《The Records of an Overpowered Herb Hunter》


 1.1 Who, what, where, when, why, how?!

    - After -


    A small blue flower swayed in the wind peacefully and contently, nestled in the lush green grass.


    Until a hand ruthlessly and violently yanked it out.


    The girl carelessly tossed the little flower into her pouch and dusted her hands for a job well done.


    "One Zingiber found. Next up should be a Nigrum." The girl mumbled to herself as she got up from her crude squatting position to admire the scenery.


    "Piya!"


    A palmed-sized pink fluff tumbled across the green field, chasing after dragonfly looking monsters that were 5 times larger with two horns growing on their heads. The pink fluff cutely bounced across the field, chasing after them while screaming in joy, as the flies desperately scattered away.


    And beyond the small clearing is a dense towering forest. The gigantic ancient trees covered the skies that only allowed the faintest light through and floating around were bubbles that occasionally drifted out from the ground. As the faint light hits the bubbles, small rainbows can be seen, projecting a breathtakingly magical scene.


    One fly while running away from the fluff collided with the bubble and with a burst, blood spluttered out. The pink fluff tilted his head, confused as his prey had disappeared.


    ¡±Piya?¡±


    Yet, the girl was transfixed at the ordinary grass patch at her feet.


    "... It was a clearing like this that day too..."


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    - Before -The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ... Who, what, where, when, why, how?!


    Nishimura Aki had never felt the profoundness of these questions until this moment.


    Lying with all fours spread out and staring at the green canopy above, Aki felt her heart thumped- thumped- thumped-


    She stared blankly at the shimmering beams of light passing through the gaps of the leaves and thought that maybe she just needed to lie here for a while and everything would return to how it was supposed to be.


    A very long while.


    A cliche first day of high school, when Aki tripped on a flat walkway. There was no truck, no summoning circles and no warning whatsoever. The next thing she knew, she fell and was lying here. Here which seemed like a forest that was eerily quiet.


    After calming down and taking a deep breath, Aki thought, ¡°Ah, how relaxing¡±.


    Air that was free of pollution and grass so soft that¡¯s fit for a nap.


    Following how novels normally go, at least there was no welcoming party like a princess or a priest or being given a mission to defeat the demon king. Aki thought if anyone else had fallen through the same place as she did and wondered what they did after.


    A rustle of the grass caught Aki''s attention. Too lazy to move, Aki turned her head towards the sound and saw a... rabbit? No, it looks like one, but it had small wings on its back. Plus it''s pink.


    Black eyes met the red eyes.


    Determining that it was not a threat, Aki lost interest and turned back to stare at nothing above, debating what she should do now.


    Her family has all passed, leaving her as an orphan so there wasn¡¯t much left back at home. She closed her eyes and wondered if they might have been brought here instead.


    No, Aki crushed that budding hope. That¡¯s impossible.


    A familiar ache resurfaced in her gaping heart as those warm smiles flashed across her mind.


    The ache was turning suffocating which made Aki open her eyes, and met the red eyes again. The small but heavy pink fluff had made itself comfortable on top of her. Bastard. It tilts its head as if in questioning.


    Aki finally got up and it rolled off her and fell belly up. The red eyes stared at her accusingly.


    "Okay, Okay" Aki rustled through her skirt pockets and managed to find a bar of KitKat. Breaking it into half, she tossed it to the fluff and ate the other. She needed a break damn it.


    "You probably won¡¯t die from chocolate right?¡­" Aki looked at the pink fluff sniffing at the morsel and gulping it down whole in one bite.


    Looking around, Aki was ready to at least move on with her life, as ridiculous as it had been so far.


    "Now then, which direction..."


    Before she could move, her shoulder sank with a heavy weight. Turning to look at her right shoulder, the pink fluff has used its wings and found its place on his new perch.


    Black eyes met red eyes.


    Puffing out his chest, the fluff stubbornly refused to move.


    "Sighs...Your name will be Kit Kat." Aki poked the fluff with her index finger as she took a step in a random direction towards the unknown.

 1.2 Who, what, where, when, why, how?!

    - Before -


    "Hey, you''re heavy you know?" Aki tried to pull the pink fluff off her head but Kit Kat stubbornly held onto the long black hair that was tied back into a high ponytail with its paws and refused to let go.


    It will never relinquish its throne!!


    Giving up, Aki let go and the fluff rubbed itself happily against its soft nest while messing up Aki¡¯s hair even more.


    Still, Kit Kat let out a little exasperated sigh. He has been releasing its killing intent to drive away all the other monsters for her but this girl just called him fat!


    He was so not fat!


    It''s just that all this magnificent fur just inevitably added a little more weight. A top-class monster like its honorable self needed this magnificent fur to show off its brilliance!


    The fluff nodded and puffed up even more in pride.


    But still, Kit Kat wondered, why does this girl not feel intimidated by its killing intent?


    Aki has been walking aimlessly for a few hours now and was slowly giving up hope on figuring out where she was. It was just trees, trees and more trees. Maybe she would just need to camp up in the tree tonight.


    But soon, as if her thoughts were heard, she picked up the sound of water in the distance and speed up into a jog. Just as she was about to reach, she stopped short.


    There was a group of three, decked out from head to toe in overly embellished armor with what seemed like shiny jewels, making camp beside a small river. Aki bet if the sun hit the armor at a correct angle, it can blind someone.


    A red hair youth spotted her and alerted the other two who were roasting fishes.


    Aki''s right eyebrow twitched at the familiar scene. They were probably, most likely, 100% plus chop, a group of adventurers. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Red hair approached her, and Aki tensed, a flash of viciousness can be seen in her eyes.


    A cold shiver ran up Red hair¡¯s spine and perhaps due to his instincts, he stretched out his hand and said:


    "Chotto matte!!"


    It was weirdly accented, just like a foreigner who just picked up the language.


    "We''re not suspicious people."


    "...Cut the crap, no suspicious people will say that they are suspicious."


    He scratched his red hair which was seriously too bright. Ever since coming to this world, everything seemed a bit TOO bright.


    "I''m Rory, those two are Adam and Flynn. We''re adventurers. I just called out to you because you look a little... lost. Are you an Other Worlder? Do you need help?"


    Aki squinted and hesitantly nodded.


    Apparently Other Worlders are people that tripped into dimension portholes or cracks and ended up here. They can come from all sorts of different worlds and planes and are also commonly called Trippers.


    Aki smiled ruefully. As if this was just an induced hallucination.


    Rory had casted a language spell so that Aki could understand them as they sat around the fire.


    The trio is a small party called the crimson troupe, and they were hunting Verte, a type of water monster in the river they were camping at, which was a job request posted by the adventurer guild.


    They should be called the traffic light gang instead, Aki thought as she looked at Blond hair Flynn who was as beautiful as an elf and Green hair Adam that was a typical bishounen.


    "Um.. May I ask¡­ why do you have a Hase on your head?"


    Aki pulled Kit Kat off his throne and fed him Verte, which was respectfully given by Adam as a tribute. It looked like a normal Saba fish to Aki, besides its strangely large teeth.


    "A Hase? You mean this fluff? It just followed me after I fed it."


    They all suddenly look at her with a /shock Pikachu face/.


    "Aki, Hase are S ranked monsters that are at the top of the food chain here and... you tamed it with food?"


    "Hmm? So this pink fluff is very strong?" Aki poked at the fluff repeatedly.


    Yes, know my greatness! Kit Kat fluffed up. But I was not tamed! I decided to take care of this girl since she looked so weak and needed protection!


    The trio looked at Aki and the fluff strangely as she continued to tease the fluff with the fish as if it was a harmless pet. But on the other hand, Adam supposed it wasn¡¯t really that strange. He did feel a silent yet intimidating aura from Aki who looked like an ordinary girl, but felt like a very sharp and dangerous sheathed sword.


    Kit Kat tried to snatch the fish from Aki¡¯s hands but at the last moment, Aki lifted it out of his reach. So the pink fluff could only bounce with angry huffs as his fluff fluttered.


    Well, he looks kind of cute...


    A strange silence fell as everyone grew entranced by the fluff.


    "Ahem," Rory broke the silence. "Well let''s get you to Colkirk. That''s where our base is and the nearest town. Since you just tripped here, you should register at the Other World guild and then you will be able to get your necessities for free."


    "For free? That''s so generous."


    "Yes, apparently an Other Worlder once saved this world from destruction and decided to open the guild all over this world for other Trippers. Since he did the world a great favor, all the kingdoms were very cooperative with it."


    "Right..." Aki said perfunctory and thought it was more probable that the kingdoms were scared of the hero. Afterall,  you can¡¯t beat them, join them. She began to tune out Flynn¡¯s endless chatter about the great adventures of the Great Alexander and all his glory.

 1.3 Who, what, where, when, why, how?!

    - Before -


    Colkirk was a small town about 3 days by carriage away from the capital, Forthmight city, of the kingdom of Valticand - one of the three largest kingdoms of this world.  The monarch is still alive and well, although some smaller countries have decided to adopt the parliamentary system.


    Or so the receptionist at the Other World Guild introduced as she showed Aki the information from a smart brain which looked like a thin metallic black bracelet, projecting a holographic screen with a map.


    ¡°So there is magic in this world?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Trippers usually are also able to use magic once they learn how to channel mana. You can either sign up for courses or learn from the intranet that you can access from this smart brain.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ okay.¡±


    While Aki was starting to daze out from the information overload, the receptionist continued to babble on while blushing and stealing glances at Rory who stood beside Aki.


    In the eyes of many envious females in the guild lobby, the dashing Rory was looking at Aki dotingly, eyes so gentle that other females would just melt if it was directed at them.


    But all these were just their own delusions as Rory¡¯s passionate eyes spitting out pink bubbles were directed at the pink fluff on top of Aki''s head.


    He looks so soft and fluffy.


    I want to touch him but what if he gets mad?


    He seems like he has a lot of pride.


    Stolen story; please report.


    Ahhh, look at how he''s nuzzling against Aki''s hair while almost falling asleep but trying to stay awake at the same time.


    He''s just so cute!!!


    "Stop." A voice that seemed borderline indifferent and cold, but yet magnetic said, drawing focus back to Aki. "Can we just move on to the registration? I''ll read the rest by myself."


    "Y- Yes, just place your finger here on the bracelet to register your thumbprint and ownership. Welcome to the Other World Guild, also known as the OW Guild. Besides taking care of other worlders, the guild also functions as an information and networking centre.¡±


    ¡°Although we mentioned that the trip rate of Other Worlders is high but it''s only about one in a million and you are the only Other Worlder in this town. Please let us know if you have any troubles and have a good day ahead of you! Ciao!"


    "Ciao?" Aki mumbled as she walked towards the lounge area where the other two of the traffi- crimson gang were waiting.


    "It''s a slang that got popular a while back which means hello and goodbye." Rory explained as they pass through the bright and minimally decorated guild building, with countless stares trailing after them. Ladies blushing and whispering among themselves loitered around, hoping just to see their eye candy for a while longer.


    Reaching the overly white resting area, Adam and Flynn were surrounded by a group of beautiful women.


    ¡°Adam! What quests have you been doing recently? Any chance of you bringing me along?¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t been by my bakery for a long time Flynn, come over and I''ll give you special discounts!¡±


    ¡°Hey! They are busy, you know, being the only A Class party in our town, what about coming to the school to give a talk instead?¡±


    Adam and Flynn stuck to each other with awkward expressions as they tried to fend off date invites disguised as official business. They looked like prey being hunted by circling vultures.


    Aki and Rory stood at a distance, watching the show and wondering if they should brave the crowd to rescue them. As the other two spotted them, they sent desperate winks of help.


    ¡°All right ladies, we have to get going. We still need to drop by the adventure guild to turn in our quest.¡± Adam clapped twice as he approached in an attempt to clear the gathering.


    A chorus of ¡°awws¡± and ¡°no ways¡± echoed and the traffic light gang sped to the exit while throwing their perfected smiles at the crowd.


    "Whew! I can never get used to that.¡± Flynn brushed off imaginary sweat from his forehead.


    ¡°You¡¯re all done? Got your accommodations and allowance settled too?"  Adam  inquired as he smiled at Aki. It was as if a 1000 bolts of fluorescent light was directly blasted into Aki¡¯s expressionless face.


    "Let me see where they assigned you. If it''s not a good place, we can always get it changed." Flynn leaned closer to Aki as the group walked down the streets.


    The trio surrounded and showered their attention on Aki with gentle inquiries and indulgent pampering, as if Aki was the protagonist of an otome game with high quality ikemens.


    The women who were left behind bite their handkerchiefs in envy and hatred.


    However, none of them would have suspected that the real protagonist of the otome game was actually the pink fluff asleep on Aki''s head, with the trio jostling beside Aki just to get closer for a clearer look of their little cutie.

 1.4 Who, what, where, when, why, how?!

    - Before -


    *Fumph-*


    Aki plunged into the fluffy bed and laid motionless. She had rented a room in an well-established inn recommended by the Traffic Lights. The room was small but perfect for one person, with sufficient basic amenities. The window at the side of her bed had a view of the night sky filled with thousands of glittering stars.


    Light snoring can be heard as Kit Kat has made herself comfortable on the side desk, in an expensive fluffy white pet bed that Red Hair had bought for him.


    While shopping for that little bed, many more envious stares from women had been directed at Aki. However, whenever Aki saw how Adam and Flynn looked at each other, it made her wonder.


    There were little moments of shared looks of understanding, little moments of brushed contact of their hands and the little pink bubble that they gave out when talking to each other that created their own little world.


    There was even one memorable moment when Adam was helping Flynn try on a hand accessory and held Flynn''s hand for a little too long.


    Rory was well, being Rory and was just secretly rubbing Kit Kat who had given him the privilege to carry him in his arms. Although all three adore the fluff, Rory was truly his one true fan. Who would be willing to fork out a thousand silver coins, which is hundreds on earth, just for a bed for a monster.


    Aki buried herself in the covers, popping her head back out. Her long black hair had turned messy from all the nuzzling and spread out on the white sheets. Aki stared at the brightly lit skies as she slowly fell asleep. You can never see such a view at home. As mesmerizing the view was, cloudy black skies still felt more comforting.


    "You can get all the job requests at that board darling. Or you can log into the Adventurer guild site on your bracelet now that you are registered. But note that they are all ranked. You''ll be starting off at rank F and after completing a quest, you will be automatically promoted to rank D. Afterwards, promotion depends on the type of jobs completed, efficiency and your skills."


    A flamboyant guy at the receptionist explained enthusiastically to Aki. His hair was not green, red or blond, but dyed in rainbow colors. He''s a unicorn, Aki nodded to herself as she declared that internally. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Rory stood by Aki as he cuddled Kit Kat. This scene was starting to seem a little d¨¦j¨¤ vu, except now the one that is stealing glances and blushing at the receptionist is Rory.


    "And dear, be careful to read the fine details. Some job requests would require compensation if you failed or quit halfway through the job. So, make sure you are well-equipped and research properly before taking up the job. Now if you have any questions dear, you can search it up on our forum or just come visit this gorgeous Jeffrey whenever you want."


    Aki nodded at Jeff for short, still admiring his rainbow hair. She wondered if she could dye her hair like that too.


    "And Rory Love," Jeff battered his eyelashes. "Be sure to guide her well. Love is after all an experienced adventurer." Jeff placed a finger on Rory''s well-built chest and gilded it downwards.


    The said finger ended up patting Kit Kat on the head who called out comfortably. Rory burst flames, face reddening like a tomato and stuttered out a yes, which earned him a giggle back from Jeff in return.


    Deciding to give the Red Hair who turned even redder a little time, Aki walked to the request board.


    Those that were marked as F ranked were generally common job requests like picking up herbs, cleaning and finding lost cats.


