing the game anymore but was instead experiencing a true version of The New Gate’s world. This would explain how he could still control his avatar with the disconnected network.

“Yeah, right. There’s no way that’s possible,” Shin muttered, pausing his thoughts to look up at the sky. The vast blue sky filled his vision, with small clouds drifting lazily by. At the edge of his sight, he noticed the forest. When he focused on it, he could clearly see each individual leaf.

“…”

He could see it all clearly, distinctly—perhaps too clearly.

It felt more real than the game, almost lifelike. Although VR technology had developed to create strikingly realistic environments that simulated sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste, it remained merely a simulation. Regardless of its realism, it was still just an imitation, albeit exquisitely designed.

Here, the movement of the clouds, the texture of the leaves, and the shape of the flowers in the field—everything felt real.

“…”

Shin gradually lifted his hand to his face, observing the wrinkles and fingerprints that had been absent in the game.

“This is real…”

Once he noticed, everything else fell into place like a chain reaction. The scenery before him, the rustling leaves, the feel of the wind against his skin, the scents teasing his nose—all of it felt different from what he had experienced in the game.

“From a death game to an adventure in another world…?”

Shin had now experienced two VRMMO urban legends back-to-back. Having just escaped a death game, he couldn’t help but think, somewhat offhandedly, that he would have liked a break in between.

“Ahhh… What the hell?”

He let out a lazy voice while rolling around on the ground. The brave figure who had just fought against Origin was nowhere to be found.

The exhaustion from the boss battle, coupled with the abrupt transition from the relief of logging out to being whisked away to another world, left him physically fine but mentally yearning for rest.

In summary, he felt completely drained.

Feeling on the verge of burnout, Shin yearned to relax for a bit.

“Ahhh… Haah…”

He rolled on the ground like a child, pausing before starting again. It took a while, but this break seemed to revitalize him, making him feel a bit less exhausted.

He recognized the need to understand his current situation, but with no one around, it was challenging to gather information.

I need more information. Since the menu screen is working, I’ll check my status and items, then look for a place where people might be.

Lifting himself up from the ground, still feeling a bit weighty, he accessed the menu screen to check his status.

The left side of the screen featured his avatar in a 3D display, while the right side displayed categories like Attributes, Equipment, Titles, and Skills.

His avatar had black hair and eyes, presenting a somewhat sharp demeanor that resembled an average young man. This avatar reflected Shin’s real-world appearance, portraying him as a slightly lanky figure standing 180 cemels tall. His friends from the school sports clubs had frequently urged him to exercise more.

As he examined his Equipment, he realized that some items had gone missing since his battle with Origin: his scarf, gauntlets, and greaves. However, he still had on the King of the Underworld’s Long Coat adorned with red lines, along with the matching pants and other accessories.

Under the weapons section, the name True Moon appeared, signifying that his beloved katana was still in his possession.

Upon reviewing his inventory, he discovered that all the equipment he had used in the battle with Origin were still intact. Both items and funds were unaffected, showing that there were no problems with his belongings.

He then checked his Attributes. Before, all stats except LUCK had been maxed out. Hoping he hadn’t lost any, he opened the screen.

“No, no, no…” Shin averted his eyes from the screen, gazing into the distance before returning his attention to it. Of course, nothing had changed.

“Wait, hold on!”

He looked away again, rubbed his eyes to ensure his vision wasn’t blurry, and then checked the screen once more. He felt like a character in a manga, dramatically reacting to something unbelievable.

“I’m not imagining things, am I?”

After checking three times, Shin finally accepted that what he saw was real. The reason for his shock was that, aside from LUCK, his current stats were vastly different from his previous ones.

Unlike many other games, the VRMMO-RPG The New Gate enabled players to max all stats except LUCK, given enough time. Shin, a player since the closed beta, uniquely maximized every stat except LUCK. His extensive playtime, skillful grinding, and frequent use of the reincarnation system distinguished him from others.

Many players had almost maxed out their stats, but none had exceeded Shin. In the game, his stats were as follows: HP and MP at 9999, STR, VIT, DEX, AGI, and INT at 999, and LUCK at thirty-six. LUCK was low because its maximum limit was ninety-nine and remained unchanged from the value set during avatar creation.

However, his current stats indicated values more than double the previous maximum of 999, except for LUCK.

“The mechanics of the game… This is absolutely ridiculous.”

He could only stare in shock. The numbers were so large that he felt completely unaware of his own strength.

“I’m getting tired of being surprised…”

Shin was overwhelmed by fatigue from the ongoing shocks and found himself laughing at his own plight. He realized that fixating on the same numbers was unhelpful, so he opted to explore the other menu options instead.

What Shin discovered after checking everything was that new titles and Skills had been added. Specifically, he now had the titles Limit Breaker, Achiever,and Liberator, along with the Skills Dark King’s Wave, Concentrated Wave, and Diffuse Wave. He had heard the announcements after defeating Origin but had completely forgotten about them.

To grasp their effects, Shin selected the newly added titles from the list.

• Limit Breaker: Your power transcends limits. All stats’ upper limits are unlocked. Any stats that were truncated before the unlock will be increased accordingly.

• Achiever: A blessing for those who have reached the end of the cycle. Doubles all your stats at the time of acquiring this title.

• Liberator: You are the hope for those who are imprisoned. Nullifies the effects of magic, traps, items, etc., that restrict or prohibit actions.

“What is this?” he murmured.

The titles he had earned were all unprecedented. Even as someone familiar with nearly all the in-game titles, Shin had never encountered such game-breaking effects. Grasping the mystery behind his boosted stats was one thing, but this felt almost like cheating.

Possessing rare equipment or beginning at an elevated level was one thing, but this was beyond that. The sole fact that his LUCK stat stayed unchanged felt almost like a provocation.

“In stories where a character moves from an MMO to another world, they often gain cheats, but this feels somewhat excessive.”

Shin’s initial stats were remarkable. He had previously defeated a group of twelve max-level players, all at LV 255 and with no reincarnations, prompting them to curse him as a “walking cheat” after their defeat. Even when up against opponents who had reincarnated over ten times, he could still compete effectively in a four-on-one scenario.

With his stats now enhanced, it seemed improbable that he would lose a PvP battle unless he was caught off guard and swiftly defeated. This, of course, assumed that other players existed in this world.

He hoped, somewhat nervously, that not too many others possessed these overpowered titles and Skills.

Part 2

Shin reviewed all of his Skills, both martial and magical. He even experimented with a few to see their effects. Luckily, there was nothing around that could be harmed, which gave him the opportunity to try out some of his more powerful abilities.

The results were extraordinary. He created several large craters in the ground and discovered that the delays between executing martial Skills and their cooldowns had disappeared. Additionally, he’d acquired the ability to adjust the strength of his magical abilities.

In the gaming world, these limitations were accepted in the interest of balance and immersion. However, in reality, such restrictions didn’t exist. Movements that had once been possible in the game, like forcibly resetting one’s stance after using a martial Skill, were no longer feasible.

He recognized the need to be aware of potential injuries, such as strained tendons or dislocated joints, even without the game’s peculiarities. This awareness of his physical limitations was a natural part of reality.

He reminded himself that this was serious. Taking damage would involve more than merely losing HP; he could genuinely be injured. He needed to think carefully and move cautiously to ensure he could respond when it was most critical.

Recognizing the reality of this world, Shin realized how much the game world had become his “second reality.” He contemplated that this new place could serve as his “third reality.”

Shin smirked at the idea. His adaptation to this “third reality” felt quicker than he had anticipated, especially compared to his initial adjustment to the game world. He was somewhat astonished by how swiftly he transitioned from fatigued to energetic.

“Well, I guess it’s time to move on,” Shin said, pulling a plain white bookmark from his Item Box. The bookmark looked ordinary as he held it above his head.

“Go Home!”

As Shin recited the spell, the bookmark shimmered and morphed into a glowing orb the size of a baseball. This light then shaped itself into a hawk, which levitated in the air, orienting its head toward a distinct direction.

The Guiding Bookmark was created to show the direction to a registered location. It was commonly utilized to mark recovery points during explorations, but Shin had set it to point home. Even though his map was malfunctioning, the Guiding Bookmark in his inventory indicated that he could select his home base in the game. Thus, he chose to go there first. Shin had personalized the item into a hawk shape, as players could customize its look.

“To my home!” Shin shouted, sprinting toward the path shown by the glowing hawk. The distance to his home, revealed when he chose the destination, was sixty-seven kemels—about sixty-seven kilometers.

Although it was a considerable distance to cover on foot, Shin’s exceptional stamina and leg strength were anything but ordinary. Even a light jog enabled him to achieve remarkable speeds.

Running at approximately seventy kemels per hour, Shin effortlessly maneuvered through thick forests and rugged terrain, unhindered by obstacles.

“Yaaahoooooo!”

The feeling of slicing through the wind was exhilarating. Shin shouted with joy, dispelling the lingering unease he had experienced since waking up. It was almost like a runner’s high.

He didn’t know how long he could keep up this pace, but he felt like he could run forever without depleting his stamina. So, he continued running without taking any breaks.

Along the way, he encountered monsters like the Tetra Grizzly, a bear with four arms; the Twin-Headed Snake, a serpent with two heads; and the Flame Boar, a boar with a fiery mane. Eager to test their strength, Shin engaged each one in battle.

Shin faced monsters with levels: eighty-seven for the bear, sixty-eight for the snake, and seventy-nine for the boar. His Analyze X Skill confirmed these levels beyond a doubt. In the game world, these monsters frequently appeared as targets for novice players, exhibiting recognizable behavior patterns. Given Shin’s level, he could easily defeat them even if he were momentarily distracted.

Actually battling them in this world revealed a more unsettling side—they displayed the cunning and unpredictability of real animals, leading Shin to experience a few moments of unease.

After traversing the plains, jumping over rocks, and racing through the forest for an hour, a massive city wall appeared in the distance. The glowing hawk started to blink, indicating that they were near the destination. Shin reduced his speed and halted.

The hawk seemed to point slightly away from the wall, suggesting that the target was in a small forest near it. If Shin recalled accurately, there hadn’t been any town with walls close to his home in the game.

“When did this get here?” Shin whispered, staring at the enormous wall in front of him.

The wall towered as high as a six-story building, seemingly made from enormous, chiseled stones. It radiated an impression of strength and permanence. Parts of the wall showed signs of damage—whether due to monster assaults or war, he couldn’t tell.

In the game, large-scale siege battles frequently occurred, and Shin had previously participated in them. He could feel that the wall was enhanced with powerful effects like monster repellent, fortification, and magic resistance, rendering it a formidable defensive structure. He speculated that it might be safeguarding a town, although he couldn’t be sure without seeing the interior. However, given such robust defenses, it was improbable that it was merely an abandoned ruin.

Choosing not to explore the town at that moment, Shin turned his attention to the forest, following the hawk’s direction.

After walking roughly a hundred mels, he reached a region where the vegetation changed significantly. The trees he previously encountered had trunks around thirty to forty cemels wide, whereas the trees here were enormous, boasting trunks over a mel in diameter.

A familiar structure was positioned at the heart of this grove of towering trees.

The small house, constructed from stone and wood, featured a cozy noren curtain draped at the entrance. A prominent sign above the door stated, General Store: The Moon Sanctum.

“It appears exactly the same.”

The building looked just as he recalled from before his confrontation with Origin. Encountering his unchanged home filled Shin with a deep sense of relief and comfort.

In the game, Shin had managed The Moon Sanctum—a general store that offered weapons, armor, and assorted items—which also served as his home. He primarily sold items he discovered in fields or dungeons, as well as those he crafted when inspired. Since many of the locations he explored were filled with high-level monsters, he frequently came across rare items and materials.

The store was wellregarded as a hidden gem for high-level players, celebrated for its unique items. However, because these items were hard to find, prices remained high, attracting primarily elite players. Though the store seldom experienced much foot traffic, Shin thought back fondly to the few lively times as he slipped beneath the noren curtain and entered his shop. He pondered how the inside, featuring shelves of merchandise and a reception counter, appeared now.

Inside, a group of armored men and women with cloaks over their shoulders were gathered. When they saw Shin enter, two of them walked over to him.

“Sorry, but we’re in the middle of something. Could you come back later?” said a young man with blond hair, dressed in an elaborately ornate suit of armor. He was roughly the same height as Shin but had more muscular arms and legs, indicating he was well-trained.

“Is something going on?” Shin asked.

“Get out, now!” shouted the other man, a young man with brown hair, his voice harsh. He also wore elaborate armor, standing a head taller than Shin and boasting a broad-shouldered, more imposing build.

Determining that this guy didn’t deserve any polite language, Shin replied directly.

“I have business to take care of here as well, and it can’t wait.”

“Shut up!” snapped the brown-haired youth. “Someone like you, just a mere adventurer, has no right to talk back!”

“Ilran, stop it!” the blond-haired man interrupted, disclosing the brown-haired man’s name.

Ilran, seemingly frustrated with Shin’s reluctance, chose to push him out. He sent a palm strike at Shin’s solar plexus, and noticing Shin make no effort to evade, he smirked, certain of his success.

“Ugh!”

Instead of Shin being thrown back, Ilran stumbled and fell onto his rear with a loud clatter of armor against the floor, drawing everyone’s attention in the store.

Bewildered and unable to comprehend what had just happened, Ilran sat there in shock, while Shin stood calmly, wondering how to handle the situation.

“Y-You bastard!” Ilran, now furious, reached for his sword. However, before he could draw it, a booming voice reverberated through the store, causing him to flinch.

“What is all this commotion?!”

Shin sighed inwardly, realizing this situation was becoming a hassle.

Part 3

The crowd opened up, revealing a man who advanced on them. He wore overly extravagant armor and had blond hair with a pair of striking blue eyes. From a few mels away, he glared at Shin and Ilran. Ilran, who had been so confrontational just moments before, fell silent instantly.

Shin, watching the crowd part, couldn’t help but think, It’s like Moses… A thought that, in light of the situation, was completely irrelevant.

“I told you not to let anyone into the shop, didn’t I?” the man asked in a cold tone.

“My apologies, Lord Rust!” Ilran promptly bowed his head, clearly demonstrating his respect. Shin quickly understood that this man, Rust, must hold significant rank.

Without even looking at the prostrate Ilran, Rust started to move toward Shin, his eyes filled with disdain.

Oh great, this guy seems even more troublesome than Ilran, thought Shin, acknowledging the likely challenge of handling this new arrival.

Rust’s heavy, deliberate footsteps brought him directly in front of Shin. He remained silent, simply staring down at Shin with a haughty expression.

“…”

“Hmm?”

As Shin tilted his head, confused by Rust’s silence, Ilran exploded in anger.

“Hey! How can you stand there without even introducing yourself to Lord Rust?!”

It was evident that Rust had been patiently awaiting Shin’s introduction.

“I apologize. My name is Shin. I’m just a wanderer,” Shin said, bowing his head slightly. He understood it was wise not to draw too much attention from someone of high status.

“Hmph, no manners, I see. But no matter; I suppose a wanderer like you wouldn’t have much in the way of proper upbringing,” Rust sneered, nodding dismissively. Shin listened, letting the condescending words roll off him while inwardly smirking at how effective this strategy seemed to be, even in another world.

“We’ve completed our business. Let’s move on,” Rust stated, confidently stepping ahead. Shin instinctively sidestepped, quickly darting to the left to avoid a collision. Rust’s subordinates, along with the blond youth who had witnessed Shin’s quick maneuvers, narrowed their eyes, taking note of his agility.

“Tch,” Ilran clicked his tongue in annoyance as he hurried after Rust, leaving the store with the rest of the group. Once they exited, only three people remained inside the shop with Shin.

“I sincerely apologize for Ilran’s actions. They were inappropriate,” said the blond-haired youth as he approached Shin. The other two also appeared to show some signs of guilt.

“I’m okay. I wasn’t injured or anything,” Shin said.

“That’s great to hear! I’m Ardhi—Ardhi Sheil. Should you ever need help from the knight order, don’t hesitate to reach out to me,” Ardhi said, offering his right hand.

“I’m Shin. I’ll keep that in mind,” Shin replied, shaking Ardhi’s hand.

It was evident that they were knights. Although Rust and Ilran left a negative impression, Ardhi’s demeanor indicated that not all knights were so arrogant. This realization caused Shin to rethink his initial judgment.

After Ardhi left the shop, the other two knights followed, giving Shin a slight bow before departing.

With the knights gone, the shop felt significantly larger. Now that he could see the shelves and items on display, Shin took a moment to take in his surroundings.

The weapons are primarily made of bronze, iron, and occasionally, silver. Armor consists of leather, bronze, iron, and silver as well. The available items include low-rank potions, ether for magic recovery, and a few pills for treating status ailments. However, there are no materials available.

Shin scanned the inventory and couldn’t help feeling disappointed by the low-quality stock. Everything looked like something a beginner would use, nothing like the rare and valuable items his shop had once showcased.

The store doesn’t appear to be performing as well as it once did…

Shin’s concern for the store’s current state increased, considering how poorly stocked it appeared compared to when he last managed it.

“What are you mumbling about over there?”

Surprised by the sudden question, Shin replied with an unusually flat, “Huh?” He hadn’t realized he was voicing his thoughts aloud.

Shin looked in the direction of the voice and caught sight of a pair of golden eyes. Behind the counter stood an Elf girl, her pointed ears visible through her smooth, shiny black hair, confirming she was indeed an Elf.

Like others of her kind, celebrated for their remarkable beauty, she presented an enchanting image that could mesmerize anyone who looked at her. Standing approximately a head shorter than Shin at around 160 cemels, her skin was healthy and fair, and her slender figure was well-proportioned, although her chest was notably more prominent.

At first glance, she seemed to be about seventeen or eighteen years old. However, considering the longevity of Elves, her true age was likely much greater. It wouldn’t be shocking if she were several centuries old.

“Oh, I was just checking out the inventory,” Shin replied.

“Is that so? You looked pretty intense for someone just browsing.”

“That wasn’t my intention.” Shin couldn’t deny he had been examining the items quite critically.

“Well, whatever. Those annoying guys are gone, so take your time,” the Elf girl said as she settled into a chair behind the counter.

“Annoying guys? You mean the ones just now?”

“Yeah. They drop by every so often, pestering me about when my master will return. It’s really frustrating.”

Based on her tone, they must visit quite often, to the point of leaving her so exasperated. “That sounds tough. Oh, I haven’t introduced myself yet. I’m Shin, just a wandering traveler.”

“You’re pretty serious to introduce yourself to a mere shopkeeper. I’m Tiera Lucent. Just call me Tiera. I’m the apprentice and shopkeeper here, standing in for the master. If you have any good items or materials, I can buy them from you.”

“Sure, I’ll keep that in mind. But if knights are dropping by often, your master must be pretty important, huh?”

“What are you talking about? The acting owner of The Moon Sanctum, Schnee Raizar, is so famous that even kids know who he is.”

“Huh, really? I didn’t realize she was that wellknown. And… ‘acting owner?’”

“That’s what she calls herself. She says there’s a real owner somewhere.”

“A real owner even more famous than her?”

Shin couldn’t shake the thought that, with such a well-known figure running the store, the business was likely in good hands. However, something about the name Schnee Raizar pulled at his memory, as if he had heard it before… “Schnee Raizar… Schnee Raizar… Schnee… Schnee Raizar?!” Shin suddenly shouted as the realization hit him.

“W-What?! What’s wrong?!” Startled by Shin’s outburst, Tiera jumped up, knocking her chair over with a loud crash.

“Oh, sorry about that. I was just… really surprised,” Shin apologized, jolting back to reality at the sound of the chair clattering to the floor.

No wonder the name sounded familiar. Schnee Raizar was one of the support characters Shin had created in the game to manage The Moon Sanctum while he was away. The realization left him feeling both shocked and intrigued.

“Sorry, but can I ask you something about your master?” Shin asked, his tone serious.

“Um, okay… I suppose I can help, if it’s within my knowledge,” Tiera responded cautiously, surprised by Shin’s sudden intensity.

“Schnee Raizar—is she a High Elf with silver hair that reaches her waist, blue eyes resembling glass, and standing about 166 cemels tall? Moreover, she’s an exceptionally beautiful woman with a perfect figure, right?”

“Yes, that’s all true… But why ask? Are you some kind of fan of hers?” Tiera’s gaze became noticeably colder as she eyed Shin with suspicion.

“No, it’s not like that. Well… it’s complicated. You could say I know Schnee personally, in a way,” Shin explained. Although in the game, I was the shop owner and she was the shopkeeper I created.

“You’re saying that you know Master Schnee? Is that… really true?” Tiera’s skepticism was evident in her expression, her eyes full of doubt.

“I’m uncertain if she remembers me,” Shin confessed, aware of how unbelievable his assertion might seem. It wasn’t common for a person to suddenly show up and assert familiarity with someone as esteemed as Schnee. Additionally, there was a genuine chance that even if Schnee were present, she might not recall him from their experiences in the game.

“By the way, do you know where Schnee is now? Based on what you mentioned earlier, it seems she has been gone for quite a while.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t share that. I haven’t even informed the knight order, so there’s no way I can tell you,” Tiera replied firmly.

“I understand,” Shin conceded. He didn’t fully grasp how the social hierarchy in this world functioned, but from what he had observed earlier, it was evident that knights occupied a prominent position.

Shin drooped his shoulders, realizing that as a wanderer, he wasn’t truly reliable.

“I can certainly relay a message for you. In fact, a significant part of my role is to deliver messages to my master,” Tiera suggested.

“What sort of messages, and how many?” Shin inquired, taken aback.

“Most of them come from the upper echelons of the state or guilds. They’re essentially requests,” Tiera explained, sighing as she spoke.

Initially, the messaging system had been designed for emergencies, such as during disasters or monster attacks, to call for Schnee’s help. Because Schnee was not aligned with any specific faction, messages were transmitted discreetly for privacy. However, as time passed, this system became so wellknown that it lost its secretive nature, leading Tiera to feel at ease discussing it with someone unfamiliar like Shin.

“That’s… impressive, I suppose,” Shin muttered, pondering what kind of person Schnee must be to receive requests from the upper echelons of the government.

“It’s not like she takes on many of those requests. So, do you want to leave a message?”

“Yeah, I guess I’ll leave one, just in case.”

“The message fee is ten copper Jule, which is one thousand Jule.”

“You actually charge for this? And what’s a Jule?” Shin asked, puzzled by the unfamiliar currency.

“Are you serious? How have you been traveling without knowing the currency?” Tiera looked at him in shock.

“Well, it’s different from what I used before.”

“Huh? The currency hasn’t changed in over four hundred years. May I see what you have?” Tiera asked, now genuinely curious.

Shin froze upon hearing her say four hundred years. The realization hit him like a lightning bolt—if the currency had been around that long, it made him feel like a relic from a past age, reminiscent of Urashima Taro.

“Here, this is what I have…” Shin said, pulling out one Geil from his Item Box and placing it on the counter.

The gold coin was approximately three cemels in diameter, showcasing the image of an eight-winged dragon holding a girl in its arms.

“Where… Where did that come from?” Tiera’s eyes widened as she stared at the coin that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.

“Where? I took it out of my Item Box,” Shin replied, not noticing anything unusual.

“‘Item… Box?’”

Tiera appeared even more stunned after hearing Shin’s explanation.

“Tiera?”

“Huh? Oh, what?” she asked, pulling herself out of her daze.

“You look really surprised. Did something happen?”

“Did something happen? Of course, I’m surprised! You’re using an Item Box!”

“Is that… surprising?” Shin asked, still not understanding why it was such a big deal.

“You’ve got to be kidding me…” Tiera sighed, her shoulders drooping in disbelief. “Nowadays, only high-ranking individuals such as elders or kings from long-lived races—like High Lords, High Elves, or High Pixies—can access Item Boxes. Most individuals lack one entirely, much less the ability to use it. Yet here you are, effortlessly retrieving items from your Item Box. How can I not be astonished? You aren’t hiding royal heritage, are you?”

“Nope, I’m definitely not royalty,” Shin replied, equally surprised alongside Tiera. In the game, every player had access to an Item Box, so he never expected it to be something that only powerful figures could use.

By the way, the prefix “High” before a race’s name indicated an advanced version of that race, which could be chosen after reincarnating ten times or more. In The New Gate, there were several races, with the main ones being Human, Beast, Dragnil, Dwarf, Elf, Lord, and Pixie. These corresponded to human, beastman, dragonkin, dwarf, elf, demon, and fairy races, respectively.

“I was just using it like it was normal,” Shin muttered, still trying to make sense of the situation.

“As if that’s normal… Anyway, what race are you? You look human, but your magic feels like a blend of different things—like Elf, Lord, Dragnil, and more. It’s all mixed up and really unclear. What’s happening?”

“I have no idea either. But to the best of my knowledge, my race is High Human,” Shin revealed, recalling what his status screen had indicated.

High Human represented a more advanced iteration of the Human race, showcasing greatly improved resistance to status ailments and magical effects. While Humans were balanced in the game, they possessed the lowest total stats compared to other races, resulting in their unpopularity in both solo and group play.

In the lore of The New Gate, Humans were known for their ability to absorb significant amounts of ambient magic, leading to strong resistances against magic and various status effects. Although this seemed advantageous, it came with a drawback; their other abilities stayed underdeveloped as much of their potential was dedicated to enhancing these resistances.

This resulted in Humans being viewed as one of the least impressive races in the game. Even when equipped with heavy armor and utilizing their magic resistance to approach spellcasters, they were still easily surpassed by other frontline races. As mages, they fell short in both MP and INT compared to magic-centric races like Elves and Pixies. Even when contending with other balanced races like the Lords, they were frequently defeated in magical conflicts. Ultimately, their only roles were as expendable barriers against magic or as thieves and hunters who inflicted status ailments.

However, that weakness ended up being a strength for me.

For Shin, who had maxed out his stats, the traits of the Human race only amplified his already formidable power. However, he understood that he was a rare exception, and only a few hardcore players would have experienced such benefits.

As Shin reminisced about his time in the game, remembering how he used to go around confronting those who mocked the Human race, Tiera spoke up, her voice filled with disbelief.

“‘High… Human?’”

“Huh? Yeah, that’s what I said,” Shin replied casually, but Tiera’s words left him stunned.

“High Human… A race that was… wiped out.”

“Wiped out? You mean… extinct?!”

Tiera had said it—High Humans were extinct.

“Wait… does that mean there are no Humans left? Are Humans… extinct?” Shin asked, a sudden panic rising in his voice as he feared the worst.

“No, no, there are still plenty of Humans around! Like those knights from earlier—they were Human,” Tiera clarified.

“They’re still around?!”

Shin sighed in relief, realizing he had misunderstood her words and leaped to the wrong conclusion.

“The ones who perished were the High Humans, not the regular Humans,” Tiera explained.

“But what’s the difference?” Shin asked, still trying to make sense of it all.

“No, you’ve misunderstood. The High Humans were transcendent beings who, with just six individuals, ruled over four continents. They were so powerful that even tens of thousands of ordinary Humans couldn’t defeat them. Their strength was on a completely different level,” Tiera explained.

“Six people… ruling continents?” Shin murmured, experiencing an odd sense of familiarity with the tale. It felt as if he had heard something like this before.

“Can you tell me more about this?” he asked, intrigued.

“Most people know the story, but sure, I’ll share it. About five hundred years ago, there were High Humans who ruled this continent. Despite the fact that there were only six of them, their immense power made them untouchable by any other race.”

“…”

“But then, one day, their reign suddenly came to an end,” Tiera continued.

“Ended? How?”

“It just ended. Not only did the High Humans disappear, but many powerful figures from other long-lived races such as the High Elves and High Lords, as well as from shorter-lived races like the High Beasts and High Dwarves, also vanished. These included kings, elders, heroes, and generals. They disappeared without a trace. According to my master, many ordinary people vanished, too. The day this occurred is now referred to as the Day of Fallen Glory.”

“The Day of Fallen Glory…” Shin repeated, his mind racing.

“It was believed that the High Humans became extinct that day, as all six of them disappeared. With only six originally, their whole race ceased to exist,” Tiera concluded.

A sudden disappearance sent a chill down Shin’s spine as the pieces started to fall into place.

That day… The day I defeated Origin and everyone logged out… That must be what they’re calling the Day of Fallen Glory.

The revered figures Tiera referred to, including elders, kings, and heroes, were probably the guild masters and leading players of the game. When they were liberated from the game, it would have seemed to the people of this world that a mass disappearance took place.

If that’s true, then those High Humans who once ruled continents… they must have been…

Shin finally grasped what had been bothering him. The six High Humans were certainly—

Us… It was us.

Before The New Gate turned into a death game, it was simply another VRMMO among many. However, within that game, there was an unbeatable guild created by six High Humans known as Six Devas.

Six Devas gained notoriety for swiftly defeating the major guilds in the game, asserting their supremacy in only a month. Their fame spread rapidly, with rumors claiming that any player brave enough to challenge them would face merciless PKs.

Shin, a former member of Six Devas, recalled this troubling period of his gaming past—one he wished to erase. When he first began playing as a Human, he faced mockery from others. Driven by this disdain, he vowed to demonstrate his race’s value by unleashing chaos throughout the game, proving to everyone how formidable he truly was.

The members of Six Devas were all powerful creatures, with their stats nearly maxed out. Even the weakest among them had capped HP and MP, while their other stats lingered in the high nine hundreds. Their battles against rival guilds became legendary. Six Devas often took on the largest guilds without any player limit, leading to remarkable confrontations like six against a thousand. One such battle culminated in them obliterating the opposition with high-powered, wide-area magic, leaving the enemy leader in stunned silence as they were thoroughly defeated.

During that first month, the game world was essentially at war—High Humans against every other race. Solo players, witnessing the devastation left by Six Devas, compared the chaos to a certain anime movie, calling it the “Thirty Days of Fire.”

From that point forward, few would challenge Six Devas, and the mockery directed at Humans diminished significantly. Players experienced the true strength of the High Humans, not just due to their incredible combat abilities but also their exceptional resistance to status ailments. They were hardly influenced by magic and showed strong immunity to poisons, paralysis, confusion, charm, burns, frostbite, madness, petrification, curses—the list went on. Defeating them seemed almost impossible.

By chance, Shin found himself as the sole member of Six Devas caught in the death game. He frequently pondered whether this was fortunate or unfortunate. Shin thought that if even one more member had been present, they could have completed the game three months earlier.

“…”

“Hey, are you okay? You just went silent all of a sudden,” Tiera asked, noticing the sudden change in Shin’s demeanor.

“Ah, sorry. It’s nothing. Let’s get back to talking about currency, shall we?” Shin said, snapping back to the present.

Feeling that further discussion about High Humans could lead to trouble, Shin chose to redirect the conversation back on course.

“Sure, no problem. So, is this the currency you used?” Tiera asked, continuing to examine the coin in her hand.

“Yeah,” Shin confirmed.

Tiera sighed as she scrutinized the gold coin. “You know, if you can casually pull out something this rare, maybe you’re not lying about being a High Human.”

Shin was confused by Tiera’s comment about the coin being a rare item.

“Is it really that valuable? It’s just one Geil,” he said.

A Geil represented the lowest denomination in the game, equivalent to a thousandth of a yen in real-world currency. With billions of Geils in his Item Box, Shin didn’t regard it as significant.

“Today, Geil gold coins are extremely rare. You may not realize it, but these coins are enchanted items that enhance magical abilities. When discovered in ruins and auctioned, they fetch at least ten platinum Jule, roughly equivalent to ten billion Jule. By the way, ‘Jule’ is the prevalent currency at present.”

“Is one of these worth billions now?” Shin murmured, recognizing the immense value of the coin.

“A skilled magic user would do anything to get their hands on one of these. I’ve seen one before, thanks to my master, but this is the first time I’ve come across one outside of that. And just so you know, ten billion Jule is the starting price—if someone wants to buy one quickly, they might need to pay ten times that amount.”

“All that for just one coin… How frequently do people come across these coins?”

“Rarely, to say the least. Even when new ruins are found, it’s unusual to come across one,” Tiera explained.

“I see… If I attempt to exchange too many of these, I could draw unwanted attention,” Shin pondered aloud, understanding that his initial strategy to convert some of his Geils into money might be more complicated than he had anticipated.

“That’s probably wise. You seem like the type who might accidentally draw a lot of attention,” Tiera remarked.

“That’s harsh… But without being able to exchange them, I’m in a bit of a bind.”

“Is there anything else you can sell? As I mentioned earlier, we purchase materials and items here,” Tiera suggested.

“Alright, how about these?” Shin said, pulling out several item cards from his Item Box.

In the game, items could be stored as cards to simplify management. This system functioned in this world too, as the materials he’d gathered during his journey automatically became cards when placed in his Item Box. Each card displayed an image of the original item, allowing him to materialize them at will.

Shin arranged the cards on the counter, showcasing materials from the Tetra Grizzly, Twin-headed Snake, and Flame Boar, including teeth, claws, fur, and meat. He also set down a card featuring a glowing brown gem.

Materials like these were versatile, as they could be used for crafting or sold for profit, which made them highly tradable in the game. The gem was a rare drop from monsters that blacksmiths could use to enhance weapons and armor with attributes or effects, increasing its value compared to raw materials.

The gem Shin presented was a low-quality seventh-grade stone.

“An item card…” Tiera muttered.

“Hmm? Is something wrong?” Shin asked, noticing her reaction.

“No, it’s just… If you have an Item Box, I guess it makes sense. But item cards themselves are valuable, so you might want to be careful about showing them off too freely.”

“This is such a hassle… Do I really have to carry around everything in its original form?”

“Yes, that’s normal! You’re the one who’s strange here!” Tiera snapped back.

“Alright, alright, I get it. Calm down,” Shin said, raising his hands in a placating gesture.

“Ugh, you really know how to throw me off balance…” Despite her frustration, Tiera didn’t hesitate to summon the items from the cards and start appraising them. She clearly knew how to handle them.

“Tetra Grizzly, Twin-headed Snake, and Flame Boar… These materials come from perilous monsters found only in the depths of the forest. Who are you, truly?”

“Well, as I mentioned, I’m just a wanderer. I picked these up on my way here. They didn’t seem particularly dangerous to me,” Shin replied, shrugging.

“Those are monsters that typically require several knights to manage… But fine, I’m finished being surprised. There’s no limit to it with you.”

Shin originally viewed these monsters as beginner-level threats, but he soon realized they were rather perilous in this world. After defeating them so easily, he couldn’t shake off his concern regarding the evident frailty of the knights who needed to band together to take one down.

“Don’t worry about it. How did the appraisal go?” Shin asked, keen to learn the items’ value.