    Spotting a piece of paper that was hidden beneath the newer ones on top, Aki pulled it out from the stack. It was a herb gathering request. Picking up some plants should be an easy task after all, maybe that was why it was so unpopular, Aki thought.


    But if others could hear Aki now, they would fall to their knees in agony.


    To pick Herbs, firstly one would need to learn to differentiate a myriad of herbs, where a slight mistake will mean a wasted trip. Not many would have the patience to differentiate whether the plant is a cure or a poison from its swirls that turn clockwise or swirls that turn anti-clockwise. Or a plant that is indigo blue or midnight blue which decides whether it is a A grade or an F grade.


    Many of the rare species of plants are also always at the most unexpected places. One would need to venture to the deepest of seas, the darkest of caves or the highest of mountains. Not to mention all the monsters that you will encounter while on the hunt.


    Unbeknownst to this, Aki spotted a note at the bottom of the paper to visit the Hunting guild, as it was a job request from there.


    Guilds that are less popular usually post their job requests in more popular guilds. Besides the Hunting guild, Aki surveyed casually, there was the Artesian guild, Smithing guild, Book guild and¡­ an Assassination guild. Aki¡¯s hand clenched.


    Holding the crumpled paper, Aki bid Rory farewell, who was still redder than ever and receiving flirty gestures from Jeff, abandoned the fluff to Rory, and turned away so fast as if she was running away from something.


    But never did she know this one casual choice of hers will set her path to become one of the greatest Hunters ever.


    ~~~~~~~~~~~~


    - After -


    "Piya!" Kit Kat disappeared into the woods.


    As Aki made her way towards the fluff, a gust of wind blew.


    Turning to look behind her, Aki was graced with a view 30,000 ft above sea level, a height that was comparable to Mount Everest back in her original world.


    With distant mountains covered with floating clouds and a temperature that was chilling to the bones, Mount Aconcagua was one of the most perilous mountains to climb with the highest death rate. As many ventured up this mountain and never came back, it was dubbed as the Goodbye Mountain.


    "Well, at least it was an easy stroll up here to get this herb."

 2.4 Welcome!

    - Before -


    ¡°Okay next!¡±


    Heiki, Takeshi and Aki lined up at the city gates before the check-in point. Besides collecting tolls for visitors and merchants, the check point actually had a magical circle to screen every person for crimes and diseases. This was a measure to prevent the start of epidemics and to improve security.


    ¡°Neeeext! Oh hey Heiki, were you out for a hunt?¡±


    A guard called out to Heiki in a friendly manner.


    ¡°Hey, Jereth. Well, kind of. But we didn''t do the hunt, just did the cleaning up after. ¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me it''s Takeshi. You won¡¯t get any decent intact spoils with him, Kyahahaha.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Aki here!!¡± Takeshi slapped Aki¡¯s back with so much force that she stumbled forward a little. ¡°She¡¯s really good with a sword!¡±


    ¡°I see¡­ It does say here that she''s registered as a Hunter. It¡¯s rare to see one of those.¡±


    Jereth was looking down at a panel that apparently showed Aki¡¯s details based on her registered pass that was loaded in her smart bracelet.


    Aki stepped into the magic circle and just like other times that she went through the gates, the magic circle glowed white with sparkles floating out of it, instead of glowing plain purple like everyone else.


    ¡°AKI!!! You¡¯re an Other Worlder?! Why didn''t you tell me that?!¡±


    Takeshi exclaimed in a loud voice. Aki jumped at his outburst and a small commotion arose. Some were trying to get a look causing them to leave their lines. There were small shoves and jostles here and there.


    ¡°Did he say an Other Worlder?¡±


    ¡°We have an Other Worlder here! Does she look human?¡±


    ¡°Bakashi!! You¡¯re causing a scene!¡± Heiki rushed them through the gates as the guards tried to get the others back in their orderly lines.


    ¡°But she didn¡¯t tell us?!¡±


    After taking a few turns, they stopped at a deserted pathway. Takeshi was waving his hands in an exaggerated manner, face flushed and agitated.


    This scene was strangely familiar to Aki. It wasn¡¯t like Aki did not have any friends at first. But when they knew that she came from THE nishimura clan, they all kept their distance. After all they were rumoured to be cruel, heartless, cold-blooded killers.


    Well, they weren¡¯t all that far from the truth.


    ¡°Umm¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­ Sorry I made you uncomfortable. I''ll leave right now.¡±


    Aki lowered her head. Takeshi doesn¡¯t like Other Worlders. It was bad not telling them the first time we met. It¡¯s been only a few days and¡­


    ¡°Thank you for every-¡±


    ¡°NO! No, Aki u got it wrong!¡±


    Heiki hastily grabbed Aki¡¯s shoulders to stop her mid bow. A pair of panicked eyes looked at her and it felt peculiar seeing such a flustered Heiki.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Usually Heiki would be cool and composed even when dealing with Takeshi¡¯s random ideas. Like roasting the monster up on the tree branch because he thought collecting wood for the fire was troublesome.


    ¡°Aki¡­ Takeshi was just excited to meet an Other Worlder. He just really REALLY likes things like adventure and stories from a different world.¡±


    Aki turned to look at Takeshi. So he wasn¡¯t mad but was excited instead?


    Takeshi was almost bouncing on his toes and nodded furiously. The dog ears and tail have popped out once again. Takeshi leaned in close to Aki and she could see his eyes sparkling exaggeratedly.


    ¡°YES!!!!!!! SO AKI, where did you come from?¡±


    ¡°From Japan¡­¡±


    ¡°WHOOO!!!! Isn¡¯t that from where they invented shoyu and the katana? Are there still Samurai warriors around? Or how about those beautiful Geisha? Do you know how to prepare a sashimi?¡±


    ¡°Wait Takeshi, let''s find somewhere to sit and talk. How about having dinner with us Aki?¡±


    Heki¡¯s hand pushed Takeshi¡¯s face away. Aki did not know what to do but nod.


    The Mikatsuki was a little restaurant that served Japanese food. The interior was designed in such a way where customers would sit on a raised platform that is lined with tatami with a partition for privacy.


    Even though it advertised itself as a Japanese cuisine, they could not procure the exact same ingredients so it kind of turned out like fusion food instead.


    Aki ordered their Teriyaki Don which was made from a chicken-like monster with brown sauce drizzled on top. Little herbs were sprinkled to give it a little color and a poached egg was added to the side. Heiki got something that looked like Eel on top of white rice and Takeshi got a Saba set. Well, something that¡¯s close to a Saba. For one, the fish was rectangular.


    ¡°ITADAKIMASU!¡± Takeshi shouted in an excited voice before expertly wielding his chopsticks and picking out bones on his fish.


    Aki could see the intense concentration on his face with his tongue slightly poking out. Heiki smiled wryly and started digging in too.


    ¡°Itadakimasu.¡±


    Aki said softly and also began to dig in. Although it has not been a long time since she tripped over, hearing someone else giving thanks before they eat sent a wave of nostalgia through Aki.


    ¡°MUPH MHUM GUM FUPH?¡±


    Takeshi started talking to Aki with his mouth full. His hands moved continuously from his bowl to his mouth without giving much of a break to even say a word.


    ¡°He asked which timeline of Japan did you come from?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. What do you mean by timeline?¡±


    ¡°Different people can trip here at different times despite being from the same place. For example, some might have tripped from the future Japan in 50 years, but end up here earlier than you.¡±


    Heiki explained the phenomenon of tripping in detail to Aki. Trippers are people who fell through gaps in space and time. These gaps are connected to a void that are connected to other gaps. The void itself is full of uncertainties, where it can not only warp space but also time as well, allowing the person to travel to the past or the future.


    There are also different versions of Japan that come from different dimensional planes. No one really knows why these gaps actually opened. It is also impossible to predict where they would open next and the place it would lead to.


    ¡°In simple terms, it''s complicated.¡±


    ¡°AND THAT¡¯S WHY IT''S SO INTERESTING!¡±


    Takeshi had finished his meal in that short explanation and turned to Aki in excitement.


    ¡°Did you know there¡¯s a version of Japan where they had invented the AI and incorporated them into the human bodies? Some may argue that an AI with self learning capabilities that can develop a personality and feelings are already on the level of a soul. How cool is that to have two souls in one body.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that scary?¡±


    ¡°Think about it. If one soul was tired, the other could take over vice versa. What about a soul that is good in something the other was bad at?¡±


    ¡°But they still can be in two bodies. Why must they share one?¡±


    ¡°Bakashi here just wants someone to take over him during his math lessons.¡±


    ¡°Yes! I mean why does an aspiring mage need to learn about numbers anyways.¡±


    ¡°You still need to count and calculate your spoils¡­¡±


    ¡°AND that¡¯s my point! The AI can do it for me! Instead of troubling someone else like Heiki.¡±


    ¡°Actually¡­ that¡¯s a really good idea. Then I don''t have to review your messy accounts anymore. Yosh, Takeshi, go get an AI.¡±


    ¡°But I can''t?????¡±


    Time passed as they spent it talking idly and mostly about pointless things. Aki shared a little of what she knew about Japan¡¯s current technology and culture. By the time she knew it, the sky was dark and when she looked out of the window, Aki could see the same countless stars that lit up the night sky.


    In this warmly lit restaurant, the starry sky did not seem as lonely as it did before.


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    - After -


    A strong heat wave slammed into Aki as the tunnel opened up at the end of the cave.


    A pile of glittering gold, jewels and treasures filled the area and what was nesting within that pile was a black dragon.


    Dragons were a mighty race that had wisdom and knowledge of the world as soon as they were born and is classed as a supreme being above humans. With innate ability to manipulate monstrous amounts of mana, it was an existential threat that could wipe out kingdoms easily.


    "PIYA!" Kit Kat cried in terror as the dragon opened its eyes and launched at Aki who was looking around carelessly.


    With its jaws wide open with gleaming sharp teeth that were ready to chomp down on the fragile small human. The next thing it knew, it was harshly flung sideways and slammed into the wall.


    The cave trembled.


    The dragon¡¯s vision blurred, and she let out a pained groan at the impact.


    Wha... What happened?


    The last thing that the fire dragon saw was the girl''s silhouette squatting down in an unrefined manner...


    Aki had flicked her hand as if swiping left on tinder and moved the lizard out of her way.


    "There it is! I wouldn''t have expected the Nigrum to be sprouting at such a corner. Maybe the heat near the walls is stronger."


    Aki squatted down and started to dig, ignoring a pile of treasures that many would die for, one of the world''s most fearsome creatures unconscious and a Kit Kat who was very much shooked.

 2.1 Welcome!

    - After -


    Aki was shrouded in darkness with only a ball of light in front of her showing the way forward. Her footsteps echoed through the dark cave with no end in sight.


    A pink fluff melted on her shoulders. This is hell, we are definitely going to hell, Kit Kat thought.


    Although it has used its magic power to shroud itself, the temperature of this cave was still blazing hot! Baked in the heat that felt like it would burn up its magnificent fur, Kit Kat shouted in agony.


    ¡°PIYA!¡± (Why did we have to come here??!!)


    And as if understanding Kit Kat, Aki recited in a soft and calm voice, which added to the creepy atmosphere in the dark.


    "The Nigrum is a plant that grows in high temperatures and is good for treating serious fevers. However, because of this, many have tried and failed to hunt it. Patience, it''s actually not as hot as I imagined."


    Aki continued her leisure pace as Kit Kat rolled his eyes. It''s bad! It''s definitely over 1000 degree celsius! We are in a volcanic cave!


    A corner of Aki¡¯s lips turned up as she patted the fluff gently, as if trying to appease his tantrum.


    However, what they did not know was that there was more than just the heat which made it difficult for herb hunters to attain the Nigrum.


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    - Before -


    Aki walked down the crowded cobbled streets as a mix of delicious smells wafted in the air. Signs floated about trying to advertise their wares and some were even charged to give out little effects like small fireworks or confetti.


    It was like a festival.


    Aki¡¯s nose spotted it before she even saw it. The meat was roasted into a tantalizing brown, with honey spread over it. As it sizzled, Aki swallowed and her stomach rumbled and with a few presses on the holographic panel, Aki paid for the meat and started tearing into it. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    A rich burst of flavor exploded on her tongue as her teeth chewed on the tender meat. As Aki praised the taste to the cook, the cook explained that it was a high quality meat from a monster called Orycto, which looked like a boar and was a vicious monster ranked at B class.


    Aki walked through the busy plaza as all the guilds were located near the center of the plaza to allow easy access and mainly to drive business. As a result, many stalls have also popped out, resulting in a lively area.


    Still, as she kept following the locator on the holographic map, the surroundings became quieter and more run-downed.


    ¡°You have reached your destination.¡± The locator signaled.


    Looking up at the worn down building, Aki doubted that she was at the right place. But the sign did write ¡°The Hunters Guild¡±, well, at least that was what Aki thought it said with all the faded letters. It was also European styled with exposed bricks instead of the polished high tech look of the Other World Guild.


    The bell clinked roughly as Aki entered and unlike the Other World guild and the Adventurer guild, the Hunter guild was dead silent and the receptionist empty.


    Aki trekked through the reception hall, echoing footsteps sounded while leaving footprints behind in the dust. The need and instinctive urge to erase her treks surged in her, but Aki resolutely pressed it down. Just how long has it been since someone came here?


    A big red button with a piece of paper tacked to it wrote "press to call for someone". Casting a curious glance at it, Aki pressed her finger down on it decisively and a blast blowing trumpets erupted.


    Aki winced and a louder smashing sound was heard.


    "Coming!!!"


    A small sprite appeared from the backrooms and approached the counter where the red button was nowhere to be seen, with only pieces of debris and Aki with her signature deadpan expression.


    The sprite looked like any other normal human being but with little feathered sections on the side of her face. With deep blue eyes that complimented her dark red short bob with green highlights, she looked like a fantasy character straight out of a fairytale.


    Beautiful, pure, fragile.


    Something that is vastly different from herself.


    ¡°Welcome to the Hunter guild! My name is Misha and it''s been sooooo long since we had anyone come up here. Everyone is just out and about doing their own things. I mean we are a Hunter guild, they are meant to be going around the world hunting whatever they are hunting but it would be nice to see them once in a while instead of just receiving the mail or a message of just one word "done". I mean, is it that hard to actually just type a few more words? So, what can I do for you today?"


    Aki looked at the little sprite whose words flowed as fast as a bullet train. Placing the advertised quest on the counter and before she could get a word in-


    "Ah!!! That job!! I was wondering if it would EVER get taken up. I mean it''s not that hard, but many people just don''t like to go on herb hunting you know. Even the experienced Hunters always go for escaped prisoners, food, rare animals, treasures but not herbs! I mean a herb might be less intense but it''s all the same interesting. Did you know a Pudica is essential in alchemy to make medicine for cuts and bruises? That''s why it''s so popular and the adventurer guild agreed to put that posting there. We needed you to come in because the Pudica looks a little similar to the Cadiup, so we needed to teach you a few pointers. You can get all the information through our forum so why don''t we get you started by first registering as a Hunter?"


    Misha casted her puppy eyes at Aki. Those watery clear blue eyes that shouted PLEASEEEEE I NEED TO HIT THE QUOTA directed their full force upon Aki.


    Aki sighed. She can never reject a pair of puppy eyes.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Overjoyed at her successful plan of getting another Hunter, Misha made a little victory fist pump below the receptionist desk. Afterall, she too was a Hunter - a Hunter for Talents.

 2.2 Welcome!

    - before -


    In a deserted alley, Aki found herself looking at another dilapidated building that could rival the Hunters Guild. She¡¯s starting to see a trend here.


    That whirlwind called Misha had shoved Aki a piece of paper with an address while chattering up a storm. And since Aki did not have the right gear to be venturing anywhere at all, Misha directed her to a weapons shop that her friend had opened. Musing that she had never met anyone that talked that fast before, Aki decided it wasn¡¯t so bad to just take a look at what the shop had to offer.


    "Heiki!!!!! The magic staff that you made for me broke again!!!"


    The first thing that Aki saw was a buff man dressed in a magician''s deep dark green cloak with fancy gold embroidery at the corners. She had never seen someone so mismatched with what they were wearing. Not that he looked bad, with a head of messy brown hair and warm chocolate eyes, he was ruggedly handsome.


    "It''s all because of your enormous strength you idiot Takeshi! How many of these do you think I have made for you! Why don''t you just switch to another weapon?!" Another man was at the counter arguing back. Although he was not as well-built, he was a little taller and spotted a sparse beard.


    "But I am a Magician!!! And Magicians wear robes and use magic staff. If I use something else I won''t be called a Magician anymore!"


    They argued back and forth without realizing Aki''s presence. The whole shop could be seen at a glance and weapons were piled messily on the shelf and some hung on the wall.


    Walking around the small store, Aki found single handed swords, axes, spears, shields, dual wielding swords and many more that were suited for many different fighting styles.


    Besides the traditional cold weapons, there were also things like laser guns, light sabers, and a few other trinkets that Aki could not identify.


    But what stopped Aki was a sleek back Katana that had a little red glint in the sword edge. Even as it was put among other more embellished swords, Aki felt like it was calling out to her. She reached out before she could even think twice about it and found that it fitted perfectly in hands.


    This exquisite masterpiece resembled the one she had back home but more perfect. Looking at the katana, Aki felt familiarity and even a sense of ownership as she gave it a few practice swings. It felt like it was made to be hers.


    *Woosh, woosh*


    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    The sound of the katana cutting through the air finally attracted Heiki''s and Takeshi''s attention. Turning to look, they saw a beautiful girl swinging a sword around. Although it seemed like random swings, both of them could tell that Aki was a veteran with her posture and slight adjustments she took when changing the directions of her cuts.


    "H... Hey Heiki, isn''t that the sword that you said that it can''t be easily used? DID YOU LIE TO ME?"


    "No bakashi. That sword is really hard to use. It is a sword that has its own consciousness. I picked it up in the ruins we were exploring, remember? From what I felt, it seems like an ancient artifact or some sort. It has its own feelings and opinions. I mean, it even hates Tsukasa, you know?"


    "Eh?! But isn''t Tsukasa the top swordmaster in our academy? Even he doesn''t qualify?"


    "Yeah... because he''s a man."


    "..."


    "I would like to buy this. How much is it?"


    Aki sheathed the sword and brought it to the counter where the two men were whispering among themselves like housewives gossiping in the marketplace. They did not notice Aki''s approach and jumped a little.


    "WOAH you scared me little girl."


    Aki''s eyebrow twitched at being called a little girl. Sure, she was small in size and just 16, but no one would like to be called little.


    "Welcome to Get a Heiki shop. I''m Heiki and this is Takeshi."


    "Ooff- H..Hi..." Takeshi groaned after being jabbed by Heiki who instinctively knew that Aki was not pleased.


    "I want to buy this."


    Aki placed the katana on the table.


    "You sure? The katana is not an ordinary katana. You definitely felt it right?"


    Aki nodded. Aki had felt a silent hum from the sword. The sword was transmitting its feelings and intentions to her. Although it was not as clear as spoken speech, what it felt was clearly conveyed. Excitement, relief and gratefulness. Aki had decided then to buy it no matter the price. Maybe she could pay it by installments if it was too expensive.


    "I was recommended here by Misha."


    "Reveal. Yeah, that certainly is Misha''s magic signature."


    Aki showed Heiki the piece of paper with the directions and after placing his hand above it, a magic circle appeared above the paper. Aki''s eyes widened in shock and curiosity.


    "You are a new Hunter? Then I''ll sell you the sword at one gold."


    The Other World guild provided Aki 5 gold coins a month. One gold coin was equal to ten silvers, and one silver was 10 copper coins. The meat that Aki bought was sold at 2 coppers. So, she got the sword just for.... quite some meat. Aki gave up calculating and just paid up.


    "Do you need some amour or any other necessities? You got your magic bag yet? How about potions in the event of an emergency?"


    Even though it felt like Heiki was pushing for more sales, in actuality he was just exhibiting his mother hen habits once again. Having 7 little siblings really does a number to you.


    Aki patiently answered Heiki and attained some more basic materials and information. Takeshi was standing at the side scratching his head, unable to provide any input as he was usually the one leaving the logistic works to someone else in his party.


    "I can teach you magic!"


    Takeshi suddenly burst out after a considerable time of not being able to join in the conversation but desperately wanting to. He remembered how Aki had looked in wonder at the simple Reveal spell and thought that this was his chance!


    His outburst stopped the conversation awkwardly and a short silence hung in the air. Aki looked at Takeshi''s shining puppy eyes and felt as if she could see two ears and a tail wagging around.


    "Okay." Aki, as always, could not reject puppy eyes.


    In the little run down weapon shop, as Aki got to know Takeshi and Heiki, she felt a long lost warmth filling her heart up. Even though it was just having a mediocre conversation, Aki felt little bubbles of peace surfacing and grounding her, the first ever since she arrived here.

 2.3 Welcome!

    - Before -


    The sound of scraping echoed through the forest, accompanying the rustle of the leaves. The soil carried a jade green luster, just a little darker than the bamboo around Aki.


    Aki was trying to dig out the Pudica that was requested. However, since it was her first time uprooting a plant it was proving to be quite a challenge. Besides being extra careful, she also had to be gentle and yet exert enough strength to dig up the soil. It was a difficult balance.


    This was especially so for Aki who had always used her brute strength to get through any problems and did not have delicate sensibilities. She had always sucked doing things like folding origami.


    "ummmm is this all?... or does the roots go deeper?¡±


    Tall bamboo trees tower over, casting a mesmerizing play of moving shadows and light. In the midst of the dense green was Aki squatting down at the base of one bamboo like a yankee.


    "urgh is it here.... Ah no! whew I almost damaged it... maybe its here...."


    Aki talked to herself under her breath as her hands stopped moving. Scratching her head, she tilted it in confusion while staring at the half dug up herb. Aki sighed.


    "Maybe it was not as easy as I thought it would be... hunting herbs."


    But looking at the bright side, Aki just needed to dig up one. When she asked Misha if that was actually enough, Misha explained the one of the use of alchemy to her.


    "Because of Trippers like yourself, many who came from cosmic eras have warned us about needlessly stripping the planet of its finite resources. To counter that, alchemists, who had always been pursuing creating gold, have found ways to extract the material''s essence and replicate it."


    "How? We can create something from nothing?"


    "I don''t know the specifics either. Well, since we can actually do magic, replicating an item should not be an impossible feat. Anyways, the essence that is extracted are still perishables, so we still get herb hunting requests to stock up, but we do not need as many plants as before. Therefore...."


    Misha leaned in close to Aki with her index finger pointing upwards.


    "One. You just need to hunt for one herb every request. And that just one herb will be able to grant you riches!! Of course, if you are able to discover any rare or new herbs it would also be beneficial to bring it back because. It. Is. Money."


    Misha''s eyes have turned into gold coins. Aki gulped and retreated a little at her intensity.


    "But won''t this lead to people still over hunting?"


    "There''s a law preceding over any excessive and unnecessary hunts. Everyone is bound by it regardless of your Kingdom and Race. Hunters especially, since we also take it a point to enforce it. Criminals are judged by the world council which governs over our world. They don''t get involved in national politics and issues but things that are of concern to the general survivability of our universe."


    "That... sounds really heavy."


    "Yeah, after all we all don''t want to go poof any time soon or in the future."


    Misha shrugged.


    Aki having finally dug up the Pudicap threw her hands in the air in exasperation.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    "Finally! Now to put this plant into the magic bag..."


    The magic bag is a gift from Heiki and Takeshi. It was an unassuming ordinary small brown leather pouch, but it is about an 8 tatami room. Bigger magic pouches will be more expensive and rarer as no common folk will need such a big storage space to bring around with them.


    "There is actually also space magic. You can create a separate dimension of your own and have that act as your storage space. However, besides the creation process needing huge magic powers, if you ran out of mana in the midst of an emergency, it''s game over as you need mana to access the space."


    Takeshi explained enthusiastically. When it comes to magic, Takeshi was oddly knowledgeable (to Aki) and highly passionate about it. His eyes would shine, and it looks as if he is having a lot of fun. Aki who had been hanging out with them would also feel the excitement bubble in her. It sure is contagious.


    "Now since I have time before meeting up with Takeshi and Heiki to learn the basics of magic¡­¡±


    Aki drew her katana which she named Shinshu. It stands for true red as the katana felt like it had a straightforward and pure personality with an old ancient lineage. Aki started out doing her usual practice swings. However, the light in her eyes got dimmer and dimmer.


    Kendo, The Way of the Sword, had never been fun for Aki.


    Aki was born into it like how royalty was born into their roles. Starting out at three years old, kendo practices had been tedious. Her grandfather looked over her training personally and it was harsh. When she hit middle school it was pretty much 100 Push-Ups, 100 Sit-Ups, 100 Squats and 10km Running every single day.


    Many took it as a martial practice to train the body and spirit but for Aki it was seriously a Bud¨­, the way of war. It was an art to take lives.


    Aki did not hate the training as she knew it was necessary, but she did not take joy in honing her skills. It was just something that she needed to live.


    A wave of concern washed over her, waking Aki out of her trance. Shinshu was worried for Aki.


    "...ha.. ha... haha. Right. Why am I taking this so seriously? Since I''m in a ridiculous setting like tripping into a different world, I should do this differently as well.¡±


    "Mizu no koky¨±, ry¨± no kata: Seisei ruten!!!"


    Breath of Water: The Dragon of Change, which was a constant attack that increases in power with each rotation.


    "Ittoryu Iai: Shishi Sonson!!"


    One Blade style: Lion''s Song, listening to the breath of the opponent and unsheathes and sheaths the sword rapidly.


    "Sword Skill: Howling Octave!!"


    An 8 hit-combo skill with varying directions.


    Aki casually recreated moves that she vaguely remembered watching from animes and improvised on some sequence that she could not really recall. The actions were not perfect and jerky at best, as if it was an amatuer swinging the sword around.


    Shinshu was also having fun unleashing moves that it had never heard of before. The shouting announcement also made Shinsu feel as if it was a main character on the battlefield. Most of all, it felt Aki¡¯s mood lightened as bubbles of soft laughter rang out.


    While Aki was playfully mimicking and recreating moves, out of nowhere a greyhound appeared and pounced on Aki. Since Aki looked like she was messing around with her guard down, the monster thought that she was an easy picking. It attacked Aki''s open back.


    Just when it thought it would have a delicious meal, it was lying on the forest floor - dead.


    Aki froze as before she knew it, she had unleashed her moves skillfully and as naturally as breathing.


    Aki was truly not paying any attention, but she had been trained to instinctively catalog her surroundings and react to any potential danger at the back of her mind. Her body moved before she was even aware, dodging the attack without even looking back and doing a quick draw that sliced the monster''s jugular, giving it a swift death.


    A blood-soaked room with bodies littered on the ground. Moonlight shone into the room that looked like a shabby office, outlining Aki''s appearance. A scream in the background that she was faintly aware. And red. Everything was dyed in red.


    "WOAAAHHHH that was some sweet move you got there!!"


    A loud voice exclaimed, snapping Aki out of her memories. Takeshi and Heiki were walking towards her from a slight distance away.


    "This is a Canis Lupus. It''s a monster that needs a whole party to take down and you did it so easily!"


    Aki flicked blood off Shinshu and sheathed it. She looked a bit distant. Will... Will they be afraid of me and stop talking to me?...


    A hand looped around Aki''s neck in a friendly gesture which made Aki flinch and tense up.


    "Goodjob!! With this you can actually cash out quite a sum! Since I am here to teach you magic and your best friend, why not share with me a little of what you would earn? How about 20%?"


    "Takeshi! That is what Aki earned herself! Be prudent!"


    "Che- Okay okay!! I was just kidding!... How about 5%?"


    "Bakashi!!!"


    Aki was blinked and for a moment could not register their reactions and thus could not respond for a moment. In the midst of their jostling, Aki relaxed and a smile bloomed on her face which dazzled both Heiki and Takeshi.


    This was the first time that someone did not fear her but treated it as if it was a normal thing to do.


    Heiki¡¯s and Takeshi¡¯s ears reddened suspiciously.


    "Well, I''ll give you a 20% cut each if you help me carry this back for me and teach me what to do with it?"


    "DEAL!!"


    "Deal!!"


    In the end, the magic lesson got postponed. Heiki taught Aki how to dissemble the monster to parts that they could sell and parts that they should bury properly to prevent attracting other monsters. There was always the option to use magic to deal with it as well, but usually to preserve mana, Adventurers would deal with it directly.


    With Aki practicing and Takeshi helping to move the 2 meters long monster to different positions, the three of them ended up with patches of blood on their clothes.


    Although the blood still reeked of iron, it did not feel as unpleasant as it did before.


    Maybe... maybe over here she would be able to find her own path of the sword and tread down on it faithfully.

 3.1 Keep up the good work

    - After -


    Aki feast her eyes on a magnificent grand view that not many would have the chance to see in their lifetime.


    Blue skies, fluffy clouds and a horizon that never seemed to end. Aki spread out her hands and enjoyed the wind that brushed past her and at the corner of her lips lifted into a little smile.


    ¡°PIYA!!¡±


    The black dragon huffed as it carried Aki through the skies, flying higher and higher, almost at the speed of a jet plane. Unlike Aki who was enjoying herself, Kit Kat on the other hand was clinging onto Aki¡¯s head like it was clinging onto its life.


    After getting knocked out by Aki, the dragon passed out for a night and right on top of her was Aki who decided that the dragon was not only cooling but soft enough to sleep on. Such great benefits of being a cold-blooded creature, Aki thought, not realizing that she was even more cold-blooded than her makeshift bed.


    And that was how the dragon found herself when she woke up.


    Insulted, the dragon threw a tantrum, stomping around and making the cave shake violently. Knowing that it could not beat Aki, it had resorted to a childish tantrum. The dragon observed the Aki who was coolly looking at it from the corner of its eyes, and just when it thought its tactics had no use, Aki whipped out a bar of chocolate.


    The dragon paused.


    It- It has never smelled anything so delicious!!


    This bar of chocolate was found in a shop that produced all sorts of sweets that were commonly found in Aki¡¯s world. Probably a business made by an Other Worlder. It seemed like a booming business but the money still can''t be compared to what Aki earned from hunting herbs.


    Aki who thought: "Wouldn''t it be nice to have a flying mount" and thus officially named the dragon as Cadbury. And Cadbury, who was addicted to that sweet morsel, followed Aki after packing up all its treasures in an ultra super big magic bag.


    The dragon sped up and turned 360 degrees, making Kit Kat cry out in fear and despair. Aki felt like she was at the top of the world on a roller coaster. A rare trace of excitement bubbled up in her - an intense feeling she had not felt in years.


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    - Before -


    The steaming stew sent a tantalising smell that made Aki''s stomach rumble. She picked up her spoon and licked her lips in anticipation. But just before her spoon touched her stew, someone called for her.


    "Aki! Here you are!"


    Aki¡¯s hand paused. A bright red mop of hair popped up in front of Aki. And something as vibrant as that hair was the pink fluff on it.


    "Sorry. I got carried away and forgot to return Kit Kat to you. Hope you weren''t worried." This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Aki grunted and finally ate her first spoon of the stew. A strong flavor burst forth in her mouth. Besides the creamy broth and the freshness of the vegetables, the monster meat carried its own unique taste, making the whole dish something that Aki had never tasted before.