“Let me think… The materials are in great shape, and their eligibility for carding enhances their value. In total, the materials are valued at one gold Jule coin and twenty-seven silver Jule coins, totaling one million, two hundred and seventy thousand Jule. Regarding the gem, it’s classified as seventh grade, but due to its high purity, it holds a value of approximately twenty-five gold Jule coins—twenty-five million Jule overall,” Tiera clarified.

“The units are quite different from what I’m accustomed to. I can’t determine if that’s a lot or a little…”

“It’s actually a little higher than usual. The gem’s value can fluctuate based on the market, and currently, prices are slightly up. Typically, this grade and purity would sell for around twenty to twenty-three million Jule.”

“Wow, that’s over two million higher. Lucky me!”

“So, what do you want to do? If you’re fine with it, I’ll buy them at these prices,” Tiera suggested.

“That sounds great! Also, take this as a small token of appreciation for your assistance,” Shin remarked, gesturing toward the gold coin resting on the counter.

“Are you serious?” Tiera asked, her eyes widening in shock.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Shin said, puzzled by her response.

“Did you not hear what I said earlier?! Who in their right mind would just give away a Geil gold coin worth over ten billion Jule?!”

“This guy,” Shin said, gesturing to himself.

“If you ask for it back later, I won’t give it back, just so you know.” Tiera warned, still watching him suspiciously.

“I won’t,” Shin assured her.

Tiera’s skepticism showed in her narrowed gaze, yet the rare coin’s allure was irresistible. With a quick, instinctive movement, she grabbed the gold coin and held it tightly against her chest. This action, unfortunately for Shin, drew attention to her ample bosom, triggering an involuntary reaction common among many men.

“Ah, a Geil gold coin… something I’ve only ever dreamed of,” Tiera whispered, her expression transforming from skepticism to pure joy. Her cheeks tinged with a faint blush, introducing an unexpected allure that caught Shin’s attention. He promptly shook his head, trying to dispel any unsuitable thoughts.

“I’m glad you like it. As an Elf, you probably use magic a lot, so it should come in han—”

“Wait a minute!” Tiera interrupted, cutting him off suddenly. Her expression was one of utter shock, as if she’d just heard something unbelievable.

“What is it?”

“Did you just… say ‘Elf’?”

“Yeah, I did… Hold on, Tiera, aren’t you an Elf?” Shin responded, feeling a bit puzzled himself. After all, pointed ears were a clear characteristic of Elves and High Elves.

He mentally reviewed his knowledge, wondering if he had missed something or if there was a new race he wasn’t aware of.

“At this moment, I should appear as a cat person with red hair and black eyes,” Tiera clarified.

“‘A cat person with red hair and black eyes?’” Shin repeated, recalling the beast race within the game, specifically the favored cat-type or “cat” sub-race that appealed to both female and some male players.

In the game, beast types encompassed various sub-races, and within the cat-type, there were many varieties such as persian and calico. Players could choose to completely transform specific body parts like their face and arms into animal features, or they could opt for a partial transformation, retaining some Human traits while incorporating features like ears, tails, or wings.

When Shin looked at Tiera again, he could only see the black-haired, golden-eyed Elf girl. There was no trace of a red-haired, black-eyed cat person to be found.

“Well, from where I’m standing, all I see is a black-haired, golden-eyed Elf—who just happens to be beautiful, by the way,” Shin said, emphasizing the word “beautiful,” though it seemed to fall on deaf ears.

“No way…” Tiera whispered, visibly upset.

She seemed entirely unaware of his compliment, absorbed in her own thoughts.

“Why…? My master cast an illusion spell on me… I should appear as a cat person to everyone else.”

“An illusion spell?” Shin repeated.

He was well-versed in illusion magic, which involved spells that generated visual and sensory deceptions commonly used to bewilder foes or entice them into traps. One member of Six Devas excelled in this domain, making a lasting impression on him.

“Ugh… I can’t believe it… How could it have been so easily seen through?” Tiera’s shoulders drooped, and she gazed at the ground, her face reflecting deep despair as though her world had just shattered.

Noticing her abrupt and drastic change in mood, Shin quickly understood the need to calm things down. However, despite his efforts to come up with a reassuring response, he found himself at a loss. Ultimately, he chose to be straightforward about his perception of the situation, admitting how he had seen past the illusion.

“Um, Tiera?” Shin began gently.

“Y-Yes? What is it?” Tiera replied, her voice trembling as she flinched slightly, clearly on edge.

Shin hadn’t intended to startle her, but it appeared his gentle approach had done exactly that.

“I was able to see through your illusion due to my unique resistance,” Shin explained.

“Unique… resistance?” Tiera echoed, her confusion clear.

“Absolutely. Illusion magic deceives the senses, causing individuals to perceive things that aren’t actually present. However, if a person possesses a strong resistance to magic, those illusions may fail to have their intended effect. This is why I was able to recognize your true form.”

“But… even with strong resistance, to believe my master’s magic could be so easily broken…” Tiera remained skeptical, her expression revealing her doubt.

Shin recognized her uncertainty. If he recalled correctly, Tiera’s master, Schnee, was a level 255 High Elf—a premier mage from a naturally magic-oriented race. Her spells ought to be exceptionally powerful.

Despite Schnee’s power, her abilities paled in comparison to Shin’s exceptional stats as a High Human, particularly since his resistances were refined to near perfection. For someone like him, illusion magic was virtually ineffectual.

Shin sighed softly, feeling somewhat unsure about how to move forward.

“Hey,” Tiera’s voice broke his thoughts.

“Yeah?”

“You can see my true form, right?”

“If you’re referring to a beautiful Elf with black hair and golden eyes, then yes, I can see you perfectly,” Shin replied, attempting to add a touch of humor to lighten the atmosphere.

Tiera didn’t reply, and her silence left Shin feeling a bit disheartened. It was always difficult when a joke fell flat.

“Are you… not afraid?” she eventually inquired, her voice so soft and vulnerable that Shin nearly overlooked it.

The question surprised Shin. Tiera’s tone held a vulnerability that made her appear almost like a frightened child, contrasting sharply with her earlier confident demeanor.

“Afraid? Afraid of what?” Shin quickly adjusted his tone, speaking as gently as possible, aware that something more profound was bothering her.

Part 4

When Tiera inquired whether he found her terrifying, her shaking voice evoked a memory in Shin—a memory of one of Six Devas’s guild members.

Shin had immersed himself in the game purely out of passion, whereas she had played for an entirely different reason. She had spent a long time bedridden in a hospital, facing an abundance of time that left her unsure of how to fill it. This revelation came during a discussion about potentially meeting in real life, and the vulnerability she displayed then resonated with Shin as he observed Tiera now.

Tiera was frightened—afraid to reveal her authentic self, much like his former guildmate had been. Back then, Shin and the others had comforted her with kindness and empathy. Drawing on that experience now, Shin stayed composed, his expression unchanged as he listened to Tiera’s narrative.

“You don’t know, do you?” Tiera started, her voice low as she looked down. “Black-haired Elves are seen as a cursed, foreboding omen.”

“A sign of bad luck?”

“Yes. Elves are born with white hair, which changes with age to colors like gold, silver, green, or blue. Can you imagine? My hair was once silver,” Tiera whispered, her tone filled with self-hatred.

“But now, due to the curse, it’s pitch black. For Elves, having black hair is unimaginable.”

“Unimaginable?”

“Yes, and due to that, a black-haired Elf is regarded as a sign of disaster. That was my fate. Following my curse, fierce monsters began to strike unexpectedly, time and again. Ultimately, my village reached its breaking point, and I was cast out.”

“…”

“After that, I wandered without purpose until my master discovered me. She explained that the strong barrier surrounding this shop would protect us from monsters. I haven’t stepped outside this shop in more than a century.”

“A century… That’s quite a stretch of time,” Shin replied, his tone echoing the gravity of her statement.

“Yes, but at least I can live without disturbing anyone. That’s enough for me,” Tiera said with a wistful smile.

Shin felt an intense urge to shout, to tell her that being trapped in the shop for over a century was anything but okay. Yet he restrained himself, aware that his words alone wouldn’t bring about change. He clenched his fists tightly, the pain anchoring him as he fought the impulse to speak out.

Shin wasn’t entirely certain why he felt such anger for a girl he had only just met. But one thing was clear: he couldn’t bear to see Tiera so defeated, so resigned to her destiny. If this world was indeed The New Gate, then there must be a reason for Tiera’s hair turning black—and a way to remedy it.

He focused, replaying the conversation in his mind, searching for clues.

“Tiera, I need to ask you something.”

Hesitantly, she replied, “What do you want to know?”

“Earlier, you mentioned your hair was originally silver. What caused the change?” Shin inquired, believing it might reveal insights about her curse.

“It just… happened out of nowhere. One night, I went to bed as usual, and when I woke up, my hair was black. I had no clue what was going on—I was terrified.”

As Tiera recounted her experience, Shin immersed himself in thought, sifting through his vast game knowledge to connect her symptoms to anything familiar.

“Sudden hair color change… A curse… Character palette shift… Heightened monster aggression… Multiple strong attacks… Could it be…?” Shin murmured, his mind racing.

Suddenly, something clicked.

“There is! There might be something that actually fits those conditions!” Shin exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.

“What? What is it?” Tiera replied, taken aback by his sudden enthusiasm.

Ignoring her surprise, Shin focused intently on her. “Why didn’t I think of this earlier? But if I’m correct… Wait, something’s not right. Why aren’t her stats showing? I had the status display set to auto…”

Shin had been watching Tiera, hoping to see her status. If his intuition was correct, there should be a detail in her status that would confirm his suspicions—a hint about her condition.

“Let’s open the Skill menu and find Analyze… Analyze… Ah, found it! It looks like the display settings were turned off for anything except players and monsters. I’ll just switch everything back on…”

Shin adjusted the settings and glanced back at Tiera. To her, Shin’s behavior appeared peculiar—his fingers danced in the air as if engaging with something unseen. This made him seem a little unhinged in her view.

“Alright, I can see the status now. Let’s check… Name, level, species… Yes! There it is!” Shin couldn’t contain his triumph, raising his fist in victory. The discovery exhilarated him, but Tiera, who had been observing his strange actions, felt even more anxious.

“Tiera, celebrate! I’ve unveiled the true nature of your so-called curse!” Shin exclaimed, overflowing with excitement.

“Huh?”

“Not ‘huh!’ I clearly saw it in the display. The reason your hair changed color and you started being attacked by monsters is due to a Cursed Title:Cursed Gift!”

“A… Cursed Title: Cursed Gift?” Tiera echoed, her face blank as she tried to understand what Shin meant.

The Cursed Title:Cursed Gift was exactly as the name implied. It was a literal curse that may strike at random within The New Gate. In this game, players could earn titles or gift titles as rewards for completing specific quests, actions, or gathering certain items. These titles granted supportive abilities, typically offering small stat boosts or unlocking new Skills.

Cursed Title:Cursed Gift behaved differently from regular titles; it could afflict any player without warning or apparent reason. Once a player was cursed, they would experience various detrimental effects, including decreased stats, permanent status ailments, and unexpected encounters with formidable unique monsters. The only way to lift these curses was by utilizing a purification item such as the Purifying Drop or using a Divine-type Skill called Purification.

While the effects of a Cursed Title:Cursed Gift varied, one constant was the alteration in the cursed player’s character appearance, often resulting in a part of their body turning black. Moreover, a grinning reaper icon would appear on their status display, signifying the curse.

The likelihood of being affected by the Cursed Title:Cursed Gift was under 0.1 percent, which made it extremely uncommon. Due to this rarity, some players regarded it as a mark of prestige or an entertaining challenge despite its severe drawbacks.

As Shin looked at Tiera’s simplified status display, he noted the presence of the grinning reaper icon, clearly indicating the Cursed Title:Cursed Gift.

“Alright, now that we understand the situation, let’s lift this curse,” Shin said resolutely. “Tiera, could you step out from behind the counter and stand in the center of the room?”

“Uh, okay…” Tiera replied, still feeling confused and hesitant. However, she followed his instructions, moving to the center of the store.

“Here we go. Purification, activate!” Shin extended his right hand toward Tiera, using the Divine-type Skill Purification. Although typically a Skill for Priests, Shin had been fortunate enough to acquire it during his gameplay.

Golden light radiated from Shin’s hand, slowly enveloping Tiera in a warm, soothing glow. The warmth spread across her body, cradling her gently.

“What… is this? It feels… so warm,” Tiera murmured, astonished by the sensation, but she sensed no danger. Instead, a profound comfort washed over her, as if something deep within her was being purified.

The golden light continued to illuminate the area for about five minutes before gradually fading. Once it completely vanished, Tiera remained still, lost in thought. After a few moments, she came to, her face a mask of confusion.

“The icon is gone, but… did it actually work?” Shin whispered, his tone fraught with uncertainty.

Tiera’s status display revealed that the reaper icon had disappeared, suggesting the curse had been lifted. However, her hair, which had been expected to revert to its original color, remained predominantly black, with only silver streaks visibly woven through it.

Shin and Tiera stood silently. The atmosphere was charged with awkwardness.

“How… did it go?” Tiera finally inquired, her voice wavering.

“The curse is gone, but… your hair isn’t completely back to normal,” Shin confessed, a tinge of disappointment creeping in after his earlier excitement.

“My hair?” Tiera touched her hair, her fingers gliding through the strands. “It’s… still black?”

“Yeah, mostly. It has some silver streaks now, but it hasn’t fully returned to how it was. I’m sorry; I hoped it would go back to its original color entirely.”

Needing to demonstrate, Shin quickly pulled a mirror from his Item Box and handed it to Tiera.

On hearing the word “hair,” Tiera snatched the mirror from Shin’s grasp and raised it to her face. Her reflection was largely unchanged, except for one strand that had turned a striking silver—precisely the shade it had been before the curse.

Tiera’s eyes widened in recognition of the familiar color. Tears began to glisten in her eyes, and soon, a single tear traced a path down her cheek. By the time the first tear fell from her chin, more followed, streaming down her face in a steady flow.

“Ugh… sniff… hic…” Tiera attempted to wipe away her tears with her sleeve, but they kept cascading down her face, as if a dam had broken inside her.

Shin, meanwhile, stood completely bewildered by the scene. He was frozen in place, watching Tiera cry while frantically trying to think of a solution.

What do I do?! The curse is definitely lifted, but her hair hasn’t fully returned to normal, and now she’s in tears! Should I apologize? Yes, I probably should, but what words do I use?! I made a huge fuss about this, and now… How do I express my regrets properly?!

Feeling overwhelmed, Shin struggled to comprehend the situation. Although Tiera was still young, she looked much like a grown woman, and seeing her cry over something he had caused—or failed to cause—was pushing the limits of his understanding and composure.

He could only stand there, feeling completely ineffectual, without even a handkerchief to offer her (not that he had one), overwhelmed by a tide of helplessness.

“Sniff… Just—hic—give me a moment… I’ll… calm down… soon…” Tiera managed to say through her tears, her voice trembling.

“R-Right, take your time. I’ll wait as long as you need.”

Recognizing he had to act, Shin quickly rummaged through his Item Box and retrieved a towel—an accessory item that would serve in place of a handkerchief. He handed it to Tiera and then pulled over a chair from behind the counter for her to sit on.

Part 5

Five minutes later, Tiera finally raised her head from the towel. Her tears had dried, but her eyes remained red.

“I’m sorry for keeping you waiting. I’m fine now.”

“Th-That’s comforting to hear.”

“Why are you suddenly speaking so formally?”

“Well, after all that commotion, I didn’t even succeed in fully restoring your hair. I feel guilty about that,” Shin confessed. While Tiera had cried, he felt like he was treading carefully. Now, with her seemingly calm demeanor, he was uncertain about what to expect; the dynamic had shifted, leaving Shin feeling anxious instead.

“Don’t worry about it… I’ve had this hair color for over a century. Honestly, I’m just glad that part of it has returned to its original shade,” Tiera said with a warm smile. Her smile exuded pure joy, as if she had regained something deeply cherished. The fear that previously lingered had vanished.

“It’s reassuring to hear that from you,” Shin admitted, though a lingering unease remained. He understood how significant hair was to women; his mother, sister, and female friends had all emphasized it at different times. The knowledge that he hadn’t fully restored Tiera’s hair weighed heavily on him.

“If I say it’s alright, then it’s alright.” Tiera reassured him. “But is it really true that the curse has been lifted?”

If you say so… Shin thought, understanding that he needed to accept Tiera’s words and not focus on his own feelings of inadequacy.

“Yeah, I’m certain about it. You can verify by stepping outside the shop,” he said, assured of his observation. The curse that had afflicted Tiera was specifically linked to an increased chance of encountering unique monsters. To confirm the curse’s removal, she needed to exit the protective barrier of the shop and check for any monster appearances.

The reality was that the barrier surrounding the shop had been created by Shin himself when the game was still merely a game. It was so powerful that even high-level unique monsters couldn’t penetrate it.

“I have to confess, I’m a bit scared. What if the curse isn’t truly gone?”

“Don’t worry,” Shin said, giving her a reassuring smile. “I’ve faced the same curse before.”

“What?! You were cursed too?!”

“Yeah, I dealt with high-level monsters spawning near me as well. But believe me, once you use Purification, the curse will be entirely lifted. I’ve experienced it myself,” he explained, attempting to ease her worries.

When Shin was cursed, his stats had already hit the mid-eight-hundreds, so managing the curse wasn’t challenging for him. In fact, the unique monsters that appeared due to the curse actually helped him level up more easily. He even began to view the curse as a blessing since it provided him with rare materials and weapons.

“What’s the strongest monster that has attacked you?” Shin inquired.

“The toughest was probably a Horned Dragon, around level two hundred.”

“A Horned Dragon, huh? So it’s basically a stronger version of a Lesser Dragon,” Shin remarked.

“You’re familiar with it?” Tiera inquired, a bit surprised.

“Yeah, that’s pretty common knowledge. It’s no big deal,” Shin replied dismissively.

A Horned Dragon represented an evolved version of a Lesser Dragon; it was smaller and lacked wings. Typically, a Horned Dragon measured about twice the length of a Lesser Dragon and featured a single horn extending from its forehead. While Lesser Dragons usually reached a level around one hundred, Horned Dragons were significantly more powerful, commonly found at level two hundred. With Tiera’s level being only fifty-seven, she obviously stood little chance against such a strong opponent.

In The New Gate, players and support characters had a level cap of 255, while monsters could achieve levels up to a thousand—four times higher than the player cap. This design aimed to pose a challenge for seasoned players like Shin, who had undergone multiple reincarnations. Even players from Six Devas, who typically had no trouble defeating boss monsters, would find these high-level foes engaging. For Shin, who had encountered monsters at level one thousand, a level two hundred unique opponent like the Horned Dragon presented little risk. Even with the curse still in play, Shin was confident in his ability to safeguard Tiera outside the barrier.

“If a Horned Dragon appeared, the elite unit of the Knights’ Order would be called in immediately,” Tiera mentioned, stressing the threat.

“Elite unit? Why call in such a powerful group for that?”

“Not ‘call in’—they truly are elite. Did you see the fortress wall on your way here? The one adorned with extensive defensive enchantments?”

“Yeah, I saw it had numerous defensive effects.”

“That wall surrounds the Bayrelitch Kingdom, and the elite knights of the kingdom are stationed there. The captain of that unit is level 158, while the Horned Dragon is around level two hundred—more than forty levels higher. Most people would consider facing such a monster either insane or simply a lie,” Tiera explained.

“Are you saying you can’t use Analyze?” Shin asked. “If I lift the restriction, you could check my stats yourself.”

“Of course, I can’t use it. Only Skill Inheritors can do that.”

“Skill Inheritors? What’s that?” Shin asked, prompting a sigh from Tiera.

“… I’m beginning to question your common sense,” Tiera murmured. For Shin, all of this was new information, and he chose to absorb it, regardless of how mundane it appeared to her. He wasn’t bothered by her frustrated expression.

“Well, I’ve been living away from people for a long time, so I’m out of touch,” Shin said, choosing to adopt the persona of a recluse instead of disclosing the truth about his origins. It appeared to be a believable excuse for his ignorance.

“Alright, I understand. I’ll explain anything you don’t understand, so just ask,” Tiera offered, though she still appeared somewhat skeptical. Shin nodded in appreciation.

“First, we have Skill Inheritors. As the name implies, these individuals have inherited techniques—referred to as Arts—that were lost long ago. Following the Day of Fallen Glory, many Skills disappeared, and it is now said that fewer than a hundred remain in the world.”

“Fewer than a hundred…” Shin couldn’t conceal his shock. In The New Gate, there had been an abundance of Skills available. The number Tiera mentioned was less than a tenth of what he recalled.

“Nowadays, simply having a Skill gives someone an edge. It’s almost impossible for the average person. Even adventurers and knights who earn a living by fighting must lean on Arts, which are diluted versions of those original Skills. The names and effects are the same, but the power and effectiveness are about a third of what they once were. I use magic, but the difference between the spells my master taught me and my own magic Arts is like night and day.”

“So, Arts are essentially Skills that have been downgraded. Do Arts also have levels like certain Skills?” Shin inquired, remembering the level system for some Skills in the game, such as Analyze. This Skill ranged from Level I to X, with I being the lowest and X the highest. Typically, this leveling system was associated with support-type Skills.

“I’ve heard of certain Skills having levels, but Arts don’t have them.”

“That’s tough, depending on Arts for combat,” Shin commented. For someone accustomed to fully unleashing their Skills, it was a startling and sobering realization that the inhabitants of this world had only remnants of the abilities they once possessed.

“You can use Skills, right?” Tiera asked, her curiosity piqued. “From the way you were talking earlier, it doesn’t seem like you only have one. Two? Three? Don’t tell me you’ve got four or more.”

“Four? That’s far too few. I’m quite certain I have over a thousand. I’ve never actually counted, so I can’t provide you with an exact number, though.”

As he spoke, Shin chuckled as though it were merely a casual joke. However, Tiera’s reaction was one of utter disbelief. She tilted her head, convinced she must have misheard him.

“Hold on, what? A thousand? Did I just hear that correctly?”

In fact, Tiera had heard him correctly, but the sheer impossibility of what he said made it seem like some kind of joke. Sometimes, when something is too shocking, it can feel completely unreal.

“Yeah, Analyze would definitely help right now. Although, with a Level I Skill, even if I remove the restrictions, you still wouldn’t be able to see my stats. But hey, having it wouldn’t hurt. Alright then, let’s use Secret Scroll Creation…”

“What?” Tiera said, blinking in confusion as she observed Shin gesturing in the air, as if he were operating something unseen.

“Done. Here you go.” Shin handed her a scroll.

“What… is this?”

When a Skill reached a certain level of mastery, surpassing mere upgrades, it could gain enhanced power or unlock related techniques. One distinct result of mastering a Skill was the creation of a Secret Scroll.

This scroll, once produced, became a physical item. When utilized, it could transfer the Skill inscribed within to another player. However, the number of scrolls that could be generated for each Skill was limited. Moreover, unless the new owner fulfilled the original acquisition conditions of the Skill, they wouldn’t be able to produce additional scrolls. There were also several other restrictions in place.

As the Skill’s power increased, the number of possible scrolls decreased, with some Skills being non-transferable. Additionally, many Skills had level requirements, meaning that even if a scroll was available, a low-level player would be unable to access high-level Skills.

Analyze was a fundamental Skill that nearly all players possessed, resulting in no restrictions on generating its Secret Scroll. This allowed Shin to effortlessly create the scroll and pass it to Tiera.

“This is the Secret Scroll for Analyze. Once you read it, you’ll be able to use the Skill,” explained Shin. Since Secret Scrolls were effective for support characters, they should work for Tiera too. If it didn’t, he would simply apologize. After all, some things had to be tried before knowing for certain.

“This will allow me to use a Skill? However, I don’t have anything valuable to offer in exchange.”

“‘Offer in exchange?’” Shin repeated.

Tiera’s reaction indicated she hadn’t anticipated receiving the scroll for free, a notion Shin had not expected either.

“I told you that Skills hold great value. Usually, to learn one, you either pay a hefty sum or become an apprentice. It’s significant. You’re not really going to give it to me for free, are you?”

“Well, I was actually planning to. Is that an issue?”

“Just… please don’t start giving it away to everyone you meet. It could lead to serious trouble. In the worst-case scenario, people might even try to harm you for it.”

“Seriously?!” Shin hadn’t thought that simply offering a Skill could put him in danger. Thus, he decided he would only share Secret Scrolls with those he trusted.

“That’s frightening. Still, I trust you, Tiera. Could you give it a try?”

“You’re not going to charge me afterward, right?”

“Not a chance!” Shin exclaimed, half-playfully accusing Tiera of thinking he was a scammer. Yet, considering the possible hazards, her caution was totally reasonable.

“Offering a Skill for free is a typical scam, you do know that?”

“If I intended to scam you, I’d present something much more valuable.”

“Well, this is incredibly valuable to me… and the fact that you possess multiple Skills is simply amazing.”

“Yeah, but I can’t use Arts, so all I have are Skills. It feels normal to me, so I don’t really feel unique.”

“That’s quite a fortunate dilemma to have… But alright. If you’re certain, I’ll accept it.”

“Exactly, that’s why I offered it to you. I’d actually be disappointed if you didn’t take it,” Shin said with a grin.

Feeling relieved that Tiera was on board, Shin watched as she opened the Secret Scroll where she stood. As she began to read, her body was surrounded by a gentle light green glow that faded after about ten seconds. This effect indicated that she had successfully learned the Skill.

“How do you feel?” Shin inquired, eager to understand how the experience translated into this world. In the game, the scrolls contained no text, and using one simply added the Skill to your collection.

“It’s… a peculiar sensation. The moment I opened the scroll, the knowledge of how to use Analyze, along with its effects, flowed into my mind. But it wasn’t unpleasant in any way,” Tiera responded, her voice laced with wonder.

“Oh, that’s interesting,” Shin said, feeling relieved the process was successful. He would have felt quite awkward otherwise.

“I can see your name now, but the rest of the information appears as strange symbols,” Tiera commented with a slight frown.

“At least you can see my name,” Shin responded with a small smile. “Those symbols are actually question marks, which appear when there’s a significant disparity between the observer and the target’s levels or stats. It makes sense that you can’t see any other details about me at this moment.”

“Got it. Even without seeing the exact level, it’s obvious you possess significant power.”

“So, do you trust me now when I say we’ll be alright if monsters appear?”

“After everything you’ve shown me, I don’t have much choice but to trust you,” Tiera admitted, feeling wary. Her previous encounters with powerful monsters had left her with lingering concerns.

“I’ll go first to check the area. Once I confirm it’s safe, I’ll signal for you to follow.”

“Okay.”

Shin activated his Search Skill to scan the vicinity around The Moon Sanctum for any signs of monsters. The Skill indicated there were no immediate threats. However, given the game’s oddities where foes could materialize unexpectedly, he was careful not to lower his guard completely.

“It’s safe!” he called to Tiera, indicating she could come outside.

Peeking hesitantly from the store’s doorway, Tiera finally stepped outside upon hearing Shin’s voice. The Moon Sanctum was secured by both Barrier X and Wall X.

Barrier X effectively blocked all monsters with levels ranging from nine hundred to one thousand, depending on the user’s stats, forming an invisible wall that not only prevented enemies from getting through but also countered any incoming attacks. Simultaneously, Wall X restricted player access for those at levels between 230 and 255, also contingent on user stats.

Both barriers were maximized to an impenetrable state, rendering them invulnerable to even the Phase Through Skill. Lower-level players acting as merchants frequently sought assistance from higher-level players to establish these protective barriers. However, installing Wall X required precise adjustments; if configured incorrectly, it could inadvertently block regular customers from entering the shop.

During Shin’s tenure, The Moon Sanctum was optimized to thwart armed players from entering, restrict Skill use inside, and prevent players from equipping weapons on-site.

Currently, these two barrier Skills extended approximately twenty mels from the center of The Moon Sanctum. No monsters could approach the store’s entrance, leaving Tiera with little reason to feel anxious at the door. Nonetheless, given her past experiences, her nervousness was understandable.

“Over here, Tiera,” Shin called out. “You coming?”

She hesitated before moving toward him. Since Shin stood just outside the barrier, her approach meant stepping out of the safe zone too.

Shin kept watch, cautiously scanning their surroundings, while Tiera remained tense and silent. Five minutes drifted by without any sign of danger, the warm breeze playfully tousling their hair.

“Nothing’s happening,” Shin remarked.

“Absolutely nothing.”

After another five minutes, Shin concluded the area was secure. If the curse had still been in effect, they would have faced an attack by now; typically, cursed individuals encountered monsters every ten minutes.

“Still no monsters,” Shin noted.

“Right. None whatsoever.”

“Doesn’t it seem like the curse is gone?”

“Yes, it does seem that way,” Tiera replied, her eyes focused on the sky. The expansive blue above her felt limitless, unlike the small slice of sky she normally saw through the store window. She sensed the wind, basked in the sun’s warmth, and inhaled the forest’s fragrance, evoking a wave of nostalgia that enveloped her heart.

Shin, observing Tiera as she admired the sky, felt a rush of relief. Gone were her fears of monsters and concerns about being a burden to others. She could now step outside the store and immerse herself in the world beyond.

“The sky is so endless,” she whispered, as if this realization had just hit her.

“Yeah.” Shin nodded in agreement.

They stood together in silence for a while, both absorbed in the view. Shin caught a glimpse of something shimmering in Tiera’s eye, yet he chose to remain silent about it.

Part 6

“We should head back,” Tiera finally suggested, redirecting Shin’s focus to her.

“Yeah, let’s do that.” Shin agreed. Since their purpose for coming outside was merely to confirm that Tiera’s curse had been lifted, he had no reasons to disagree, and they both made their way back to the store.

“I still can’t believe the curse is really gone…” Tiera murmured once they returned to the counter. Though she understood what had occurred, it was challenging for her to fully accept its reality.

“Well, Purification is a quite rare Skill, and mastering it took considerable effort. It would’ve been disappointing if it couldn’t lift a curse like this.”

“So, curses can indeed be broken with Purification… Even if I had known, it wouldn’t have been simple to find someone capable of doing it.”

“Why is that? I thought most high-ranking Priests had this ability.”

“Not quite,” Tiera clarified. “Only the highest-ranking Priests can use Purification, so it’s not easy to find someone qualified. Given the nature of my curse, I couldn’t seek help or ask anyone to come here. If it were merely a status reduction, I might have managed,” Tiera reflected.

A status reduction curse lowered all attributes to one-tenth of their normal levels as soon as it took effect. Even facing weak monsters would be incredibly risky, especially for someone with Tiera’s low level. Still, it would have been preferable to the curse she had endured before.

“Well, it’s lifted now, so there’s no point in lingering on it.”

“True.” Tiera agreed. “Now I can move about without concern.”

“Yeah, you should be able to go out more freely now.”

“Yes. Although black-haired Elves face prejudice, as long as my hair isn’t entirely black, people will be less cautious.”

Surprised, Shin asked, “Really? So, it’s acceptable if it’s not fully black?”

“That’s correct. When cursed, even if you dye your hair, it returns to black almost instantly. However, if even a small section remains a different color, it indicates that you’re not cursed,” Tiera explained.

“I understand.” Shin nodded. In the game, dyeing hair hadn’t been an option, so this was new information for him. He realized that cursed players usually opted for an item or sought a priest to remove it swiftly, which was why he hadn’t encountered this scenario before.

“Oh, I almost forgot—here’s the payment for the materials and the gem,” Tiera said as she placed a bag on the counter. The bag was quite full, containing over fifty coins.

“Will this fit in the Item Box?” Shin wondered aloud while attempting to store it.

The menu screen updated the currency display: twenty-six gold Jule coins and twenty-seven silver Jule coins. It appeared that the coins were neatly organized by type, making it very convenient.

“The coins just vanished… That’s convenient,” Tiera remarked, a trace of envy in her voice. “I wish I had one of those.”

Shin could only smile wryly. Lacking any items to create an Item Box, he felt powerless to help.

“At least I won’t have to stress about finding a place to stay tonight,” he said, relieved.

“Are you planning to go into the Bayrelitch Kingdom?”

“Yeah, that’s the plan.”

“Hold on a second. If that’s the case, I’ve got something great for you, as a service.”

Tiera disappeared into a room behind the counter, which Shin recalled was the break room. She came back in under three minutes, holding a piece of paper, which she handed to Shin.

“What’s this?” he inquired.

“It’s a letter of introduction from The Moon Sanctum. With this, you can bypass the long lines and enter the kingdom hassle-free.”

It seemed that accessing the kingdom involved some formalities, and with Shin eager to find accommodation before nightfall, this was immensely helpful.

“This is a lifesaver. I absolutely don’t want to end up camping out here. But are you sure it’s alright to introduce someone you just met today?” Shin asked, worried that Tiera might be taking a risk on his behalf.

Tiera firmly shook her head, dismissing any notion of risk.

“You broke a curse I thought was impossible to break, and you obviously possess great Skill. Plus, you’re a genuinely good person. There’s really no issue at all… Moreover, this doesn’t come close to repaying you,” Tiera said, her voice softening toward the end.

“A good person, huh…? What was that last part? I didn’t quite catch it.”

“D-Don’t worry about it! I said it’s fine, so just take it, okay?” Tiera quickly responded, shoving the introduction letter into Shin’s hands. Though she tried to conceal it, the redness of her ears showed her embarrassment.

“Alright, alright. I’ll take it, then,” Shin said, placing the letter in his Item Box. He opted not to mention her blush.

“Well, I should get going. I’ll return to sell more monster parts when I can, so I’ll see you around,” Shin stated, preparing to leave.

“I know you’re strong, but don’t push yourself too hard, okay? You can’t sell anything if you’re dead.”

“I know, I know. See you later.”

“We look forward to your next visit,” Tiera replied, bowing gracefully like a proper shopkeeper. Shin waved back and exited The Moon Sanctum, feeling a sense of pride.

Part 7

Shin made his way through the forest until he arrived at the city walls, walking along it in search of an entrance. Unsure of the gate’s precise location, he trusted his instincts, believing that if he continued alongside the wall, he would eventually find it. Although the inability to check the time was somewhat bothersome, the sun was still high, and he felt assured he’d reach the gate before night fell.

“This wall is incredibly solid,” Shin remarked as he examined the towering structure once more.

Even though Analyze was mainly intended for assessing players and monsters, it could still offer him a rough estimation of the spells and enchantments present on the wall. From his evaluation, it appeared that most of the magic spells were at least level five, indicating that skilled individuals had significantly contributed to the fortification of this place, especially given Tiera’s earlier note on the rarity and value of such Skills.