    Rory made himself comfortable opposite of Aki as she continued demolishing her stew.


    "How is it Aki? Isn''t my stew just the best?"


    Aki gave Carol a thumbs up as her mouth was busy chewing. Aki was eating at the inn that she was staying at ever since she tripped here. Carol was the daughter of the Innkeeper and was in charge of the meals served. They had gotten acquainted when Aki needed help with the shower that used magic stones to activate.


    "Sooo¡­ Um Aki, are you free today?"


    Rory asked timidly as he scratched his head. Aki looked up at him questioningly and prompted him to continue.


    "Actually we saw you yesterday with another group selling some spoils. Aki you¡­ know how to fight?"


    Aki placed down her bowl that she had lifted all the way up to get the last drop of the broth. Aki wondered if Rory was here to borrow money from her. Or if he wanted some thank-you-for-helping-me fund?


    Rory suddenly clapped his hands together forcefully and bowed which startled Aki.


    "Please can you party up with us? Just this once is enough!"


    Aki was puzzled. So they did not want a reward. But from what she knew, the traffic light gang was quite an established party. They didn''t seem like they needed any help.


    "We picked up a quest to defeat a goblin in the forest. However, it wasn''t an ordinary goblin at all! It was a King goblin! The employer purposely did not specify and if we cancelled, it would cause us to incur a penalty."


    "Ahh¡­. so you didn''t check the details out properly before accepting¡­"


    "I know it''s our fault but please if you can help us!!"


    Rory bowed again.


    "So? Where''s the other two? Why are you the only one here?"


    "Well... I''m the leader so it''s kind of my responsibility in the end¡­"


    Rory looked ashamed as he said it. It could be seen that he placed a great importance in this leader role. Still, Aki frowned, it should be a collective responsibility. After all, the others also didn''t remember to check properly.


    After thinking for a moment with Rory bowed, Aki decided to help them out as they did for her. With this they would be even.


    Aki downed her drink and stood up.


    "Let''s go. "


    "Th.. Thank you!!"


    The overwhelmed-with-gratitude Rory stood up and jogged to catch up with Aki that had already left.


    After meeting up with Adam and Flynn at the edge of the forest, they began their trek. Since it was a forest close to the city and the nest the goblin had made wasn''t too far off, they did not have to prepare extensively.


    Before this, Rory was running about in town, gathering potions and supplies that were needed as Aki observed. Adam and Flynn only showed up when everything was prepared. When Aki asked why didn''t Adam and Flynn help out, Rory laughed awkwardly and brushed it off saying it''s the leader''s job. Again.


    Now walking through the forest, Rory took the lead, with Adam behind with Flynn. Aki covered their backs. The arrangement was logical with Flynn being an archer and Adam being adept at mid range attacks.


    However as the journey continued, Aki felt that it was a little strange.


    Rory, who was acting as the tank, was vigilantly scouting ahead. Yet both Flynn and Adam looked as if they were taking a leisure walk through a park instead of a place where monsters could appear unexpectedly. Instead of their surroundings, it felt like they were more concerned about each other instead.


    A rustle of the grass sounded. Rory sensed that something was not right and stopped.


    "Rory, what''s wrong?"


    "I''m not very sure but¡­"


    "There¡¯s no need to be soooo careful Rory. I mean we have been here so many times. There isn''t a monster here that we cannot deal with."


    "Adam''s right. And that goblin. We could have just taken it down on our own. There''s no need to trouble Aki."


    "But we never know if anything unexpected will happen¡­"


    "That''s why I said to stop overthinking it."


    Aki leaned against the tree a distance away as the traffic lights launched into a discussion, distracting Rory from staying alert.


    "We are classed as a A class party but recently after we got promoted, I felt that we are falling short in some areas. For this quest I just had a bad promotion so I wanted to ask you for help as a reassurance."


    Now Aki could understand what Rory was talking about. Maybe after achieving their goal of being an A class party, Adam and Flynn gradually gained confidence over their abilities. Too confident of their abilities perhaps.


    Aki, who had been aware of the monster that was stalking them ever since they stepped into the forest, wondered what Rory wanted her to do. To save them? To help him change their party?


    The cat-like monster that was peering at them from the bushes grew impatient. Seeing the girl who it deemed to be the highest threat standing away from the group, the cat pounced on the weakest looking one.

 3.2 Keep up the good work

    - Before -


    A high pitch scream tore through the forest. And no, it wasn''t from Aki, but Flynn.


    As the cat pounced on them, Rory who was facing the cat had the fastest reaction. He pushed Flynn away and drew his sword, clashing with the cat. However, the claws of the cat caught Flynn''s back and ripped open several wounds. Blood poured out as Flynn collapsed unconscious on the forest floor.


    "Flynn!!!!!"


    Adam shouted and rushed over to Flynn''s side. He panicked at how Flynn was groaning in pain and the blood that pooled out continuously from his wound.


    "RORY!! Pass me the healing potion!!"


    Adam shouted but did not turn to see how Rory was still in combat with the cat. The cat and Rory were in a deadlock with each other. It was biting down hard on Rory''s sword as Rory tried to parry it off.


    "RORY!! NOW!!"


    Drenched in sweat from the exertion and panic, Rory tries to respond to Adam but could not. The cat demanded all his strength and focus.


    "C.. Can''t¡­ He¡­ help¡­ Aki!"


    Hearing Rory''s plea for help, Aki sighed. She was observing the situation and shook her head.


    Judging that Flynn''s wound was not as serious as what Adam made it to be and how he lost consciousness due to shock and pain more than the injury. She was trying to see how the other two would react to the situation.


    Rory lacked the ability to command his team and Adam lost his cool over Flynn getting injured and did not provide support for Rory. If Adam could have taken Rory''s place, Rory could have used the healing potion that was with him.


    In the first place, it was Adam¡¯s mistake of not packing a healing potion with him as well.


    Aki drew Shinshu and dashed towards the battle while throwing a healing potion at Adam who fumbled at it.


    Sensing the incoming danger, the cat pounced away from Rory and met Aki straight on. It tried to overpower Aki like Rory but Aki easily pushed it backwards and managed to slashed it across its body. The cat yowled. Aki and the cat then started to circle each other, looking for the right timing and any openings to attack. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Tension crackled in the air. The cat growled. Aki kept her usual cool, observing for signs that the cat was going to pounce again. Blood-thirst filled the air.


    Determining that it cannot win against Aki, the cat gave a last snarl and turned, running off.


    Whew, relaxing her stance, Aki sheathed shinshu and checked on the others.


    Rory, leaning against the tree in exhaustion, was dumbfounded at the cat¡¯s sudden escape and relieved that the fight was over.


    Flynn''s injury had stopped bleeding, but still was showing an open flesh wound on his back.


    Adam was still a mess, holding up Flynn and checking and rechecking his wounds, trying to shake Flynn awake.


    Aki hit Adam at the back of his head with Shinshu.


    "Snap out of it. Carry Flynn and let''s return to get him a doctor."


    Adam scrambled into action. After Rory helped Flynn onto Adam''s back, Aki and the traffic light gang returned to town.


    In a room filled with antiseptic scent, Flynn was lying face down on the bed, still passed out. A female doctor was checking over his wounds with Adam hovering nervously around her. Rory had taken a seat on the floor beside the door, observing the situation, but too drained to do anything more.


    At first, Aki was standing with Rory but the medical smell brought unpleasant memories to the surface.


    Aki was no stranger to getting injured and despite the top-class medication that was provided, under the lights, there were still scars that faintly shone all over her body.


    However, Aki did not mind herself getting injured. It was when others were implicated because of her that caused the light in her eyes to dim. Her fallen comrades, her once-friends that were caught up in her fights and the memories when her family laid stone cold.


    Shaking off the depressing memories, Aki left the room.


    They were currently in a small cottage where the doctor lived and worked, with another room where patients laid. For those that needed constant care, they were housed here. But for more serious injuries that the doctor cannot cure, the patients were sent to the capital instead.


    However, being in a world where magic was everywhere, the injured usually have a high recovery rate and rarely anyone actually stays over.


    Aki walked through the back door of the cottage to a little garden that overlooked the back of the forest. Sitting down at the steps, Aki breathed in the fresh air and gazed at the colorful flowers that the doctor had planted.


    The wind blew, rustling Aki¡¯s black hair and Aki could only hear distant bird songs.


    Footsteps resounded from behind Aki, putting her on an instinctual alert. Anything that approaches from the back is a potential threat. Stepping up to Aki, it was the doctor who had lit up a roll and smoked.


    The doctor had faded blonde hair that looked close to platinum white that was tied up into a loose bun. There were light wrinkles around her green emerald eyes as if from laughing too often. Despite seeing blood for so many years, Aki could see kindness behind them.


    Not like her eyes where Aki knew shadows lurked.


    ¡°The kid is okay. That healing potion healed him up pretty well. With some ointment and not a scar would remain.¡± The doctor blew out smoke that oddly smelled herbal and not nicotine.


    ¡°How about the other two?¡±


    ¡°The red hair has gone to the room next door to rest and the other one is still sitting next to the bed. Well, there¡¯s no need to worry. For adventurers, they will get over it sooner or later.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not worried.¡±


    Aki looked up at the doctor who was puffing away. The Traffic Light gang were just people that she had some gratitude towards. After all, when she was lost they helped her willingly. They were not bad people but they were nothing more than just acquaintances.


    Aki could see the doctor snickering as if she knew a secret that Aki did not.


    ¡°Tsk. I¡¯ll be going then. Please take care of them.¡±


    Aki left the little cottage behind, with the faint sounds of the doctor¡¯s laughter still in the air.

 3.3 Keep up the good work

    - Before -


    A silver glint flashed and the reflected light danced sharply across the small room. Sunlight poured through the slightly open curtains and lit up the room vaguely as dust particles danced in the air.


    In this subdued yellow and brown hues, Aki sat on her bed with Shinshu purring in her hands. She ran a cloth carefully over shinshu, cleaning him up as well as checking for any nicks and damage. A slight smile donned Aki¡¯s face as the joy that Shinshu projected to Aki was contagious.


    A contagious atmosphere of joy was in the air. Well, except for the pink fluff that was currently sulking on her expensive exclusive bed. Kit Kat was puffed up over the fact that Aki had actually left him locked up in this little room for the whole day yesterday!


    How could she just throw me in here and leave with that Red Hair servant!


    ¡°Okay, okay. Next time I¡¯ll bring you with me everywhere. But no complaining if it''s hard or if it''s dangerous okay?¡±


    Kit Kat turned away and refused to look at Aki, burying himself further into his bedding.


    ¡°Come on¡­ don¡¯t be angry already¡­¡±


    Aki crawled on the bed over to the side table. She used her finger to poke at Kit Kat, trying to get a reaction. Aki¡¯s lips twitched as her finger sank into the pink fluff and she began to persistently poke at it repeatedly. The room was silent besides some movement from Aki poking at the fluff.


    Poke, poke, poke, poooooke, poke.


    Kit Kat sniffed and glanced back at Aki. His eyes were round as if filled with unfallen tears, shining like little red gems. Fine! I¡¯ll forgive you since you were begging me to.


    Aki let out a laugh as she saw Kit Kat physically defluffing.


    Knock, Knock


    Sounds of the knocks resounded through the room as Aki was preparing to bully Kit Kat further. Kit Kat¡¯s ears perked up. Grabbing Shinshu, Aki opened the door slightly to check who¡¯s outside.


    One downfall of this rented room was that they did not have peepholes nor a bolt. This caused Aki to amp up her vigilance. As much as it seemed ridiculous, you can never know if someone were to jump you at the door or create an ambush as you exit the room.


    But instead of a physical assault, it was an attack on the eyes with that bright red hair that has grown familiar to Aki. Rory was standing at the door twiddling his fingers with an apologetic look on his face. Aki sighed.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go and get some food and talk.¡±


    Just before Aki closed the door, she felt a weight on her head. Rory''s eyes glittered at seeing the pink fluff. Reluctant to be left behind again, Kit Kat flew at his fastest speed after hearing that Aki was leaving.


    Passing the royal pain in the fluff to his faithful servant, Aki walked down the stairs to the inn¡¯s dining area. Having the stew again sounds like a good idea.


    Aki slurped her stew. At the side was a sandwich, courtesy from Carol who was trying out a new recipe. Rory got a hamburger of sorts, with the meat patty totally outshining the tiny bread that topped it.


    The slight weirdness in this scenery was that instead of being focused on Kit Kat, Rory was picking at his food, unsure of how to open the conversation with Aki.


    ¡°How are the other two?¡±


    ¡°Eh?! Umm they¡¯re okay. Yesterday night Flynn woke up and Adam brought him back home. His injury healed up nicely and the doctor said he did not need to return for any follow-ups. Apparently the potion you provided was a high class healing potion.¡±


    Aki did not know what grade that healing potion was since Heiki gave it to her. Takeshi did say that it was an effective one and told her that everything would be fine as long as she had it.


    ¡°Thank you very much for your help yesterday!¡±


    Rory gave a little awkward bow.


    ¡°So. umm... How was it yesterday? From your judgment¡­¡±This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Aki looked at the pensive Rory and for once, hesitated.


    It was rare for Aki who had to make life and death decisions often in her life to hesitate on something. Afterall, a moment of indecision could cost a life. And she learnt that the hard way.


    But now looking at the downcasted Rory, Aki hesitated. She did not know how to answer Rory without hurting his feelings. But why did Aki even care about such a thing like his feelings anyways.


    ¡°For a start, I think Rory should stop acting like a goody-goody two shoes.¡±


    Shocked, Rory looked at her questioningly.


    ¡°Stop catering to both of them. I know as a leader you try to compromise in order to prevent any conflicts in the party. But when it''s time to put your foot down, you should do it. Someone has to make decisions that benefit or for the safety of the whole group. No matter how difficult that order is. Could you order Adam to abandon Flynn on the battlefield?¡±


    Aki looked at Rory dead in the eyes.


    Rory gulped.


    It was as if Aki¡¯s deep dark eyes, devoid of light, were sucking him into an abyss. Within it held scenes that Rory could not even fathom seeing and what¡­ what did Aki have to do to protect her party?


    ¡°If you can¡¯t make those cruel decisions, it''s better if you¡¯re not the leader. Or you guys can just stick to B or C class quests that wouldn¡¯t put your party through dangerous and life-risking moments.¡±


    Aki shrugged.


    She had never understood ambition. The dream of attaining a higher status in society was a pain to Aki. And it was also pointless. The best life is to be able to live comfortably, without taking unnecessary and dumb risks that can cost you more than yourself.


    She just needed to be strong enough to protect things that are dear to her... or just not have any in the first place.


    The table fell into silence while the dining area buzzed with boisterous conversations. It was as if they were cut off from the outside world as they each sank into contemplation.


    ¡°Hey Aki, need a refill for that?¡±


    A cheerful voice broke their thoughts. It was Carol who was standing next to their table holding a pitch of ale. Aki smiled.


    ¡°Please, thank you.¡±


    After Carol left, Rory seemed as if he had made a decision.


    ¡°Yosh, I need to find them and open a party meeting.¡± Rory clenched his fist on top of the table. Looking at the newly filled cup, Rory grabbed it and downed the whole thing in one go.


    ¡°Thanks, Aki. I feel like thanking you is all I have been doing these days. I hope next time when we invite you for a quest again you would accept. We¡¯ll show you that we have changed then!¡±


    Rory stood, patted Kit Kat and left the inn with resolute steps.


    -


    ¡°Hey Aki!!¡±


    Aki was walking down the streets heading towards the Hunters guild when she was stopped.