After walking for about fifteen minutes, Shin spotted a line of people ahead, signifying the existence of a gate. As he got closer, he noticed a diverse gathering—children in ragged clothes, a Beastwoman in armor, a Dwarf accompanied by a small dragon, and robed figures likely representing mages. Merchants were even seen sitting atop large wagons. Shin couldn’t help but look around, amazed by the variety of people and creatures present. In the game, most players had typically been neatly dressed, though a few opted for eccentric outfits. The difference here was striking.

As Shin neared the clearly visible gate, he observed guards stationed there checking what appeared to be identification papers and conducting brief inspections of the wagons. With Tiera’s introduction letter in hand, Shin realized he wouldn’t have to wait in line and confidently approached the gate, bypassing the queue.

His straightforward approach drew the guards’ attention when he was around twenty mels away from the gate. One guard, noticing Shin approaching without joining the line, called out suspiciously. “Hey, you! If you want to enter the city, you need to line up properly! We can’t let you in otherwise,” he said, pointing to the end of the queue.

Shin looked in the direction indicated by the guard, but the line was so lengthy that he couldn’t see its end.

“Um, I was told that presenting this would permit me to enter the city without waiting in line,” Shin replied, pulling out the letter of introduction from Tiera. He handed it to the guard, making sure it seemed like he retrieved it from his pocket rather than from his Item Box.

The guard took the letter with a slightly skeptical expression. However, as he read it, his hands began to tremble. “A letter of introduction from… The Moon Sanctum?”

“Yes, I got it from one of the shop staff,” Shin answered, still unaware of the reason for the guard’s surprise. He began to feel concerned about the guard, noticing his shaking hands.

“I need to verify its authenticity. Could you come with me?” the guard asked.

“Sure.”

The guard, caught between believing the letter’s authenticity and its unbelievable content, quickly summoned the other guards to deliberate on the issue. With no other distractions, Shin found himself watching a large horse, approximately one and a half times bigger than a typical horse, standing before the gate.

As Analyze X activated, Shin realized the horse was a Grim Horse, a level thirty-three low-tier monster. Despite being classified as a monster, it remained composed, likely due to its tamer’s presence. It had been so long since Shin last saw one that it took him a moment to recognize it.

While Shin was absorbed in his thoughts, the guard who had spoken to him earlier returned. “Sorry for the wait. Please, follow me.”

“Uh, alright,” Shin replied, noticing the unexpected shift to a more polite tone. Although not a dramatic change, it still made him feel uneasy.

Is that letter truly such a significant matter? Shin mused, growing increasingly cautious. He wanted to avoid drawing too much attention, especially as he sought a way back to his original world. Attracting unnecessary notice could complicate his plans.

As Shin walked through the gate, he sensed the curious stares of the people in line trailing him. Beyond the gate lay a large plaza teeming with life. Huge wagons rolled through the area, and a diverse mix of people came and went. Primarily, there were Humans, Beasts, and Dwarves, but he occasionally glimpsed Elves and Pixies among the throng.

The plaza buzzed with activity, with various stalls lining its perimeter. These vendors offered a wide range of goods, from food and weapons to accessories and more questionable items. While Shin stood there, absorbing the atmosphere and surveying his surroundings, another guard—different from the one who had initially addressed him—came over.

“I’ll guide you to the Adventurers’ Guild now, if that’s okay,” the guard said.

“Hmm? Oh, yes, please,” Shin responded, surprised by the offer. He had expected they would part ways once he entered the city, so his reply came out a bit more relaxed than he meant.

“Do you have any other plans? If not, I can take you wherever you want to go.”

“No, no plans. The Adventurers’ Guild sounds great. And please, you don’t need to be so formal with me,” Shin added, feeling somewhat awkward at the overly polite tone.

“Still, it wouldn’t be appropriate to be informal with someone carrying a letter of introduction from The Moon Sanctum…”

“Really, it’s fine. I prefer it that way.”

“… If you insist. Alright, alright.” The guard finally conceded, his tone becoming more casual. He seemed more at ease speaking that way, and Shin appreciated the change.

“Glad we’re on the same page.” Shin nodded slightly.

“Ugh, everyone who arrives with these introduction letters… It’s just formal language. What’s the fuss?” the guard grumbled.

“This feels a bit odd to me. I’m Shin, by the way. It’s nice to meet you.”

“I’m Beid. I grew up in this city. If you have any questions, just let me know,” Beid replied, grinning. His cropped brown hair and beard made him look like a bear that had just smiled.

According to Analyze X, Beid was at level one hundred. Shin remembered that the strongest knight in the kingdom was level 158, but he wasn’t sure how to determine whether Beid was strong or weak in comparison.

“Okay, I’ll ask more about the city later. But first, why are you taking me to the Adventurers’ Guild?”

Shin had indeed intended to visit the Adventurers’ Guild, but he couldn’t remember mentioning it to the guard.

“That’s mentioned in the letter of introduction, which emphasized your arrival. Anyone would have acted likewise,” Beid responded.

“I understand now. Just to clarify, how significant is a letter of introduction from The Moon Sanctum?”

“You weren’t aware? And you presented it?” Beid asked, astonished.

“This is my first visit to this country, and honestly, I discovered The Moon Sanctum by chance,” Shin explained.

“You just happened to go there and got handed a letter of introduction? Who are you, anyway?”

“I’m merely a wanderer.”

“Sure, whatever you say. In this country, though, that letter is a major deal. It can grant you an audience with the king. There are even some who attempt to forge those letters.”

It became clear that the “service” Tiera had offered was far more significant than Shin had first thought.

Tiera, that’s not the kind of thing you just give away as a service…

Now that he grasped the letter’s true value, Shin felt a twinge of regret for not being more prudent. He had thought it was just a handy pass, but if Beid’s story held true, the letter’s importance explained the guard’s earlier reaction.

“Just so you know, you really shouldn’t misplace it.”

“Now that I think about it, I still haven’t gotten it back from the guard,” Shin suddenly realized, feeling slightly frantic. He started to turn back, but Beid held him back.

“Don’t worry, I’ve got this covered. It’s standard to keep it close, even in the presence of guards. I made sure to retrieve it before any fools could have a funny idea.”

“Great job, Beid!” Shin replied, giving a thumbs-up and appreciating the guard’s quick thinking. Despite his tough exterior, Beid proved to be quite dependable.

Shin securely placed the letter in the Valuable Items section of his Item Box. This section had an anti-theft feature, ensuring that Skills like Steal or Plunder couldn’t be used against him.

“Oh, and I nearly forgot—when you arrive at the Adventurers’ Guild, be sure to show that letter to a receptionist named Els,” Beid added.

“Els?”

“Yep, she’s an Elf adventurer who also handles the reception at the guild. The letter of introduction is written in ancient Elvish, and if you mention an Elf at the Adventurers’ Guild in this town, it’s definitely referring to Els. It’s likely addressed to her,” Beid clarified.

“Understood. I’ll inquire about it at the guild,” Shin said, committing the name to memory. If Els was indeed an Elf, she likely knew Tiera.

With the letter issue resolved, Shin turned to Beid for more details about the city.

“This is your first visit to this country, right? Let me outline the city’s basic layout for you. The gate you entered through is the South Gate. There are four gates in total—East, West, South, and North—but the South Gate is the most frequently used.”

“Why is that?” Shin asked, intrigued.

“It relates to the districts it connects to. The South Gate is adjacent to the commercial district. The layout of this country is as follows: the royal castle is centrally located, surrounded by the estates of nobles and affluent merchants, with four primary districts encircling it.”

“Uh-huh.”

“To the south, there’s the commercial district, where you can find nearly everything you need—goods, food, and general supplies. The east features the guild district, home to the Adventurers’ Guild, Merchants’ Guild, and Blacksmiths’ Guild, among others. The west is primarily the residential district, where most city dwellers reside, along with inns catering to adventurers and merchants visiting for supplies. Then there’s the north, known as the development district,” Beid elaborated, his tone changing as he spoke of the north.

Shin suspected he understood Beid’s implication regarding the “development district.”

“Let me guess, it’s more of a slum than a true development area?”

“Exactly. They call it the development district, but it’s really a refuge for those with nowhere else to turn. Each person there has their own story, but ultimately, it’s not safe. It’s best to steer clear if you don’t have a reason to be there,” Beid cautioned, a somber expression on his face.

Shin nodded, recognizing that large cities often had such undesirable areas. Beid seemed cognizant of this fact and sighed, wishing he could make a difference.

As they walked, Shin observed the city’s sights while Beid shared more details. The commercial district buzzed with activity, but upon entering the guild district, Shin sensed a change in the crowd. Adventurers were more prominent—some in full armor, others with large swords strapped to their backs.

Shin nearly called out upon seeing a Dragnil warrior wielding a katana. Beid explained that this weapon came from Hinomoto, an island nation to the east—an unfamiliar name to Shin from The New Gate, who silently promised to visit there one day.

Soon, they reached the Adventurers’ Guild, which stood out as a larger building compared to its surroundings. It featured a sign above the entrance with a shield and crossed swords and spears—the guild’s emblem.

“This is where I leave you. The rest is up to you.”

“Thanks for the tour,” Shin responded, waving back. After watching Beid walk away, Shin took a deep breath and opened the door to the Adventurers’ Guild.

Chapter 2: The First Step

Part 1

The guild’s interior appeared to be split into two areas: the reception desk on the right and a tavern on the left, both visible from the entrance. The central space functioned as a hall, and toward the back was a bulletin board filled with various request forms.

In the game, the Adventurers’ Guild was often bustling with rough NPCs hanging about. In contrast, this hall was tidy, lacking any shouting or scrutinizing glances from adventurers.

When Shin glanced upward, he was astonished to spot a chandelier. It was his first encounter with one in real life. Oddly, the thought of dropping it to crush some foes crossed his mind, even though he had never done anything like that.

In the tavern, a group of adventurers, likely fresh off a job, were toasting with their drinks.

This sight sparked a slight pang of hunger in Shin, yet he decided to wait until after he registered, making his way to the counter on the opposite side.

“Welcome to the Adventurers’ Guild. How can I help you today?” A woman at the reception greeted him. She was beautiful, with long brown hair, which seemed to be the norm for receptionists in this world.

Meanwhile, a large man, about two mels tall, with a scar across his face, stood at the neighboring reception. Naturally, Shin chose the woman’s counter as he approached.

“I’d like to register as an adventurer,” Shin said.

“Registration is done at the counter in the second room upstairs, on the left. The initial fee is one Jule silver coin. Is that acceptable?”

“Yes, that works for me. Thank you,” Shin replied, expressing gratitude to the receptionist before heading up the stairs. As he ascended, he reflected on how the game lacked such processes and then opened the door to the second room.

Inside, there were three desks, and at one, a man appeared to be receiving some sort of explanation. It looked like he was there to register, just like Shin.

Without delay, Shin approached the middle desk, which was empty.

“This is where adventurer registrations are handled. How can I help you?” the woman behind the desk asked.

“Ah, yes, that’s right, sorry…” Shin answered, hesitating because the woman resembled the receptionist he had just spoken with downstairs. The only difference was her hair was tied back in a ponytail.

“Is everything alright?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. You just remind me of the receptionist downstairs.”

“That was my sister. Being twins, we often get confused for one another. My name is Cilica Lindotte, and I’ll be overseeing your registration today. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“I’m Shin. Nice to meet you too.”

“First, we need a registration fee of ten thousand copper Jule. Is that okay?” Cilica inquired.

“Yes,” Shin replied, pulling out a silver Jule coin from his Item Box. He pretended to take it from his pocket, although it might have appeared slightly awkward. Nonetheless, Cilica didn’t seem to notice anything unusual and accepted the coin without issue.

“Please complete this form,” she said, presenting him with the document. It required his name, race, primary weapon, and whether he had magical abilities.

“Do I need to fill out all the sections?”

“No, the only required fields are your name and race. However, providing additional information will help us assist you better. So, if you can, please fill out all sections. That said, it’s not mandatory. Not completing the form won’t lead to any unfavorable treatment compared to other members, so there’s no need to worry about that.”

“Understood,” Shin replied with a nod.

As he worked on the form, Shin paused at the section for his place of origin but ultimately left it blank since it didn’t seem to matter. He filled in the remaining sections while skipping some. For race, he selected Human just to be safe. He listed his weapon as “katana” and noted that he could use magic. For his age, he included the one year he had spent in the death game, making it twenty-one.

Only at that moment did Shin notice the form was in Japanese. The language they had been conversing in was also Japanese, which made communication much easier for him. He had been a little anxious about dealing with the intricate, worm-like characters often found in fantasy settings.

After finishing the form, Shin returned it to Cilica, who quickly skimmed through it, likely checking for any missing information.

“Your name is Shin, correct?” she asked for confirmation.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“That’s everything for the paperwork. Now, please place a drop of your blood on this guild card,” Cilica instructed, extending a silver card roughly the size of a playing card, along with a needle.

In the game, registration marked the final step; however, it seemed that a card would also be issued.

Shin punctured his fingertip with the needle, allowing a drop of blood to fall onto the card. The card swiftly absorbed the blood, resembling a sponge absorbing water.

“The process is complete. Your guild card will verify your identity as an adventurer, but please note that processing requires a day, so it will be ready for pickup tomorrow or another day.”

“I understand,” Shin responded.

It seemed the card wouldn’t be issued immediately. Shin’s earlier excitement dwindled slightly, giving way to disappointment.

“May I explain the guild now?”

“Yes, please.”

“First, adventurer ranks consist of nine levels: SS, S, A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, with SS being the highest. Since you’ve just registered, Shin-sama, your starting rank is G. You earn points by successfully completing requests, which helps you climb the ranks. Conversely, if you fail or abandon a request, points will be deducted from your total. Falling below a certain point threshold will cause a decrease in your rank. Additionally, there’s a penalty fee equal to twice the reward you would receive, so do keep this in mind.

“Typically, you can take on requests that are up to two ranks higher than your own. However, upon reaching rank C, you may only accept requests one rank above. Moreover, you can form a party with two or more members, which allows you to take on requests based on the rank of the highest-ranked member, potentially enabling you to tackle requests up to three or more ranks higher.”

“What’s the maximum number of members in a party?” Shin inquired, intrigued. In the game, the cap had been six members.

“The maximum is six. If you want to take on a request with more than six members, it will be treated as a joint operation that involves multiple parties. This usually occurs during large-scale missions or when confronting powerful monsters,” Cilica explained.

Although the number of party members stayed the same, differences exist compared to the game. In the game, multiple parties could not take on the same quest unless facing a boss-level monster, a rule that doesn’t seem to apply here.

“Requests can take many forms, such as various tasks, gathering, subjugation, and escort missions. While we provide some support, the guild cannot be held responsible for any problems that arise if you choose to undertake requests independently, or if you accept tasks beyond your abilities, which could result in severe injuries or even death. Exercise caution when taking on assignments.”

“What should I do if the request differs from my expectations? For example, what if I accept a subjugation request and face a monster much stronger than I anticipated?” Shin asked.

“In these cases, you can choose to withdraw your request. We encourage you to inform us of your situation, but rest assured, no penalties will occur. As the guild assesses the risks linked to requests, we cannot foresee every possible outcome, so remain vigilant,” Cilica replied.

Shin understood that the lack of a thorough information network made this scenario unavoidable. Moreover, Cilica’s warning stayed with him; throughout the death game, he had faced not just unexpected monster attacks but also player killer threats. This awareness had sharpened his sense of vigilance.

“You can also sell materials obtained from defeated monsters to the guild. Feel free to utilize this service. Now, moving on…”

Cilica’s explanation lasted about twenty minutes. She reassured Shin that he didn’t have to absorb everything immediately and was welcome to ask questions whenever they came up. It was common for individuals not to understand everything from one explanation.

“That wraps up the guild explanation. I’ll provide more details about the guild card when you receive it, so that concludes today’s session. Do you have any questions?” Cilica inquired.

“Can I start taking requests right away?”

“You can begin accepting requests once your guild card is issued. The guild card also functions as a pass for the gates, so I suggest you spend today exploring the city.”

“Got it. That’s it for today then.”

“Thank you for your time. We look forward to your success, Shin-sama,” Cilica said, bowing gracefully.

Shin reciprocated the gesture and left the registration counter. He descended to the first floor and approached the receptionist who had initially helped him.

“Thanks for your help earlier,” Shin said.

“It seems your registration went smoothly. Once again, welcome to the Adventurers’ Guild. My name is Celica Lindotte, and I will be handling the request reception process. I look forward to working with you,” the receptionist said.

“I’m Shin. Likewise, I look forward to working with you. So, you’re Cilica’s sister, the one at the registration counter?”

“So Cilica was your registrar? Yes, Cilica is actually my younger sister. We’re twins, so it doesn’t really stand out to us.”

“It really took me by surprise. For a moment, I thought you had teleported,” Shin commented.

“New visitors often leave looking bewildered, just like that person over there,” Celica remarked, nodding at someone.

Following Celica’s gesture, Shin noticed the new adventurer he had seen earlier leaving the guild while tilting his head in confusion after receiving an explanation.

“We’re frequently mistaken for each other in the guild. Please don’t confuse us, Shin-sama,” Celica said, flashing a cheerful smile.

For a moment, Shin sensed a gentle pressure radiating from her cheerful demeanor.

“I-I’ll do my best… Oh, I wanted to ask you something, if it’s okay,” Shin said, remembering something Beid had mentioned. While it didn’t necessarily need to be Celica, the man at the nearby counter kept stealing glances at Shin, making him hesitant to approach. His intuition was strongly advising him to stay away.

“Of course, how can I assist you?” Celica responded.

“I heard there’s an adventurer named Els who works here as a receptionist.”

Shin looked around and saw only Celica and the large man at the reception desk. The name “Els” indicated a receptionist, and he earnestly hoped the large man wasn’t Els.

“Els? I apologize, but she is currently out of the city on a request. She is expected to return later today unless any complications arise. Please feel free to stop by tomorrow when you come to pick up your guild card. If she isn’t back yet, I’d be happy to take a message for you.”

Shin appeared to have misjudged the timing. As an adventurer, Els was often away from the guild. Fortunately, she was due back by tomorrow; her return could have taken weeks.

“Alright, I’ll come back tomorrow, then,” Shin said, giving a small nod to Celica before moving toward the tavern area; his stomach was starting to rumble.

In that section of the guild, apart from the earlier group of adventurers he noticed, there were additional patrons present. The overall average level appeared to be about 90.

Shin took a seat at an empty table and glanced over the menu. Although it was in Japanese, he struggled to understand the dishes just by their names. So, he chose to order the chef’s special set for the day. After a brief wait, his meal was promptly served to him.

“Here is today’s special set, Shin-sama,” the waitress said.

“Huh? W-What?” Shin stuttered, turning around. He was puzzled by how she knew his name, but upon seeing the waitress’s face, he realized—and felt even more baffled.

It was Celica, the very person he had just said goodbye to moments earlier.

“Um… weren’t you at the reception desk just now?” Shin asked.

“Yes,” Celica replied.

“And when we were talking, you weren’t dressed like this, right?”

“Correct. I was wearing the guild’s uniform at the reception,” she answered.

“Did you change clothes?”

“Of course.”

“Isn’t that way too fast? And why are you a waitress now?” Shin wondered.

“This is normal. When the reception isn’t busy, I help out here,” Celica explained casually.

This isn’t normal at all, Shin wanted to retort, but he kept the thought to himself.

Only three minutes had gone by after Shin departed the reception when Celica showed up. It felt unbelievable.

Additionally, the meal was ready in just over a minute after placing the order. The dish served was a steak approximately three cemels thick, alongside a salad of fresh vegetables and a soup. It was astonishing that such a meal could be prepared so quickly.

“Please enjoy your meal; don’t let it get cold,” Celica encouraged.

“Um, okay… I’ll dig right in,” Shin replied, beginning to eat. For some reason, Celica took a seat across from him.

With Celica gone from the reception, the only person at the counter was the hefty man. Shin silently expressed his sympathy to any male adventurers who might stop by the guild now.

What is going on with this situation?

It was difficult to enjoy the meal with someone watching him so closely.

The steak was so tender it nearly melted in his mouth, while the salad offered a pleasing crispness. The soup, appearing to be made from simmered chicken, was not only well-prepared but also visually enticing.

Unfortunately, the atmosphere felt wrong, which made it hard for him to enjoy his food.

“Aren’t you neglecting the other customers, Celica?” Shin asked, trying to gently suggest that her presence wasn’t necessary.

“It’s fine. The other waitresses are handling them,” Celica replied, clearly intending to stay at Shin’s table.

“It’s hard to eat when someone’s watching me.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Being told not to worry only made Shin more aware of her presence, heightening his discomfort.

“Sigh, what is this all about? Is this some sort of initiation for new members?” Shin inquired, half in jest.

“Actually, there’s something I’d like to confirm with you.”

“Then you should have said that from the start.”

“Before confirming it, I want to observe what kind of person you are, Shin-sama.”

Even after she said that, Shin couldn’t shake the feeling that he was just being teased.

“So? What is it you want to confirm?” Shin asked.

Celica spoke in a softer tone, “Yes. We got word you have a specific letter of introduction, and I would like to see it.”

Only one letter of introduction crossed Shin’s mind, making the situation seem more serious than he had initially believed.

“That one, huh? Yes, I have it,” Shin admitted.

“Would it be alright if we verify it in a separate room?”

“After I finish eating, sure. But if it’s just an excuse to introduce me to the guildmaster or something, I’d rather not,” Shin said, half-joking again.

“…”

Shin had said it in jest, but Celica fell silent, her gaze shifting slightly.

“I’d really rather not,” Shin reiterated.

“I’m sorry. I’ve been instructed to bring you to him.”

“Seriously?”

“I’m afraid so.”

Upon hearing her reply, Shin slumped his shoulders in defeat. He didn’t grasp why he needed to meet the guild’s top authority on the very day of his registration. That letter of introduction appeared to be more of a hassle than it was worth.

“Can we postpone it until tomorrow?” Shin asked.

This isn’t something I should have to deal with on my first day in another world.

Shin inwardly sighed while attempting to negotiate.

“I’m truly sorry, but… he’s already here,” Celica said, glancing over Shin’s shoulder.

In other words, the guildmaster was right behind him.

I really don’t want to turn around!!!

He felt someone’s presence behind him, though he never expected it to be the guildmaster. However, he couldn’t remain frozen in place indefinitely, so he hesitantly twisted his upper body around.

Standing behind Shin was the last person he expected.

“…”

“Sorry, I just couldn’t wait. I know you’re eating, but I figured I’d come to you,” said the person, laughing heartily. It was the large man who had been at the reception earlier.

The same man who had been casting sidelong glances at Shin. The same man that Shin’s instincts had been urgently warning him about.

“Wait, it’s you?!” Shin’s voice echoed through the guild hall.

“I received a message from one of the staff, and I couldn’t pass up the chance to meet you,” the guildmaster said, unfazed by Shin’s casual tone, maintaining a smile as he spoke.

“Barlux-sama, I had hoped you would wait a little longer,” Celica said, addressing the guildmaster.

“Please don’t say that. You know how it goes—I couldn’t resist. Shin, was it? I’m Barlux. I apologize for the inconvenience, but could you come to my office?”

Shin was surprised. He had anticipated that the guildmaster would be an older man, yet Barlux appeared to be in his late thirties or early forties.

His face had a prominent scratch, and alongside his large build he radiated significant intimidation. However, his warm smile completely diminished that formidable presence.

The only aspect that appeared guildmaster-like was his level—228, the highest Shin had encountered today.

“Sigh, I don’t mind, but at least let me finish my meal,” Shin replied.

“I realize it was impolite to interrupt like this. I’ll wait for you in the other room,” Barlux remarked before moving to a room at the back.

Shin considered it fairly simple, yet the anticipation of what lay ahead after his meal filled him with a sense of gloom.

“The guildmaster’s quite young, isn’t he? I always assumed that leaders in environments like this would be older and more experienced.” Shin observed.

“While you make a valid point, many guildmasters in other cities are indeed older and more experienced. However, Barlux-sama is a former S-rank adventurer, placing him on equal footing with any other guildmaster in terms of experience and connections,” Celica clarified.

“A former S-rank, huh?”

Though new to the norms of this world, Shin gathered that S-rank adventurers were rare. Based on his level, Barlux appeared to be an exceptionally skilled individual.

Reflecting on these thoughts, Shin completed his meal. During this, he noticed the curious stares from those nearby, captivated by the presence of the guildmaster. Taking a cue from Celica, he made his way to the back of the reception area.

They entered an area with multiple rooms. The room Shin was shown served as a reception space, equipped not only with a desk and bookshelves but also with a table and sofas. While Shin couldn’t determine their precise worth, each item exuded a presence that indicated superior quality, contributing to a cohesive and inviting ambiance.

“Welcome to the Adventurers’ Guild. I apologize for the earlier interruption. Allow me to introduce myself properly—I’m Barlux Heim, the guildmaster,” Barlux said, extending his right hand as Shin and Celica stepped into the room.

“I’m Shin. It’s great to meet you,” Shin said, extending his right hand in return. Barlux’s grip was strong, his hand rough and calloused, reflecting the power of a seasoned warrior.

“Please, have a seat.”

Shin settled onto the sofa while Celica, entering the room alongside him, quickly poured some tea. How is she so fast? Shin wondered as he took a sip.

Barlux jumped right in. “Shin, I regret having to ask so quickly, but can you share the introduction letter from The Moon Sanctum?”

“Here it is.”

Shin took the letter of introduction from his Item Box and gave it to Barlux. Barlux opened the letter and placed another piece of paper beside it. At that moment, the crescent moon emblem at the center of the letter started to shimmer with a silver glow.

“This is…”

“The letter of introduction from The Moon Sanctum holds a unique magic. When two of these letters are brought near one another, their magic resonates, causing the emblem to illuminate in this way. This serves as confirmation of its authenticity,” Barlux explained.

According to Barlux, there were alternative methods to verify the authenticity of the letter, and in every case, a counterfeit would be promptly revealed.

“It really has such a feature…” Shin murmured, taken aback by the surprise function. He sighed, wishing Tiera had mentioned it earlier.

“Were you not told about it?” Barlux asked.

“No, I was just given the letter and told it was a service,” Shin replied.

“A service…? Was it Schnee who gave it to you? Or was it Tiera?”

“It was Tiera. Schnee wasn’t around.”

“Tiera, really? For her to overlook an explanation… that must have been a rare occurrence. However, I have faith in her ability to assess others. Although I trust my own judgment, I still don’t quite reach her level.” Barlux chuckled before saying, “I’d be thrilled to have her join the guild.”

Given that the century-long curse had finally been lifted, it was understandable for Tiera to overlook some details; it had undoubtedly been a monumental moment for her. However, Shin couldn’t help but ponder whether Tiera’s sharp insight was a result of her experience.

As Shin pondered Tiera’s age, a chill coursed through him. He envisioned Tiera’s smiling face amidst raging flames, radiating a fearsome presence.

I should stop worrying about how old she is… It seems my own life is at risk…

Shin decided to drop the subject entirely.

“Is something wrong?” Barlux inquired, observing Shin’s abrupt change in attitude.

“No, everything’s fine.”

“Well then. Let’s move on. I apologize for the distraction,” Barlux replied, straightening up to signal the start of the main discussion. “Since Tiera overlooked this, I’ll explain the benefits of the letter of introduction. With it, you can enter nearly any country without facing inspections. It also secures various accommodations and helps build your reputation within guilds. In some nations, like the Bayrelitch Kingdom, it can even afford you an audience with the king. Essentially, there’s no better way to affirm your identity.”

Despite his previous doubts, Shin now understood that everything Beid had said was, in fact, accurate. The care he was set to receive, informed by his newfound awareness of the guild and its information management, was truly exceptional.

“A letter of introduction with that much power naturally attracts those who would try to steal it once its owner is identified,” Barlux cautioned.

“That’s certainly true.”

The letter made it alarmingly simple to smuggle hazardous items, perpetrate terrorism, or execute assassinations—something any criminal would yearn to obtain.

“That’s why I must ask—are you capable of safeguarding this letter? If you lack the strength, I urge you to destroy it right away.”

Shin weighed his options thoroughly—the advantages of retaining the letter against its potential risks.

The advantages encompassed seamless travel across borders and the trust he could foster with different nations. Yet, the risks were considerable: having the letter might render him vulnerable to attacks.

For Shin, these advantages weren’t essential. He remembered the guild’s guidance, indicating that possessing a guild card would facilitate his entry into most countries without complications, making him hesitant to readily engage with governmental matters.

Conversely, the risks seemed manageable. In fact, upon arriving in this town, the guards were already aware of the letter, and those in line might have seen it too. Additionally, the guild had been notified about it.

Although Shin was uncertain about how well secrets were maintained in this world, it wouldn’t be surprising if news of the letter had already spread among several people. Nevertheless, keeping the letter in the Valuable Items section of his Item Box and avoiding unnecessary withdrawals should suffice to ensure its safety. Once concealed there, even former members of Six Devas would not be able to access it. Even if someone insisted on its retrieval, Shin could easily claim he didn’t possess it, and they would have no means to disprove his statement.

“I can protect it,” Shin concluded after thinking it over.

“Is that your decision?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure you won’t regret it?”

“Absolutely. I’ve only just discovered the significance of the letter, but it’s a matter that could swiftly tarnish the store’s reputation if not handled properly—that’s the critical responsibility they’ve placed in my hands. It shows their high level of trust in me. Therefore, I must uphold that trust,” Shin said, smiling confidently.

In reality, the choice was made well before Shin considered the advantages and disadvantages. While some may perceive him as naive regarding the threats, the truth was that Shin had been the target of lethal attacks more times than he could recall. Throughout the year he spent in the deadly game of The New Gate, he accumulated considerable experience in handling assassinations and unexpected assaults.

To be honest, he would have chosen to avoid that experience altogether.

“Ha! Well said. That’s the attitude of someone truly deserving of a letter of introduction,” Barlux replied.

“It’s not a big deal.”

“Don’t be so modest. Even if it took you some time, you weren’t really that torn, were you?”

“How did you know?” Shin asked, surprised that Barlux had seen through his façade. Clearly, this man was someone to take seriously.

“Putting that aside for a moment, could you share your level with me? I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve faced my share of intense battles. You seem quite capable,” Barlux added.

True to his background as a former S-rank adventurer, Barlux didn’t require an analysis Skill like Analyze to assess someone’s abilities.

“Do I really have to say it?” Shin replied, hesitant.

“As a guild, it’s important for us to have a clear understanding of the levels of our adventurers. We ask everyone to provide an estimate. We certainly can’t allow low-level adventurers to take on high-risk tasks.”

He didn’t seem to be asking out of simple curiosity. Since a person’s level provided a rough gauge of their abilities, it was logical for the guild to verify such details for everyone’s safety.

“Alright. My level is above 150,” Shin eventually confessed.

“Hmm. Shin, as I mentioned before, there’s no need for humility here,” Barlux said, slightly frowning at Shin’s answer. It was evident that providing a number significantly lower than the actual level wouldn’t deceive him.

“Is that not sufficient?”

“No, that’s not accurate. The level you just referred to is much lower than your actual one, correct?”

I thought he would take it better, especially since I learned that the second strongest in the country has a level of 158…

“You can tell all that without using Analyze?” Shin asked, slightly impressed.

“I didn’t become a guildmaster just by watching adventurers idly.”

Sighing, Shin finally confessed, “Well, I suppose it can’t be helped. My level is over two hundred,” although he still concealed his actual level. He believed increasing it by fifty levels would be enough.

“Oh,” Barlux responded with a smile of admiration.

“That’s incredible…” Celica, who had been standing by the wall, was so astonished that she was left speechless.

“Is it really that surprising?” Shin said, wondering why she was so shocked when Barlux himself had a level over two hundred.

Barlux’s change in expression was due to something else.

“Just to confirm, your age is twenty-one, right?” Barlux asked.

“Yes,” Shin confirmed.

“Reaching over level two hundred at such a young age is exceptionally uncommon. You might even match up against the strongest person in the kingdom.”

Claiming his level was 150 felt underwhelming, while two hundred seemed excessive.

“What level does that person have?”

“Level 230. She’s the second princess of this kingdom.”

“You can’t be serious…” Shin murmured, shocked by this surprising information. A princess more powerful than the captain of the elite forces…

Shin believed that the top person in the country would be a king, a prince, or possibly a member of the royal guard. To discover it was the princess instead…

“Isn’t there too much of a gap between her and the knights? Tiera told me that the captain of the elite forces is number two, and his level is 158,” Shin said.

“The captain of the elite forces? Ah, you mean the knight commander. His level has actually risen to 188 now. Tiera must not have known, as it’s been a while since we talked about it,” Barlux explained.

“Still, the princess is stronger, huh?”

“The second princess is quite the warrior. She often makes public appearances, so she’s rather popular.”

“Is it safe for a royal to visit the city so often?”

“With her strength, common thugs don’t stand a chance.”

It seemed that the kingdom’s strongest was not someone to provoke. She had even defeated a horned dragon, a subject that came up in Shin’s chat with Tiera. She’s way too aggressive… Shin sighed.

“Now then, Shin-kun. There’s actually one more thing I’d like to confirm, if that’s alright,” Barlux said.

“That depends on what it is,” Shin answered, feeling uneasy about it.

“It’s nothing complicated. I’d like to fight you.”

“Uh, can I just go home?”

“Unfortunately, that’s not an option.”

“And what about my opinion on this?”

“Sorry, but you don’t have the right to decline.”

Shin understood that Barlux was eager to witness his true capabilities. As an experienced warrior, Barlux recognized that a high level didn’t always indicate genuine skill.

“I suspected this might happen,” Shin confessed.

“I’m sorry. But for the guild and myself, this is something I need to confirm… I must confirm it.”

Shin frowned, his uneasy feeling validated. From their first meeting at the reception, he had sensed a latent, battle-hungry drive in the guildmaster’s gaze. It was clear that Barlux preferred to resolve matters with his fists.

Though Shin felt frustrated that his wishes were being ignored, he reconsidered. Assessing the strength of an S-rank adventurer in this world might prove beneficial. Barlux’s expression indicated that his urge to fight was more than just a duty; it was deeply personal.

Declining would be a simple choice, but it might lead to a dispute with the guild and the revocation of his guild card, causing unnecessary complications.

“Okay. I can see the importance of proving my abilities.” Shin acknowledged.

He believed that showcasing his strength would dissuade anyone from challenging him once news spread about his letter of introduction, though he kept this to himself.

“Where are we doing this?”

“There’s a training ground set aside for guild members. We can use that. Do you require time to get ready?”

“No, I don’t need any time to get ready.”