    Adam was running towards her and breathing heavily and stopped in front of her. Sweat glistened on his face, making it shine as if diamonds were embedded into her skin. Envious gaze looked over at Aki as Adam flashed his signature refreshing lady killer smile.


    It almost blinded Aki.


    Aki squinted and turned and walked away. Adam¡¯s smile withered.


    ¡°Wait¡­ Wait Aki.¡±


    Adam jogged up to Aki in a rush.


    ¡°Okay okay, I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have flipped out like I did during the quest. Rory gave us a talk down and warned us on our mistakes. Don¡¯t be angry anymore?¡±


    Aki entered the ever deserted Hunter¡¯s guild and Adam trailed behind her. Stopping in front of the empty receptionist, Aki casted her eyes which lacked any form of emotion at Adam.


    ¡°Look, I''m really sorry okay, i won¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not me that you should be apologizing to, right? Did you apologize properly to Rory?¡±


    Adam was stunned speechless.


    ¡°I know that Rory is the leader but you as a party member should also be helping and supporting him. And I don''t know what is going on with you and Flynn but just go and confess and shag and get it out of your system. Don¡¯t involve your personal issues during a mission and get your whole party killed. GET YOUR ASS IN SHAPE!¡±


    ¡°YES MADAM!¡±


    Adam automatically saluted as Aki brought out her commanding voice as she got more and more agitated. It reminded him of the military runs that they had to do when they were still in the academy. Aki exudes an atmosphere of authority that demands total obedience and if not¡­ Adam gulped.


    Aki blinked at Adam¡¯s reaction. It seems like the years of training the Nishimura¡¯s undercover troops had been ingrained into her and Adam brought that out when she felt irritated at his behavior.


    Aki breathed out and waved her hand dismissively.


    ¡°Just go. And do whatever you need to do.¡±


    As if being granted amnesty, Adam backtracked as fast as he could and got out of the guild.


    ¡°Ha¡­ haha¡­ hahahaha!!!¡±


    A burst of laughter rang through the otherwise empty guild. Goosebumps traveled up Aki¡¯s back.


    At the end of the lounge, a person was slumped on the dusty sofa. The man got up and walked towards Aki. As he stepped out from the shadows, his crimson eyes twinkle in amusement.


    ¡°For a little girl, you sure pack a lot of punch.¡±


    His hair was a deep dark blue that turned out almost black. Across his golden left eye was a faint scar that did not impact his vision which was set off even more with his full black combat uniform. He seemed to be about 20 years of age. Carrying a devilishly beautiful vistage but with a slight feeling of a rogue and laziness that cloaked over him as seen in his slight slouch.


    Still despite the lazy atmosphere, Aki could still feel the sharpness of his aura. He¡¯s dangerous.


    Aki braced herself as a hand reached over her. But it wasn¡¯t an attack but the hands made a rough ruffle on her head.


    ¡°Keep up the good work.¡±


    The man grinned at Aki. Walking past her and out of the guild, what he left behind was a bewildered Aki with a head of messy hair.


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    - After -


    The protagonist of the otome game was now on the verge of being blown away. The dragon was flying higher and higher with Aki directing it according to the information displayed on the smart brain.


    ¡°Surround.¡± As Aki casted a double barrier, a light magic circle surrounded Aki to protect them from the inertial and high altitude.


    When they finally broke through the layers of clouds, they ended up almost at the verge of heading into space. White puffs of smoke escaped as Aki breathed and admired the blue at the horizon.


    It was breath-takingly beautiful.


    And a few meters away was the goal. A lone white cloud and growing on top of it, was surprisingly a very ugly mushroom.


    No no, that''s a Bisporus. A herb that is effective for cleansing the body of impurities. It was almost miraculous in the way it healed the body.


    Aki unearthed, no uncloud the plant, being careful not to hurt its roots. For a cloud, it was not made of water and air, but soft fluffy material like cotton wool.


    Kit Kat was now doubting his life and decisions. Cadburry thought that she was now even more mighty as she was probably the first dragon to fly to such heights.


    Satisfied with getting the loot, Aki patted Cadbury.


    "Now that''s done, it''s time to head back to turn in our spoils."

 4.1 We’re the same

    - After -


    The sun shone down brightly as the waves crashed against the land. The golden sand glittered in the sunlight and little seashells can be seen partially hidden on the sand if one looked carefully.


    Cadbury and Kit Kat were frolicking in the water, chasing each other while making splashes. Cadburry had shrunk herself until she was just a little bigger than Kit Kat. Aki was sure Cadburry did purposefully to gain an edge over Kit Kat.


    Both of them ran and chased each other in the glittering water, displaying a scene that was full of youth. This was totally a beach scene that usually appears in episode 7 with tons of "ahahahaha~~ ", and ¡°ufufufufu~~~¡±.


    Aki, while ignoring the protagonist of an otome game and another potential main character, looked down at her bare feet.


    The water reached up to her thighs with her pants sticking uncomfortably on her legs. But what took Aki''s breath away were the multi-colored fishes and underwater creatures that could be seen through the crystal clear water, curiously swimming around her.


    The unpolluted beach that was a luxury back on earth was seen so commonly here. Dolphin-like monsters jumped at a distance away, playing freely. No net-trapped animals, no trash and no polluted waters.


    Aki moved to a shallow area and sat down. Water danced around her, and she could feel the movements of the waves. The air brought a tang of salt and the sound of the waves brought Aki into a relaxing mode.


    She closed her eyes and savored the peace, or whatever that was left of it with the two protagonists still running about in the background.


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    - Before -


    The sun was peeking over the horizon with a light fog hanging over the sleeping town. In the midst of an empty square, a girl caked in mud from head to toe can be seen walking quickly, rushing towards a run down building.


    ¡°Misha!¡±


    The door swung open with a loud ¡°bang¡± and Aki¡¯s voice rang through the desolate Hunter¡¯s Guild with echoes.


    ¡°Misha!¡±


    As fury incarnate, Aki stomped up the stairs and arrived in front of a tightly shut wooden door. No locks are able to deter Aki and she pulls open the door, breaking the lock that was just replaced a few days ago.


    The room was small with a sliver of light from the slightly open curtains. Besides an old table and wardrobe, there was a luxuruous king-sized bed nestling a soundly sleeping Misha. Giving off a quiet ¡®Hu.. Hu..¡¯ snore, it seemed like it was a very enjoyable dream.


    Gritting her teeth, Aki grabbed the blanket and flung it off Misha.


    ¡°Misha!!¡±


    ¡°Huh?... oh¡­ good ¡­. morning Aki¡­¡±


    Misha blearily rubbed her eyes and smiled sleepily. Although it was cute with her bed hair sticking up all over the place, Aki brutally knocked Misha¡¯s head with a fist. Lightly of course.


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    ¡°You awake yet?¡±


    Aki smiled cooly and Misha felt shivers run down her spine, immediately sitting up.


    ¡°Ye..yeah!... so¡­ what¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s up? Remember that quest you gave me yesterday? When I arrived at the place where the herb was supposed to be, it was gone! And after checking with the client, apparently the quest was already done by someone else!¡±Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°Eh¡­ that¡¯s weird¡­¡±


    ¡°How are you going to compensate me for all the time I''ve wasted? And you said it was urgent so I dropped everything to get there as fast as I could!¡±


    Misha looked at Aki who was flailing her arms about and felt amused in her heart.


    Compared to the reserved way Aki held herself when she first joined, now Aki is more relaxed and showed more of her emotions. She behaved like the 16 year old kid she was.


    Misha kept her face straight despite all her thoughts as she didn¡¯t want Aki to swing her fist at her again.


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be possible¡­ the system was designed in a way that prevents double taking of a quest¡­ unless the person passed by and fulfilled the quest on the way¡­¡±


    Aki let out a big sigh.


    She can¡¯t possibly blame Misha if that was the case but it was simply torturous to go down deep within a swamp and not get paid for it. Just thinking the mushy mud made Aki even more conscious of the mud that caked all over her clothes.


    ¡°Mundus. Don¡¯t worry Aki! I have another quest for you here that pays quite a big amount!¡±


    Looking at Aki picking the hardened mud off her clothes, Misha did a cleaning spell, revealing a full black outfit that, to be honest, was not so different from her previous look.


    Misha muttered that a girl should dress up prettily and received a sharp glare from Aki. After tapping the surface of the table twice, a projection lit up and showed a C Class quest.


    ¡°This one requires you to go to the capital. Hunt a Gossypium that¡¯s in a forest between here and the capital and deliver it directly to the Alchemy Guild. The journey there would usually take three days by foot but if you need to do a hunt too you might need a longer time. Ah, but with your abilities I don''t think you need that long? Maybe three days is enough after all. But I wonder why did the alchemy guild do a direct request though. Usually they would send it to a merchant guild first¡­ Hey Aki-¡±


    Misha got into her work mode and started chattering off again.


    Feeling a yawn coming up, Aki laid spread-eagle onto Misha¡¯s bed with a *flomp*. This bed really was fluffy and could not compare to the hard lump at the inn. Maybe Aki should take Misha¡¯s advice and move into the guild. What the guild had the most now was space.


    With drifting thoughts and Misha¡¯s comfortable chatter in the background, Aki dropped off into a warm dreamland.


    Not getting a response, Misha turned back only to see Aki taking her place on her bed.


    Giving off a wry smile, Misha turned off the projection and left the room after closing the door quietly behind her.


    Misha who had worked for a long time in the guild, came into contact with a lot of veteran Hunters. And although she didn''t know how Aki lived before she tripped over, she gave off a similar smell - of blood.


    These battle-hardened Hunters always kept their guard up even when asleep, as the price to negligence is often their own lives. But with how Aki readily fell asleep just then, it showed how much Aki trusted Misha and felt safe in the guild.


    Warmth filled Misha and she bounced off happily while humming an off-tune version of a popular song. It was time to open the guild for the day.


    -


    The handcrafted bronze bell attached to the top of the door rang as Aki walked into Get a Heiki shop. After getting the details of the C class quest, she needed to prepare supplies for her journey.


    ¡°Welcome to- oh hey Aki!¡±


    Heiki was seated at the front desk while polishing a broad sword. When he saw Aki, he flashed a soft smile at her.


    ¡°AKI¡¯S HERE?¡±


    A loud booming voice rang from the back of the shop that was sectioned off by a thin cloth. There were suddenly sounds of items crashing that sent a heavy vibration through the floor.


    ¡°Is Takeshi okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll be okay. I swear that one day this shop will collapse because of him.¡±


    Heiki grumbled as Aki gave a little smile. No matter how Heiki always grumbles about Takeshi¡¯s antics, mirth can always be seen dancing in his gray eyes.


    Aki perched herself onto the counter and swung her legs lazily. This little shop that was filled with dangerous weapons with a tint of metallic smell and saw dust felt tranquil to Aki.


    Little dust particles danced in the air as faint sounds of hammering can be heard occasionally.


    ¡°So how was the previous quest Aki? You canceled the magic lesson again. At this rate, it''ll be tough for you to even learn the basics.¡±


    Keeping their promise, Takeshi and Heiki were teaching Aki and conducting a crash course for her when she got a notification from Misha. So far, she knew that magic or mana was prevalent in the air and that anyone can draw them into their body naturally. But how much they can draw in, and how much could be converted into magic itself was a different issue altogether.


    ¡°Let¡¯s¡­ just put that aside and never mention it again.¡±


    Heiki looked at Aki¡¯s grimace and laughed. So the cool and calm Aki also could feel annoyed.


    ¡°I received a C class quest and need to travel to the capital. What supplies do I have to prepare?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fast. You only started off as a F class ranker the week before! The capital huh?¡­ I think a tent, sleeping bags, rations for three days¡­ maybe getting a whole travel package will be cheaper.¡±


    ¡°Troublesome. Maybe I should make do and speed my way there instead. Just a day will probably be enough.¡± Aki mumbled under her breath.


    ¡°Aki! So you¡¯re going on another adventure?¡±


    Takeshi burst out and walked to Aki¡¯s side, hanging his arm over Aki¡¯s shoulders.


    ¡°Just another hunt for a herb.¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re traveling. I¡®ll call that an adventure! Actually, why don¡¯t you come with us? It¡¯ll be fun and we can go exploring! Right Heiki?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s almost time for us to head back, classes are going to start soon too.¡±


    Apparently Heiki and Takeshi were still students at the Royal Academy, which boasts to be the greatest school in the whole kingdom. Many also travel from far away just to attend its classes and to be even admitted was an honor itself.


    The shop was a pass down from Heiki¡¯s late beloved grandfather, who was a renowned weaponsmith. Heiki only runs it as a pastime and was here more for the workshop at the back. He didn¡¯t actually think he was going to sell anything, until Aki came.


    ¡°Ah but Aki is going for official business, maybe we really shouldn''t bother her?¡±


    ¡°Ehhhh!!! But since we are going the same way anyways let''s go together! And we can teach her magic on the way there too! How ¡®bout that Aki? Let''s go on an adventure together!!! Ohhh!!!¡±


    Takeshi shouted and pumped his fist into the sky. Heiki sighed and leaned his head into his hands, but with a mirth as he looked at Aki expectantly as well.


    Not receiving a reaction from Aki, Takeshi grabbed Aki¡¯s hand and lifted it upwards.


    ¡°OHHHH!!!¡±


    ¡°O...oh¡­.¡±

 4.2 We’re the same

    - Before -


    ¡°AKI!!! OVER HERE!¡±


    Shrouded in a light morning mist, Aki could see a man waving enthusiastically at her from a distance away. Takeshi was on the verge of jumping up and down in excitement. Maybe with his monstrous strength a few houses will collapse due to the impact, Aki chuckled.


    ¡°Morning Aki.¡±


    Heiki was leaning against the gate while double checking on the route that they had planned together on his smart brain, in the form of a ring. After an enthusiastic discussion led by Takeshi, they have come to an agreement to travel to the capital together while teaching Aki magic.


    Going around to help Aki get her supplies was also another adventure. Despite having gone on so many quests, she did not possess even a flint to light a fire. Aki shrugged and explained how she can make do without a fire if the worst comes to worse.


    Takeshi and Heiki glanced at each other.


    ¡°Aki¡­¡±


    Heiki placed both of his hands on Aki¡¯s shoulders.


    ¡°You know¡­ when you have the choice, it¡¯s better to always live comfortably. Why go through such troubles when you don¡¯t have to?¡±


    Aki looked puzzled. She did not understand the notion of comfort. Heiki and Takeshi thus took charge and bought everything they thought Aki needed without asking for her opinion. It felt like she was being spoiled and fussed over - a new experience that left her feeling off-centered but a strange sense of joy surfaced within her.


    But deep in her bones screamed for her to never be too comfortable. With a set routine and tools that make you feel safe, it''s a dangerous path down to being complacent. Aki needed to remain sharp.


    Yet, some part of her wondered if staying on the edge like this were just the remains of all the training that really didn¡¯t matter anymore. She was not returning..


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    ¡°Okay, nothing¡¯s missing. Let¡¯s set off!¡±


    ¡°Whoooo!!! Here we come, ADVENTUREEE!!¡±


    The two trekked ahead against the rising sun, appearing so dazzling to Aki¡¯s eyes. Noticing that Aki was not following them, both of them turned back.


    ¡°Aki! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Running up to them, Aki felt like she was running into warmth so cozy that she never wants to lose.


    -


    ¡°Water.¡±


    Light shimmered from Heiki¡¯s open palm and a small stream of water poured forth, overflowing and spilling onto the ground.


    ¡°Form. See, this is now in a ball. Technically magic doesn¡¯t need any chants but it helps in directing intent and channeling the mana that¡¯s in you. Some recite them in ancient spells to cement the image or to borrow power from the ancient words but it''s not necessary if you know how much mana to use and the form that it¡¯ll take.¡±


    ¡°But chanting spells is so cool!! Like¡­ Fiiiirrreeee Tornado! ¡°


    Takeshi did a series of exaggerated pose sequences and pointed his deep blue staff ahead. The sapphire gem embedded at the top glowed a faint red and a huge flame swirl appeared a few meters away from them. It first twirled near the ground before dramatically shooting up into the sky into a huge fire pillar.


    Well, it was a tornado.


    ¡°Takeshi!!! What did I tell you before! You shouldn''t needlessly use so much mana, especially when we don¡¯t know if we¡¯ll encounter any dangers!¡±


    ¡°But still¡­¡±


    ¡°No buts!¡±


    While Heiki was arguing with Takeshi, Aki tried to channel and direct her intent at the swirling fire pillar. Slowly the fire dwindled down and vanished into thin air. Stunned, Heiki¡¯s and Takeshi¡¯s argument got cut off.


    It was so quiet and you could hear faint birds¡¯ chirping.


    Aki saw Heiki and Takeshi mouth open with a silly expression which made Aki smile.


    ¡°You¡­ what did you just do?¡±


    ¡°There wasn¡¯t water or anything and the fire just¡­ disappeared. YOU CAN DO UNIQUE MAGIC??!!¡±


    Aki tilted her head in question and a moment later, a glint appeared in her eyes.


    ¡°There¡¯s unique magic? You¡¯re talking about things like space and time?¡±


    ¡°WAIT wait wait wait wait!! Please don¡¯t try that out now.¡±


    Heiki rushed to Aki and stopped her. Trying to control these two wild magicians alone are taking a toll on him. Aki picked up magic so fast as if she was born to use it. Mana flowed into her easily and she was able to project her intent smoothly without need of using any chants.


    Heiki helplessly trotted behind them as Takeshi was enthusiastically showing Aki the magic that he invented and Aki trying them out one after another.


    Just as they were starting to get carried away, suddenly a scream tore through the air as a loud roar made the ground vibrate. It was coming from a distance ahead of them.


    ¡°OOOOO is this what they call a fateful encounter?!¡±


    ¡°That sounds like a Sertes, an A class monster. But they don¡¯t usually appear in these parts of the forest.¡±


    ¡°LET¡¯S GO LET¡¯S GO! An adventure is waiting for us!!!¡±


    ¡°He-Hey wait! BAKASHI!!!¡±


    Takeshi rushed straight ahead as Heiki had no choice but to follow up, leaving Aki behind with a weird expression on her face. Isn¡¯t it more common to avoid danger instead of rushing towards it? Walking leisurely behind Takeshi who was like a puppy that found his bone and Heiki who was shouting after him, Aki hummed a little tune.


    Maybe doing this sometimes was also not that bad.

 4.3 We’re the same

    - Before -


    ¡°Your Highness! Please retreat!¡±


    A huge serpent with the head of a lion spat out a ball of fire at the knights. Behind them was a magician who casted a spell to block it. As they parried and fought against the Sertes, they became more and more worn out. At this rate, they will be defeated!


    Gripping a sword tight in his hands, ¡®Your Highness¡¯ was also engaging in battle. Although dressed in high quality clothes that screamed ¡°Pay attention to me!¡±, with gleaming blond hair that made him stand out even more, his moves were practiced and very skillful, easily matching the knights that were desperately trying to protect him.


    ¡°HEY ISN''T THAT TSUKASA? HEEEYY TSUKASA! HOW ARE YOU DOING?¡±


    Bursting into the scene was Takeshi who was still bouncing happily towards danger, Heiki who was backing Takeshi on his six and Aki at a distance but who was still paying attention to anything that could hurt both of them.


    ¡°Ta¡­ Takeshi? No- No time to talk to you right now!¡±


    Your Highness, who was the said Tsukasa, shouted back as he forced the Sertes back. The Sertes flicked its tail towards the knights, knocking them backwards, leaving some unconscious.


    Standing at the edge of the battle, Takeshi and Heiki were observing the situation as Aki familiarly leaned back against a tree as if watching a show.


    ¡°DO YOU NEED HELP TSUKASA?¡±


    ¡°What do you think, Takeshi! HELP ME!!¡±


    Tsukasa gritted his teeth as he protected his fallen knights. No matter what other nobles say, Tsukasa always respected his fellow subjects. They were his companions, not just chess pieces that could be tossed away. This mindset however was frowned upon, causing his father to disdain him and his elder brother to scoff.


    ¡°Fireball!¡±


    A ball of fire appeared in Takeshi¡¯s hand. But instead of throwing the ball of fire, Takshi ran up when there was an opening and smacked that ball of fire against the Sertes. The sertes flew backwards, hitting the surrounding trees. On its skin was a tiny black mark which did not deal much damage to the Sertes at all.


    ¡°YOSH, did you see that Aki, my magnificent fireball!¡±


    Heiki rolled his eyes as he pulled out his hammer from his magic space to deal a blow at the collapsed Sertes. It was more like Takeshi¡¯s brute strength that worked more than the magic. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Aki gave an unexpected laugh. She had never seen a battle that could be enjoyed like how Takeshi does. Usually hers were brutal, fast and if not, it was filled with agony and pain.  But Takeshi made it feel so¡­ fun. Aki for once felt that she wanted to take part in a fight together.


    With the cooperation of Takeshi, Heiki and Tsukasa with his remaining knights, they managed to take down the Sertes. A cry of victory rang through the battlefield.


    Takeshi gave a friendly hi-five to a knight who he met for the first time, Heiki began to help those who were hurt and Tsukasa, exhausted, sat on the ground breathing hard.


    This was then when everyone had their guards down that a shadow flashed, coming out from within the trees. The black cloaked figure was watching the battle from the start and looked for an opening to finish off the Prince if the Sertes could not. With his knights out of commission and the Prince exhausted, it was the perfect timing to strike.


    Flashing to the back of Tsukasa who was sitting unsuspectingly on the ground, the black figure swung his dagger towards him. One strike and the second Prince of Valticand will be no more.


    A burst of light came from his feet and the intruder came to a sudden halt. Out in the open in front of everyone.


    Suddenly seeing a figure appearing in front of them, Tsukasa¡¯s knights pulled Tsukasa away frantically, putting themselves between the intruder and their precious prince.


    Heiki and Takeshi were also stunned by the intruder. But more than that, they knew it was Aki that had casted that spell. Aki who had just learned how to cast her first spell mere hours ago and she could now use it in a fraction of a second at the most crucial moment.


    And even though it looked like a normal freeze, it was clearly more than that as the assassin was not even breathing but still alive. His body¡¯s time was suspended as if someone pressed the pause button.


    The temperature dropped and shrouded in a cold aura that made the surrounding prickle, Aki walked silently up to the intruder. Drawing out Shinshu, her eyes met the intruders and recognition flashed in the black figure¡¯s eyes.


    We¡¯re the same.


    Resigned to his fate, he knew nothing will get in the way of an assassin. Not feelings, not rationality, only the instinctive need to eliminate.


    Swinging Shinsu towards the intruder just like how he had swung his dagger towards Tsukasa, Aki was going to eliminate her target.


    It was at this time when a hand gripped Aki¡¯s.


    Frowning and pressing down on her urge to fight against whoever was in the way between her and the target, Aki glanced at Tsukasa.


    ¡°Wa..wait. Don¡¯t kill him first. We can get information out of him.¡±


    Ridicule shone in Aki¡¯s eyes. Interrogation? Once the assassin was free of his binds, he will either attack or commit suicide. A failed mission means death anyways, better to end it off by your own terms rather than placing that right in other people¡¯s hands.


    The frozen assassin, too, rolled his eyes.


    Aki who did not put down Shinsu and Tsukasa who was unwilling to budge created a stalemate.


    After a brief silence, a clap sounded.


    ¡°Okay, okay, break it up, you two. Come on, Aki, it''s none of our business how Tsukasa wants to deal with this¡­ person. And Tsukasa, let go of Aki. She¡¯s not the enemy. ¡°


    ¡°Ri.. Right.¡±


    After Heiki¡¯s interjection which broke the tense atmosphere, Tsukasa let go and Aki gave the assassin a warning glance before sheathing Shinshu back into the scabbard.


    ¡°That''s SOOOO COOL AKI! What was that spell? Teach it to me as well?¡±


    Takeshi bounded up to the group as Tsukasa stood awkwardly before Aki. When he saw Aki''s gaze that mocked him, it immediately reminded him of his elder brother and an ice cold feeling filled his body.


    ¡°Little brother, little brother. You should stop being so soft, if not one day it will come back to bite you when you¡¯re least expecting it.¡±


    As Takeshi was making a fuss with Aki at the side, a hand patted Tsukasa¡¯s shoulder in comfort. Looking sideways, Heiki gave Tsukasa a smile and tension drained out of him.


    ¡°Well, time for a little introduction. Aki, this is Tsukasa, our classmate and the second prince of Valticand. Tsukasa, this is Aki, our friend.¡±


    Hearing that, Aki snapped out of her battle mode. A friend. A small smile surfaced on Aki¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Thank you very much for the help Aki. I¡¯m Tsukasa Camelot de Valticand.¡±


    Looking at the foolish Prince, Aki gave a curt nod and walked away, back to the tree which she was leaning against previously as the rest sorted out the rest of this mess.

 4.4 We’re the same

    - Before -


    Aki rushed through the forest cloaked in darkness. Although Aki was practically blind, without any light to guide her way, she could catalog her surroundings based on sounds and an instinctive feel which was developed after rounds of grueling training.


    It was more difficult to not pick up the skill when you are thrown into a cage, blindfolded and surrounded by hungry beats waiting to tear you up into pieces.


    A faint light glowed in front of her - Layrid, the Herb to hunt for this trip. Emitting a faint yellow light, the delicate plant had bell-like flowers dropping off its stems. Squatting in front of it, Aki began to patiently unearth the flower carefully.


    Layrid was a Herb that was used to make light element potions, and most of it goes into creating healing potions. After successfully digging out the pricey Layrid, Aki packed it into her magic bag and made her way back to the campsite.


    Heiki and Takeshi had decided to follow Tsukasa since they were all going the same way. Although Aki found that decision not very smart to volunteer to go with someone with a big red target painted on his back, Aki reckon that she could still protect Heiki and Takeshi when worse comes to worse.


    This was why Aki was rushing through this job, using magic to manipulate the surrounding air to make herself move faster. Not that Aki wasn¡¯t already fast without magic.


    Back at the campsite, a fire was burning in the middle with a delicious smell coming from the pot that was set on it.


    ¡°Aki! You¡¯re back!¡±


    Heiki waved at Aki towards him and handed her a bowl of stew with vegetables simmered to a soft texture and dried jerky which added salt to the mix. Not super delicious, but it warmed Aki¡¯s stomach.


    Tsukasa was tending to his knights, speaking softly to his confidents a little distance away. The intruder has been stashed into the carriage, with Tsukasa¡¯s magician reinforcing Aki¡¯s spell.


    ¡°Heeeeeey Aki!!!¡±


    Takeshi sat next to Aki before the fire and in his hands was a bag that was wriggling.


    ¡°What do you have in this bag? It''s moving so much!¡±


    Realization bloomed in Aki¡¯s eyes as she took the bag from Takeshi. Opening the drawstring, a ball of pink flew out of the bag and onto Aki¡¯s head. Aki had forgotten that she had stuffed Kit Kat into the bag.


    As Aki was setting off early and could not wake Kit Kat up at all, she just stuffed the pink fluff into the pet magic bag which Rory had gifted to Aki as thanks.


    Angry at being forgotten, Kit Kat was huffing and puffing on top of Aki¡¯s head and pulling at her hair. Not too hard of course.


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    ¡°Ouch- Ouch. okay, okay. I¡¯m sorry I forgot. Here, some of your favorite chocolate.¡±


    Hmph! Don¡¯t think that I will forgive you just because you gave me this utterly delicious piece of morsel!


    The pink fluff clutched the piece of brown rectangular sweetness and nestled in Aki¡¯s embrace as Aki brought it down from her head.


    Stroking gently over the fluff, Aki mumbled softly at the pink ball, showering it with apologies and pets. Although Aki¡¯s face was still expressionless, her eyes were filled with softness that was rarely seen.


    ¡°OOOO that is a Hase right?? Is that your pet Aki?¡±


    ¡°No, it just decided to follow me.¡±


    ¡°Wow a Hase. Here you go little guy.¡±


    Heiki tossed a piece of jerky towards kit kat and kit kat flew up to catch it, munching on it happily.


    ¡°Piya!¡±


    ¡°So Aki, did you find the herb? Was it beautiful? Did you encounter any monsters on the way?¡±


    Takeshi''s eyes shone in excitement as he pried every detail from Aki. Wanting to do a fast hunt, Aki rejected Takeshi when he wanted to follow along. The look of disappointment on his face at that point almost made Aki give in. Almost.


    Aki narrated her uneventful adventure to Takeshi, who decided that it was an adventure no matter how short or how boring it was. Heiki stirred the pot of stew occasionally, listening to Aki and Takeshi on the side.


    A while later, Tsukasa joined them. Although the atmosphere between Aki and Tsukasa was not as awkward as before, it was still tepid at best.


    ¡°We will be transporting the Assassin to the castle. Would you guys want to come with me? I would love to host and bring you guys around the castle and also express a formal gratitude for your help.¡±


    Heiki and Takeshi looked at Aki who was disinterested and was more focused on teasing the pink fluff.


    ¡°Takeshi and I will follow you back. Since the Academy is just next door. But Aki is busy with her job.¡±


    ¡°What job?¡± Tsukasa looked at them questioningly. Although Aki had shown prowess at magic, she still looked young and should be still studying. Thinking that Aki was also returning to the capital for studies, it never occurred to Tsukasa that he was looking at a C Class Hunter.


    ¡°Aki here is a Hunter! Isn¡¯t that amazing? She is already C class when she had just started a little more than a week before!¡±


    Tensing, Aki wanted to shut Takeshi up. Providing more information than necessary to other people was a call for disaster. Information spreads and it makes it all the easier for others to track her down. Her instincts were shouting for her to remain unseen and unnoticed, which also made it safer.


    Feeling that Aki had tensed up, Heiki drew the conversation away from her and engaged the other two in conversation about their classes instead. Aki slowly relaxed and felt content to just listen in and picture an ordinary everyday student¡¯s life which she had never experienced before.


    Although Aki did attend school back home, her days were filled with solitude and often missed class due to missions that would come up. She never had the chance to complain about school work, or the teachers or even simply dread going to school.


    Painting an image of their everyday life from the conversation in her mind, Aki cuddled a sleeping ball of fluff and smiled at the mundane peacefulness.


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    - After -


    After rechecking the data on her bracelet, Aki got up from the sea soaked.


    "How am I going to get a herb that is underwater...."


    An image flashed in her head. She saw a similar scene as she was watching a movie about a prophet.


    "What was it again?... oh yeah. Ahem! BEHOLD HIS MIGHTY HANDS!" Aki stretched out her hands and imagined the sea parting. The calm sea answered her back.


    "... ... ..."


    "... well I just wanted to try that once." Aki put down her arms awkwardly. It was lucky that no one saw that.


    Resigned to dive into the waters, a rumble was heard. Suddenly the sea became rough and surged up. Aki''s eyes widened as the sea seriously parted right in front of her.


    ¡°.... ¡­.¡±


    Even though it was her who created this absurd situation,  Aki tried to ignore it and walked down between two walls of water and following the holographic map, she finally saw the Trifolium. It was shaped like a small three-leaf clover in yellow.


    "Trifolium is a spice that is used to make a traditional dish in Valticand. The dish comprises a deep fried rare flying fish and golden gravy and is said to bring good luck. That''s why it is a popular celebratory dish for nobles." Aki mumbled to herself, recapping what she had learnt from reading through Herbs 101.