“Let’s go,” Barlux stated, guiding them out of the reception area and along the hallway until they arrived at another similarly sized room. This one was bereft of any furniture, featuring only a crystal as large as a soccer ball hovering in the center.

It looked just like the teleportation points Shin frequently encountered in the game.

“The training ground is underground, and you can access it via this teleportation point,” Barlux explained.

It appeared that the name and function were identical to those in the game. As before, all it took was touching the crystal and focusing on being transported.

They arrived in a spacious coliseum-like area. The large open center was designated for training, while the surrounding spectator stands provided space for resting or watching other adventurers train.

To Shin’s relief, he had been spared from fighting in front of an audience—no one else was in the arena.

“It’s quite peaceful here. Is it usually like this?” Shin inquired.

“No, this is the second training ground, reserved for special occasions such as today. General adventurers train at the first ground, while this location requires special permission to access, eliminating the risk of unauthorized visitors intruding.”

Shin nodded, relieved that he could fight without the fear of being observed, which suited him perfectly.

“Let’s get started,” Barlux said, and as he did, a blue light enveloped his body. In an instant, the light dissipated, revealing Barlux in a blue suit of light armor and gauntlets.

The light armor emphasized agility, featuring thinner plates than standard armor. In contrast, the gauntlets were sturdy and substantial, with blue armor covering his arms from the elbows down to the fingers.

In the game, arm equipment was identified as tekko (Japanese-style arm guards) or gauntlets (Western style). Although their differences were minimal, tekko conferred a slight AGI bonus while gauntlets boosted VIT. Barlux’s selection of gauntlets seemed intended to offset the lighter armor’s reduced defensive capabilities.

Analyze indicated that Barlux’s role was Pugilist, aligning his gear with Shin’s expectations. Nevertheless, Shin was taken aback by how Barlux had outfitted his armor and gauntlets, resembling a hero in transformation.

In The New Gate, equipping armor started with lines of light outlining the body (or hands for arm guards), followed by the equipment materializing. This method enabled the gear to fit the avatar’s body size. Consequently, this transformation appeared less dramatic than Barlux’s transformation scene.

Was there a motion like that?

“Is something the matter?” Barlux asked.

“No, nothing,” Shin answered, choosing not to elaborate. After all, Barlux’s transformation was likely typical in this world.

On Shin’s end, there was nothing for him to equip.

With a good sense of how much force to exert, he decided against using a weapon. To be honest, if he brought in a weapon, he could inadvertently harm Barlux.

“Then, I’m coming!” Barlux yelled.

In an instant, Barlux’s shape became a blur as he charged directly at Shin. They had initially been about ten mels apart, but Barlux closed that gap in the blink of an eye.

“With great gear, you’re quite fast,” Shin commented.

He understood that without any reincarnation bonuses, a Human shouldn’t possess such speed. It dawned on Shin that it was Barlux’s equipment that allowed for his rapid movements.

“Hmph!” Barlux scoffed as he threw a punch, slicing through the air with a sharp crack.

“Impressive!” Shin replied as he skillfully deflected the punch, using the moment to examine Barlux’s gear.

The light armor was identified as Azure Crystal Light Armor, and the gauntlets as Blue Fang Gauntlets. Shin was certain of it, as he had dealt with both items in the past.

“Nice gear you’ve got there!”

“I worked tirelessly… to obtain them!” Barlux exclaimed, his voice punctuated by rapid bursts as he unleashed a relentless series of attacks, all of which Shin deflected with a scowl.

The Azure Crystal Light Armor was a rare defensive asset that offered a significant enhancement to AGI.

The Blue Fang Gauntlets served as formidable, one-of-a-kind weapons, featuring powers absent in standard equipment. Crafted from the fangs of the Bluemith Hound, a level six hundred unique beast notorious for its cunning in close quarters, these gauntlets were highly coveted by high-level players specializing in unarmed combat.

“Naturally, you won’t let this be easy.”

“I did boast a lot, so that’s only to be expected,” Shin replied.

Barlux realized Shin was merely dodging his strikes, so he halted his attack and stepped back to gain some space. While a wry smile played on his lips, his eyes remained keen, intent on gauging Shin’s true capabilities.

The reason for Shin’s lack of aggressive attacks stemmed from a notable feature of the Blue Fang Gauntlets that he was cautious about.

This feature allowed the gauntlets to reflect one-tenth of the damage that would have been sustained without defense back to the attacker if an attack was successfully blocked. However, it only activated under certain conditions: The attack must strike the gauntlets directly and be of a physical nature. This equipment was particularly useful in battles between evenly matched opponents, as it slowly drained their strength.

If the attacker’s STR exceeded the wearer’s by over a hundred points, the ability wouldn’t trigger. In Shin’s situation, this made the gauntlets simply tools to boost Barlux’s attack power. What truly worried Shin was the chance of Barlux discovering that the gauntlets’ ability wouldn’t activate against him.

He likely understands his equipment quite well. If the ability doesn’t activate, he may recognize that our STR difference exceeds one hundred points. This could raise more questions, and… I’d prefer to avoid that trouble. I want to accomplish this in one attempt, if I can.

Considering the level gap between him and Barlux, their STR difference would usually be under a hundred points. However, due to the title Limit Breaker, Shin’s STR difference exceeded one thousand. Despite facing the guildmaster, Shin was determined to keep his true strength hidden.

Barlux had already recognized Shin as highly skilled, but Shin aimed to downplay this slightly, hoping to be seen as just a competent fighter. As he continued to deflect Barlux’s aggressive attacks, he contemplated how to maintain this balance.

The scowl on his face mirrored this internal struggle.

“What’s on your mind?”

“Just thinking about the best way to attack, considering you’re quite strong.”

“Heh. From the way you’re fighting, it seems you know about my equipment’s capabilities. Not many people are aware of them.”

“Who’s to say?” Shin replied, keeping his cool while still contemplating.

From their previous interactions, Shin realized that Barlux favored a rapid succession of attacks.

Pugilists typically possessed a limited striking range but compensated with unmatched speed. Barlux’s fighting technique exemplified this approach. However, the boost in speed provided by the Azure Crystal Light Armor further amplified Barlux’s notable attack velocity, making it difficult to defeat him while holding back.

The gauntlets pose the primary challenge… Let’s give this a shot.

Shin assessed the Skills available to him in this context and readied himself. Before Barlux could respond to Shin’s actions, Shin advanced. In a flash, Shin’s form became a blur, leaving behind afterimages as he approached Barlux. The ground where Shin had been moments ago lay destroyed, with dirt and debris flying into the air.

“Haa!” Shin gasped sharply while swiftly closing the distance and launching a right punch.

The attack was direct and lacked any feints, but it was executed with such speed that Barlux hardly had time to respond. Instinctively, Barlux lifted his gauntlets to block the incoming strike.

Got him! Shin thought confidently as he followed through with his strategy.

Just before his fist hit Barlux’s gauntlets, Shin abruptly halted the punch and swept his left leg toward Barlux’s feet.

“Ugh!” Barlux grunted as he tried to leap to the left to dodge the attack. However, his concentration on Shin’s punch delayed his reaction.

The swift leg sweep knocked Barlux off balance, sending him into the air.

Since the Blue Fang Gauntlets only activated their damage reflection feature when struck directly, Barlux had no reason to suspect that the ability had not activated.

Shin seized Barlux’s now exposed arm and quickly initiated the Unarmed-type Martial Skill Willow Throw.

Designed primarily for subduing monsters, Willow Throw inflicted minimal damage, allowing Shin to use it safely without risking serious injury to Barlux. While the Skill had effects that could temporarily paralyze or incapacitate the target, Shin had deactivated those effects beforehand, enabling him to use the Skill with confidence.

Barlux’s body, grabbed by Shin, soared gracefully through the air before crashing into the ground without a chance to soften the impact. To conclude the encounter, Shin executed a joint lock, preventing Barlux from moving.

“Phew. How’s that?” Shin inquired after ensuring Barlux was immobilized. Without the advantage of the Limit Breaker title, the match wouldn’t have concluded so definitively.

“I didn’t expect to be subdued so easily. Oddly, I hardly sustained any damage. Was that last technique a Skill?”

“That’s a secret. It’s wise not to reveal too much,” Shin replied with a faint smile.

“Haha, fair enough. I concede. I’ve witnessed your strength and have no further concerns,” Barlux stated, finally freed from the hold and rising. He extended his hand for another handshake.

“Huh?”

“The first handshake was as a guildmaster. This one acknowledges you as a fellow recognized by The Moon Sanctum.

“I understand,” Shin said, returning the handshake. Although the gesture was the same, it felt different from before.

“If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll help as much as possible, both as the guildmaster and on a personal level.”

“Is that acceptable? Doesn’t that seem like favoritism?”

“It’s really not an issue. As the guildmaster, I’m supporting a rank G adventurer. Personally, I’m just extending a hand to a friend,” Barlux explained, indicating that while he couldn’t provide excessive support as guildmaster, he was still willing to help where he could. Shin appreciated this and expressed his thanks.

When they arrived back at the guild after training, Celica was present in the room with the teleportation point. She gave each of them a potion, remarking, “Good job.”

Shin, who was unharmed, hesitated at first, but Barlux encouraged him, saying it wouldn’t hurt to take it, so he accepted.

“I look forward to seeing you grow as an adventurer. Until next time,” Barlux said before departing.

As Shin and Celica made their way down the hallway back to the guild hall, Celica, possibly sensing the awkward silence, initiated a conversation about the match with Barlux.

“How did the match with Barlux-sama go?”

“It was challenging. I truly hope there won’t be a second time.”

“I don’t think it will happen often, so you should be fine.”

“Somehow, I have a feeling he’ll invite me for sparring sessions under the pretense of training…” Shin sighed, worrying about having to spar with the guildmaster again, even if it was just for practice.

Conversely, Celica couldn’t shake the feeling of oddity regarding Shin. He didn’t appear to be someone who had exceeded level two hundred (his actual level was the maximum, 255).

High-level adventurers typically radiated a commanding aura that distinguished them from the average person. Even Celica, who often interacted with such figures through her job, found herself instinctively tensing up in their company.

Yet as she watched Shin, who sighed lightly and drooped his shoulders, she felt none of that intimidation. Instead, Celica was struck by an unexpected sense of comfort in his presence.

What an unusual person… she thought as they arrived at the guild hall.

“Thank you for your efforts today. You can collect your guild card any time starting tomorrow, so feel free to stop by after you’ve had a good rest,” Celica remarked.

“Sure thing! By the way, if it’s not too much trouble, could you suggest a nice inn? I just got to this city today and am not very familiar with the area,” Shin inquired, hoping for a good recommendation. He was uncertain about the quality of the inns and wanted to steer clear of a poor choice on his first night.

“If that’s the case, I recommend The Bear’s Den Inn located in the residential area. The food is excellent, and I’m confident you’ll have a pleasant stay. Simply turn right from the guild onto the main street and look for the sign featuring a bear’s paw—consider that your landmark.”

“Got it. The Bear’s Den Inn, right? Thanks.”

The mention of The Bear’s Den made Shin feel a brief sense of unease, but he quickly reassured himself that it would be fine since Celica had recommended it.

After thanking Celica, Shin left the guild.

Wishing that no bears would show up, Shin started walking toward the inn.

Part 2

After a twenty-five-minute walk from the guild, Shin arrived at a sign featuring a bear’s paw. As Celica had noted, this was likely The Bear’s Den Inn.

Laughter erupted from behind the closed door, indicating that the people inside were enjoying themselves.

“This must be the place,” Shin said quietly, glancing at the sign one more time before reaching for the door. As he opened it, the noise from within intensified.

Inside, the hall featured a counter and seven large tables. Five of these tables were bustling with groups of adventurers, all spiritedly drinking and chatting with tankards raised high. While Shin stood at the entrance, absorbing the lively atmosphere, he noticed the sunlight behind him suddenly dim, prompting him to turn around.

Huh?

What caught his eye was an apron adorned with flowers and an enormous arm—approximately three times the size of his own.

“Welcome! Are you on your own?” boomed a deep voice from above.

Shin looked up and saw a face as rugged as a boulder, sporting a grin that could only be called intimidating.

“You’re enormous…” Shin managed to mutter.

At over 180 cemels, Shin stood tall by most measures. Yet, the man looming over him was likely around 230 cemels—a true giant.

“What’s the matter, kid? You seem a bit down,” the man inquired.

“Uh! Oh, um, may I ask who you are?” Shin questioned, jolted back to reality, although his inquiry sounded somewhat jumbled.

“Who, me? I’m Douma Bear, the owner and chief of The Bear’s Den Inn!”

“‘Chief?’”

“Absolutely! I’m the well-known chief who attracts visitors coming just to see me! I’m the true star of the show—”

“You mean ‘star hostess!’” Shin couldn’t resist chiming in.

“Hmm. Good one!” Douma replied with a thumbs-up, clearly appreciating the correction.

Did I just enter the wrong place?

“No reason to be shy, young man!” Douma remarked.

“I’m not shy! What gave you that idea?” Shin shot back as the exchange began to feel like a comedy skit.

“That’s the spirit, kid!”

“Keep it going!” the drunken crowd cheered.

Shin sighed, realizing he had unwittingly become the evening’s entertainment.

Sighing, he mumbled, “Perhaps I should look for a different inn—”

“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?!” A woman’s voice suddenly pierced across the tavern, overpowering Shin’s quiet words.

The voice originated from behind Douma, but due to his large stature, Shin couldn’t see who was speaking.

“Father? How many times must I tell you to stop saying strange things? What will you do if unusual rumors start spreading?”

Her tone was even, but the anger beneath it was undeniable. Even Shin, not directly involved, felt a shiver and nearly whispered, “Chilling…”

“W-Well, you see, it was just a harmless prank…”

“Silence.”

His explanation was swiftly interrupted. From their exchange, it appeared the speaker was Douma’s daughter, though it felt as if their roles were reversed, with her scolding him.

“I’ll take care of things here. You should go assist mom in the kitchen!”

“O-Okay.”

With his shoulders slumped, Douma made his way into the kitchen. To Shin, it felt as if his towering frame had shrunk by a size or two as he walked away—undoubtedly, it wasn’t just an illusion.

“I apologize for letting you see something strange right away. Are you here for a meal or in search of a place to stay?” she asked.

Douma seemed to fade into the background, his presence dismissed as insignificant. But with him gone, Shin finally noticed the daughter who had been obscured behind him.

She was a young girl with short brown hair, wearing a smile that seemed like her professional service smile, which was endearing enough. She exuded a charm that surpassed the mere label of pretty. If it weren’t for their earlier conversation, Shin would have never guessed that this girl was Douma’s daughter.

“Uh, I’m here to stay, please. Is your dad always like that?” Shin inquired.

“I’d prefer you to forget that, but… it happens sometimes. Adventurers often adapt, making it manageable. However, merchants tend to react differently. The stay costs two silver Jule coins, which covers dinner and breakfast. If you’d like to take a bath, just inform us; it’s four copper Jule coins per use. Breakfast is served until the ninth bell in the morning,” she explained.

“Got it.”

He wasn’t sure whether two silver Jule coins were a lot or not, but since he had enough money, he agreed.

“I’m uncertain how long I’ll be staying. What should I do then?” he inquired.

“In that case, you can either pay daily or settle for several days upfront. If you require more time later, you can pay the difference then. Just to confirm, you’re an adventurer, right?”

“Yes, I just registered today. Celica recommended this place to me.”

“Celica recommended it?! You should’ve mentioned that earlier! So, it’ll be one silver Jule coin and ninety copper Jule coins. As an adventurer, I suggest paying in advance. It’s common for adventurers to leave for several days on a job, correct? If you check out without paying, we’ll dispose of any items left in your room, so please keep that in mind.”

Long-term assignments weren’t unusual for adventurers, so they might not return for an extended period. In such situations, daily payments wouldn’t work well.

Adventurers engaged in perilous occupations also faced the risk of death. From the inn’s viewpoint, reserving a room for a guest who might never return wouldn’t be practical, particularly if there was an outstanding payment.

“Alright, I’ll pay upfront. Here you go,” Shin said, pulling a gold Jule coin from his Item Box (though it looked as though he had taken it from his pocket) and passing it over.

“That’s enough for fifty days. What should I do with the surplus?” asked the girl.

“I plan to use the bath, so just subtract the bath fees from it,” Shin recommended.

“Understood. I’ll inform you if you need to add more. Now, please sign the guestbook. If you need assistance with writing, it’s two copper Jule coins.”

“That’s unnecessary… Is this acceptable?”

The girl examined the guestbook before handing him a key.

“Yes, that’s correct. Shin, right? Your room is on the second floor, Room 201. Are you familiar with the valuables storage box?”

“Valuables storage box? No, I don’t know what that is,” Shin responded, tilting his head in perplexity.

“Well, I’ll tell you all about it. A valuables box indicates you’re staying at a quality establishment. Think of it as a safe for your important items. Only the person who stored the items or the inn’s manager can access it, ensuring protection from physical threats, magic, and any Skills or techniques. This box itself is a magical item. Even if the inn were to be completely destroyed, your belongings would remain secure. Pretty remarkable, don’t you think? You won’t find such a feature at just any inn!” she said with pride.

As the girl described the valuables storage box while promoting the inn, Shin found her quite resourceful. This inn certainly seemed superior to others in the area. It would have been perfect if it wasn’t for the “star head honcho,” he thought, nearly chuckling at the idea but managing to suppress it.

After getting the key, Shin made his way upstairs to the second floor. Although he didn’t have much to leave in the room, he still wanted to check it out.

Room 201, where Shin was going to stay, was located at the far end of the second floor. The room measured around ten tatami mats and was equipped with a desk, a chair, a bed, and a closet—more than sufficient for one person.

At the back of the room, he spotted what seemed to be the valuables storage box that had been mentioned earlier. Given that nothing else matched the description, it was likely the box in question.

What surprised Shin the most was finding a room equipped with its own toilet—a real flush toilet. In The New Gate, toilets hadn’t existed. Although the game aimed for realism, the developers seemed to have excluded bodily functions.

After all, no player wanted to manage such distractions during gameplay. Picture this: you’re on a vast battlefield, suddenly needing to go, only to be ambushed by a monster in the midst of it—total immersion breaker.

Even throughout the death game, the world’s toilet situation hadn’t evolved, making this the first time in nearly a year that Shin had encountered one. Given The Bear’s Den Inn’s quality, it was logical for each room to feature its own bathroom. Yet for Shin, who had spent the last year without a toilet, the sight sparked a peculiar blend of surprise and nostalgia.

“I never thought I’d feel nostalgic about seeing a toilet…” Shin murmured to himself.

He felt a wave of anxiety wash over him as he wondered if he still knew how to use it correctly after a year of not needing one.

Part 3

After thoroughly inspecting the room, Shin ensured the door was locked securely before heading back downstairs. He intended to eat and gather information. While he was not particularly hungry—having already dined at the guild—he wanted to make the most of the meal included in his lodging cost, following his usual frugal mindset. He was ready to order food.

Downstairs, the loud group of adventurers continued their boisterous activity, just as they had been before.

Out of habit from his gaming days, Shin couldn’t resist checking their levels. According to Analyze X, the average level of the adventurers present was approximately 120.

This brought to mind the group of knights he had observed at The Moon Sanctum. Although he hadn’t examined them closely, their levels appeared to be between one hundred and 110. The last group, led by Ardhi, seemed slightly stronger, prompting Shin to ponder the power dynamics between adventurers and knights in this country.

He sat alone at a table, ordered food, and while he waited, absorbed the surrounding noise. Utilizing Skills like Keen Ear—which enabled him to hear voices and sounds distinctly within a certain distance—and Noise Cancel—which eliminated unwanted sounds—Shin listened to conversations from across the room.

Typically, in the game, a menu would pop up, and the player had to select from available options. Yet, after coming to this world, Shin discovered he could choose which sounds to focus on based on his thoughts and intentions.

While most of the noise was just casual talk, Shin understood that information obtained in such settings could be valuable. In many games, critical insights often emerged from unlikely sources. Although it was uncertain if the same applied here, Shin recognized that, considering his unfamiliarity with this world’s dynamics, even seemingly insignificant discussions might be worth noting.

“Have you heard? Wilhelm just defeated another group of monsters!”

“I’m so starved… I need food!”

“Did you catch the rumor? There’s a Skullface lurking in the Northern Forest!”

“Recently, the harvest of hilk grass has been plentiful.”

“This beer is fantastic.”

“Can I put in an order?”

“The ‘star head honcho?’ Really?”

“Tsugumi-chan, pour me another drink! Wait, Douma, that was just a jo—”

A drunken man flew through the air, but the tavern patrons remained unfazed. This must have been a usual occurrence, leading Shin to observe without intervening. He noted several fascinating terms he overheard, making mental notes. The most important was “Skullface,” which referred to a type of undead creature. These creatures were ranked as Skullface pawn, jack, queen, etc. Each rank indicated their power level. Correctly identifying the rank was crucial to steering clear of serious dangers.

“Here’s your order.” A voice interrupted Shin’s wandering thoughts, bringing him back to reality. He had become so engrossed in using his Skills in an unusual way that he had completely lost track of time.

He turned to the source of the voice and saw Douma’s daughter setting his meal on the table.

“You seemed lost in thought—anything on your mind?” she inquired.

“Ah, just reflecting on a few things,” Shin responded, attempting to mask his distraction. “Uh…”

“I realize I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Tsugumi Bear. My parents are mostly in the kitchen, so feel free to ask me if you need anything.”

“Understood. You might already know, but I’m Shin. I’m kind of an adventurer.”

“‘Kind of?’”

“I haven’t received my guild card yet.”

“Ah, I understand now. So, what were you considering? Something like how to level up quickly?” Tsugumi asked, choosing to sit across from him instead of going back to work. She appeared genuinely interested.

Shin hadn’t anticipated her joining him, but he assumed she was curious about a new adventurer.

“Not really. I’m pacing myself with leveling up. Coming from a remote, rural area, I’m unfamiliar with the local customs. I’ve just been observing others to learn.”

“Is that so? I only know this town, but people from different places say it’s not much different,” Tsugumi remarked.

“Is that so? Better to be cautious than to regret it later,” Shin replied.

“Hmm, you’re somewhat unique, aren’t you? Most new adventurers rush to get stronger or to climb the ranks. I’ve heard low-ranked adventurers often face disdain.”

“I’m sure they do. But I’m okay with that. I consider myself a bit unconventional. If someone looks down on me, I’ll handle it accordingly.”

Shin gave a confident grin. Unsure of the typical adventurer’s image, he assumed they exuded confidence, so he chose to embrace that notion.

“Oh? Confident in your skills?” Tsugumi inquired.

“More or less. I’ll run if things get too crazy—I’m not keen on dying,” Shin replied with a smirk.

Although he had no desire to stir up trouble, his instincts hinted that he might get pulled into it anyway.

“By the way, you’re just sitting here. Shouldn’t you be checking on the other tables? You’re a waitress, right?”

“If someone needs something, they’ll call. Besides, my mom’s helping out right now.”

Following her gaze, Shin spotted a woman with the same brown hair tied at the nape of her neck, taking orders at another table. It’s clear she takes after her mother, Shin observed, noting the striking resemblance. The woman was beautiful, leading him to believe that Tsugumi would likely grow up to be just as stunning.

“Isn’t this… slacking off?”

“It’s not slacking off. It’s information gathering,” Tsugumi retorted confidently.

“Gathering information from a novice adventurer?”

“Who knows? You might have potential. Besides, I’ve encountered many adventurers, and I have a keen eye for talent,” Tsugumi asserted, placing a hand on her chest, her expression radiating confidence.

“Oh? What do you think of me?” Shin inquired, intrigued.

“Hmm… I’d give you about eighty-five points.”

“Should I take that as a compliment?”

“It suggests you have potential.”

“Sounds a bit harsh. What caused the deduction?”

“Mostly a lack of ambition—just that single factor. You seem calm for a fresh adventurer and don’t come off as overly confident, but without the desire to improve, achieving true success is challenging. That’s just my viewpoint,” Tsugumi answered.

“Ambition, huh? I’ll get to that later,” Shin replied with a shrug.

He hadn’t joined the guild to make a name for himself as an adventurer; instead, his motivation was simply to do enough to get by. It appeared that this mindset didn’t align well with Tsugumi.

“You’re quite laid-back… I suppose that’s just your nature. Anyway, I should get back to work before I get yelled at. Don’t overdo it,” Tsugumi said with a wink as she rose and began to make her rounds to take orders.

The tavern had grown busier, with every table now filled.

Feeling a bit guilty about taking up a table meant for several people, Shin quickly finished his meal and headed back to his room. He also took Tsugumi’s advice to heart—when the crowd grows, so does the potential for trouble, and as a beginner adventurer, he could easily be overlooked.

Once back in his room, Shin found little to occupy his time. His only task was to sort through his belongings. Since arriving in this world, he had merely done a quick inventory check, so it was wise to inspect everything more carefully.

After sifting through his inventory, he took a bath to wash away the day’s sweat and changed into more comfortable clothes for sleep—essentially just shedding a few pieces of his usual gear.

Before climbing into bed, Shin cast a barrier Skill around the room—a habit from his gaming days. Although he possessed detection Skills to warn him of most surprises, it was always best to exercise caution.

The bed felt soft and remarkably comfortable. As sleep started to envelop him, Shin silently appreciated Celica for recommending the inn and allowed himself to drift off.

Amidst the fog of drowsiness, a long-forgotten thought emerged.

Oh, right…

“I… didn’t… leave… a message…”

He had completely forgotten to pass a message to Schnee through Tiera, despite the possibility that he might have encountered someone he knew. The day’s chaotic events had caused him to overlook it.

Part 4

Upon waking, an unfamiliar ceiling greeted Shin. He nearly questioned, “Where am I?” but the events from the day before slowly returned to him. The conflict with Origin, the leap to another world, Tiera’s curse, the guild fight… He found himself wishing he could wake in a hospital bed or some familiar place, having successfully logged out.

“As if things could be that convenient,” he murmured while taking in his surroundings. The room remained dim, hinting that it was just before sunrise. He could perceive movement on the first floor, suggesting the inhabitants of this world rose early.

“Barriers and detection systems are all in place. The first thing I do upon waking is check my surroundings, something the old me back in Japan wouldn’t have even considered.”

Shin struggled to remember when he became this cautious, even in his sleep. With a wry chuckle, he rose from bed, opened the window, and welcomed the fresh morning air. A slightly chilly breeze brushed against him as he gazed down at the street below, where a few early risers were already starting their day. Although the streets remained somewhat deserted, the city was gradually awakening.

The Bear’s Den Inn was perched slightly higher than the surrounding buildings, providing a clear view of the residential district to the west. Shin found himself momentarily mesmerized by the sight of a cityscape that wasn’t the product of a game program but rather a real, living world. Thanks to going to bed early, he felt wide awake, with a clear mind. Not in the mood to return to sleep, he continued to gaze at the city as the sun slowly rose over the city walls.

The previously dim streets gradually became illuminated by a warm glow. Before long, the entire area was bright, and more people began to venture outside. Shin retrieved a jacket and trousers from his Item Box, changed, locked his room, and made his way downstairs. On the first floor, he noticed several individuals, like himself, seemingly coming for breakfast, alongside others who were already eating or departing the inn. The majority appeared to be adventurers, suggesting that beginning the day at sunrise was a common ritual.

“Good morning. Did you sleep well last night?” Tsugumi greeted him, carrying an empty tray, showing she had just finished delivering food.

“Good morning! I slept deeply and woke up feeling refreshed,” Shin replied.

“Glad to hear that. You’re here for breakfast too, right? I’ll get that for you, so please take a seat.”

“Thanks, I really appreciate it.”

Yesterday, he’d chosen a table seat to observe the room, but today he wasn’t as interested in gathering information, so he decided to sit at the counter instead.

The breakfast consisted of black bread and stew. The black bread turned out to be softer than he had anticipated, resembling the texture of French bread. The stew was brimming with vibrant vegetables and tender meat, proving more filling than it initially appeared.

As he looked around, Shin observed that everyone was dipping their bread into the stew. It was clear that consuming the black bread alone wasn’t typical.

“This is delicious,” he commented.

The stew had likely simmered for an extended period; every ingredient was infused with a rich flavor and so tender that it practically melted in his mouth. Dipping the bread into the stew amplified the experience, making it even more delightful.

Amazed by the quality, Shin ended up requesting two additional servings of bread and stew before taking a short pause. He then contemplated whether he had indulged a bit too much.

“You really enjoyed your breakfast this morning,” Tsugumi said.

“Just like yesterday, the food here is too delicious to resist,” Shin responded.

“I’m glad to hear that. As a small token of my appreciation, I have a tip for you. If you’re considering picking up your guild card, it might be wise to delay a bit before heading over.”

“Is there something I should know if I go now?”

“The guild tends to get particularly busy in the early morning. If you’re a low rank, you might find yourself cut in line or even pushed into a party, so it’s best to be cautious.”

“That sounds a bit risky. Doesn’t the guild staff intervene in those situations?”

“They will step in if it’s obvious, but those who engage in such behavior usually know how to hide it well.”

“I get it now; they have a lot of experience,” Shin said, opting to delay his visit to the guild a little longer. Although he wasn’t concerned about facing harassment, he also didn’t want to invite any unnecessary trouble.

“Those types are often the ones who let you down when it matters most,” Tsugumi added.

“That’s hard to dispute.”

“Anyway, why not relax a bit longer?” Tsugumi suggested as she walked away to take more orders from other tables.

Grateful for her advice, Shin chose to pass the time by sipping fruit juice and observing his surroundings. With little to occupy him, he listened to nearby conversations and examined the gear and tools that the adventurers around him were wielding.

It was only this morning that Shin came to realize that some of the items he had casually utilized in the game were deemed rare in this world. This realization had hit him when he accessed his Item Box for a change of clothes and remembered the weapons and tools he had seen at The Moon Sanctum.

Most of the items there catered to beginners or those just slightly above that level. While there were a few pieces of equipment for intermediate users, they were quite scarce.

Observing the contrast between his high-level gear and the equipment found in this world made Shin feel somewhat melancholic. This sentiment fueled his curiosity about the gear used by others. Although he’d briefly looked the night before, the influx of adventurers this morning presented a better chance for him to observe.

As he enjoyed his juice, Shin took a casual glance at the nearby tables.

Most weapons were crafted from bronze or iron, with only a few appearing to be of superior quality. The armor, too, was mostly leather or iron, with little indication of magical enhancements.

It seemed evident that the general quality of equipment and tools in this world had diminished compared to what Shin experienced during his gaming days.

Given this possibility, Shin had opted to wear relatively low-quality equipment when he changed clothes earlier.

At the moment, Shin was wearing an Earth Lizard Jacket and Demon Spider Silk Pants. Both items were crafted from materials obtained from monsters that players around level seventy could hunt.

Despite their low rank, all of these items were enhanced to their maximum capacity, resulting in a performance increase of almost four times their original power.

The sword at his waist, Kazuchi¹, was the same.

Kazuchi was the first piece of equipment acquired by players selecting the Samurai class, which meant its initial stats were relatively low. Even after enhancements, most players tended to sell or stash it as they progressed to higher levels.

Nonetheless, Kazuchi outperformed most adventurers’ weapons, highlighting the overall inferior quality of equipment in this world.

This made Shin understand how rare and precious Barlux’s equipment truly was.

After roughly thirty minutes spent idly waiting and collecting information, Shin finally departed from The Bear’s Den Inn.

Part 5

As Shin approached the guild, he observed the vibrant city around him. Unlike yesterday, when the streets were relatively empty due to the hour, today the main roads linking the western, southern, and eastern districts buzzed with activity, teeming with people.

Stalls lined the streets, bustling with people enjoying breakfast or purchasing lunchboxes. Numerous vendors were selling various items—from weapons and magical gear for adventurers to bizarre, enigmatic tools with unknown purposes. The vibrant atmosphere felt unbelievable, considering it was only a couple of hours past sunrise.

Shin walked toward the guild, occasionally perusing the stalls. With so many adventurers wielding weapons, his sword went unnoticed. Nonetheless, Shin instinctively activated Search to examine his surroundings. It seemed that caution was now second nature to him.

I possess that letter of introduction, after all. Better to be cautious. Shin chose to keep the Skill active.

After approximately forty minutes of walking, the Adventurers’ Guild sign appeared at last. It took a little longer than yesterday, likely because Shin skirted the busiest spots in the crowd. He stepped into the building just as a group of adventurers exited. Despite arriving at a different time, the interior still felt quite congested.

At the reception desk, alongside Celica stood an elven woman. Her slender, pointed ears, resembling Tiera’s, identified her as an Elf. Shin approached the desk and addressed Celica first.

“Good morning. I’m here to collect my guild card,” he said.

“Good morning, Shin-sama. I’ll fetch it right away; please hold on just a moment. Also… Els, this is the Shin-sama I mentioned earlier,” Celica said, calling to the Elf woman at the adjacent reception.

The Elven woman, appearing to be in her mid-twenties, walked over to Shin.

“Good morning, Shin-sama. I’m Els Balt. I heard you were looking for me yesterday—how can I help you?” Els said with a smile.

Like many Elves, she was exceptionally beautiful. Her vibrant green hair flowed to her waist, reminiscent of forest trees, and her blue eyes sparkled like a mountain lake. Standing at about 175 cemels tall, she was notably tall for a woman.

With her model-like figure and captivating beauty, she was unexpectedly an adventurer. Not wanting to stare, Shin quickly addressed the matter.

“I believe this is intended for you,” he said, pulling the letter of introduction from The Moon Sanctum out of his Item Box and handing it to Els. He had already taken precautions against theft—if someone attempted to switch or steal it, the item would instantly return to its owner.

“This is for me…?” Els tilted her head in confusion at Shin’s vague phrasing, but she accepted the letter of introduction and started to read it.

Her eyes widened briefly before her expression shifted to one of disbelief, as if she couldn’t fathom what she was seeing.

“This can’t be… But…” she murmured in astonishment.

Celica observed her colleague’s reaction with concern, while Shin couldn’t help but feel curious about the contents of the letter. Had Tiera mentioned anything related to the curse? Shin couldn’t fathom what might have triggered such a response.

Els appeared thoroughly astonished; she began muttering to herself, seemingly unaware of Shin and Celica’s presence. Suddenly, she snapped back to reality and focused intently on Shin.

“Uh… is something wrong?” Shin asked, feeling uneasy under her intense gaze.

“You… You helped Tiera. Thank you. Please let me express my gratitude as well,” Els replied suddenly, bowing her head deeply. Her tone had shifted abruptly to a much more formal manner.

“Uh, sorry, but I’m not following,” Shin admitted, utterly perplexed by the unexpected change in atmosphere.

“Oh… I’m sorry, I got a little overwhelmed. Celica, I need to step out for a moment, so could you please cover the reception?” Els said, her voice now steady and composed as she directed Celica. Turning to Shin, she continued, “This discussion isn’t appropriate for public view. I apologize, but can we continue this in a more private space?”

“Sure, I’ll arrange for someone else to cover the reception,” Celica replied with a smile.

“Okay…” Shin agreed, though he felt a bit disheartened—this marked the second time he would be led to a private room. Is something wrong again? he wondered as he followed Els.

As they had the day before, they walked down the corridor behind the reception area and entered what looked like a meeting room. After securing the door, Els seemed to do something else before settling on the sofa. Shin took a seat opposite her.

“Thank you once more. I truly appreciate you lifting Tiera’s curse,” Els said, reiterating her gratitude.

“Oh, so that’s what this is about,” Shin replied, finally grasping the situation.

It appeared that Els knew about Tiera’s curse, likely informed by the letter of introduction detailing the previous day’s events.

“Please, lift your head. From my viewpoint, it wasn’t anything to make a fuss over,” Shin stated.

“Regardless, I must. I had been looking for a way to break the curse too but found no leads. You succeeded where I failed, so it’s only right I express my gratitude.”

Shin realized that Els’s adventure yesterday might have been tied to her personal quest to lift the curse.

“If possible, please refrain from making a big deal out of it. And by the way, is that your normal way of speaking?”

“I understand. I promise by the name of the forest spirits that this information will remain confidential. Honestly, it’s not something that should be shared publicly. Regarding my speaking style, this is simply the way I’m most comfortable. Tiera mentioned you usually don’t worry about such things, but does it bother you?”

“No, it’s fine. Just speak as you normally do—I’ll do the same. However, there’s another reason you brought me here, right? I noticed you did something to the door earlier.”

“That was a spell to block eavesdropping. The discussion we’re about to have isn’t for the guild staff to hear. That said, I mainly have some personal questions for you.”

Shin let out a sigh, feeling somewhat frustrated. He had already picked up on Els’s curiosity about him, but this seemed to slightly overstep her role.

“Just so you’re aware, I don’t plan to answer everything,” Shin warned.

“I get that. But after searching for over fifty years without finding any clues to break the curse, I really need to understand how you accomplished it,” Els replied.

Her gaze reflected a blend of intellectual curiosity and deep personal longing. Having spent more than twice Shin’s lifespan searching for a way to help Tiera, it was only natural for her to wish to understand how the curse had been lifted, even though it was already resolved.

This led Shin to wonder if others shared similar burdens.

“Didn’t the letter mention how I broke the curse?” Shin inquired.

“Tiera wrote this quickly, so that detail was missing. What do you think? I’ll give you any reward I can. Could you share how you accomplished it?” Els got up from the sofa, her intensity clear.

Although it wasn’t unpleasant to have a beautiful woman lean in so close, her urgent demeanor made Shin feel uneasy.

Due to his limited grasp of societal norms, Shin hesitated to disclose the existence of the Purification Skill.

Shin concluded that it was likely safe to share the information, since Els was aware of Tiera’s curse and had received a personal note from Tiera in the letter of introduction. After all, Els had dedicated years to finding a solution to break the curse for Tiera’s benefit.

“Alright, just take a seat. I’ll clarify everything, so please calm down,” Shin said, gently guiding the overly excited Els back onto the sofa before joining her. “The way to lift the curse involves a Divine-type Skill called Purification. While there are other approaches, I believe this one is the most dependable.”

Shin was hesitant to make definitive claims because he had only read about different purification methods and had never personally used any purification items.

“Purification… I never thought that Skill could have such an impact,” Els murmured, her face showing profound regret.

Tiera had mentioned that only top priests were usually associated with Purification. If Els had discovered this sooner, she might have been able to assist Tiera earlier.

“How many individuals truly possess… or, more accurately, inherit the Purification Skill?” Shin inquired with curiosity.

“I’m not sure. The requirements for obtaining Purification are only known to those with high rank in the church. Moreover, the complete scope of its effects isn’t commonly understood. In fact, I’ve never encountered anyone outside the church who was able to use Purification.”

“What?” Shin sank back in his chair, overwhelmed with discouragement.

He felt anxious, realizing he possessed a Skill so rare and valuable within the church. If others found out, he could easily attract unwanted attention. His Skill already set him apart, but understanding its true worth could invite an entirely new set of troubles.

“I have a bad feeling about this… Please promise me you won’t tell anyone else,” Shin pleaded.

“Of course. As someone who possesses Skills myself, I understand the kind of trouble they can bring. I promise to keep your secret safe, especially since you helped Tiera,” Els replied casually.

Shin had anticipated that, being part of an organization, Els would need to report this information to her superiors; however, it appeared his concern was misplaced.

“Just be careful, okay?”

Shin chose not to escalate the issue or make unreasonable demands. Even in a joking manner, comments like “Protect this with your life” could be seriously misconstrued, potentially leading to further complications.

Shin remained uncertain about the boundary between what was considered “safe” and “off-limits” regarding jokes in this world. Moreover, although he wished to steer clear of issues, this wasn’t precisely a life-or-death secret that demanded utmost confidentiality.

“Nonetheless, because of you, I feel as if a burden has been lifted from my shoulders. It’s harsh to be restricted to a single home for decades, even if it was for her protection,” Els commented.

“I suspected as much. That’s one reason I chose to break the curse. But how did you learn about Tiera’s curse? I doubt she would have mentioned it herself.”

Tiera had been exiled from her village due to the curse, making it improbable for her to willingly disclose that information to another Elf.

“Tiera and I are from the same village. I met her when I returned home during my travels as an adventurer. Back then, she was just an ordinary Elf—a stunning girl with silver hair,” Els explained.

“I see.”

“Upon hearing about Tiera’s curse, I hurried back to the village, only to find she had already been exiled. Once I discovered the nature of the curse, I truly doubted she would make it through.”

A curse drawing powerful monsters would render survival almost impossible for anyone alone. Without Schnee’s help, Tiera’s chances of survival would have been nearly nonexistent.

“Cursed and later saved by Schnee… She has experienced a mix of misfortune and fortune,” Shin reflected.

“Tiera has the choice to determine which it was. With the curse lifted thanks to your efforts, I hope she discovers happiness.”

“Yeah, it’s not for us to decide. Alright, let’s end this conversation here. Is there anything else you’d like to ask?”

“No, that’s everything. I appreciate your time.”

“No problem at all. I understand your curiosity,” Shin said. The conversation had lasted less than thirty minutes, so it really wasn’t an inconvenience at all.

As they left the meeting room and went back to the reception area, Shin observed Celica chatting with another receptionist. When Els returned, the receptionist offered a slight bow before proceeding upstairs, leaving Celica alone at the counter.

“Are you ready to go?” Celica inquired.

“Yes. We’re done talking,” Shin said while heading toward Celica’s counter.

“Thanks, Celica. You really helped me out,” Els said, showing her appreciation.

Following a quick expression of gratitude, Els approached the nearby reception desk to handle what appeared to be a request from an adventurer.

“Here you go, Shin-sama. This is your guild card, which doubles as an identification card. Please take care not to misplace it. If it is lost for any reason, replacing it will require ten silver Jule coins,” Celica explained while handing over the card.

“Understood,” Shin said, taking the guild card from Celica.

The card showed his name, rank, affiliation, and party details. Celica explained yesterday that only the cardholder could access this information without a special tool.

“I wonder what requests are available,” Shin mused as he approached the bulletin board to check the listings. The majority of G-rank requests centered on collecting materials or undertaking various tasks that carried minimal risk and offered little reward.

Surprisingly, adventurers earned an average of one silver Jule coin. It was evident they were better compensated than the general population.

“I think I’ll choose this one,” Shin said, grabbing a request sheet and bringing it to Celica at the reception counter. “I’d like to accept this request—harvesting hilk grass.”

“As this is an ongoing request, there is no specific deadline. For every thirty leaves of hilk grass collected, the reward is one silver Jule coin,” Celica clarified.

“If I collect sixty leaves, will that double the reward?”

“Yes. Hilk grass is used to create potions, so there’s always a demand for it. Some adventurers gather it while fulfilling other requests. Is this the request you’d like to accept?”

“Yes, definitely. By the way, I’m not sure what hilk grass looks like. Do you have a sample or something similar?”

“We do. Please hold on for a moment.”

Even though Shin had encountered hilk grass in the game, he decided to confirm its appearance to prevent any potential time wasted if it looked different here. Celica took a large, encyclopedia-style book from a shelf behind the reception desk.

As she set the heavy book on the counter with a slight grunt, Shin felt a wave of amusement.

“Phew, we have our plant encyclopedia. Let’s see, hilk grass… Ah, here it is,” Celica remarked, turning to the right page.

Shin expressed gratitude to Celica while verifying the plant’s shape and habitat. The hilk grass appeared identical to its depiction in the game—characterized by jagged leaves and reaching a height of approximately ten to fifteen cemels. Due to its clustered growth, collecting thirty leaves should be relatively easy.

“It primarily grows from the Eastern Forest to the Northern Forest,” Shin observed.

The description indicated that the grass thrived especially well in the forest’s deeper areas.

“While harvesting hilk grass, many individuals wander too deep into the forest, so exercise caution. Venturing too far may lead to encounters with dangerous monsters,” Celica cautioned.

“I’ll be careful.”

He had already traversed the Eastern Forest on his journey to The Moon Sanctum, but he thought it wise not to disclose that. The so-called fearsome monsters had already played a part in covering his inn fees.

“Be safe,” Celica called out to Shin as he departed.

After exiting the guild, Shin contemplated his next moves. I should consider getting a map as well, he thought, making his way to the East Gate.

Part 6

Following Shin’s departure from the guild, inside the break room:

After completing their paperwork, Els and Celica relaxed in the break room, enjoying tea and discussing Shin.

“Celica, now that I think about it, do you know who that man really is?” Els asked.

“Okay, I haven’t brought it up before. I’m not fully informed, but…” Celica started, reminiscing about the previous day’s events when Shin first came to the guild.

Celica could only tell Els about the incident with Barlux, as it was obvious he had a letter of introduction.

“Honestly, the most I can say is that Blue Wolf sparred with him and was quickly overpowered. Even I could see that he possesses considerable skills,” Celica remarked, returning to her typical tone while conversing with a coworker.

Barlux had explicitly directed Celica to pass this information to Els, making it permissible to share. Both were cautious to avoid mentioning any specific names. As a reference, Blue Wolf served as Barlux’s alias.

Els’s awareness of Shin and Barlux’s meeting stemmed from her role in the guild.

“I see; that explains why I couldn’t see through him,” Els nodded, her expression showing understanding.

“Hold on, are you for real?” Celica inquired, her expression showing disbelief.

Els ranked among the guild’s top executives, subordinate only to the sub-master. Her authority stemmed from her proficiency in the Skill Analyze VII and her Observer title. This enabled her to perceive the names and levels of stronger opponents and swiftly identify any false identities. She had instantly recognized Barlux’s level, demonstrating her keen insight.

How could Els claim she “couldn’t see” Shin? What type of person was he? In truth, it was impossible to determine if “Shin” was actually his real name.

“I honestly don’t believe there’s much to worry about. Tiera wouldn’t provide a letter of introduction to anyone with bad intentions, and I didn’t find anything particularly odd after our conversation,” Els said.

“Blue Wolf shares a similar opinion. He does seem a bit unusual, though,” Celica added, remembering the strange comfort she felt around Shin.

“Unusual… Yes, that’s true. His power and demeanor don’t quite align; they seem… disjointed.”

“Absolutely. I… I experienced a comforting sense of security in his presence,” Celica softly spoke, expressing her feelings in the serene environment.

“It’s hard to figure him out…”

“Truly, he’s a mystery…”

The more they contemplated it, the more ambiguous Shin’s character became to them. Yet, despite being in a situation where anxiety would have been natural, they both experienced an inexplicable sense of calm in their hearts.

Part 7

Upon departing the guild, Shin made his way through the East Gate directly, without any deviations. He stayed on the main road for some time before steering into the forest.

The Eastern Forest was a popular spot for beginner adventurers, known for its relative safety from dangerous monsters. Shin learned this from Beid, whom he’d met at the gate. Beid noted that several novices had ventured into the Eastern Forest earlier that day.

Even though Beid had been assigned to the South Gate yesterday, the guards appeared to rotate their posts regularly, so he would now serve at the East Gate for some time.

For Shin, this mission was merely a quick task that would have taken under thirty minutes to accomplish in the game. He intended to swiftly complete the guild’s request before going to the library to collect information about this world. Keeping that in mind, Shin pressed on with his walk.

While the forest was a familiar spot for newcomers, certain areas were dark and shadowy, enveloped by tall, dense trees. Despite being warned that only low-level monsters and wild animals inhabited the region, Shin found it hard to shake off the feeling that it would be quite frightening for someone without experience.

He ensured he didn’t let his guard down, remaining cautious about what he’d been told. From what he remembered, hilk grass thrived in slightly open areas or places where sunlight could easily reach, so he decided to concentrate his search on those spots.

Shin had heard that hilk grass was quite easy to locate, so he believed he could return swiftly.

Part 8

“Nothing.”

It had already been three hours since Shin entered the forest.

“Still nothing!”

Total harvest: Zero.

“Nothing at all!”

Not a trace of hilk grass was visible.

What began as an assured venture into the forest now seemed like a faded recollection. Despite drawing on his knowledge from the game and diligently searching the woods, he still hadn’t gathered even one blade of hilk grass.

“This is confusing… I should have discovered at least one by now,” he said, scratching his head.

He had journeyed far into the forest, and with no signs of fellow adventurers nearby, it was unlikely that someone else had already gathered them.

“I suppose I should keep going.”

Relying on the guidebook’s suggestion that creatures would be more numerous deeper in the woods, he continued forward. The darkness thickened around him, and he became aware of the likely presence of wild animals. He advanced until he arrived at a point where he felt monsters might emerge if he ventured farther, whereupon he began inspecting the area. With no clearings or sunny patches in sight, he meticulously searched every inch of the surroundings.

Shin examined the grass around the tree roots and wherever else he noticed, yet there was no trace of hilk grass.

“I’m starting to get hungry…”

It was afternoon, and the sun shone brightly overhead. Shin had roamed for so long that his stomach had begun rumbling, insisting on food.

“I suppose I’ll eat something.”

Searching on an empty stomach wasn’t efficient. Shin opted to take a lunch break to refresh his mind. Near him was a conveniently-sized tree stump, so he pulled out some food from his Item Box and began to eat.

The menu included a hot dog and a cola.

The items kept in the Item Box remained fresh over time. While organizing his inventory, Shin noticed these food items were still completely edible, so he intended to have them for lunch. In the game, they used to grant status boosts or HP recovery, but it appeared those effects were absent here, as his abilities remained unchanged.

He owned an assortment of precious food items, yet they appeared to be merely gourmet meals at this point. Besides, he couldn’t fathom taking the time to eat during a fierce battle with a monster.

“Munch, gulp, phew. Okay, back to searching,” Shin remarked, hastily finishing his junk food lunch.

To avoid attracting wild animals or monsters with smells, he had opted for food he could consume quickly. Shin continued his quest for the hilk grass, but after three additional hours, he remained unable to find any.

At this moment, he felt confounded. He began to question whether all the hilk grass in the Eastern Forest had already been collected.

After an hour, Shin began to feel fatigued, prompting him to return to the inn. While his body felt capable of continuing, the mental strain from searching for so long without any results was beginning to take its toll.

Upon reaching the gate, he observed the guards transitioning between shifts. It appeared they alternated responsibilities between patrolling and overseeing the gate. Among the soldiers heading back from their patrol, Shin recognized Beid.

As Beid reviewed his guild card to re-enter the city, they shared a brief conversation.

“Hey, you seem tired. Did something happen?” Beid inquired.

“I ventured into the Eastern Forest to find hilk grass, but after searching all day, I found nothing…” Shin said, his voice laced with frustration.

“Wait, really? You’re joking, right? Hilk grass is typically easy to locate if you search a little. I noticed a few other beginners returned today—they all finished their quests without any issues.”

“Wha… Huh?” Shin was shocked to learn that the other rookies had completed their quests. Beid, apparently oblivious to the impact of his words, went on speaking.

“I believe they returned before noon… Don’t tell me you’ve been searching all day?”

“Yeah…” Shin admitted, covering his face with his left hand as his shoulders drooped. Even though he recognized this was a different world, it was hard for him to accept. Back in the game, he had been an SS-rank adventurer, but now, his pride lay in ruins.

“Just, you know… keep your head high.”

“Heh, your words of encouragement really hit home…” Shin replied, his voice laced with sarcasm. Collecting hilk grass was considered an easy task, leaving Beid unsure of how to console him, resulting in a standard response.

“Sometimes, luck plays a significant role. Today was simply one of those days. Give it another shot tomorrow.”

“I’m thinking I might venture further into the forest tomorrow.”

“Don’t stray too far. I understand you’re not one to make such mistakes, but many inexperienced individuals have lost their lives by venturing too deep.”

“Yeah, I get it. Catch you later.”

The search for hilk grass didn’t come with a strict deadline, allowing for a relaxed pace. However, Shin’s inability to locate any so far intensified his determination, driven by sheer stubbornness. He started contemplating a trip to the Northern Forest, already strategizing for the next day.

Part 9

The following day, Shin awoke at dawn and promptly began his day. After inspecting his gear, he enjoyed breakfast at The Bear’s Den Inn before navigating through the lively crowds. Along the way, he visited a general store and purchased a basic map of the kingdom and its surroundings. Although he had deemed it unnecessary the day prior since he was remaining nearby, in hindsight, he recognized the importance of being prepared.

The map lacked detail, serving more as a rough outline of the kingdom and its surroundings. Since he didn’t intend to travel far beyond the kingdom, its inclusion of the Northern Forest was adequate.

Once Shin exited the store and walked for some time, he spotted a crowd forming by the East Gate. Intrigued by the commotion, he moved closer to investigate.

Before him stood a carriage, its form barely intact, accompanied by the coachman and several adventurers following closely. While the coachman seemed unharmed, the situation was dire for the adventurers. Numerous individuals among them were drenched in blood, evidently battling serious injuries, with one having tragically lost an arm. None among them appeared unscathed, and they leaned on one another for support.

They appeared as though they had just narrowly escaped with their lives.

“What happened here?” Shin pondered aloud.

Although the scene was disturbing, the spectators maintained their distance, only watching as the guards interrogated the group. No one appeared inclined to intervene.

“Let’s see… Level 131, 129, 118, and 134,” Shin noted as he observed the adventurers. “If the captain of the kingdom’s knights is at level 188—probably around A-rank—then these adventurers are likely C- or D-rank.”

The damage to their armor and the carriage indicated a bladed attack, yet the complete severing of the carriage’s roof made it improbable that simple bandits were the culprits.

Eventually, the crowd cleared out, and the adventurers were escorted for treatment. Shin walked to the gate and called out to Beid.

“Hey, Beid, what happened to those guys?” Shin inquired.

“Oh, it’s you, Shin! They were attacked by a monster and barely escaped,” Beid responded.

So, it turned out it wasn’t bandits after all.

“Really? Can you tell me what attacked them?”

“Just don’t share it too widely. But since it’s you, I trust you won’t. Eventually, everyone will find out anyway.”

“Was it something big?”

“It was a Skullface. You’ve heard the rumors, right?”

“Isn’t that the one found in the Northern Forest?”

“Exactly. However, sightings have been rare until now. Initially, we believed it was merely a Pawn-class, but it appears a more powerful Jack-class has emerged.”

“Jack-class… How many were in the party?”

“Two complete parties, totaling twelve people. As you saw, only four of them survived.”

“I understand…”

The level range for the Jack-class Skullface was between 150 and 250. Considering the earlier adventurers had an average level of approximately 120, it is plausible to conclude that if twelve of them failed to defeat it, this Jack-class Skullface was likely at level two hundred or higher.

“All the top adventurers are currently absent. If necessary, the guildmaster or the knight captain may need to intervene,” Beid suggested.

“Based on the level, that seems accurate. Hmm? What about the princess? Isn’t she known to be quite strong?” Shin wondered, remembering that the second princess was rumored to be a formidable force with a level exceeding two hundred.

“No chance… Regardless of her strength, a royal family member wouldn’t simply venture out on monster hunts.”

“I’ve heard she’s quite aggressive in battles. I’ve even been told she defeated a Horned Dragon.”

“Oh… that…” Beid responded, this time covering his face with one hand and slumping his shoulders, much like Shin had done the previous day. It seemed he had touched on a sensitive subject.

“Anyway, I’ll be sure to stay away from the Northern Forest. Catch you later.”

“I know you’re careful, but still, be careful out there.”

Sensing the mood, Shin swiftly made his way to the Eastern Forest. It certainly seemed challenging to serve royalty as Beid did.

Upon arriving at the Eastern Forest, Shin moved past the area he had explored the previous day and ventured further into the woods. With his Search Skill active, he noticed monsters roaming nearby, but since none posed a danger, he chose to ignore them.

Indeed, the information regarding hilk grass being more plentiful deeper in the forest proved true, as Shin quickly discovered several patches. He searched for an additional two hours but only managed to gather thirteen pieces—not even half of his requirement. Consequently, he chose to head to the Northern Forest.

The Eastern and Northern Forests were nearly joined, with just one road separating them. Considering this, Shin chose to travel west and explore the Northern Forest further.

After walking for some time, the road appeared before him. It was wide enough for two carriages to barely pass each other. Shin suspected that this was the spot where the Skullface had ambushed the adventurers. His suspicion was reinforced when he noticed the remnants of a carriage roof on the roadside, clearly severed.

As he examined the area more closely, he saw what looked like bloodstains and pieces of armor scattered about. The absence of bodies indicated that wild animals or monsters had probably removed them.

“In this world, even a Skullface poses a significant threat…” Shin whispered to himself while surveying the destruction.

If a single Jack-class Skullface could create this much destruction, then the fields where even more powerful monsters roamed were probably uninhabitable for Humans.

“There’s no use in dwelling on it now,” Shin remarked, shoving the thoughts aside as he crossed the road and stepped into the Northern Forest.

The trees appeared more densely packed here compared to the Eastern Forest. Consequently, over half of the sunlight was obstructed, casting a shadowy gloom over the forest even though it was midday. Shin had to tread carefully as he moved forward.

He sighed to himself, recognizing that locating hilk grass here would be difficult.

In contrast to the Eastern Forest, the Northern Forest was full of monsters. While the map functionalities from his gaming experiences were largely inoperable, he was still able to project colored markers—red and yellow—around himself, focusing on his location. With this, along with his detection abilities, no monster in his vicinity could stay concealed.

While Shin never aimed to provoke needless confrontations, he recognized the importance of grasping his abilities. Therefore, he readily retaliated against any monster that struck him.

While fighting, he gauged his strength by using his Limiter Skill. Initially, without the restraint he had during his battle with Barlux, the monsters disintegrated with a single strike. He wasn’t particularly surprised by this, as he had witnessed similar outcomes on his journey to The Moon Sanctum. However, he still found it challenging to assess how much his maximum attack power had grown. If his stats had remained unchanged, making an estimate would have been feasible, but since they were now more than double, determining that was impossible.

Ultimately, Shin determined that the only effective way to manage his power was by utilizing Limiter, his auxiliary Skill, at its highest level: ten.

The Limiter Skill was initially created to enable both beginners and advanced players to compete together by capping their statistics. As players improved their Skills, the limiter would reduce their stats by half, then two-thirds, and so forth.

This Skill enabled players of varying levels and stats to play together in the game. Interestingly, it was a Skill that could be accessed at level ten right from the beginning.

Although Shin could thoroughly evaluate the enhancements to his physical abilities by pushing himself to the limit, this could lead to severe destruction in the surrounding area. Therefore, as a precaution, he was carefully assessing how much he needed to restrain his power.

Currently, Shin had applied the Limiter at its maximum level only to his STR stat. This reduced his STR to one-tenth of its original value, resulting in a stat of 223. This was roughly equivalent to the STR of a level 255 Human with no reincarnations. The rest of his stats remained unchanged. By the way, using Limiter wouldn’t reduce his stats at all. It was a Skill designed to adjust stats, meaning it could lower one’s power up to one-tenth or not at all, depending on the level.

Why was Shin restricting his strength? He aimed to gauge the damage a typical Human attack would inflict on monsters. If his weapon, seemingly a standard mass-produced item, could easily overpower formidable monsters, it would attract unwanted attention. For instance, maintaining a low profile was crucial should he ever join a party.

And naturally, he had to ensure that he didn’t unintentionally launch a full-scale attack and change the landscape.

While searching for hilk grass and experimenting, Shin found himself wishing for a Skill to locate items more easily.

As he ventured further into the forest, hilk grass became more abundant. He had collected twenty-nine pieces, just one short of completing his quest.

Shin braced himself and proceeded cautiously through the forest. Unexpectedly, he spotted something unusual on his map; a red marker, signaling a hostile presence, was acting strangely.

The red marker remained relatively stationary, limited to a range of about ten mels, yet its movements were unpredictable—occasionally zigzagging and at other times twisting and turning.

“What on earth? What’s going on here?” Shin murmured, captivated by the strange movement pattern.

Curious, Shin followed the map, approaching the enemy’s position. Moments later, he found himself close enough to glimpse it and cautiously peeked from behind a tree for a clearer view.

Upon finally encountering the creature, Shin stood speechless, immobilized by the scene before him.

A Jack-class Skullface stood in Shin’s line of sight.

This creature was over twice the size of a Pawn-class and—despite being composed solely of bones—stood three mels tall. It donned armor that included gauntlets, greaves, and a helmet. In its left hand it held a round shield approximately one mel in diameter, while its right hand wielded a greatsword measuring at least two mels long.

The armor of the Jack-class was completely black, except for the greatsword, which was impeccably maintained—unlike the worn gauntlets and rusted swords seen in the Pawn-class. Instead of eyes, a faint purplish flame flickered, and a black smoke radiated from its body, resembling a negative aura.

This was the commander of the undead soldiers risen from hell—the Jack-class Skullface.

Any average person in this world would be frozen in fear merely by encountering its gaze.

However, that wasn’t the reason Shin found himself speechless or rooted to the spot. For a top-level player like Shin, a Jack-class Skullface was just a minor opponent.

The true reason for Shin’s bewilderment could be encapsulated by a single question. “Why is a Skullface breakdancing?”

Think about it.

Undead monsters were beings that harbored resentment toward the living, seeking to drag them into their world—the realm of the dead. Their very appearance instilled terror in those who saw them, and the relentless attacks they unleashed spread death in all directions.

That was the essence of undead monsters in The New Gate, and Skullface perfectly embodied that terror.

It was definitely not the type of creature you would expect to see breakdancing in the middle of a secluded forest.

“This feels unreal… Far too unreal. Did you truly want to dance that much?” Shin murmured, his tone laced with a hint of pity.

He experienced an unusual guilt, as though he had seen something he shouldn’t.

Surrounding the Skullface, the absence of trees created a wide opening in the forest canopy. This was understandable—the Skullface, clad in armor and armed with a sword and shield, had been breakdancing. The greatsword had severed large trees, the shield had flattened the grass, and the rough surfaces of the armor had scarred the ground.

One may question why a creature would dance in armor at all, yet given that it was already dancing, there seemed little reason to doubt it.

Shin’s musings were cut short by a distant sound—liquid splashing against a hard surface. Intrigued, he looked toward the noise and spotted a large tree, its trunk marred by splashes of red liquid.

Quickly, Shin shifted his attention back to the Skullface, observing it intently.

The greatsword cutting through the air, the armor clad around its skeletal form, and the shield sweeping away the grass—each was soaked in blood. As Shin adjusted his gaze, he spotted a slain monster on the ground. It appeared that anything moving near the Skullface was met with swift aggression.

The Skullface that was said to appear in the Northern Forest… The adventurers who had encountered an attack…

While the blood on the sword didn’t provide definitive proof, it strongly suggested that this Skullface was likely behind the attack on the adventurers.

Shin, who had briefly lost focus, snapped back to attention. His earlier stunned expression became more resolute, and the atmosphere around him intensified.

“This isn’t the time to simply stand around,” he mumbled.

His first step involved gathering information about the opponent. Assuming that this encounter would mirror the game would be risky.

In fact, the Skullface was felling trees that measured thirty cemels in thickness with its movements. Lowering his guard wouldn’t be beneficial for him.

By utilizing Analyze X, Shin evaluated the Skullface’s statistics. Its level stood at 359—not merely Jack-class but surpassing even Queen-class, approaching King-class strength.

“Okay, it’s my turn to act,” Shin concluded.

He prepared his Kazuchi, poised for the perfect opportunity. As soon as the Skullface’s back was turned to him, Shin crouched low and bridged the gap in one quick motion.

Remaining in a low stance, he unsheathed his Kazuchi, targeting the defenseless back without employing any Skills. Skullfaces typically possessed strong resistance to slashing attacks, yet a surprise strike from behind should inflict considerable damage.

Sadly, his expectations were undermined.

Moments before Shin’s blade could hit its mark, the Skullface appeared to detect him. It slammed its left arm down, leveraging the impact to enhance its spin. The round shield it wielded in its left hand deflected Shin’s Kazuchi, and in response, the Skullface swung its greatsword in a sweeping motion, targeting Shin with a counterattack.

“What on earth?!” Shin shouted as he sprinted past the Skullface, leveraging the momentum from his draw to evade its sweeping counterattack.

Shin’s surprise was justified. The agile defense and effortless counter with the greatsword were actions unimaginable in the game. Given the stress these movements would exert on muscles and joints, such maneuvers were impossible for any Human to achieve.

This was possible due to the Skullface’s skeletal structure, which exhibited strength that contradicted its looks and allowed for movement beyond the usual constraints of joints. Shin’s astonishment was evident at the incredible combat skills of his foe.

“What’s that…? That’s not how a Skullface should move.” The breakdancing was already strange enough, but it wasn’t the only thing bothering him. Something about the sword the Skullface was holding felt off.

The sword was a broad weapon that needed both hands for a Human to wield. Its hilt was ornately decorated, and the blade gleamed with a silvery sheen, featuring a blue stripe down the center. It was likely made from materials stronger than iron, possibly mithril and magisteel, recognized for their magical properties. The bright light emanating from the blade was decidedly unusual for undead creatures.

Additionally, the white light indicated that the sword possessed a light attribute, which, along with its design, lent it the aura of a holy sword. This was certainly not the type of weapon one would expect an undead creature to wield.

“A unique monster… That’s the only explanation that fits,” Shin concluded, heightening his alertness further.

Unique monsters frequently exhibited traits or Skills that set them apart from ordinary ones. However, Shin had never encountered an undead being using a weapon infused with a light attribute—something that was usually their most significant vulnerability.

As Shin watched the Skullface, it appeared to acknowledge him as a serious rival. Standing firmly on two feet, it advanced with its shield slightly ahead while maintaining its greatsword in a retracted position. This stance clearly resembled that of a skilled swordsman, distinguishing it from mindless charging monsters.

“That dance wasn’t just a joke, was it?!” Shin yelled as he rushed at the Skullface again.

In one swift motion, he stepped forward and unsheathed his Kazuchi again, aiming for the creature’s left ankle.

“Hyaaah!!” he shouted, his blade cutting through the air.

Shin’s blow struck the Skullface’s ankle.

The Skullface attempted to respond to Shin’s strike by lifting its left-hand shield to defend, but the disparity in their sizes and the shield’s bulk hindered a timely reaction.

Suddenly, a loud metallic clang rang out as Shin jumped back, creating space between them.

The Skullface, knowing it couldn’t block the incoming strike, chose to ignore it and instead swung its greatsword in retaliation.

Recognizing the threat of the slash from behind, Shin opted to dodge instead of parrying.

Moments later, the greatsword slammed into the exact spot where Shin had recently stood. The immense force of the strike carved a three-mel gash into the earth, likely amplified by magic to widen its impact.

“The weapon it’s using is rare… No, it might even belong to a special, unique class. This isn’t normal,” Shin muttered to himself.

While the attack appeared normal to Shin, such powers were unprecedented for a low-tier monster’s weapon.

The Skullface, undeterred by Shin’s doubts, persisted in its fierce attack, brandishing its greatsword in response. After taking a hit, its left ankle had been chopped off. However, it appeared that the Skullface did not view this as an issue. Lacking any sense of pain, it promptly struck the ground with the remaining portion of its ankle to shorten the distance, delivering a fierce horizontal slash.

Shin surged ahead to confront the creature, unleashing his Swordsmanship-type Martial Skill White Blade Flow. He aimed his Kazuchi at the hilt of the greatsword, successfully deflecting the sweeping slash.

Seizing the opportunity, Shin activated another—Swordsmanship-type Martial Skill Crushing Blade—targeting the now-exposed torso. This Skill effectively delivered standard damage, even against opponents resistant to slashing attacks. As a result, his blade broke through the Skullface’s armor, sharp enough to cause substantial damage to its core.

At least, it should have.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Shin exclaimed, his voice brimming with disbelief.

Just before Shin’s strike hit, the Skullface made a quick backstep, dodging out of the blade’s path.

Although the blow had scraped and compromised its armor, the Skullface itself experienced little damage. Its movements suggested it had predicted the severe follow-up strike after blocking Shin’s first attack.

Even if Shin wasn’t pushing himself fully, it was truly remarkable that the Skullface could match him to this degree.

“GeeeeeeaaAAAAAA!”

A guttural, animal-like growl burst from the Skullface’s mouth, reflecting its undead essence. The wail dripped with malice and unease, a cry that was grating to anyone within earshot.

Shin couldn’t help but wince at the deafening scream so near to him. While the roar lacked any special effects, the sheer volume was enough to instill fear in living beings. Battling the urge to freeze, Shin propelled himself backward from the Skullface.

He looked at the Skullface’s HP gauge, noting it had hardly dropped. Skullfaces only suffered considerable damage when their core was hit directly, and since Shin’s previous attack struck its armor, the damage dealt was minimal.

“Good grief… Why do I always face strange monsters from the very beginning?” Shin whispered, struck by both surprise and admiration for Skullface’s agility.

He looked at his Kazuchi and saw the blade was chipped and cracked in multiple spots.

In numerous games, weapons and armor have durability ratings that diminish over time, ultimately shattering when they reach zero. However, in real life, as a weapon’s durability wanes, its performance declines, rendering it increasingly ineffective long before it becomes completely unserviceable.