    At the distance, Kit Kat and Cadbury stopped and stared at the wondrous sea parting, but what made them even more stunned was when the water walls came crashing down before Aki returned.


    The sea returned to calmness like the previous scene never happened before and Aki was nowhere to be found. Silence permeated the air before the shocked Kit Kat and Cadbury turned mechanically to look at each other.


    Wh... What should we do?!!!

 5.1 Did not lose anyone this time

    - After -


    The blue sky and the blue sea. Aki floated like a lost debris. After being washed away, Aki found herself resurfacing in the middle of... somewhere. Now she is taking her time to float and stare at the white fluffy clouds.


    "Ah... that kind of looks like Kit Kat."


    Aki briefly wondered what Kit Kat and Cadbury was doing now after being separated. They might come looking for her but the best thing to do is to return back to camp and wait. After all, Aki doubted they would be able to find her and Axel was there as well. He would be able to calm them down.


    Familiars in this world are monsters that have signed a master-servant contract with their master. With this contract, both parties will be able to know each other''s location and status, with the additional perk of summoning the said familiar.


    However, Aki did not establish the contract with KitKat and Cadbury.  For one, she treated them as friends and did not want to tie them down.


    "Yeah right. Who am I even lying to?"


    Aki eyes glazed over as if looking at a faraway place. Familiars were bound to duty to protect their master and Aki was more afraid of losing them more than anything.


    She did not want to lose anyone anymore.


    ~~~~~~~~~


    - Before -


    Takeshi sat heavily against an opulent plush couch that was way too fancy to serve its purpose. Sinking into the comfortable silk fabric, Takeshi let out a small sigh. Around him was the definition of luxury.


    They were in Tsukasa¡¯s room at the royal castle and the way Takeshi familiarly settled himself down showed that this wasn¡¯t the first time he had been here.


    Tea sets were brought in by maids and after they left, Tsukasa sat opposite Takeshi whose eyes were already slowly drooping close.


    ¡°Hey, so can I now talk about your new friend?¡±


    ¡°Wha-? Oh you mean Aki.¡± Takeshi raised an eyebrow leisurely at Tsukasa¡¯s question.


    Heiki was seated at another couch, focused on Takeshi¡¯s wand in his hands. The gem stone that was used to help channel magic power was broken. Again. It was not like Takeshi did not have mana, it was more of a fact that he had TOO much and his brute sensibilities did not allow Takeshi to master fine control over it.


    ¡°You guys¡­ don¡¯t feel that she is too dangerous? I mean by the looks of it, she probably dealt with the darker sides of things and-¡±


    *Clank-*


    A harsh sound of a teacup being placed on the table was heard. Despite it being a very fine china where its price could even buy a piece of land, a fine crack can be seen. A dark brown gaze stared at Tsukasa.


    ¡°We don¡¯t speak ill of friends behind their backs, Tsukasa. And Aki is not dangerous. Even if she was, she saved your life. That should at least say a lot more than what you think about her right?¡±


    Tsukasa startled at Takeshi¡¯s seriousness. It wasn¡¯t often that you could see Takeshi like this. Usually seen as a big goof, Takeshi was always the one who cheered up the atmosphere. But when one of his own is being threatened, all bets are off and he would do anything to protect them.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Tsukasa looked down at his clenched hands. It was true that Aki had saved him. Without her, he would not even be breathing right now. But that gaze which sent a sense of dread through him, made him feel so unsettled, nervous even, in her presence.


    Tsukasa pursed his lips, not wanting to fight with Heiki and Takeshi who were one of the only few friends he had.


    ¡°You know, Aki is not as cold as she seems when she¡¯s with us. Only when she was traveling with you, someone that she¡¯s unfamiliar with, did she seem distant. If you get to know her better and let her get to know you better as well, I bet you guys will be close friends! You two seem like you guys carry the same kind of righteousness in you.¡±


    Tsukasa looked up at Takeshi who was once again slouching into the couch, almost falling asleep. Takeshi was always instinctively insightful and could see through people clearly, making his judgment trustworthy.


    ¡°Ain¡¯t you mistaking her with someone else?¡±


    Heiki casually injected, making Tsukasa jump. The way that Aki looked at him full of criticism was not unlike his elder brother. Maybe that was why Tsukasa felt so uncomfortable with her. It made him think that maybe she was just like him.


    A small snore started as Takeshi drifted off into dreamland, accompanied by small sounds of tools mending the magic staff.


    Tsukasa let out a breath and looked out of the window, straight at the main building where the throne room was located and where his brother most likely would be at too.


    -


    Gazing upwards at a majestic white building, Aki could feel her brows tightening. Contrary to her expectations, the Alchemy Guid was not dark and gloomy. It did not fit her imagination of researchers shut inside their caves to do experiments all day.


    The building was fully white, constructed with something that was close to expensive marble. Alchemists walked around in long white robes and it made the place seem so¡­ holy.


    Being cloaked in black from her hair to her outfit, Aki stood out. It was like a black paint stroke had been placed on a white canvas. Alchemists turned to look at her as she made her way to the reception counter.


    ¡°Good Afternoon dear, may the Goddess bless you. How may I help you today?¡±


    Aki showed the receptionist the Hunter verification together with the quest details. She was then led to the back where many other Alchemists made their way around busily. Striding up to an open hall, the receptionist gestured her in.


    ¡°My my my my my. You¡¯re here darling!¡±


    A flamboyant lady with long purple curls, with a pair of fluffy ears and tail, walked towards Aki with her arms spread open, giving Aki a big hug. Aki tensed and forced herself to relax in the embrace.


    ¡°You¡¯re Aki right? Misha told me all about you. Come on, let me bring you to the one who needs the Layrid that you¡¯ve hunted.¡±


    Bringing Aki forward, they walked through tables filled with glass bottles, bubbling potions and Alchemists mumbling among themselves or to themselves.


    Martila introduced herself as the person in charge of Branch 1 of the Alchemy Guild, placing her right next to the Guild master. With a foxy look and an elegant style, she was never short of suitors lining up to catch her attention. Although she was a half beastman with a tail, being a marquess helped in the appeal department of being able to marry into a noble house.


    But the way she intimately wound her arm through Aki¡¯s made them look like they were best of friends and was not pompous like many of those other high aristocrats tend to be.


    ¡°Axel! Your Layrid has arrived!¡±


    Barging into a close room, Martila announced happily. The room unlike the rest of the hall was dark, only leaving some lamps and fire that was cooking potions up. Well, this was closer to what Aki envisioned an Alchemist¡¯s work room should look like.


    Stepping out of the shadows was a child whose skin was as dark as the night and silver hair that shone like the moon. Aki¡¯s eyes widened. It was the first time she saw a dark elf.


    Looking at Aki¡¯s stunned expression, Axel huffed and said in disdain.


    ¡°Come on, give it. And you can leave like how I know you want to. After all, you humans always find dark elves disgusting and-¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful.¡±


    Aki blurted out, causing Axel to be the one stunned this time round.


    Aki was not lying - that midnight shade with hair like that¡¯s like moonlight reminded Aki of those little peaceful nights where the moonlight felt gentle and comforting in the darkness.


    A strange silence fell in the room as Martila looked amusingly at both of them. The tips of Axel¡¯s ear turned red.


    ¡°We- Well, of course I- I know that I am beautiful. Wha- What are you talking about!¡±


    Letting out a laugh, Martila decided to leave both of them to it. Digging through her Herb magic bag, Aki pulled out the Layrid that was still in good condition, shining lightly between both of them.


    After handing it to Axel, Aki had turned to go when-


    ¡°Wher- Where do you think you¡¯re going?! Although it''s beneath me to show you around, Martila did say that I need to accompany you around and show you how Alchemy works. Well, it''s not like I want to or anything.¡±


    Aki looked at Axel, puzzled.


    Martila did not say anything about a tour and much less teaching her about alchemy. But looking at the blush that was slowly spreading out on Axel¡¯s face, Aki lips curled up and nodded.


    ¡°Let''s start with my workshop! Only Alchemists ranked S and above would be able to have their own private workshop. I am also the youngest S class Alchemist in Valticand at 10 years old! Not- not like I need your praise or anything!¡±


    Aki followed behind Axel who started to talk about Alchemy and his work, becoming more and more animated as he was filled with passion with what he did.


    His silver eyes lit up like little stars that grace the night sky and Aki, infected by his enthusiasm, paid close attention to everything that Axel taught, absorbing it all up like a sponge.

 5.2 Did not lose anyone this time

    - Before -


    ¡°And now you add the Herb in and you¡¯re done. After 24 hours of steeping, the essence will be extracted and we will use the liquid as ingredients for the potion. See, isn''t it easy?¡±


    Axel glowed with pride, seeking praise from Aki. Looking at how Axel puffs up, it reminded Aki of Kit Kat who also often puffs up. Aki patted Axel on the head.


    ¡°You¡¯re very smart and amazing.¡±


    Axel glowed even more. They had been tinkering with the projects in Axel¡¯s room. Even though Axel said he would bring Aki on a tour, it was only limited to his workshop. Just imagining those curious or mocking  gazes that will be cast on him when he leaves the room makes him even less enthusiastic about leaving his sanctuary.


    As they were going to proceed to another experiment, frantic footsteps approached the room as Martila burst in. Aki immediately placed herself between the door and Axel, ready to protect him against anything that may cause him harm.


    ¡°Axel! Do you still have any high rank Layrid? His highness was poisoned and need some immediately!¡±


    ¡°Martila¡­ don¡¯t scare me like that. And of course I don¡¯t have any. That was why we needed Aki to bring over some, even if it''s just a mid-grade one.¡±


    Axel frowned. He had always disliked the royal house. Whenever they had an emergency, they would come running to the Alchemy guild and demand stuff from them. Even though the reward was good, Alchemists were not their servants at their beck and call.


    ¡°Right¡­ Oh, what should we do? If we are able to save his highness, we can ask for a new building fully funded by the royal house and maybe even get a year''s worth of extra budget.¡±


    Martial, too, was not concerned about the royal house and was only concerned about the benefits they would bring to the Alchemy guild. Her tail swished in contemplation as her eyes fell on Aki.


    ¡°Oh! Aki! Would you mind doing a last minute quest now? We have some A ranked adventurers who can accompany you to hunt for the high ranked Layrid! The last time a high ranked Layrid was found was at the east side forest, only a short walk away. But it was guarded by a Sussus, an A rank monster. Since we had no need for it, we did not commission any Hunters for it. If you agree we will pay you¡­ five times the usual amount!¡±


    Aki blinked. For Aki, money was not much of an appeal as she only needed enough to fill her stomach and put a roof over her head. But whatever the Hunter earns, 5% will be given to the Hunters guild and imagining how happy Misha would be at this, Aki agreed.


    ¡°Wha- you can¡¯t just get Aki to do it so suddenly! This is an abuse of authority! Aki! You don¡¯t have to agree to this!¡±


    Axel puffed up in Aki¡¯s defense and walked in front of her, like he was trying to protect Aki from the world at large. Feeling soft inside, Aki placed her hand on Axel¡¯s head and rubbed gently. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Aki tried to refuse the accompanying A rank adventurers but both Axel and Martila insisted. No matter how Aki claimed that she was able to protect herself, she was still only a C class Hunter. Leaving a deflated Kit Kat with a deflated Axel, Aki left with a group of five A rank adventurers.


    ¡°Hey little girl, stick close to us and don¡¯t wander around! We, Triade, will bring you safely to the Layrid! Hahahaha!!¡±


    A buffed man said as he walked next to Aki. dressed in a typical adventurer¡¯s gear. He was around mid 40s with a friendly smile, different from the other silent four members around him. Triade was a big adventurers association of more than a hundred members, where they often party with their members to fulfill their quest quota, even if they have never met before.


    And this resulted in a less than friendly atmosphere which Dean was trying to liven up.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Aki gave an obedient nod, cutting off any potential way of continuing the conversation. Dean scratched his head and smiled wryly, continuing to move forward.


    They have been walking through the seemingly peaceful forest for a while now when Aki stopped.


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s wrong little girl?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s here.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s her-¡±


    Before Dean could finish his words, a tremble vibrated through the ground as heavy footsteps sounded. Appearing from deep within the forest, was a creature with three horns that looked like a wild boar. Except, it was towering over them at a height of more than 4 meters tall.


    ¡°Get into formation! It''s about to charge!¡±


    Dean shouted as he tried to command the group. Yet despite his instructions, the other 4 began to rush up to attack the Sussus without any plans.


    ¡°He- HEY!!¡±


    ¡°Stop pretending you are in charge of us Dean! You¡¯re just an adventurer that was stuck at A rank and is never able to move up! It¡¯s time for the new bloods to be in charge!¡±


    A blue haired warrior shouted as he moved to attack the boar at close range.


    ¡°That¡¯s not why-¡±


    A shadow fell upon Dean and Aki who was still standing beside him. Turning around, he saw another Sussus appear behind them.


    ¡°Shit! Little girl, remember to stand behind me no matter what! When I give you the go, run away as fast as you can from here!!!¡±


    Gritting his teeth, Dean braced himself as the Sussus charged. Horns met the broad sword that Dean swung and tried to parry against the Sussus, but as the Sussus put more strength into his charge, Dean could feel himself being pushed back.


    ¡°Not good. Go! Run now little girl!¡±


    As Aki stood behind Dean, she found this scene familiar.


    ¡°Run Aki, go now! We will keep them here!¡±


    ¡°Kai, no! I¡¯m not leaving you guys behind-¡±


    ¡°GO! Remember your mission. You must eliminate the target. Nothing else matters. Now go!¡±


    Aki stopped breathing. That battle itself was caused by a conflict between two gangs for a reason that was so miniscule that it was ridiculous. But because of this, the Nishimura force was engaged and in the end the force lost more than half of its members. Even though they won the conflict, Aki had lost so much more.


    Breathing in, Aki drew Shinsu and dashed ahead. She was never going to let that happen again.


    As the Sussus blew Dean away, Aki slipped into the opening and slashed upwards, accurately slashing the Sussus¡¯s throat. Roaring in anger, the Sussus tried to counter but ended up suffering more slashes from Aki. Jumping onto the Sussus, Aki stabbed the sword downwards. Giving a last cry, the Sussus collapsed.


    As Dean looked up, what he saw was Aki who took his breath away. Rather than a righteous hero, she looked like a death god who had descended to grace mortals with her presence. As her black hair fluttered in the air, her moves were fast, efficient and so beautiful altogether.


    Jumping off the defeated Sussus, she dashed to the other Sussus which was joined by a third one and finished them off as well.


    The A grade adventurers that defied Dean were worse for wear but still alive. Walking back to Dean, Aki squatted down and took out a healing potion and tended to him.


    ¡°Th- Thank you.¡± Dean said as Aki healed him up with pursed lips.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ Don¡¯t tell me to go anymore¡­¡±


    Although Dean did not understand, looking at the grief that was within Aki¡¯s eyes, Den nodded. A small smile appeared as Aki visibly relaxed.


    She did not lose anyone this time.

 5.3 Did not lose anyone this time

    - Before -


    The rest of the hunt was uneventful as Aki successfully picked the high ranked Layrid and did not encounter any more monsters. They then smoothly made their way to the palace.


    ¡°HEEEEYYY!!! Isn¡¯t that Aki? Who are those behind you?¡±


    Entering the palace, the first thing that Aki saw was Takeshi and Heiki who were leaving the palace. Aki eyes brightened as she trotted up to them.


    ¡°I went on a Hunt.¡±


    ¡°Little girl, this is where we part. I will submit a report and you won¡¯t be charged with the escort fee. After all, we got protected instead of protecting you! Hahahahaha!¡±


    Dean gave Aki a hard pat from behind and Aki gave a small smile and a wave to Dean.