The durability of Shin’s current Kazuchi had already fallen below thirty percent. The likely cause was the Skullface’s high level and the strength of its weapon, which had significantly damaged the blade when Shin deflected the attacks.

“At this rate, I can likely make just one more good hit… Here goes!”

The area around Shin and the Skullface had already been ravaged by the Skullface’s breakdancing, so Shin figured it was safe to go all out here. He adjusted his stance, stepping forward with his left foot and leaning slightly forward. He lowered the blade below waist level, pulling it back behind him.

And then, he murmured, “Limiter Release.”

With those words, the power that the Skill had kept dormant was finally released.

Even a complete novice in combat would have felt the shift in the atmosphere surrounding Shin if they had been present. His grip tightened around his Kazuchi’s hilt, creating a creaking sound.

“Guuu—”

The Skullface emitted a low growl, seemingly cautious of the change in Shin’s aura. It adjusted its stance, moving its shield forward to enhance its defensive posture.

Shin, taken aback by the Skullface’s response, started to summon his strength.

“Hah!”

With a decisive breath, he lunged ahead, unleashing a forceful slash with his Kazuchi. In a heartbeat, Shin bridged the gap, his strike so rapid it created no afterimage, and the blade soared upward in one smooth cut.

Two clear sounds—Kin and Giin—echoed as Shin reemerged right before the Skullface, having reached an untraceable speed.

Two things had changed.

First, Shin’s sword had shattered, leaving only the hilt intact.

Secondly, the greatsword that the Skullface wielded had been knocked from its grip, soaring into the sky and out of sight.

The initial sound, a sharp “Kin,” had erupted as Shin’s slash penetrated the Skullface’s shield, armor, and core, which acted as its heart. The subsequent sound, a ringing “Giin,” had occurred when Shin’s blade redirected the Skullface’s greatsword, launching it away with force.

The greatsword, which was probably very sturdy, didn’t shatter or break but was instead tossed from the Skullface’s hand, vanishing into the sky.

The Skullface, split in two and with its HP gauge entirely drained, crumpled to the ground, leaving behind a mere heap of bones. Its remains sprawled on the ground, making it difficult to imagine that a fierce battle had just unfolded.

“It seems the sword just couldn’t withstand it…” Shin sighed, gazing at the shattered hilt of his weapon.

The strike was strong, yet not his full potential. The leftover force from his attack had knocked down a large tree behind the Skullface, which crashed loudly to the ground. Shin, however, appeared completely unfazed, calmly placing the hilt into his Item Box as if he had anticipated this result.

“I think that greatsword seemed robust enough,” he reflected, looking up at the clear blue sky where the greatsword had vanished. The sky stretched endlessly above, revealing no clues about the sword’s whereabouts.

He was surprised by how dramatically it had been sent flying and could only hope it hadn’t hit anyone.

“I suppose it’s time to go back.”

Although the tension had eased, he had lost interest in searching for hilk grass. Instead, he discovered a gemstone among the remains of the Skullface and chose to keep it.

Believing it was wise to inform the guild about the Skullface incident, Shin started to leave the forest, making his way to the gate. Unbeknownst to him, the greatsword would soon create a commotion throughout the kingdom.

Part 10

At last, Shin returned to a spot where he could see the East Gate. Just as he approached, he noticed some activity near the entrance.

“What is happening here?”

In contrast to the day before, there was no throng of spectators. Rather, the guards appeared to be interrogating those who walked by. It seemed they were predominantly concentrating on individuals heading into the city.

Typically, adventurers holding a guild card could pass through quickly, but a line began to form as each individual was being questioned. With no alternative, Shin fell in line and waited for his turn.

As he approached the front of the line, snippets of the dialogue between the guards and adventurers reached his ears.

“Northern Forest… Eastern Forest… flying… shadow…?”

The snippets of dialogue referenced the places Shin had visited earlier, unsettling him.

Based on the information he gathered, it appeared that a strange object had been seen flying overhead by the city’s inhabitants and had seemingly landed in the royal castle. The guards were interviewing individuals to determine if anyone had seen it or had any information, particularly targeting those who had been close to the Northern or Eastern Forests.

“A flying object shrouded in mystery… It must be the Skullface’s sword,” Shin pondered, remembering the greatsword he had launched into the air. In the heat of battle, he hadn’t paid attention to the direction it had gone, but the chance of it being true felt extremely high.

Shin’s mood increasingly darkened with each passing moment.

“Hey, Shin!”

“Oh, it’s you, Beid. What’s up?” Shin replied, attempting to sound relaxed as Beid walked over to him.

Shin held onto a slight hope in his heart, though many would label it denial.

“News arrived from the castle—a sword was reported to have soared all the way there. We are interrogating everyone to find any leads. You were in the Eastern Forest, correct? Did you notice anything unusual?”

“No, I didn’t see anything. Was there any damage?”

“It’s just a sword embedded in the wall. Thankfully, no one was injured. But seriously, who’s the fool that threw a sword over the castle walls?” Beid remarked, shaking his head.

“It’s great that everyone is fine,” Shin said, feeling a surge of relief. The idea of the sword striking someone had been frightening.

“At the very least, I should make sure to check where I’m aiming next time,” Shin thought, intending to keep this promise to himself, but the words slipped out.

“Huh? What was that?”

“Oh, nothing. Can I leave now?”

“Absolutely. Just make sure to inform one of the guards if you recall anything.”

“Will do.”

Keeping a poker face, Shin quickly walked away. Once the gate was out of view, he slowed his pace and let out a deep sigh.

“Why did it have to land at the royal castle?” he muttered.

By the third day of his life in this new world, Shin already felt trouble looming over the kingdom. If this incident was viewed as a terrorist attack on the royal family, it could trigger a widespread manhunt. Simply put, it would lead to disaster.

Although there was no solid proof connecting Shin to the incident, he couldn’t shake off the suspicion that reporting the Skullface encounter to the guild might lead to him coming under scrutiny.

“How did it come to this…?” Shin lamented.

Life doesn’t always unfold as expected.

Despite the unease, Shin resolved to go to the guild. The rumors regarding Skullfaces in the forest were accurate, but he was unsure about the numbers lurking there.

Although there was usually just one Jack-class Skullface, they were commonly accompanied by multiple Pawn-class Skullfaces, meaning the area was still dangerous even after the battle. After the fight, Shin had scanned the surroundings but had detected no other monsters.

They may have simply been absent or perhaps had gotten swept up in the breakdance and crushed. The latter felt more probable, considering that Skullface’s movements didn’t indicate any recognition of friend or foe.

Shin realized that overthinking it wouldn’t provide him with any definitive answers. He decided to ask Els or Celica later and pushed open the door to the guild.

The guild hall bustled with more people than ever, all wielding swords and spears and dressed in armor and robes. This scene was a vivid reminder to Shin of the hall’s true purpose as a gathering spot for adventurers.

What stood out, however, was the tension in the air. Most of the adventurers were on edge, and even those who weren’t appeared unusually restless.

“It seems a little overwhelming in here,” Shin remarked softly to himself.

Despite the busy crowd, the reception desk was mostly vacant, prompting Shin to make his report. Fortunately, Celica was at the desk, which eased Shin’s mind given the sensitive nature of his report. He found it simpler to speak with someone he knew.

“Hi. I have something to report,” Shin stated as he walked over.

“Welcome back, Shin-sama. What would you like to report?”

“It’s about the Skullface. What’s the latest information you have?”

“The Skullface encountered was identified as a Jack-class, armed with a weapon significantly more powerful than usual. So far, only one individual is confirmed, with no Pawn-class subordinates detected. A subjugation quest has been initiated, and due to its closeness to the kingdom, it has been designated the highest priority. While most S- and A-rank adventurers are already engaged, B-rank and lower-level teams are getting ready to create a joint task force.”

Shin noticed the unusual combat style of the Skullface had gone unreported, but his main worry was the weapon.

“What’s up with this ‘stronger weapon?’”

“It wasn’t just an ordinary longsword; it was said to be a much larger sword.”

“So it was a greatsword. Do you have any additional details about that sword?”

“No, that’s everything we have for now.”

The adventurers who escaped appeared to have taken note of the enemy’s weapon. Yet, the lack of information regarding the Jack-class Skullface’s greatsword—infused with light-attribute magical energy—was puzzling.

“What about its level?” Shin inquired.

“It’s estimated to be at least two hundred or more,” Celica replied.

“Hmm…”

He wanted to verify if the greatsword was truly imbued with white magical light. In this world, weapons with magical enhancements were deemed rare. Mentioning it carelessly could raise suspicions about the link between the sword that ended up in the royal castle and the Jack-class Skullface.

Although there was a slight chance it could have been a different Skullface altogether, the likelihood of two such powerful monsters, each wielding similar greatswords, appearing simultaneously, seemed quite improbable.

“Um, Shin-sama?” Celica inquired, her tone laced with worry.

“Oh, sorry. I was just daydreaming,” Shin replied, pulling himself out of his reverie.

Noticing his grave expression, Celica felt a touch of concern. To her, Shin stood out as one of the rare individuals whose combat abilities matched those of S-class adventurers. If even someone of his stature was disturbed by the news of a Skullface, it made sense for those depending on his protection to feel anxious as well.

“Lost in thought?”

“Yeah, I was just thinking about what kinds of items a Skullface typically drops,” Shin said, feigning deep thought about drop items.

“What items does it drop? If I remember right, it drops gemstones, and the armor and sword it wears can fetch a good price.”

“Oh, really? Wow, I totally forgot. Hahaha,” Shin replied, putting on a cheerful front to avoid raising suspicion, even though his behavior seemed somewhat strange.

Celica, surprised by the notion that someone would be concerned about the dropped items from a formidable Jack-class Skullface, didn’t notice Shin’s odd behavior. Consequently, the scene unfolded rather awkwardly, with Shin laughing uneasily and Celica responding absentmindedly, creating a somewhat out-of-place spectacle in the tense atmosphere of the guild.

“By the way, Shin-sama, what did you want to report?” Celica asked.

“Oh, right! I nearly forgot the important part. I wanted to let you know that I took down that Jack-class Skullface in the Northern Forest. Oh, and here’s the gemstone I recovered from it.”

“I see, you took down the Skullface… Skullface… Wait, was it a Pawn-class…?” Celica’s movements stiffened as she began to retrieve the paperwork, wondering if she had misheard Shin. However, Shin quickly clarified her confusion.

“No, it was a Jack-class, and it was also wielding a greatsword.”

“…”

“…”

“Uh, Celica?” Shin said, shattering the stillness.

“Huh? Oh! I-I apologize! I was just a bit taken aback, that’s all,” Celica stammered, returning to reality. Overwhelmed, she briefly lost her formal tone.

“Is that truly surprising?”

“Of course it is! Taking down a Jack-class Skullface alone would require at least A-rank combat Skills! You can’t just say something like that as if it’s no big deal, like you just went for a quick stroll!” Celica exclaimed, her voice rising in disbelief. Even though she knew Shin had strength comparable to A-rank—if not S-rank—she was still taken aback.

“Uh, sorry?”

“I knew Shin-sama was powerful, but to defeat a Jack-class Skullface single-handedly on the same day the request was issued? That’s unheard of!”

“It was merely a coincidence that I stumbled upon it…”

“Typically, you would first return to the guild to report, then adequately prepare before going back to fight. Engaging in battle right away is uncommon.”

“Is that true? I suppose that’s why my weapon turned out like this,” Shin remarked, revealing the Kazuchi that was now mostly just a hilt. He had re-equipped it in case the fight came up.

The remnants of the blade were cracked, rendering it entirely unusable.

“Wha—?! It’s smashed to bits!” Celica exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise.

“When I landed the final blow, things became a bit… intense.”

“What kind of reckless move did you make?!” Celica shouted, her expression shifting as she quickly leaped over the counter and approached Shin.

“Whoa! Celica-san, that’s too close! Too close!” Shin stammered, grasping her shoulders to halt her approach. In the unexpected moment, their faces were merely twenty cemels apart.

Shin briefly wrestled with whether to admire his quick reaction to Celica’s surprise move or criticize himself for it. Yet, the more significant concern was that no man would regret a stunning woman approaching him.

“Ah… I’m really sorry! I didn’t intend to act strangely! I just became worried you might be hurt, and I got a bit too excited… Wait, what am I even saying?!” Celica stammered, clearly flustered. Her reaction was so entertaining that Shin couldn’t help but watch in silence.

It seemed that taking down a Jack-class Skullface alone was such a significant achievement that it completely disoriented Celica.

“A usually composed and smart woman, now flustered and embarrassed… There’s something intriguing about that,” Shin reflected, experiencing an unusual sense of satisfaction.

“That’s great, but can you tone it down a little? We’re attracting attention,” a voice remarked.

“Hm? Oh, it’s Els!” Shin turned around upon hearing a voice behind him, realizing it was Els who had spoken.

It appeared that the interaction between Shin and Celica had caught the attention of those nearby, prompting Els to intervene.

“My bad! Celica-san looked incredibly adorable when she was embarrassed, and I just couldn’t help myself,” Shin confessed with a bashful smile.

“A-Adorable?!” Celica exclaimed, still stunned by what had just happened.

“I agree, but please avoid teasing your coworkers excessively,” Els added.

“‘T-Tease?!’”

“I’m sorry. I just want to clarify that I didn’t intend to do that,” Shin explained, attempting to defend himself.

“I’m aware; I’ve been keeping an eye on things,” Els answered.

“Then maybe you should have spoken up earlier…”

Disregarding Celica’s astonished reactions, Shin and Els carried on with their conversation. Shin couldn’t shake the feeling that if Els had been present from the beginning, this entire situation could have been prevented.

“Don’t blame me. I was busy gathering information and making preparations,” Els said, gesturing to his practical, hunter-like outfit, in contrast to Celica’s receptionist uniform.

Els had on a sturdy leather jacket that was a bit long. A pouch dangled from her side, probably filled with small essentials. She wore knee-high boots over her leggings. On her back rested a bow, typical gear for a hunter, while a short sword was secured to her right thigh.

Her lengthy hair, cascading to her waist, was pulled back with a string, giving her an unusual vibe. She radiated the essence of a hunter stalking his prey.

“Is this about the Skullface?” Els inquired.

“Yes, the one spotted in the Northern Forest. The rumor has circulated for some time, but this is the first instance of real damage. It seems to be using a weapon more powerful than what is common for a Jack-class…”

“Oh, I noticed that. It was certainly wielding a greatsword.”

“Given Celica’s reaction, I sensed something, but your words suggest you’ve crossed swords with that Skullface,” Els remarked, raising an eyebrow.

“‘Crossed swords?’ It was more like I took it down,” Shin said, lowering his voice at the end. He had maintained this quiet tone when speaking to Celica, as the guild’s atmosphere was not suited for loud discussions.

Even Els, who had been joking around, stopped in her tracks at Shin’s words.

“If that’s the case, I can see why Celica was so upset,” Els replied, finally finding her voice. Celica, having regained her composure, nodded in agreement.

“Exactly. I wasn’t exaggerating,” she asserted.

“I hate to ask, but do you have any proof? Without that, it’s hard to convince people that you’ve actually defeated it,” Els said, her tone cautious.

“I returned with the gemstone, but what exactly is the proof? I’m not even sure what proof is required for a Skullface,” Shin admitted, scratching his head.

Due to his gaming habits, Shin only picked up items he deemed valuable. He hadn’t thought that without the necessary proof, he couldn’t validate the subjugation.

“Didn’t you grab its armor or sword? A Jack-class Skullface typically carries good equipment that might be sold or modified for personal use,” Els remarked, sounding skeptical.

Shin was unsure how to reply. His Item Box was overflowing with hundreds of Skullface drop items. They lacked usefulness or power, leaving them cluttering his inventory.

Shin had lost interest in retrieving the helmet and armor when the greatsword disappeared into the sky.

“Not that I need any more of those,” Shin muttered absentmindedly, his words confirming to Els and Celica that he was being honest, leaving them both thoroughly exasperated.

“That’s not something you’d expect to hear from an adventurer,” Els remarked.

“Absolutely not…” Celica concurred.

Though Els referred to the Skullface Jack’s gear as merely “decent,” obtaining comparable equipment in this realm would demand a substantial sum of money—an expense usually within the reach of only B-rank or A-rank adventurers.

When Shin brushed it off as “not needed,” he was sure to attract puzzled stares. In essence, he claimed that such equipment held no value for him, a surprising assertion to fellow adventurers.

“Well, in any case, we can verify the proof by examining the gemstone. Since it contains the magical energy of the monster it originated from, we should be able to confirm if it came from a Skullface,” Els said, choosing not to delve too deeply into the matter.

“Is that so?” Shin answered. While this procedure could take more time than checking a particular body part, it wasn’t urgent, so he was unbothered.

“We must retain the gemstone here for the examination period. If you intend to sell it, we can manage that right away,” Celica stated, resuming her professional demeanor.

“Why does it take so long?” Shin asked.

“To achieve quick results, we would need to compromise the gemstone, reducing its value. If you’d like it in its original state, we can’t cause any damage, which means it‘ll take more time,” Celica responded.

“I understand. Let’s set that aside for now. I don’t intend to sell it at this time,” Shin concluded.

“Got it. We’ll reach out to you at your inn as soon as the results are available. You’re at The Bear’s Den Inn, right?” Celica confirmed.

“Exactly. Thank you… Oh, by the way, is the Northern Forest a location where Skullfaces are more frequently sighted? You mentioned before that these rumors have been circulating for some time,” Shin inquired, looking at Els.

“Undead monsters such as Skullfaces arise when the lingering grudges or unfulfilled desires of the dead mix with magical energy. The Northern Forest has always been home to dangerous creatures, but it’s also abundant in valuable herbs and materials, which draws many people in. Unfortunately, many of them never return, falling prey to the monsters. Therefore, the conditions for undead to spawn are naturally present. However, the environment isn’t typically one that would generate the intense magical energy needed to create a powerful creature like a Jack-class. When people mention Skullfaces in the Northern Forest, they usually refer to the Pawn-class,” Els explained.

Els mentioned that the Jack-class Skullface Shin had defeated could have been confused with a Pawn-class. The lack of engagement in battle until the recent event had likely led to this misunderstanding. Because it had merely been a rumor, no one had taken the time to confirm it.

“By the way, what is the usual level range for a Jack-class?” Shin inquired.

“The lowest confirmed number is about 150, while the highest reaches 250. Numbers exceeding that are considered Queen- or King-class,” Els clarified.

It appeared that the level caps for monsters remained unchanged.

“So, this one must have been an exception,” Shin pondered out loud.

“What do you mean?” Celica and Els responded instantly, intrigued as expected from their positions as guild staff and an adventurer.

“The Jack-class I encountered had a level exceeding 250,” Shin explained.

“Are you serious?” Celica exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief.

“I’m positive. I used Analyze, so there’s no error. I believe it was a unique or special variant. It also didn’t have any Pawn-class minions,” Shin responded.

Els chimed in with another question. “Could you confirm the exact level?”

“It was 359. If I recall correctly, that typically categorizes it as a King-class,” Shin replied, although he was now nearly convinced it was a unique variant.

Analyze had classified it as a Jack-class, and its size and equipment stood apart from a Queen- or King-class Skullface. While its level, weapon, and combat patterns were atypical, everything else aligned with a Jack-class.

“359?!” Both Celica and Els stood frozen in disbelief at Shin’s proclamation.

“Did I say something wrong?” Shin queried, sensing the gravity of their reactions.

“It’s not so much wrong as… Wait, hold on. I think I’m getting a bit confused too,” Els remarked, attempting to sort through the details. She then turned to Celica. “Celica, didn’t we have a way to roughly estimate a monster’s strength using the gemstone? We should probably check that immediately.”

“Right! I’ll speed up the gemstone analysis. Els, I’m sorry, but I’ll leave the rest to you,” Celica replied, snapping back to reality. She quickly bowed to Shin before taking the gemstone and heading to the back.

Shin was taken aback by how convenient the analysis was, unaware of the dire implications.

“You truly are remarkable,” Els said with a deep sigh.

“What do you mean?” Shin inquired, confused.

“If that enemy’s level is correct, it means your power alone matches at least that of an A-rank party. If you’re fabricating this, it’s the most outrageous lie I’ve ever heard.”

“If that’s the case, I must have been wrong. Besides, my rank is G, right? No one’s going to believe I defeated a Jack-class anyway.”

“I guess if someone doesn’t know the whole story, that could be the case…”

“Exactly. Honestly, I’m not trying to attract attention,” Shin remarked, even though he realized his actions might suggest otherwise. Catching the attention of people he preferred to avoid was the last thing he wanted.

Shin’s main aim was to return to his home world. His engagement with the guild primarily served to collect information. While he was currently focused on gaining a better understanding of this world, he felt frustrated by his lack of progress in discovering a way back home.

“I reported it because having something like that roaming around is risky. If I can help it, I’d prefer not to have my name linked to it,” Shin confessed.

“I want to honor your request, but I’m afraid it won’t remain secret. People will undoubtedly want to look into it. Typically, the adventurer who defeated such a creature would boast about their achievement,” Els remarked.

“I thought as much,” Shin replied.

He had anticipated this outcome, but hearing it expressed so directly made it feel even heavier. Given the chaos this incident had already sparked, the adventurer who vanquished the monster was destined for fame. If Shin didn’t take credit, others would begin searching for explanations.

If word spread that it was Shin who defeated the Skullface, it would attract considerable attention, particularly since he was merely a newly registered G-rank adventurer. No matter how he approached the situation, it appeared he couldn’t escape difficulties.

“I apologize, but I can’t do much to assist with this,” Els said regretfully.

“It’s okay. I didn’t expect you to take on the responsibility. I’ll handle this issue myself. Right now, I’m just going to get something to eat.”

There was no use in thinking about it, as it wouldn’t change anything. Wanting to clear his thoughts, Shin considered having some lunch. The guild hall was too packed, and there were no available seats, so he opted to go outside to eat.

Chapter 3: The Little Companion

Part 1

Shin strolled down the main street, making his way to the restaurant recommended by Celica and Els. After a brief stroll, he noticed a sign featuring a sword and fork. The restaurant’s owner was said to be a former adventurer, and it had gained a reputation for its diverse cuisine, including dishes crafted from exotic ingredients.

“A warrior chef, huh… That reminds me of Cook,” Shin whispered with a wry smile, recalling the woman who had been the chef for Six Devas.

She had an unusual passion for collecting her own ingredients, driving her to track down monsters and nearly max out her stats along the way. Six Devas were certainly a quirky group, yet the sight of Cook using dual Yanagiba knives to carve up a dragon left a lasting mark on him.

“Just the thought makes me hungry.”

Feeling his stomach rumble, Shin hurried into the bustling restaurant, likely crowded due to it being lunchtime.

“Welcome! Sorry, please hold on a moment!” A cheerful voice rang out amid the din.

The lone waitress zipped between tables and the counter. Despite his hunger, Shin chose not to complain; instead, he stood quietly by the door, observing the scene.

Perhaps due to the proximity to the guild or the fact that the owner was a former adventurer, most of the patrons were equipped with armor and swords. They were probably the adventurers assembled for the Skullface subjugation.

“Thank you for your patience. Let me guide you to your seat… Oh, isn’t that Shin-san?” the waitress exclaimed, her voice changing to one of recognition.

“Huh? Oh, Celica-san? No, wait… Cilica-san?!” Shin asked, startled by the sudden familiarity. Upon closer inspection, he realized that the waitress in front of him, with her hair tied up in a ponytail, was Cilica. For a moment, he thought Celica had changed clothes and come here.

“That’s right! Did my sister Celica recommend this place to you?”

“Yes, she’s been a tremendous help.”

“To be referred here so soon… You’re no ordinary customer,” Cilica murmured, her expression suddenly becoming serious.

“Huh? Did you say something?” Curious about Cilica’s remark, Shin inquired further, but she simply smiled, bringing the conversation to a close. It made sense; after all, they couldn’t linger by the door indefinitely.

Coincidentally, a group of customers had just departed, allowing Cilica to lead Shin to an available table.

Even though Shin felt somewhat uncomfortable sitting alone at a table with all the counter seats taken, he went ahead and placed his order with Cilica after learning he might need to share the table. Shortly after, Cilica returned to ask if it was alright for another customer to sit with him.

“Um, Shin? I’m sorry, but we’ve got a new customer. Would you mind sharing the table?”

“Oh, sure. I don’t mind,” Shin replied.

The individual accompanying him was, as anticipated, yet another adventurer—this time, a man wielding a spear that emitted an eerie, toxic glow.

“That’s Venom,” Shin whispered, identifying the threatening weapon.

The magical spear Venom is a legendary weapon, with powers that compete with those of mythic weapons. It exists in a category well above rare or unique-tier items.

“Sorry for the interruption,” the man said casually.

“No problem at all. You’re actually helping me. I felt a bit uncomfortable occupying a whole table alone,” Shin replied with a cheerful tone as he turned to the man.

The man stood at nearly the same height as Shin, with red eyes and black hair that was loosely tied back. His skin appeared unnaturally pale, almost resembling someone unwell. Shin observed that the man had distinct features, bordering on handsome, yet his piercing gaze and the untamed energy around him evoked the image of a feral beast—a predator, cold and calculating, poised to attack.

The man had a level of 188, indicating he could likely defeat a standard Jack-class Skullface alone.

“I’m Shin. Since we’re at the same table, let’s get along, even if it’s just for a little bit,” Shin introduced himself.

“I didn’t think anyone would talk to me so informally these days. I’m Wilhelm Avis. Are you a new adventurer?” Wilhelm said, giving Shin a quick once-over.

Shin tilted his head slightly but responded to the inquiry.

“Yeah, it’s my third day today.”

As Shin talked, he noticed that although the lively ambiance of the restaurant remained the same, almost all the customers were now looking in their direction. As he was a novice adventurer, he assumed the attention was on Wilhelm. Uncertain of the reason for the stares, he chose to overlook it since there appeared to be no urgent threat.

“Third day already? You seem well-prepared for a newcomer. Were you a mercenary or something?” Wilhelm inquired, glancing at Shin’s equipment.

“No, not exactly. I’ve just come from the countryside, so I suppose my gear is decent. But I’m still adjusting to how things are done here.”

“That makes sense, seeing you’re not intimidated by my name. An experienced adventurer wouldn’t sit with me so casually.”

“So, what have you done that might frighten others?” Shin inquired, seemingly unbothered by Wilhelm’s menacing aura.

The other adventurers nearby watched in disbelief, internally exclaiming, “How can he be so relaxed talking to him?!”

Shin felt no intimidation at all; in fact, he didn’t perceive Wilhelm as someone who had done anything notably harmful.

“It’s not a big deal. I’ve been hunting undead creatures for quite a while. Since I mostly operate in remote areas, some people began to spread a rumor that I was absorbing their powers.”

“That’s absurd… It doesn’t make any sense,” Shin replied, finding the notion ridiculous. He questioned whether it was merely a joke.

“I see your point. However, only the naive believe those rumors. The truth is that people are cautious around me because of this,” Wilhelm said, picking up the magic spear Venom that was against the wall. “Venom is a Legendary-class weapon with the power to drain the life force from those it strikes and transfer it to its wielder. While that might seem beneficial, legendary weapons—especially those of even greater tiers—often possess unpredictable abilities. It’s not unusual for them to have powers that the user may not even be aware of.”

“Even while using it, you can’t comprehend all its powers?”

“Exactly. I’ve heard of individuals who were unaware that their weapon was cursing them until it was too late. Additionally, with my weapon’s draining ability, there’s a fear that it could unintentionally drain the life force of allies, even without my awareness.”

Shin recognized that in this world which lacked a weapon description box like those in games, even the wielder might not completely grasp the weapon’s effects. To Shin, who was aware of the weapon’s actual abilities, this seemed ridiculous; however, he grasped why it could be a significant issue here. He now saw why the other customers were so attentive to Wilhelm.

“Isn’t it possible to determine its quality through an appraisal?” Shin inquired.

“Appraisal provides limited information, primarily regarding the materials used. I tried using it once, and all I received was the name and classification of the weapon. I had to discover the abilities through trial and error,” Wilhelm responded.

“What was the appraiser’s Skill level?”

“Level seven.”

Shin nodded, realizing that a simple appraisal would not be adequate. To accurately evaluate a Legendary-class weapon, one needed a Skill level of at least nine. For Mythic-class weapons, level nine was necessary, and only a level ten appraisal could reveal all the details of Ancient-class items.

In the game, Shin could easily depend on merchants or blacksmiths with maxed appraisal Skills, but in this world, it appeared that such basic conveniences were not easily accessible.

Just as Shin was about to change the subject, Cilica arrived with their food. Apparently, Wilhelm had already placed an order, as there were dishes on the table that Shin did not remember requesting.

“Alright, let’s eat,” Wilhelm proposed.

“I’m totally on board with that!” Shin replied. He brought his hands together in a gesture of appreciation and promptly began to enjoy his meal.

Shin ordered the roasted leg of an Abridori monster, served with the bone. The meat arrived still sizzling, releasing a savory aroma that had tantalized Shin’s senses since it was placed on the table.

The moment he took a bite, his mouth was enveloped by succulent meat and vibrant spice flavors. The crunchy skin paired with the soft, melt-in-your-mouth meat texture perfectly fulfilled Shin’s craving for nourishment.

“This is incredible! Absolutely delicious!” Shin exclaimed, obviously impressed.

“Could you please eat a bit more slowly?” Wilhelm remarked, somewhat frustrated by Shin’s excitement. Yet, he was chowing down just as fast, placing him in no position to criticize.

The two remained quiet as they enjoyed their meals, each helping themselves to seconds. Once they had finished eating, they savored some tea—apparently, ordinary black tea was available in this world.

“I haven’t had Abridori in ages. It’s surprising it isn’t intended to be roasted, especially with a name like that,” Shin quipped.

Wilhelm laughed and replied, “If you’re not cautious, you might end up getting roasted yourself.”

Although it has a silly name, Abridori is a formidable monster with a level close to one hundred. True to its name, it resembles a bird, yet it lacks the ability to fly and isn’t very nimble. Its most striking characteristic is its capacity to breathe fire—an unexpectedly potent attack that earned it the title of a “first-time killer” monster in the game.

“Just checking, are you really fine with sharing weapon details so openly? I believed this was generally kept under wraps,” Shin inquired, intrigued.

“What I shared with you has been well-known for years. Informing a newcomer like you won’t alter anything.”

“Got it,” Shin acknowledged, realizing it was indeed public knowledge.

“I’m off now. Catch you later, rookie.”

“See you later,” Shin replied, dismissing him like an old acquaintance.

Though the chatter persisted around them, Shin opted to disregard it; it no longer disturbed him. After Wilhelm departed, Shin finished his tea and stood to leave as well. Therefore, the initial meeting between a High Human of Six Devas and the Pale-Faced Spear Wielder was rather ordinary, hinting at the possibility of future encounters in upcoming battles.

Part 2

After leaving the restaurant, Shin went directly to the library. Although he hadn’t finished the quest to gather hilk grass, there was no deadline for it, so he was in no rush. Additionally, recent events had instilled a sense of urgency in him; he understood that his time in this town might be limited, prompting him to address other priorities first.

“This has to be the place,” Shin murmured upon reaching his destination, nestled between the commercial and residential areas. The location was significantly quieter than the bustling commercial district, yet he could still faintly hear the cheerful voices of merchants in the distance.

The library overseen by the Bayrelitch Kingdom was formally titled the Royal Magic Library. However, it provided a broad range of topics beyond merely magic. Shin had learned from Tsugumi that this library was the primary resource for finding answers to nearly any question in the kingdom.

Some books required special permission to access, but as Shin intended only to explore general information about this world, he didn’t expect any difficulties.

The interior of the library was quite conventional, featuring tables, chairs, and an abundance of bookshelves. To ensure he understood the procedures, Shin went to the reception desk for instructions. The receptionist informed him that reading within the library was free, but borrowing books came with a fee that varied based on the type of book and the length of the loan. Borrowers were limited to three books at a time and would incur a penalty for any lost items. Additionally, books that required special permissions were generally off-limits for taking out; access was restricted to individuals with higher status and trust, such as senior adventurers or royal officials.

Considering the valuable books contained in the library, it was reasonable to worry about thieves. Nevertheless, soldiers patrolled the vicinity, and effective security measures were implemented to discourage any potential criminals.

Level VIII Wall and Barrier Skills? They clearly have strong confidence in their security.

He found it intriguing that the library boasted better defenses than the city walls; however, he had to acknowledge that these protections were formidable and would be hard to breach. After the receptionist provided directions to locate books across various subjects, Shin started his exploration of the library, collecting as many books as he could carry before taking a seat at an unoccupied table. He chose to begin with history.

Shin believed it was essential to explore the Day of Fallen Glory due to its connection to the mass logout from the death game. He discovered a timeline documenting key events since the kingdom’s establishment and began his examination.

“Let’s start with the more recent events… Hmm, it’s the 511th year since the kingdom’s founding. They mentioned that the Day of Fallen Glory occurred around five hundred years ago, coinciding almost perfectly with the kingdom’s founding,” Shin remarked, captivated by the odd coincidence as he traced the timeline back through history.

The timeline outlined significant events, including shifts in the monarchy, funerals, conflicts, key construction projects, and alliance signings—mainly focusing on state governance. Yet, when Shin encountered the segment on the kingdom’s founding, he felt perplexed.

“There’s no reference to the Day of Fallen Glory,” Shin observed. The timeline only indicated the founding of the Bayrelitch Kingdom, omitting any details about prior events.

“It’s merely a timeline. There might be something useful in the other books,” Shin said, attempting to remain hopeful as he progressed to different history texts. However, the next book he opened, similar to the timeline, primarily dealt with events following the founding and provided scant details on the Day of Fallen Glory.

He pressed on, reading various other history books, but every one turned out to be unhelpful. The only seemingly relevant book offered nothing more than ambiguous remarks.

Shin sighed in frustration. “All it indicates is that the world transformed after that day… It’s not exactly useful.” The book noted the king’s disappearance, the vanishing of the kingdom, and the profound changes to the world, yet it lacked specific details.

It appeared that following the Day of Fallen Glory, the world fell into chaos, although the reason remained vague. Players had logged out—essentially disappearing—so a certain level of turmoil was anticipated. Still, Shin found it odd that there were not more thorough records of what transpired.

Shin sighed, realizing he might not find clear information in these books. He randomly selected another one from the pile, hoping for at least a hint. This book focused on various races, offering concise but informative descriptions of their traits and lifestyles.

• Humans: The most populous race, comprising many nations. They establish kingdoms, and their leaders are referred to as kings.

• Dragnil: With remarkable strength and vitality, they can assume human form. They build empires, and their rulers are known as dragon kings.

• Beasts: The race with the second largest population after Humans, recognized for their agility. Their traits vary by tribe, and tribes unite to create confederations, with their leaders referred to as beast kings.

• Lords: Though they possess fewer exceptional abilities, they excel in all aspects. They establish empires, with their leaders referred to as demon kings.

• Dwarves: Expert artisans renowned for crafting weapons and tools. They are found in different nations and typically exchange their Skills through guilds. The most esteemed craftsman is referred to as the Rock King.

• Pixies: The longest-lived race, highly skilled in magic. They inhabit their own realm, Fairyland, and are split between those who reside within it and those who engage with the outside world. Their leaders are known as fairy kings.

• Elves: Second only to Pixies in longevity, they are adept not only in magic but also in sensing danger. Elves inhabit forests and share a profound bond with nature. Young Elves frequently explore beyond their enclaves, which are the settlements they reside in, led by chiefs known as forest kings.

Shin observed that this information was quite similar to what he already understood. He experienced a fleeting sense of unfamiliarity with the dwarves’ leader, referred to as the Rock King, but soon remembered that dwarves were often portrayed as inhabitants of caves, which was logical. Considering the long lifespans of Elves and Pixies, Shin speculated that some of them might hold knowledge about the Day of Fallen Glory. He made a point to remember this information.

“Alright, let’s keep going,” Shin said to himself, resolved to continue his research for as long as he could. With that, he opened the next book.

Part 3

As Shin studied in the library, a meeting was taking place at the Adventurers’ Guild, attended by Barlux, Els, and other senior members. They were addressing the Skullface incident. Even though they awaited the appraisal results of the gemstone submitted by Shin, the meeting continued under the belief that his information—supported by a letter of introduction—was trustworthy. The members convened to discuss this matter.

With the Skullface’s defeat, the urgency lessened, and both Barlux and Els had endorsed Shin’s character. Historically, those with letters of introduction had shown no threat, further solidifying their trust in Shin.

“Let’s start the emergency meeting,” Barlux stated.

All eyes in the room shifted to him.

“Some of you might already know, but the Jack-class Skullface that emerged in the Northern Forest has been vanquished. The adventurer who did it only collected the gemstone, which is now under investigation,” Barlux reported, maintaining his calm demeanor despite the skeptical looks from his audience.

“He defeated a Jack-class and didn’t even bother to retrieve the sword or armor?” Ardhi, the newly assigned liaison with the kingdom, was the first to express his concerns. Arad Royle, the mage tasked with investigating the gemstone, nodded in agreement. Meanwhile, Kyrie Ein, the submaster, and Els, who were well-informed, remained unresponsive.

Barlux went on, “The adventurer claimed that the sword and armor held little value.”

“‘Little value?’” Ardhi echoed, clearly displeased with the answer, while Arad chuckled quietly, stroking his beard.

“It takes quite a wealthy person to regard them so carelessly,” Arad noted, his laughter rich and hearty. Despite the white streaks in his hair and beard, Arad maintained a straight and sturdy posture, giving him a much younger appearance than his true age. His cheerful nature reflected his reputation as a gentle old man.

“Those who arrive with letters of introduction are often quite… unconventional. It’s better not to think about it too much, young man,” Arad cautioned.

“Is that so?” Ardhi appeared to be gradually acknowledging Arad’s perspective.

“Wait, wait. I shouldn’t say too much, but not every one of them is that eccentric,” Barlux interjected.

“Coming from the guildmaster, that isn’t very convincing,” Els chimed in sharply, seizing the opportunity to tease him.

The conversation was lighthearted, probably aimed at alleviating some tension. With the mood a bit more relaxed, Arad returned to discussing business.

“Putting that aside, regarding the gemstone… We don’t have all the details yet, but we have confirmed that the level is 359,” Arad informed seriously.

“As expected. Confirmation of the level is enough. The real concern is whether more of these monsters are showing up elsewhere,” Barlux said, nodding gravely.

Arad was unmatched in the guild when it came to gemstone investigation. It was confirmed that a King-class Skullface had indeed appeared.

“We’ve already sent personnel trained in reconnaissance to gather information. We should receive updates by tomorrow,” Kyrie stated calmly.

With her black hair secured by a barrette and sharp brown eyes peeking through her glasses, she exuded an aura of cool intelligence. Her striking beauty meant that without the sword at her side, one might easily mistake her for Barlux’s secretary.

Arad chuckled, his shoulders trembling with laughter. “Kyrie, your efficiency is unmatched. The guildmaster could certainly learn from you.”

“My submaster excels in her role, old man,” Barlux replied playfully.

“Perhaps you should concentrate a little more on your paperwork, Barlux-sama,” Kyrie interjected, halting Barlux’s teasing with a sharp comment.

“Ugh,” Barlux grunted, momentarily muted by Kyrie’s biting reply. While Barlux was competent with administrative tasks, Kyrie still considered him inadequate.

“You’re really something,” Arad remarked with a grin.

Noticing Ardhi’s astonishment, Arad spoke to him. “Did this differ from what you anticipated?”

“Indeed, I expected there to be more… tension,” Ardhi responded, still somewhat perplexed. He appeared to be quite serious, and the laid-back mood had taken him by surprise.

“It’s always like this. Also, this is more of a briefing than a formal meeting. If it were a real crisis, we’d have district leaders and high-ranking adventurers here as well,” Arad clarified.

“So, it was just that one Skullface?” Ardhi asked, having already inferred from the lack of urgency that this was likely the case, though he still felt uneasy about the calm demeanor in the room. Noticing Ardhi’s concern, Arad chose to speak more directly.

“Exactly. If there were more of those creatures, it would spell disaster. Fortunately, we have solid reasons to think that isn’t the situation.”

“The protective barrier?” Ardhi wondered.

“Correct. Do you understand its purpose?” Arad inquired.

“It’s intended to stop monsters from invading the kingdom,” Ardhi answered.

“Precisely. This barrier was created by the first king and has safeguarded the Bayrelitch Kingdom ever since. Even if strong monsters were to emerge within it, few are likely to appear. The barrier also inhibits the buildup of high-density magical energy. Moreover, you know we remain watchful,” Arad elaborated.

The protective barrier, implemented during the kingdom’s founding, continued to safeguard Bayrelitch. However, neither the kingdom nor the guild believed that the barrier was foolproof. After receiving reports of the Skullface, the kingdom began preparing its knight corps for immediate deployment while the guild maintained its alert status and continued gathering information, even after the report of the Skullface’s defeat.

“Skullfaces are more active at night. Ardhi, I need you to inform the knight captain to raise the alert level by one rank, just in case,” Barlux instructed during a pause in the conversation. His tone shifted completely from the earlier lightheartedness, revealing the seriousness of the situation. This shift was something Arad, Kyrie, and Els were clearly accustomed to.

“Understood,” Ardhi said.

“That’s all from me. Does anyone else have anything to add? If not, we’ll conclude this meeting,” Barlux announced, preparing to end the discussion, which had mainly centered on the Skullface report. Kyrie, Arad, and Els all appeared to think the meeting was coming to a close.

Ardhi raised his hand, prompting a nod from Barlux to allow him to speak.

“I’ve learned that this time, the Skullface was armed with different weapons than usual. I’d appreciate any details you can share about those weapons and the individual who defeated the Skullface,” Ardhi asked.

“Hmm… We aren’t looking to hide details about the weapon, but revealing who defeated the Skullface is sensitive because it touches on their personal wishes. If you’re still interested, we can share what we know. However, I’m curious—why does this concern you so much?” Barlux asked, intrigued.

“Let me clarify. While this might seem off-topic, you’re all familiar with the event regarding the sword that flew into the royal castle, right?” Ardhi started, observing that everyone in the room nodded in agreement. If it weren’t for the Skullface incident, the sword appearing at the castle would have definitely dominated conversations in town.

“On the same day that Skullface was defeated, a sword flew into the royal castle. Furthermore, the Skullface in question wielded a large sword, which was unlike typical ones. Some people are starting to connect these events,” Ardhi explained.

The others in the room swiftly grasped the significance of Ardhi’s comment, recalling several specific individuals. Barlux represented the group, inquiring, “So, who is making these connections? Can you give a detailed description of the sword?”

“I can, on the condition that it stays within this room,” Ardhi replied, establishing a condition that everyone present acknowledged, understanding the significance of protecting such information.

“The blade measured approximately two mels in length and was crafted from a mithril and magisteel alloy. Additionally, it featured a permanent light attribute enchantment. It rivals our kingdom’s sacred sword and may even be more powerful,” Ardhi clarified.

“What?!” The room collectively gasped in shock.

In the Bayrelitch Kingdom, the sacred sword was a fabled weapon, recognized as a national treasure despite being of lower actual rank. It was rare to encounter a sword of equal or superior quality, especially when wielded by a monster. Shin, too absorbed in the fight to utilize his appraisal Skills, failed to notice that Skullface’s greatsword surpassed even a rare or special unique-class weapon in rank. Furthermore, the sword boasted a basic self-repair ability.

“Assuming the Skullface fought with this greatsword, one would naturally worry about the person who overcame such a formidable foe. Yet, there is a small complication.” Although Ardhi was correct, his remarks lacked sufficient detail for anyone to form conclusive insights.

An undead creature wielding a light attribute weapon was nearly impossible in this world.

“A complication?” Barlux asked, confused by the unclear reference to a problem.

“You will probably receive official notification about this soon, Barlux-dono, and there may even be a public announcement. However, until that happens, I urge everyone to keep this confidential,” Ardhi cautioned.

“Hmm, got it. Should I ask the others to leave the room?” Barlux suggested.

“There’s no need for that. As long as everyone adheres to the same confidentiality agreement, they can remain. Besides, it’s likely that this will become common knowledge soon enough,” Ardhi replied. Curious about what might be revealed, they signaled for Ardhi to go on.

“The truth is…” Ardhi began.

What he disclosed next left everyone in the room with their heads in their hands.

Part 4

Hours had gone by since Shin had started his library research. Although it was a public facility, the library closed at an hour too bright to be considered evening. The menu screen showed the time as 4:50 p.m. While Shin was unsure if this time exactly matched Earth’s, he noted it wasn’t like a city hall or post office.

As Shin made the decision to return to the southern district—the commercial hub—he thought about checking out the street stalls. His stomach then growled, as a reminder of his hunger. Although it was a bit early for dinner, he couldn’t resist stopping at a food stall that was expertly grilling skewers of chicken.

These skewers were different from those offered in Japan; each was a substantial thirty-cemel-long stick laden with large pieces of chicken meat.

“Grilled chicken is a reliable choice for tastiness, even in a different realm… though I might have overindulged,” Shin reflected with a wry smile as he retrieved another skewer from the bag.

He had bought four large skewers, which were definitely more than enough to eat before dinner. Not wanting to eat while walking, he headed toward the fountain in the center of a plaza that served as a relaxation spot. He sat on the edge of the fountain, casually watching people pass by as he bit into the tender meat.

Following the public announcement regarding the Skullface’s presence, there appeared to be an uptick in adventurers. Despite the news of its defeat likely circulating, they remained on high alert. Additionally, it seemed that the number of street vendors serving these adventurers had risen sharply today, although Shin’s limited time in the city meant he could only form this view based on a general impression.

While chewing his grilled chicken and observing the busy streets, Shin mentally sorted through the information he had collected from the library. Three main points emerged so far:

First, books about the Day of Fallen Glory were rare. The library lacked any copies, suggesting they were probably stored in restricted sections or categorized as forbidden texts. As Shin couldn’t enter those areas, he chose to postpone this issue for now. He was already intending to visit settlements of long-lived races such as the Elves or Dragnils, where he could gather more information, so he wasn’t eager to sneak into restricted areas at this moment.

Second was the geography of this world. In The New Gate’s original version, there were four continents, each tailored for distinct player levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced, along with one continent for those who had lost interest in the standard fields. Naturally, Shin had nearly mastered all four regions, which caused the map to showcase every area. However, the map’s functionality had become nearly obsolete.

The explanation was straightforward: following the Day of Fallen Glory, a series of catastrophic events significantly reshaped the continents. The movement of land and the uplift of terrain created five continents instead of four, with numerous small island nations now dispersed throughout. Although Shin had come across a map, it was rudimentary at best.

The absence of documentation regarding the Day of Fallen Glory could also stem from these transformations. Shin was apparently located on a continent known as Ertonia.

The third crucial point concerned the condition of the major cities that previously acted as centers for adventurers.

Every continent featured two or three major cities that served as hubs for player engagement. These cities were recognized for their distinctive traits, including well-stocked armories and vibrant markets. While there were some biases related to race or occupation, the cities remained bustling with activity. Additionally, their high population was partly due to the fact that the temples essential for reincarnation were solely found in these key cities.

These sprawling metropolises came to be known as Sacred Lands, identified as prime targets for reclamation. Although the cities remained largely undamaged by the cataclysms, they had transformed into ruins overrun by monsters since the Day of Fallen Glory.

Numerous expeditions had been sent to these cities, but none had returned, as the weakest monsters found there were over level five hundred. For some reason, these high-level monsters never left the boundaries of the Sacred Lands. The only tangible threat they posed was the occasional mass outbreak of low-level monsters triggered by the overflow of magical power from the cities, which also caused mutations in the surrounding land and plants.

“What am I supposed to do?” Shin mused, stroking his chin as he thought.

Given the altered terrain, depending on his memories of the game felt pointless. The positions of settlements for the ancient races, such as the Elven Groves or Pixie Fairylands, were probably not as he recalled. It appeared that collecting information would be quite difficult.

“Hmm… Wait, what’s this?”

Just as Shin was deciding whether to ask Tiera or Els about it, he sensed someone watching him and looked up. About two mels away, a young girl with cat ears, who appeared to be in the lower grades of elementary school, was staring intently at him.

“…”

“…”

“Gulp.”

“Hey, hold on a second…”

Correction. The girl with cat ears, seemingly of elementary school age, was fixated on the skewer in Shin’s hand. Surprisingly, she appeared to be quite eager.

“…”

“Uh…”

“…”

“Um…”

“…”

“Do you want some?”

The girl’s unyielding gaze finally caused Shin to relent. There was something about those innocent—though completely food-driven—eyes that made him feel as if he were the one doing something wrong. Believing he had already bought too much, Shin, with the half-eaten skewer still in his mouth, pulled a fresh one from the bag and offered it to the girl.

Shin meant to ask, “Do you want some?” but instead uttered a muffled, “Foo foo fuh faa?” because of the skewer in his mouth.

Whether the girl comprehended his jumbled speech or simply noticed the food he was offering, she hurried over to him. With a swift motion that almost seemed to have a sound effect like “shwip,” she grabbed the skewer from his hand and plopped down next to him, eagerly biting into the grilled chicken.

The moment she took her first bite, her cat ears perked up with a sharp twang, surprising Shin. “Munch munch… Nom nom…”

Witnessing the little girl earnestly devour the meat with her small mouth filled Shin with a warm sense of amusement. For a fleeting moment, he pondered if she could be an orphan or a beggar, but her appearance didn’t align with someone in such a predicament. Her clothing was tidy, and she appeared well-groomed.

Although the clothes had some repairs, they remained in decent shape, and the girl looked well-nourished. She exhibited no signs of attempting to steal his wallet. From this, Shin deduced that she probably had a home to go back to and someone who cared for her.

“Mmph, thank you for the meal,” the girl said, bowing her head after taking the last bite.

“You’re welcome,” Shin replied.

“You’re such a nice person, big brother.”

“Well, thank you.”

The girl, who looked up at him with a bright smile, was clearly a beast, judging by her cat ears. With her yellow hair and brown tips, she was likely of the feline-type beastfolk known as a Tiger. Shin had heard from Tsugumi that about 30 percent of the population in the Bayrelitch Kingdom were Beasts, so her appearance wasn’t unusual.

“I’m Millie. What about you, big brother?”

“Me? I’m Shin. Simply Shin.”

“Just like me!”

“‘Like you?’”

“Millie is simply Millie.”

“You’re right. We have something in common,” Shin replied with a laugh.

Since Shin had chosen to use his player name without a surname, he effectively had none anyway. He hadn’t been questioned about this during his guild registration, so he assumed it posed no issue. Next to him, Millie was joyfully repeating, “The same, the same,” her face lighting up with a broad smile.

“Well, now that I’ve finished my meal, I should head out. How about you, Millie? Do you need me to walk you home?”

“It’s okay. My escort is here,” Millie replied, gesturing toward a figure making their way toward them. Shin’s surprise was evident as he looked on.

“Your escort? Could it be…”

Noticing Shin standing next to Millie, the figure hurried toward them.

“Oh, it’s you again, Shin,” called the man.

“From lunchtime, yeah, Wilhelm,” responded Shin.

The approaching person was Wilhelm Avis, who exuded the wild aura of a beast—Millie’s so-called “escort.”

“Wiiil!” Millie exclaimed as she dashed toward Wilhelm and threw herself into his embrace.

Shin could only watch in astonishment at this surprising development.

“Wait, Wilhelm… Is she your daughter?” Shin inquired, still trying to grasp the situation.

“Not at all! I volunteer at the orphanage and help care for her,” Wilhelm responded with a sigh.

“Orphanage?”

“Ah, I forget you’re still new to this country,” Wilhelm remarked, gently patting Millie’s head as he started to elaborate.

He explained that in the western district’s residential area, there was a church that also functioned as an orphanage. This place welcomed children who had lost their parents for various reasons, and Millie was one of those kids.

“She has been adept at sneaking out since she was young, so I was searching for her,” Wilhelm continued.

“Sneaking out without permission, huh? I can’t really support that,” Shin said, glancing at Millie with a slight frown.

“I-I’m sorry,” Millie said, her ears drooping as genuine remorse washed over her. It was a scene straight from a fantasy novel.

“But you know, it’s unusual for her not to be scared like this,” Wilhelm noted.

“Scared?” Shin asked, tilting his head in confusion.

“You might not see it now, but she’s usually quite shy around strangers. She tends to avoid getting close to people she hasn’t met before.”

“Really?” Shin replied, turning his gaze back to Millie. She shook her head repeatedly, as if silently urging him, “Don’t say that.” It appeared that the temptation of food was simply too strong for her to resist.

“Anyway, we should head back. Come on, Millie,” Wilhelm said as he got ready to leave.

“Hold on a second,” Millie interrupted, rushing back to Shin.

“What is it?”

“Bend down a bit,” she said.

“Like this?” Shin replied, crouching and leaning closer to Millie’s mouth.

Millie whispered a few words into his ear before darting back to Wilhelm.

“Bye-bye,” she said, waving as Wilhelm took her hand and guided her into the crowd.

Shin waved in return, watching Millie vanish from view. Her whispered words lingered in his mind as he turned and headed back to The Bear’s Den Inn.

Part 5

After Shin returned to The Bear’s Den Inn, he rested in his room before dinner. Perched on the edge of his bed, he reflected on Millie’s parting plea: “Please help the fox in the Northern Forest…”

In the game, Shin could have used the area information to decipher her words. But with the terrain altered, even making an educated guess proved challenging now.

Earlier in the Northern Forest, none of the monsters that attacked him had resembled foxes. Instead, he encountered mostly bears, snakes, and dog-like creatures, with the occasional flying monster. This variety of monsters made wild animals incredibly scarce; he had only seen a handful of mice and other rodents.

Monsters typically arose from wild animals that mutated after exposure to magic, yet he couldn’t remember encountering a creature resembling a fox.

“This isn’t helping me at all,” Shin murmured to himself.

Given how earnestly Millie had requested his help, it was unlikely she was referring to an ordinary fox. Her plea indicated that something dangerous might be threatening this fox, especially considering that the Northern Forest was one of the more hazardous areas near the Bayrelitch Kingdom.

It was a bit unusual for Millie to seek help from a stranger like him, but perhaps she had guessed that Shin was an adventurer because of his connection to Wilhelm. Kids often think in ways that are hard to understand, Shin reflected, choosing not to dwell too much on it.

While he had no obligation to respond to Millie’s request, ignoring it entirely would leave a bad taste in his mouth.

“I suppose I’ll check it out,” Shin concluded, setting his agenda for the following day. He planned to revisit the Northern Forest and also stop by Tiera’s to deliver a message to Schnee.

Now that that’s sorted… it’s time for dinner.

The yakitori he had earlier was already completely digested. With that in mind, Shin made his way downstairs to the dining area.

Part 6

The next day, Shin departed from The Bear’s Den Inn and navigated the busy main street filled with market stalls before passing through the South Gate. Outside, a long queue of people awaited entry into the kingdom, presumably travelers who hadn’t managed to get in before the gates closed the night before, forming a line as soon as they reopened. Shin observed an unusually large number of merchant caravans in line, likely causing the delay. Dismissing the crowd, he continued alongside the outer wall. His destination, The Moon Sanctum, was situated between the southern and eastern gates, closer to the southern gate.

After a brief stroll, The Moon Sanctum emerged into view. Encircled by enormous trees with trunks a full mel thick, it appeared to be cut off from its surroundings, as if resting in a realm of its own. The Moon Sanctum was initially located outdoors on the Arcland Continent, one of the four primary continents. Since Ertonia, where Shin now lived, was probably a fragment of the former Arcland Continent, this clarified the sanctum’s present whereabouts.

The Arcland Continent was considered even more challenging than the famous Howzant Continent. While it featured numerous high-difficulty quests and powerful monsters, it also included quests suitable for beginners and intermediate players. This variety of unique quests and unusual creatures made it a popular destination for those seeking a different experience.

Essentially, it functioned as a gathering spot for players of all levels and classes, regardless of their Skill or experience. However, due to its outdoor setting, most visitors to The Moon Sanctum were advanced players. Occasionally, a player fleeing from monsters would seek refuge there.

The average monster level around The Moon Sanctum was about six hundred. The weakest monsters ranged just above two hundred, while the strongest could reach up to a thousand.

Due to its proximity to boss monster lairs, players frequently visited The Moon Sanctum to restock their items before confronting these intimidating adversaries.

“Speaking of which, whatever happened to the monsters on the Arcland Continent? With the continent’s shape having changed, their habitats must have shifted too, right? Or could they have been eradicated by some natural disaster?” Shin reflected aloud.

If any of those monsters had stayed close by, with their original game attributes, the Bayrelitch Kingdom would surely have faced annihilation. Some of those creatures exhibited swarming behaviors akin to army ants.

These monsters appeared randomly in various areas, and they were all level six hundred or higher. For advanced players, they were merely a nuisance, while intermediate players faced the dilemma of either fleeing or enduring the encounter. For beginner players, it spelled certain death, as they could only hope to respawn afterward. The larger the group, the higher the encounter rate, making it inevitable for large gatherings like a kingdom to become prime targets.

Nonetheless, since there hadn’t been any reports of such disasters, it was probable that some precautions were in place, or perhaps these monsters had simply yet to manifest in this world. Regardless of the cause, without effective countermeasures, establishing a nation or even maintaining highways would have been unfeasible.

It was also conceivable that, aside from the vicinity of The Moon Sanctum, the remaining land originated from a completely different continent.

Shin put aside these unanswerable questions as he stood before The Moon Sanctum. During his previous visit a few days earlier, he had been so delighted to see that the shop was still operational that he had overlooked the wooden sign swinging from the door. The sign measured about twenty cemels in length and ten cemels in width.

The sign read, Shopkeeper in the Middle of an Epic Battle, indicating that The Moon Sanctum was open for business. On the other side, it displayed Shopkeeper on a Journey, which suggested that Shin was either logged out or the shop was temporarily closed for gathering materials.

Shin was surprised to see the old sign still in use as he pushed the door open. Upon entering, the soft jingle of a bell echoed through the empty store. This bell chimed whenever someone entered, a remnant from the game, but it seemed the knights hadn’t visited today.

“Welcome! Oh, Shin!” a voice called out to him.

“Hey, I’m here to deliver the message I forgot,” Shin responded.

When Tiera realized it was Shin, her face broke into a wide smile. The sunlight pouring in through the window made the silver strands of her hair sparkle beautifully.

“Oh! Now that you mention it, I totally forgot about that too!” Tiera exclaimed, her face lighting up with sudden realization.

Considering the events of that day, it was natural for some details to escape Tiera’s memory. From her viewpoint, the message was far from her primary concern.

“Here’s the situation. If this looks familiar, could you please inform her that I’d like to meet and talk with her?” Shin stated, placing a sword retrieved from his Item Box on the counter.

The sword was a stunning indigo ninja blade, embellished with intricate floral patterns on both the hilt and scabbard—flowers that were unfamiliar to Tiera. The exquisite craftsmanship transformed the blade from just a weapon into a work of art.

“…”

“Tiera?” Shin called out, noticing her intense focus on the ninja sword.

“Huh? What is it?” she replied, jolted back to reality.

“Hey, Shin, could this be… an Ancient-class weapon?” Tiera asked, her voice dripping with disbelief as she squinted, as if confronting something blindingly bright.

“You can tell? Yes, this is definitely an Ancient-class weapon. It belongs to Schnee, and it’s named Azure Moon.”

“Master Schnee’s weapon?”

“Exactly. I suspect that Schnee isn’t currently using her personal weapon.”

“Well, actually… I’m not quite sure what you mean by ‘personal weapon.’”

“You don’t know?” Shin was surprised, having believed it was widely understood. “A ‘personal weapon’ is a designation… Um, a weapon that can be used exclusively by a particular individual. For Azure Moon, other than me, only Schnee or someone she permits can wield it. Right now, I’ve allowed you to touch it too, Tiera, but no one else could even attempt to pick it up.”

In the game, this feature was commonly used to prevent the theft of special items, like event rewards, or to create guild emblems representing a guild. While the idea of personal weapons was generally recognized, only elite blacksmiths and alchemists possessed the Skill to forge them. Consequently, very few people bothered to make such weapons.

“Restricted to particular users… This reminds me, I’ve heard some weapons found in ruins can’t be wielded by anyone. Could it be a similar case?” Tiera inquired, her interest stirred.

“They’re likely personal weapons too,” Shin conjectured. “It would be unfortunate to let them go unused, so researching ways to make them functional might be beneficial. Most personal weapons are Ancient-class or Mythic-class, making them highperformance. If you were able to use one, even a level one player might easily defeat a Tetra Grizzly.”

“That type of overpowered weapon is just ridiculous,” Tiera commented, her tone reflecting disbelief at the weapon’s abilities.

The performance that Shin had just explained exceeded all of Tiera’s expectations, leaving her utterly astonished. Had she only listened to the explanation, she might have doubted it, but faced with the incredibly powerful ninja blade directly in front of her, she could not help but accept its reality.

The Azure Moon ninja blade rested casually on the counter. However, even in its stillness, Tiera perceived a distortion in the space around it. Despite her lack of combat experience, she could sense the weapon’s impressive power.

“It’s truly an amazing blade, but I don’t want to use it,” Tiera confessed.

“Oh? Why not?”

“Because… I believe it would overwhelm me.”

She sensed this deeply and felt certain. The blade undeniably offered immense power to whoever wielded it, yet without the necessary skill, it could very well consume its user from within.

“Overwhelm you, huh… That could be due to the materials used to create it,” Shin pondered, reflecting on Tiera’s statement.

Shin immediately thought of the penalty faced when someone equipped a weapon they didn’t have the required stats for. Each weapon had specific attribute requirements, and failing to meet them would result in a major reduction in the user’s stats. However, the concept of being “consumed” by the weapon intrigued Shin, prompting him to clarify what materials were used in its construction.

“What is it made of?” Tiera asked, struggling to understand her sensations.

“The main material is an alloy called chimeraite, combined with the fang of the Black Death Dragon, the scales of the Sea Chaos Beast, and the tears of an Element Tail. While there are other important ingredients, these four are the primary components. I suspect the fang or the scales are causing your current feeling, as both are sourced from high-tier monsters.”

“…”

“Tiera?”

Listening to Shin, Tiera placed a hand on her forehead, brow furrowed as she tried to grasp his explanation.

“Okay, I’m done being surprised. Even if those monsters you mentioned are legendary, I’m okay. Yes, I’m okay,” Tiera said, shaking her head as if to clarify her thoughts.

“You don’t seem fine at all,” Shin replied, unable to hold back his observation on Tiera’s stunned expression.

It seemed Tiera’s grasp on reality was crumbling under the weight of what she had just heard, making her shake her head in disbelief. Shin, as extraordinary as ever in this world, had once again shattered the bounds of common sense.

It was no wonder. As Tiera pointed out, the monsters Shin had mentioned were all powerful beings, now remembered only in legends. If someone claimed that materials from creatures capable of causing natural disasters were used to forge a weapon, most people would assume it was a joke. However, the sheer presence of the ninja blade before them and the fact that it was one of Shin’s possessions left no room for such dismissive thoughts.

“Sigh… Conversing with you feels like you’re breaking my sense of reality apart,” Tiera admitted, exhaling a tired sigh.

“Huh? Is that really my fault?”

“Absolutely! How could it not be? You casually drew out an Ancient-class weapon as if it were no big deal—that’s just ridiculous!”

“Well, regardless… Whether Schnee remembers me depends on this,” Shin replied, turning his gaze to Azure Moon.

Prior to confronting Origin, Shin had acquired Azure Moon from Schnee (or “retrieved” it, in gaming language). This was part of a personal ritual for Shin, where he’d gathered the weapons of all his support characters before tackling a boss, believing it would bring him good luck.

Consequently, the weapons of all the other support characters were stored in his Item Box, awaiting their opportunity for use. Given the possibility that a simple message might not suffice, coupled with the fact that “Shin” was a common name, he opted to leave something unmistakable behind.

“I can’t imagine anyone being given something like this and refusing to meet, but… Master Schnee might be the exception,” Tiera murmured, nodding in understanding as she looked at Azure Moon alongside Shin.

Tiera remembered how Schnee had received costly clothes, jewelry, and other unique items before, but had displayed little enthusiasm for them. The memory of Schnee’s apathetic reaction to those gifts lingered in Tiera’s thoughts.

Despite not equaling the worth of a gold Geil coin, Schnee displayed no interest in treasures valuing dozens of platinum Jule coins or even those akin to Legend-class artifacts. It was effortless to envision Schnee ignoring an item solely for being rare or costly.

Since Shin’s request was for her to reach out if the item seemed familiar, Tiera assumed Schnee wouldn’t disregard it this time. However, the fact that Schnee had previously ignored even Legend-class items indicated that Tiera’s perception of her master was somewhat disconnected from common sense.

“If Schnee contacts you, please use this to inform me. It should reach me wherever I am,” Shin said, setting a plain set of stationery and a message card beside Azure Moon.

“Can I send a letter using this?”

“It’s one-way only, though. You write your message on the card and the recipient’s name on the stationery. Then, simply say ‘send,’ and it’ll be delivered,” Shin explained, gesturing to the items while detailing their usage.

In the game, this item was frequently utilized for birthdays or Christmas. Some players even crafted elaborate cards with stunning effects that would appear instantly upon opening the card. Although it was quicker to send a standard message in the game and the item was primarily used for special occasions, in this world—where functions like email or friend registration did not exist—it seemed like a very helpful tool.

“This item is so convenient,” Tiera commented, impressed.

“Yeah, but I have a lot of them left since I hardly used them.”

Shin had received numerous items as quest or event rewards that he seldom utilized in the game. His Item Box was filled with such goods—items that lacked usefulness in the “game” but might surprisingly prove useful in this “reality.”

“I bet these cards would be really popular if they became widespread.”

“No doubt,” Shin agreed, though he opted to overlook the unspoken question in Tiera’s remark—Why don’t you share them with others?

Advanced or convenient technologies didn’t always fulfill their intended purpose. History was replete with instances of this. Furthermore, Shin was uninterested in sparking a technological revolution. Ultimately, the items referenced were those that already existed in The New Gate. He believed that someone else would eventually come up with a similar invention.

“Hey, I just thought of something,” Tiera said, looking at the message card as inspiration hit her. “Why not use this to reach Master directly? There’s really no need to leave a message with me.”

“I wish I could, but it’s not that simple. You can only send these to people you’ve met in person. For some reason, though, it doesn’t work with Schnee, even though I’ve met her before.”

It wasn’t that Shin hadn’t considered reaching out to Schnee directly—he had. But for reasons he couldn’t grasp, it just wasn’t feasible.

“Maybe the card’s faulty?” Tiera suggested. To test it, Shin stepped outside and demonstrated by sending a message card. Tiera, startled by the letter that suddenly appeared in front of her, became convinced that the item itself was working properly.

Maybe the list was reset… Shin thought, coming to this conclusion. The message card read, “Share your thoughts with those you’ve encountered on your journeys.” It appeared that he could only send messages to players he had interacted with in this realm, not just anyone he had met in the game.

“Hey, if you have some extras, could I get a few more of these?” Tiera asked.

“I don’t mind, but it’s probably best not to use them too freely with people you don’t know well.”

“I don’t intend to use them carelessly. My goal is to study them. While I aspire to be a Mage, I’m captivated by unique magic items like this and am eager to understand their mechanics,” Tiera articulated, her eyes shining with the excitement of a child discovering a new toy.

“Alright then, I’ll provide five more. Just make sure to save one for Schnee’s response to me, alright? Since I’m offering these, we can consider it settled for the message delivery fee,” Shin suggested, gauging the reaction to his proposal.

“Understood. Rest assured, I’ll use them thoughtfully. Misusing one on the wrong person could create significant chaos. Additionally, I don’t anticipate receiving something like this without cost. I’ll forgo the delivery fee, but I promise the rest will be rewarding for you,” Tiera replied with a playful grin, consenting to the arrangement.

It appeared that Shin could expect a potential bonus. Nodding in agreement, he chose to anticipate it.

While Tiera eagerly contemplated the beginning of her experiments, Shin fleetingly considered whether she would thrive more as an alchemist. However, he decided against voicing his thoughts, acknowledging that many mages also engaged in research. Ultimately, numerous players balanced the roles of both mage and alchemist.

“Alright, I’ll be going now. Please say hi to Schnee for me,” Shin said while getting ready to depart.

“You can count on me. I’ll ensure she sees this as soon as she gets back,” Tiera responded with a bright smile.

Following a brief goodbye, Shin departed from The Moon Sanctum. It wasn’t until later that Tiera thought, If I had only sent a message card at that moment, I could have reached Master immediately for him!

Part 7

After leaving The Moon Sanctum, Shin headed straight for the Northern Forest. He moved cautiously, ensuring that no one was nearby, as encountering any guild members investigating the Skullface would be a hassle. Without a specific destination in mind, he relied mostly on intuition. Something about the deeper parts of the forest felt suspicious, so he decided to keep walking that way.

To steer clear of the investigators, he left the area where the Skullface had been and chose a direction he hadn’t previously explored. The Skullface had been situated in the southeastern part of the Northern Forest, but Shin was now moving northwest, deeper into the woods, bringing him closer to the forest’s central area.

As he ventured farther in, the trees grew thicker, obscuring the sunlight and creating a darkness that resembled night. The trees here towered above those in the Eastern Forest, and the heavy, stifling atmosphere felt as if it resisted any Human presence.

As he advanced, Shin became more attuned to a thought rising in his mind—“Leave this place.” This wasn’t merely a feeling or intuition; it was something more concrete, something that directly impacted his awareness.

Is this some kind of barrier?

He sensed no malicious intent, yet the potency of the illusion magic left him uncertain. This formidable barrier could trigger an instinctive aversion in any ordinary person merely by proximity. Even those confident in their skills would likely fail to perceive it altogether.

For Shin, a High Human with strong resistance to mental interference, the barrier’s impact was insignificant. In fact, it felt more like a signal indicating, “There’s something ahead!”

Shin walked quickly through the dark forest, staying vigilant. Thanks to the barrier, no monsters were present. After a while, as he walked past a particularly large tree, the darkness ahead suddenly dissipated, revealing a soft light that enveloped him.

In the newly visible clearing, roughly thirty mels wide, the ground was bare as if precisely carved from the surrounding woods. At its center, a bright red torii gate stood alongside a small sanctum.

“This must be the center of the barrier,” Shin murmured to himself.

As soon as he entered this space, the mental interference dissipated. Even he hadn’t anticipated finding a sanctum here.

“Hmm… this sanctum… It feels familiar,” he said, scratching his head.

In the game, while Japanese-style architecture was fairly common, very few players constructed sanctums. It should have made a stronger impression on him, yet for some reason, the memory remained elusive, just beyond his grasp.

“Well, I might as well step inside.”

Concluding that lingering wasn’t useful, Shin ducked under the torii gate and walked into the sanctum grounds.

A direct path extended from the torii to the main sanctum. Rather than the typical guardian dogs, guardian foxes stood watch near the torii.

Absent were the usual features such as a hand-washing basin, offering box, or other facilities typically found at a sanctum. It was merely a straightforward path leading to the main sanctum, nothing more.

However, as soon as Shin stepped through the torii, the atmosphere shifted, revealing the sanctity of the area. A crisp, refreshing breeze so clear it made him forget the dense forest behind him softly caressed his cheek. After navigating through the woods, filled with the blended aromas of various creatures, the distinct purity of this place felt even more profound. It was undeniable that this was indeed a sacred space.

The sanctum grounds looked well-kept, showing no signs of neglect. The main sanctum stood elevated on a high floor and featured sparse decoration. For someone used to more conventional sanctums, it might have seemed slightly out of place.

Just as Shin approached the main sanctum, a sharp crack pierced the air.

“What was that?”

It resembled the sound of breaking glass, as if a crack had formed somewhere. Could the barrier have been compromised? Even though Shin had not done anything, he felt an unsettling sense of dread.

“Is this my fault?” Shin pondered, surveying his surroundings. Everything appeared normal—the air was clear, and the sacred ambiance remained intact.

The doors to the main sanctum stood slightly open. He couldn’t figure out if they had always been that way or if they had shifted with the noise. It felt as if the doors were inviting him to push them wider. The opening wasn’t broad enough for a proper view inside, but once his curiosity stirred, it became hard to resist.

“I might as well open it,” Shin said under his breath.

Knowing this might not have been the best choice, Shin pushed open the doors to the main sanctum. The dim interior began to brighten as the outside light streamed in, revealing the space’s contents.

The first thing that drew Shin’s attention was the writing on the floor. Characters resembling Sanskrit were arranged in a circular pattern, with several smaller circles enveloped by a larger one, creating a layout resembling a magic circle.

At the very center of this formation, a solitary shadow lay still.

“A fox?”

Illuminated by the light from the open door, a small silver-furred fox rested on the floor, hardly moving.

Shin snapped out of his daze, realizing it was time to act rather than just stand around. After ensuring there were no traps in sight, he hurried toward the fox. Despite the absence of visible injuries, the fox’s HP gauge was dangerously low, deep in the red zone. On top of that, it was affected by the Poison X and Curse X statuses. Typically, if left in this state, the fox would soon lose all its strength.

Is this the fox Millie mentioned? Given its position, it was clear this wasn’t an ordinary fox.

If I’m wrong, I’ll take care of it later! Shin quickly opened his menu and accessed his Item Box.

From the long list of items, he chose an elixir—a golden liquid in a vial that fully restored HP, MP, removed most status ailments, and even regrew missing limbs. He flicked the cap off with his thumb and was just about to bring it to the small fox’s mouth when—

Crash!

A loud crashing sound, reminiscent of many glass panes breaking, resounded throughout the sanctum.

“What now?!” Shin shouted, quickly activating Presence Detection to gauge the situation. Unlike Search, which identified hostile players or monsters, Presence Detection enabled Shin to sense the position and count of all entities—monsters and players alike—within its range. Though its detection range was narrower than Search, it proved far more effective for surveying the surroundings while staying behind cover or inside buildings.

A quick survey showed that more than fifty monsters were gathering around the main sanctum. It appeared that the earlier noise was due to the barrier breaking.

Checking the map revealed red markers encircling the sanctum, gradually closing in like ants on sugar.

Are they after this fox? Shin thought, glancing down at the softly whimpering fox in his arms.

After giving it the elixir, the status ailments were healed, and the fox’s HP started to rise from red to yellow, then green. Yet its frail state indicated that it had likely been weak for quite some time.

“First things first, I need to secure this little one’s safety. Barrier X, activate! Huh…? It didn’t work?”

Shin tried to use the most powerful barrier to shield the fox but was surprised when the Skill didn’t activate.

“What’s happening here? Could it be…?” Shin murmured as a possible explanation came to him.

The sanctum featured fox statues instead of the usual guardian dogs, and a small fox was present within the main sanctum. The failure of his barrier Skill—everything hinted at one possibility.

“Is this… the domain of an Element Tail?” Shin wondered.

Regretting that he hadn’t realized it sooner upon seeing the fox statues, Shin cradled the small fox in his arms and stepped outside the main sanctum. In the game, there were high-level boss monsters known as Element Tails, and within their domain, players couldn’t use barrier-type Skills. This was basic knowledge, even familiar to low-level players. With this revelation, Shin had no choice but to stay by the fox’s side to ensure its safety.

Honestly, Shin still didn’t fully understand what was happening, but leaving the fox behind was not a choice. While this world might simply mimic the game, a realm that had no personal connection to him, he couldn’t ignore the trembling fox gazing up at him with fear-filled eyes. It was impossible to regard it as just an NPC or a background figure.

As he gently stroked the fox’s head to comfort it, Shin concentrated on Presence Detection to assess the environment around him.

“Ku…”

“Please stay still for a moment. I’ll take care of these pests,” Shin said gently.

The monsters kept closing in around them. Shin’s focus shifted to skeletal warriors clad in rusted armor and wielding corroded swords, known as Skullfaces. Their eye sockets glowed faintly while they shuffled toward him and the fox, resembling sleepwalkers.

The mere presence of these creatures made Shin feel as if the sanctum’s sacred air was being polluted. He was taken aback by their overwhelming numbers, wondering where they had all come from; he could see more than twenty of them in his line of sight alone.

“If they can’t win through quality, they’ll try to overwhelm us with numbers, right?” Shin remarked as he looked over the mass of Skullfaces.

Unlike the earlier Jack-class he faced, which had unique gear and levels, this group consisted of the more typical Pawn-class and Jack-class Skullfaces, much like those he had fought in the game. Recognizing that these were just standard Skullfaces, Shin changed his Skill from Presence Detection to Search, which extended his coverage. This adjustment enabled him to spot every Skullface around him.

His primary concern this time was the overwhelming number of enemies. By using Search, Shin found that their count was nearing three digits. If just a few managed to get through, it could result in significant losses for the Bayrelitch Kingdom.

Images flitted through Shin’s mind, recalling the bloodstains left from the Skullface’s earlier chaos and the remnants of what had once been a Human.

While Shin didn’t see himself as a hero, he was determined to minimize any needless loss of life.

“I won’t allow any of you to escape!” he announced, advancing toward the crowd of foes. As he moved, he pulled out a new weapon from his Item Box.

The weapon that appeared in his grasp was a spear. Its shaft shone with a silver hue, and the blade at its tip was a bright emerald green, reminiscent of jade. The entire spear radiated a white glow, suggesting the type of magic it contained.

With a quick spin of the spear in his right hand, Shin pointed the tip at the oncoming enemies and swiftly lowered Limiter to level two.

Shin had completely harnessed his power and optimized his state for battle, ready to unleash. Confirming his readiness, he leaped into the fray of Skullfaces.

“Let’s get started!”

With his charge, Shin invoked the Spearmanship-type Martial Skill Furrow Piercer. The spear, propelled by his extraordinary strength, impaled several Skullfaces in one swift thrust. An emerald green light radiated from the Skill, spiraling outward and cutting through his enemies’ swords, armor, and bodies without restraint.

The force resembled a horizontally fired cannon, demolishing the closely grouped Skullfaces and creating a trail of broken bones and metal debris behind them.

With unwavering momentum, Shin burst through the encirclement, swiftly creating space between himself and the remaining foes, all while vigilantly monitoring their positions.

“Now for this! Star Mines!”

The moment the Skill activated, a multitude of glowing orbs appeared around Shin, moving to form a boundary around the Skullface horde. Known as Star Mines, this light-based magic Skill released the orbs like aerial mines, establishing a lethal barrier. The orbs arranged themselves right behind the Skullfaces, encircling the sanctum and blocking any possible escape routes into the forest. With the light orbs fully deployed, Shin refocused on the Skullfaces that he hadn’t targeted in his previous assault—those still encircling the sanctum.

This time, he activated the Spearmanship-type Martial Skill Blossoming Flash.

As the spear moved in a sweeping horizontal line, it created a vibrant emerald trail, annihilating the Skullfaces on impact. The shattered armor and swords of the defeated foes scattered outward, hitting other Skullfaces lying beyond the initial strike zone.

The immense force of the attack was tremendous, and debris from the destroyed Skullfaces penetrated both Pawn- and Jack-class monsters, transforming the group into a genuine pincushion.

A Jack-class Skullface raised its sword to strike Shin, but before it could land, Shin’s spear intercepted it, converting the creature into an unintended missile that impaled its own comrades.

“One more!”

Cradling the small fox against his chest, Shin swung his spear with remarkable speed, seemingly defying the limitations of one-handed use. Each precise strike cut through nearly ten Skullfaces, and the ensuing debris acted as a scattershot, further diminishing the enemy ranks.

The Skullfaces were quickly reducing. In the game, the Jack- and Pawn-class Skullfaces were labeled as weak, mere fodder. Even while holding a fox, Shin—whose Skills far exceeded theirs—encountered no genuine obstacles.

The battlefield had become a stage solely defined by Shin, offering no chance of survival for these monsters. Within just ten minutes, the entire horde of Skullfaces was eradicated.

Shin had considered that some might retreat into the forest, but they evidently lacked that foresight; every single one charged directly at him. Consequently, the Star Mines Skill proved unnecessary, yet it ensured none of the enemies could escape.

The ground around Shin was littered with the remains of the Skullfaces, hiding the earth below. Although the number of discarded items was considerable, it wouldn’t quite fill his Item Box to capacity. Still, Shin felt it wasn’t worth the trouble to collect them all.

“Well, what should we do nex—?!”

“Ggyu?!”

Before he could complete his thought, Shin suddenly jumped back, gripping the small fox tightly. The swift movement made the fox emit a muffled cry, but Shin wasn’t focused on it. Even though the enemies were gone, Shin had sensed hostility, prompting his instincts to take over. In the place where he had just stood, a two-meter-long icicle was now embedded in the ground.

Considering the attack’s nature, it was improbable that a surviving Skullface was involved. Even a King-class Skullface was confined to using only Martial Skills, as they couldn’t employ Magic Skills. Shin shifted his gaze toward the likely source of the launched icicle.

The Search function presented a new red marker on the map that hadn’t appeared earlier. This marker aligned perfectly with the direction from which the icicle originated.

“So, it’s a guardian fox instead of a guardian dog, huh?”

The attack had originated from the fox statue near the torii gate.

In a typical sanctum, guardian dogs would be present, but this space belonged to the Element Tail, a mystical nine-tailed fox. Thus, it only made sense for it to resemble an Inari sanctum.

“What the…?” Shin exclaimed, surprised.

Before his eyes, the previously still fox statue began a remarkable transformation.

Its stone form took on the pliable grace of a real creature, limbs becoming thicker and more powerful. A mane-like tuft of fur cascaded from its head to its back as its tail split into two, a dull spark glimmering in its eyes.

“Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this before,” Shin said, watching in awe as the transformation unfolded.

From its forehead and the base of its limbs, crystalline formations emerged, and its mouth stretched grotesquely, splitting down to its throat. Its body took on a sickening combination of colors, like paint splattered haphazardly in a poisonous purple hue.

Ultimately, a sinister, dark mist shrouded the creature, signaling the final stage of its transformation. Any trace of its fox-like appearance had vanished completely. The breath spilling from its wide-open mouth was a thick black fog—not merely ordinary black, but a rich, heavy darkness that felt substantial.

“GURRRRRR…” It growled, emitting a sound like stones grinding together.

The transformation occurred in mere seconds. The formerly still fox statue suddenly split vertically as it morphed into two monstrous creatures—one red and one blue. They stalked forward in concert, slowly advancing to surround Shin. Despite their horrifying appearance, their movements were disconcertingly smooth, more graceful than those of any wild beast.

The complete crumbling of the pedestals they had been on revealed the immense weight of the statues. The thought that such gigantic beings could move so swiftly was mentally taxing.

“Level 674. I understand; it’s miasma,” Shin murmured, as the insights from Analyze calmed his mind.

Although the creatures before him now appeared monstrous, the fox statues originally stationed in the sanctum were meant to serve as a warm-up before engaging the Element Tail. They had a level of precisely five hundred, positioning them as practice adversaries before the actual confrontation. In reality, they were Golems manipulated by the Element Tail—or at least, that was Shin’s understanding.

Typically, in the absence of the Element Tail, the statues would remain motionless, simply stone figures. Their current movement likely stemmed from the black mist surrounding them.

Shin’s feeling that the air had become tainted upon seeing the horde of Skullfaces was not a false impression.

The creatures were now recognized as Golem Invaders. The inclusion of “Invader” in their name signified that they had been corrupted and enhanced by miasma.

It appeared that the sacred sanctum had been breached by miasma. Although it had not yet fully transformed into a contaminated zone, allowing these two monsters to persist would only hasten the deterioration.

“No hard feelings, but this must come to an end,” Shin said, feeling defeated.

There was no way to revert a monster that had utterly succumbed to miasma. Unlike the Cursed Gift title or status-ailment curses, even the Purification Skill could not restore them. If he had acted sooner, while the transformation was still unfinished, there might have been a chance, but now he had no choice but to eliminate them.

Adjusting his grip on the small fox, Shin prepared his spear.

The two fox statues, now golems, originally attacked using their claws and fangs, unleashing ranged attacks with fire and water attribute magic Skills. That much likely remained the same. After all, even amidst their transformation, the ice pillars had struck at Shin with some accuracy.

“GURUAAAAAA!!!”

The golem, towering more than five mels tall, roared as it lunged at Shin from behind. Its impressive size was offset by an astonishing speed, generating an intense feeling of intimidation.

“Tch!”

Shin swiftly jumped aside, ensuring he did not disturb the tiny fox he held. The golem’s fiery claws, leaving a trail of bright red flames, cut through the air and struck the ground with a thunderous impact, scattering dirt and debris everywhere. The immense power of the blow created a dust cloud, briefly hiding the golem from sight.

Shin kept a cautious watch on the red golem as he deflected a flying icicle with his spear. He paused to reevaluate the actions of the two golems. Both were significantly more powerful than any golems Shin had encountered before, their strength enhanced by the miasma. The fire-enveloped claws of the red golem were particularly surprising—this was the first time Shin had observed such an assault.

This is going to be tricky.

Even in this scenario, Shin could probably defeat the Golems with ease if he exerted his full power. However, this would jeopardize the small fox’s life. The shockwaves generated by Shin’s full strength could be lethal to the delicate little creature.

Though Shin could move rapidly without trouble thanks to his resilience, the small fox lacked comparable durability. The pressure on its body from Shin’s quick movements would be tremendous.

This wasn’t an exaggeration. The gap in stats between Shin and the fox was probably over seven hundred points, much like strapping an unprotected infant to a rocket and sending it into space.

Shin was not used to fighting under these circumstances—he found it quite challenging. He realized just how much more difficult this battle was.

He thought about equipping the fox with a temporary defensive item to absorb any possible damage, but that would take time, and once it was equipped, he couldn’t just leave it unattended.

To complicate things further, Shin wasn’t sure if the golems were targeting him or the fox. Given that these golems could use magic Skills, there was a significant chance they would launch a ranged attack the moment Shin tried to create some distance. If the enemies were low-level monsters like the Skullfaces, Shin could disregard them, but these foes were high-level, unknown entities—an entirely different kind of threat.

In The New Gate, there were only a few defensive Skills available, making it challenging to fight while also protecting something. This made the inability to use barrier-type Skills especially frustrating.

Nonetheless, this didn’t imply that Shin lacked a way to defend himself.

“That’s the purpose of magic Skills!”

As the red golem broke through the dust cloud and lunged at Shin again, its enormous form suddenly twisted awkwardly in mid-air.

What caused this? One of the light orbs from the Star Mines Skill, which Shin had set up during the Skullface battle, had struck the golem’s side. Thinking quickly, Shin had repositioned the light orbs mid-fight.

Though the red golem charged with even greater speed and menace, its massive size rendered it an easy target.

As additional light orbs hit—first two, then three in rapid succession—the red golem was battered repeatedly. However, as soon as it touched down, it leaped again, unleashing fire from its mouth to scorch the approaching light orbs. It then started evading the remaining orbs with unexpected agility.

At the same time, the blue golem constructed an ice wall for protection. Shin had focused on quantity rather than strength when positioning the orbs for the Skullfaces, resulting in insufficient magical power to breach the high-level Golem’s defenses. The red golem’s health gauge hardly registered a reduction of ten percent.

“As expected from a golem; its defense is exceptional. They’re meant to be vulnerable to magic, though!” Shin said, expressing his frustration but remaining resolute. He maintained his relentless assault on both golems with a series of light orbs, ensuring they remained pinned down. Concurrently, he activated a new magical Skill.

“Shadow Bind!”

At Shin’s command, the shadows beneath the golems began to writhe, curling around their bodies. The golems sensed danger and attempted to leap away, but it was too late—their legs had already become ensnared in the shadows, leaving them immobilized.

The Dark-type Magic Skill Shadow Bind was recognized for its capacity to trap foes without being readily noticed. Its trade-off was a relatively weak binding strength, often ineffective against boss-class enemies. However, with Shin’s amplified magical power, Shadow Bind restrained the high-level golems, effectively anchoring them to the ground.

“Just to be safe, hold onto this.”

With the golems held in place, Shin swiftly opened his Item Box and equipped the small fox with an item that would absorb some damage for it. He then turned his attention to the red golem, which was already partially weakened.

“This should finish it!” Shin exclaimed as he prepared a magic Skill.

He selected the Light-type Magic Skill Avaride Ray, renowned for its piercing strength.

As he thrust his spear forward, light began to gather at its tip, with a magic power far surpassing that of the light orbs that had previously struck the golem.

Recognizing the threat, the red golem increased its struggle against the binding shadows, causing cracks to form around its mouth, and after a brief moment, it managed to move its jaws.

“CAAAAAAA…”

From its gaping mouth poured forth a thick, dark mist. The inky fog spread swiftly, blocking visibility entirely so that Shin couldn’t see even a single mel ahead. The mist enveloped him just as he was about to unleash his Skill, casting everything around him into darkness.

“A smokescreen?” Shin murmured.

Instead of hastily unleashing the spell, he opted to maintain the Skill’s charge and assess the situation. He had faced foes who employed smokescreen-like tactics during his time in the game. Although his vision was obscured, Shin hadn’t lost track of the enemy thanks to Search, which still revealed their positions. He could have released the Skill and attacked despite the thickening mist, but the knowledge that this fog was created by a miasma-corrupted monster made him hesitate.

“Ku… Kuu…”

“What’s happening?! Damn it, it’s causing status ailments!”

The small fox in Shin’s arms began writhing in agony, and its status screen prominently displayed Poison VII. The mist not only obscured visibility but also debilitated everyone caught within it. The item Shin had equipped on the fox couldn’t counteract status effects or the damage they inflicted, leaving the fox entirely vulnerable.

“They’ve become way too powerful…”

He quickly activated the Divine-type Magic Skill Cure to eliminate the poison, but within moments, the fox was poisoned once more. As long as they stayed in the fog, no amount of healing would be effective.

Even if Shin wished to break free from the fog, he had no way of determining its extent. Additionally, given that the fox’s condition hampered his movements, it was improbable that the golems would simply allow him to escape.

Although this level of poison didn’t affect him directly, Shin recognized that if he didn’t end the fight swiftly, the little fox wouldn’t make it.

Shin had the ability to use Heal to restore the fox’s health and Cure to eliminate the poison, but depending on this cycle of healing whenever the fox was poisoned was a perilously game-like strategy. In reality, no matter how often he healed, ongoing poisoning would ultimately result in death.

“Our time is limited…” Shin murmured.

In light of the situation, the small fox would need to endure some strain.

“Sorry, but I’ll need you to hold on a bit longer.”

“Ku, kuu!” The little fox replied with a spirited cry.

“That’s the spirit!” Shin encouraged, feeling inspired by the fox’s determination as he unleashed the charged Avaride Ray.

The brilliant beam surged forward, scattering the mist as it targeted the marker on Shin’s map. Yet, the golem had already escaped from Shadow Bind. It twisted its massive form, narrowly avoiding the beam, before disappearing once more into the fog.

When Avaride Ray hit the ground, it caused a violent explosion that momentarily dispersed the mist, but it quickly enveloped the area again.

Shin started to move, watching the markers on his map. Remaining in one spot would only make him an easy target, especially since the golems could launch long-range attacks. The markers representing the golems were heading straight for Shin. It appeared that the mist did not obstruct their vision at all.

As the two markers converged on each other, the blue golem suddenly burst through the mist, baring its fangs at Shin. Its maw was large enough to swallow his upper body whole, and the razor-sharp teeth inside closed in, seeking flesh and blood.

Shin evaded the brutal bite by twisting away and intercepted the subsequent claw strike with his spear’s shaft. Yet, the red golem that was supposed to attack next was nowhere to be seen.

In an instant, Shin sensed a surge of killing intent approaching from above. Harnessing the momentum from his previous strike, he leaped into the air and executed the Unarmed-type Martial Skill Spirit Strike upward.

His anti-air kick struck the red golem directly in the throat, shattering its neck as he tore through it. The now headless body of the red golem crashed down, unable to brace for impact, creating a deep crater upon landing. Using the propulsion from his kick, Shin distanced himself from the relentless pursuit of the blue golem.

Even as he moved, Shin kept his gaze fixed on the red golem’s body lying on the ground. In the game, this would have meant the end for one of his opponents, but… That hope was quickly shattered. The headless torso began to rise, moving as if nothing had occurred.

Despite the broken neck not healing, the golem remained conscious of Shin, responding to his actions.

“It’s still moving?” Shin had suspected this all along, but it became obvious that the golems wouldn’t fall unless they were utterly destroyed. Seeing the red golem’s marker shift rapidly, Shin swiftly started to devise a plan.

His adversaries were golems—naturally immune to status effects. Given the small fox’s limited time, the optimal strategy was to eliminate them with a single powerful blow. However, the challenge lay in their quickness. Although there were Skills with greater binding strength than Shadow Bind, completely ensnaring the golems within the fog proved daunting.

Additionally, the fog enveloping Shin was so thick that even his Night Vision Skill could not see through it. While he could use the map to deploy his Skills, this approach was imprecise, and he lacked total confidence in his ability to control magic in this world.

“Kuu, kuu!”

“What’s wrong?” Shin replied.

While Shin deflected icicles and fireballs amidst the mist, the little fox tugged at the edge of his cloak, seeking his attention. It appeared eager to convey something significant.

“Kuu! Kuu!”

The fox pointed toward a faint glow in the distance. Straining to see, Shin recognized it as the magical circle where the fox had been resting earlier.

The sanctum seemed to have partially fallen due to the golem’s assaults, revealing the circle from outside.

“Should I go there?”

“Kuu!”

Despite barely holding on due to the constant cycle of poisoning and healing, the fox nodded firmly. Shin wasn’t sure what they might discover there, but given the timing, it had to be something significant.

Trusting the small fox’s intuition, Shin approached the magic circle, confirming that it was indeed the same one the fox had been lying on earlier. Strangely, the mist hadn’t infiltrated the area surrounding the circle.

“Is this where I’m supposed to go?” Shin asked.

The fox nodded in reply.

“I see.”

Adjusting his grip, Shin moved to the center of the magic circle. Once inside, he grasped why the fox had brought him here—within the circle, the mist no longer clouded his sight. He could clearly see everything in the fog, no longer needing to depend on luck with his Skills.

It appeared that the golems had spotted his entry into the magic circle as they swiftly began to close in, realizing they could no longer depend on the fog for ambushes. But it was too late. As soon as Shin stepped into the circle, he felt its power enhancing his abilities.

“Arc Bind!”

Chains of light from the Light-type Magic Skill shot out from the air, striking the oncoming golems. Although slower than Shadow Bind, Arc Bind offered more than double the strength. This binding Skill, among the most powerful, ensnared the golems as they tried to dodge, immobilizing them on the ground. Augmented by the magic circle, the chains moved with such accuracy that escape was impossible for the golems.

“You have caused me quite a bit of trouble.”

The two golems stood aligned perfectly before him. There was no longer any need to hold back his movements or shield the fox—just one decisive blow was required. As Shin prepared his spear, the magic circle erupted with brilliant light, causing the spear to glow in his hand. He felt the energy accumulating, primed for the final strike.

“Alright, let’s blast you away along with that miasma!” Shin charged forward, his figure disappearing in an instant, leaving only a blur in his wake.

He materialized directly in front of the golems, and the spear, now radiating a pure, holy light, lunged forward in a single, crushing blow. This was the Calamity Pierce technique, a Spearmanship-type Martial Skill created to penetrate any calamity.

The spear, glowing with a brilliant light befitting its name, struck the golems, its power enhanced by the Arc Bind. The initial target was the red golem, whose miasma-augmented body proved helpless against the spear’s radiant force. It shattered the golem’s outer shell, ripped through its core, and reduced its limbs to dust. Yet the assault continued. Relentless, the spear’s energy propelled it directly into the blue golem.

The blue golem attempted to retaliate with magic, emitting a piercing scream that reverberated in Shin’s ears. However, the spear’s light shattered the accumulating mana, dispersing the spell before it materialized. Even the fog that had aided the golems vanished in the spear’s glow. After decimating the red golem, the spear’s relentless power offered no opportunity for the blue golem to fight back. It, too, was completely obliterated.

Part 8

“It’s over… Now, what should I do about all this?” Shin muttered to himself, glancing around while gripping his spear.

With the miasma-transformed golems defeated, the mist that shrouded the area completely lifted, allowing Shin to finally take in his surroundings.

What he witnessed was, honestly, a catastrophe. The dropped items from the Skullfaces—swords and armor—were scattered everywhere, while the main building of the sanctum had collapsed. The torii gate was partially destroyed, probably due to lingering magical effects, and the ground showed deep gouges, with some patches fused into a glass-like surface. Two-mel-high ice pillars dotted the area, with broken trees lying behind them, shattered from the impact.

Although it was inevitable, the aftermath was complete chaos. Anyone witnessing this scene would find it hard to believe it was once a sacred sanctum. Not that Shin had any intention of cleaning up the mess.

“Now that the miasma is gone, I suppose I’ll report the Skullfaces,” Shin concluded.

It appeared that this specific miasma vanished after the source was dealt with. Yet the air inside the sanctum still felt dense, resembling the forest outside rather than the previously untainted atmosphere of the sanctum. Maybe the barrier’s collapse had also stripped away the protective qualities.

Localized miasma outbreaks frequently occurred in the game, and clearing them typically required defeating the boss monster that had been corrupted by the miasma. Drawing from that experience, Shin concluded that the area was now safe. With that resolved, he focused on the remaining matter.

“Ku—!”

“Whoa! Hey, be careful!” Shin shouted as he caught the little fox that had unexpectedly jumped at him from the magic circle.

The fox snuggled against Shin’s cheek, appearing quite lively. As Shin looked closer, he noticed that the fox had completely healed. It playfully licked his face, displaying no trace of its previous fatigue.

“It seems you’re all better now,” Shin remarked, feeling relieved.

Even though he didn’t completely grasp what had transpired, knowing the fox was safe made all his efforts worthwhile. Furthermore, witnessing phenomena that deviated from the game was notable on its own. While it didn’t directly indicate a way back to his original world, accumulating information was always beneficial; in this situation, everything could serve as a possible clue.

“Ku?”

“Now that I think about it, you’re quite the enigma,” Shin noted, lifting the fox gently as he spoke.

He had helped the fox at Millie’s request, but it seemed the little creature harbored its own secrets. Since the situation had been urgent from the outset, Shin hadn’t taken the time to check its name. Seeing that it had an HP gauge, he realized it was likely a monster rather than a player or NPC; however, he hadn’t gathered much information beyond that.

“I completely forgot to check your name. Are you a Little Fox?” Shin pondered, referencing a popular pet monster while activating Analyze to view the fox’s details.

The fox cocked its head once more, appearing confused by Shin’s words. Since this location was part of the Element Tail’s territory, Shin had expected it to be a lesser fox-like creature.

“Let’s see… Your name is… Nah… Wait?”

Shin’s eyes locked onto the name of the creature presented to him. What he saw was completely unexpected.

“El… Element Tail? You can’t be serious…”

“Ku!” The small fox—no, the Element Tail—let out a proud cry, affirming its identity.

It was no surprise that Shin was briefly stunned.

The Element Tail, famously dubbed the “Nine-Tailed Fox” by players, was a monster with a staggering level of one thousand, ranking among the most powerful beings in The New Gate. Its incredible strength placed it consistently in the upper echelons of the game’s toughest monster rankings, as determined by player votes. Shin could hardly believe that name had appeared before him.

If the display was accurate, this tiny fox was the sovereign of the territory where Shin presently stood. Shin knew that an Element Tail could manifest as either a humanoid or a gigantic beast measuring around twenty mels long. He had never encountered an Element Tail that resembled a small fox.

“What… What am I meant to do? Honestly, what should I do?”

Upon further examination, Shin realized that the Element Tail was at level 211. Although this was low for a boss monster, it was already dangerously high compared to the average level of the world’s inhabitants. Its solitary presence hinted that it might be without a parent nearby.

If its parents were nearby, Shin’s life could be at risk. An Element Tail was a monster that even max-level players wouldn’t dare to face alone. Although Shin, with his fully unlocked Limiter, might be able to defeat it, the battle would likely transform the Northern Forest into a scorched wasteland, and the collateral damage could extend to the kingdom as well.

“Why is its level so low? I’ve never heard of a juvenile Element Tail.”

Shin had always maintained up-to-date information on powerful monsters. When it came to Element Tails, he took pride in knowing everything possible. After all, more than half of the visitors to The Moon Sanctum were players pursuing Element Tail-related quests, commonly referred to as “Nine-Tail Quests”.

In a sense, Element Tails had indirectly boosted the shop’s sales, which was why Shin possessed such extensive knowledge about it—so much so that some speculated he had insider information.

I suppose it’s logical that it wouldn’t be born an adult… but I still have no idea what’s happening here. His understanding was entirely based on the game. He resolved to accept that there were aspects of this world beyond his grasp. Nonetheless, the question of his next steps lingered.

“What will you do now?” Shin inquired, not really expecting a reply but believing that the small fox might grasp his words in some way.

The magic circle had already dimmed, suggesting that its purpose had been fulfilled. Leaving the young Element Tail in this desolate place, surrounded by the ruins of the sanctum and the remnants of monsters, troubled Shin.

“Ku…” The Element Tail, now on the ground, surveyed the remnants of the sanctum and the scattered debris. After a brief pause, as if to shake off its doubts, it turned, leaped up energetically, and positioned itself on Shin’s head.

“Why choose the head?”

“Ku!”

“That doesn’t help at all,” Shin said, feeling the fox tap his head with its tiny paws. He realized that the little fox had decided it was time to leave, prompting him to ask after a slight hesitation, “Wanna join me?”

“Ku!” To Shin, it felt like an excited “Yes!”

“Okay… but come on, stop wriggling! Those claws hurt!” Shin’s vision blurred as the little fox, now obviously happy, started to playfully bounce on his head. Its sharp claws, designed for catching prey, were still extended, poking his face and making it hard to walk.

“Just settle down a little!”

“Ku?”

“You understand what I mean, right?” he murmured. Though young, the Element Tail was a high-ranking monster and must possess intelligence. Maybe the little fox was seeking companionship in its own fashion.

I wish for you to be strong before I return to my world, Shin thought, protecting himself from the fox’s playful yet sharp paw strikes as he continued walking.

While managing the lively fox perched on his head, Shin reflected on the bizarre events he had faced thus far. There was the unusually advanced Skullface equipped with special gear in the forest, the unexpected surge of Skullfaces, the golems tainted by miasma despite lying within an Element Tail’s territory, and now, a young Element Tail…

Too many uncertainties lingered, with countless unanswered questions. Yet, one fact stood out—something unusual was unfolding.

“First, I should check in with Millie regarding this little fox and collect additional details. After that, I’ll go to the guild… Hopefully, Schnee recalls who I am.”

As a support character, Schnee possessed extensive knowledge about this world. Eager for her current mission to conclude, Shin mapped out his next steps: visiting the guild initially, followed by the orphanage.

Within days of arriving in this world, Shin had found himself caught up in numerous bizarre events. Was it fate or just coincidence?

The story focusing on Shin had just begun to unfold.

Author: Kazanami Shinogi

Born in Chiba Prefecture. Enjoys fantasy and science fiction novels. Prefers to carefully plan out detailed settings before starting to write. Began publishing The New Gate online in early 2012 and made their publishing debut with the same work in December 2013

Illustrations by Makai no Jumin

This book is an adaptation of a story originally published on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō platform, revised and re-edited for publication.

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