    ¡°See you later, Dean.¡±


    ¡°Looks like you made a new friend.¡± Heiki said, scrutinizing the adventures that were leaving.


    ¡°Aki! Did you get the Layrid?¡±


    Martila appeared with Axel, who rushed up to Aki with Kit Kat in his arms. He gripped on the edge of Aki¡¯s sleeve and tugged lightly. Aki gently patted Axel¡¯s head as Kit Kat flew back up onto Aki¡¯s head.


    ¡°Aki! Are you safe?¡±


    ¡°Safe. Here you go Axel, the Layrid.¡±


    After handing the Layrid to Axel, Aki was escorted to a waiting room where she was requested to wait for her reward. Although they could just send it to her electronically, the maids said it was the request of the prince who wanted to meet and thank her personally.


    Heiki and Takeshi also joined her in the waiting room, where Takeshi was getting the details of Aki¡¯s latest adventure and Heiki joined in, listening from the side.


    Soon after, the maids came for Aki and escorted her to the Prince¡¯s bedroom and Heiki and Takeshi left for their dorms. Although it was weird to Aki why she would be brought to somewhere as private as a bedroom, Aki shrugged it off as maybe the Prince was not well enough to get up.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    A low velvety voice answered after the maid knocked on a solid wooden door. Although it looked like a normal door, Aki could feel a little buzz of magic coming from it which unnerved Aki a little. As she entered, what first caught her attention was not the Shining Prince or the ridiculously big bed which he was resting in, but eyes. There were eyes looking at her from the shadows.


    ¡°Welcome, please have a seat.¡±


    Aki who never participated in anything Royal did not curtised or even bow to the Prince and directly sat at the chair at the Prince¡¯s bedside. The Prince¡¯s eyebrow raised a little at Aki¡¯s casual attitude.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ¡°I am Kyle Julian de Valticand, the first Prince of Valticand. Nice to meet you.¡±


    ¡°Aki.¡±


    ¡°Thank you Aki for helping to hunt the Layrid on such a short notice. It was quite unexpected to get poisoned while I was just having my lunch. I didn¡¯t really trust all my servants and cooks, but didn¡¯t know that they could be capable of such betrayal.¡±


    Aki tensed as she listened to the Prince¡¯s rambles. There was a murderous intent from where the gaze hid.


    The hidden shadow guard observed Aki who was paying attention to the Prince. As a courtesy, the girl had held her sword in her right hand which prevented her from drawing the sword and the room was warded, preventing any use of magic.


    Although the shadow guard did not know why his highness wanted to test this girl, an order was an order.


    The shadow guard flashed to Aki¡¯s back and just when he was about to strike, a sixth sense, overwhelming pressure and a sense of dread washed over him that made him freeze instinctively in fear. It was telling him that if he took one more step, he would be dead.


    Just as he gritted his teeth and was about to strike against his instincts, a hand pulled him back by his collar and held him in place.


    ¡°Stop. Whatever in heaven are you doing to my little junior, Prince?¡±


    Aki¡¯s hand which was about to draw Shinshu out from the scabbard paused and slid the small section of the blade that was revealed back. Turning to look, she saw a familiar person holding down the shadow guard.


    ¡°Roku! You¡¯re late. Well, I just wanted to test this girl out a bit. Did you know that she saved my silly little brother from an assasination attempt? I just wanted to know if that story was really true and if it was, I was planning to ask her to protect him.¡±


    Roku scoffed and pushed the shadow guard away. Aki kept her eyes on the person called Roku. It was him, the one that Aki met at the Hunter guild a while back. The corners of his crimson eyes crinkled as he gave a lazy grin, making his scar on his left eye even more prominent.


    Although the sense of danger from him was carefully covered up this time and disguised, Aki still remembered the feeling of a sharp aura from him when they first met at the Hunter¡¯s Guild.


    As Roku walked past Aki, he ruffled her hair again and headed to the window. He leaned against the edge, facing Aki with the prince between them.


    ¡°You should not play such games, Prince. And Aki is a Herb Hunter, not a bounty hunter or even a bodyguard. Go use one of your shadow guards for that.¡±


    ¡°Pity. I hope you didn''t mind Aki, i just had to test you to see if you were fit for the job.¡±


    Aki looked at the Prince''s smiling face and nodded. Even though an attempt on her life was just made, Aki made it seem as if it was a norm and didn¡¯t create any fuss about it. The Prince then thanked Aki again for her help and told her that the reward will be transferred to her account.


    Closing the door behind her, Aki placed the small episode behind her, not thinking of how just moments ago, she was ready to decapitate the shadow guard and kill the mastermind, the Prince, after too.


    Roku looked at the girl with deep raven hair tied back into a high ponytail. Even though her expression was cold, her features were still sharp and beautiful. Dressed in an all black outfit, she seemed just like any other ordinary hunter. But her hands never left her sword and was always prepared to draw it.


    ¡°Kyle, be careful of who you are playing with. If I was even a second later, your shadow guard would be dead and you would have been cut up into pieces. It will then really be a pity to have blood splattered all over this splendid room.¡±


    Kyle startled as he looked at Roku slouched against the window.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you. Don¡¯t poke a sleeping lion.¡±


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    - After -


    The floating debris named Aki was still looking up at the blue sky when a rough wave hit her. She tried to ignore it but it was getting persistent and a seaweed smacked into her face. Looking at the source, she saw a ship that was getting attacked by a giant octopus monster.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t think I would see something like a Kraken too.¡±


    Aki looked down at the piece of red seaweed that she was grabbing onto. It was a Rhodo, a herb that was useful in curing diseases in marine creatures. Aki stuffed it into her magic bag.


    ¡°I really hope Shinshu doesn¡¯t get damaged from the salt¡­¡±


    Sending some magic power to her feet, Aki was able to stand on the water. She did a quick draw and a few slashes at a speed too fast to see with an untrained eye and sheathed it again. For a moment, nothing happened.


    ¡°I guess I should get going. First I need to go back to check if Kit Kat and Cadbury are still there.¡±


    Aki jumped as if stepping on invisible steps in the air and she sped through the air, disappearing over the horizon.


    Back at the ship, the sailors were shouting incoherently, with some already given up and were praying to their god. The captain was trying his best to take control of the ship but the octopus had already wind their ship up tightly in its grasp.


    Suddenly, a cut appeared on its tentacles and blood spurted out. Following that, the tentacles were split into many pieces and blood rained down on the ship. The bits and pieces fell into the ocean, with some crushing the sailors on deck.


    The red soaked captain stood stunned at their sudden escape from death.


    ¡±Thank God¡­¡±

 6.1 Thank you

    - After -


    Stralo Fort is a highly technologically advanced city. Instead of the usual european centric buildings that Aki was used to seeing, here there were skyscrapers that closely resembled those back in her original world. However, what was different were the neon lights that ran through the buildings and the flying cars, spaceships, carriages and more that populated the sky.


    Aki was seated on top of Cadbury with kitkat nestled in her coat as the cold wind blew. They were flying high up in the sky, getting an amazing aerial view of the city.


    After Cadbury and Kit Kat rushed back to Axel, they were desperate trying to convey their meaning to the boy, of how Aki was washed away by the sea. However, no matter how they tried to gesture or bounced their fluffy self, Axel did not understand.


    When they were at the edge of exploding, Aki thankfully returned back to camp herself. After cuddling with Aki for a whole night with lots of chocolate, Cadbury and Kit Kat were then willing to let Aki go on another Hunt.


    The herb that Aki is hunting this time round is at the outskirts.


    Cadbury flapped her wings and landed with a thump, sending dust and little scraps flying. The area was filled with failed creations of the city, with towering disposed mechanical parts and lacked any signs of life besides them.


    The herb that Aki needed was called the Helianthus. It was a mutated flower which had incorporated digital parts into its own body, a natural half bot and half plant.


    The Helianthus contains electric essences that are good for refining a pill that could boost magicians with electric magic.


    Aki looked down at her smart bracelet and then at the pile of digital debris in front of her. Cadbury and Kit Kat had already disappeared and were up to their usual shenanigans.


    "Let''s just get this over with."


    Aki rolled up her sleeves and started sieving through the remnants of inventions piece by piece.


    ~~~~~~~~~~


    - Before -


    In a quiet room, Aki was gently brushing through Kit Kat¡¯s fur with a special comb that was once again gifted by Rory before they left as a farewell gift.


    It had been a month since she left Colkirk and arrived here at Forthmight, the capital of Valticand kingdom and where the Royal Castle and Academy was located.


    Since Aki was already here, Misha took the liberty to assign Aki quests that were near the capital. After a month of hard work, Aki had raised her rank and became an A rank Hunter in no time.


    Kit Kat purred against Aki¡¯s skillful hand as she sorted out his tangles and knots. This was simply a royal treatment.


    A ringtone sounded and Aki looked at her smart bracelet.


    ¡°HEY AKI! LONG TIME NO SEE!¡±


    Picking up the call, Takeshi''s voice boomed through the room. Aki smiled at the energetic Takeshi across the holographic screen. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°Move Takeshi, you are too close to the camera. Hi Aki, how are you doing?¡±


    ¡°AKI I HAVE GOOD NEWS! Hear and be amazed! We have an open house event where we can bring in friends or family to experience life at the Royal Academy!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, come over Aki, we can hang out in school. We had not met since a week ago.¡±


    ¡±Hmm¡­ But I still have some upcoming quests that I-¡±


    ¡±Come onnnnn!!! You just became an A rank! You need a break!¡±


    ¡± Yeah,  take a break from your Hunts for a day and come join us. Weren¡¯t you curious about academy life before?¡±


    -


    Aki stood in front of an open gate as people trailed past her. In front of her was an oddly modern building among medieval aesthetic buildings. Streams of colorful banners and balloons floated in the air, welcoming visitors in.


    It was like a school festival. But instead of games, visitors were oddly here for¡­ lessons.


    ¡°AKIIII!!!!¡±


    From afar, Takeshi was waving as she ran towards Aki and gave her a bear hug, lifting her up. Aki chuckled as it''s been a while since anyone lifted her up like this. And as always, Heiki was not far from Takeshi.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Aki!! we''ll bring you to our class!¡±


    ¡±Your seat has also been prepared.¡±


    ¡±There¡¯s also a uniform! Would you like to try it on?¡±


    Aki looked at the fellow students around her. The guys like Heiki and Takeshi were dressed in a white blazer and white pants with red patterns lined on the uniform. The girls were wearing a white blazer with a red checkered skirt.


    Looking at their thin clothing where any knife could easily cut through, Aki wanted to reject Heiki directly.


    But Aki paused.


    Now she was not on a job and was here to experience a school life which she never had.


    -


    Sitting in the classroom filled with people and noise, Aki felt out of place with such bright and eye-catching attire. Students, too, kept taking glances at her as she sat between Heiki and Takeshi.


    Although Takeshi wasn''t a very proficient magician, both of them were still ranked the top 5 most handsome in the entire school and were often at the center of attention in class. And in between them was a beautiful girl which they had never met before.


    ¡°The first class is a magic lesson which I think you will enjoy Aki.¡±


    Heiki said and smiled gently at Aki.


    ¡°But it¡¯s so boriiiing. It''s about the philosophy of magic. I want to practice magic instead!¡±


    Takseshi complained as he laid spread out on the table. Aki looked at the digital display in front of her which said ¡°Introduction to philosophy in Magic¡±. Just as she was about to ask Heiki more about it, the door opened and an old professor walked in.


    ¡°My name is Cayden Bartam. You can call me Professor Bratam. Now, when we talk about the fundamentals of magic. We all know that we draw in mana from our surroundings and convert them into magic with our intention.


    But what is mana and what role do we play in this magical phenomenon? A popular school of thought presents mana as the god¡¯s power and we are the messengers of god. I am more inclined, however, to believe that Mana is energy from the universe and as we too are part of the universe, we are able to mold this energy into the universe creations, like fire, water, lightning, or even space and time.¡±


    Aki was enraptured by the lecture and her eyes sparkled in interest. So much that she leaned forward in her seat, wanting to absorb every single information that was presented to her.


    Unbeknownst to her, a man with a scar on his left eye was leaning at the back of the classroom, looking at her with an amused smile.


    Even though Aki had the bearings of a skilled Hunter, it was times like this that her innocence shines through. As if she had never experienced the dark and filthy things humanity was capable of. She still had a pure curiosity, and treated the world and people with such sincerity.


    ¡°... Okay that¡¯s all for today¡¯s lesson. I hope that through this short lecture, you have gained something from it. Class dismissed.¡±


    Before the professor had the chance to leave the classroom, Aki was standing before him, eyes glittering with questions. Stunned at Aki¡¯s appearance and before he could say a word, Aki launched into a torrent of questions for the professor. As he listened to Aki¡¯s questions, he was drawn into her way of thinking and started a discussion with Aki.


    ¡°Wake up Heiki. It¡¯s time for lunch.¡±


    ¡°Uhh?... is it lunch time already? Where¡¯s Aki?¡±


    Gesturing to the front, Takeshi saw two passionate people launching into a long debate that doesn¡¯t seem like it¡¯s ending soon. The hot atmosphere between the professor and Aki was hard to break into.


    ¡°Should... Should we stop them?¡±


    ¡°You think you can? I think it''s more realistic to pack some lunch for them.¡±


    A beep rang on the professor¡¯s smart bracelet.


    ¡°Oh no. Looks like we had missed lunch. I''m afraid we must stop here."


    Looking at Aki''s passionate eyes turning downcast, the professor felt a sense of panic.


    "How about we add each other on our smart bracelet. We can continue this conversation anytime.¡±


    Perking back up, Aki remembered Takeshi and Heiki and turned to look at the seats. Heiki and Takeshi were waving a packed lunch at Aki. After giving a portion of the packed sandwiches to the professor, Aki walked with Heiki and Takeshi to their next class while munching away.


    ¡°So was that fun Aki?¡± Heiki asked as he passed her a drink as well.


    Finishing her sandwich in mere bites, and downing her drink in one go, Aki nodded repeatedly.


    ¡°Yes, so much!¡±

 6.2 Thank you

    - Before -


    Next was Takeshi¡¯s favourite practical class. After changing into an all black outfit that was more suited for combat, Aki finally felt comfortable in her clothes.


    ¡°Today is a free class. If you want to have a duel, get into a ring.¡±


    ¡°YOSSSHHH!!! Aki, let''s go to the shooting range and practice our shooting magic!¡±


    Takeshi stretched and walked ahead, leading Aki to the corner. Heiki was running the perimeters instead, aiming to build his strength and stamina to better craft his weapons.


    They reached a shooting range where some were using guns, magic wands or simply their bare hands.


    Occupying a lane for themselves, Aki stood at Takeshi''s side, watching.


    "GO!"


    "SHOOOOOT!"


    "AUURRGGHHH¡­. BANG!"


    "HMMMMUUUGGGHHH¡­. HA!"


    Although Takeshi was trying to hit the target, he ended up hitting everything else but the target. With increasingly incoherent shouts, his aim was getting closer and closer to the target.


    Aki looked at Takeshi giving his best and never losing his smile, it made her lips quirk up as well.


    Takeshi always made training look so fun.


    "Maybe you should-"


    ¡°Pft- HAHAHAHHA, look at that. And he still wants to be a magician?¡±


    A harsh mocking laughter cut Aki off as a blond guy walked towards Aki and Takeshi with his minions trailing behind him.


    He had been in the same class with Takeshi for the past three years. In his eyes, Takeshi was unrefined, incompetent and totally beneath him.


    Yet, every assessment Takeshi managed to always score better than him! He was also more popular than him! And now he even had a beautiful girl accompany him as he showed such a pathetic performance.


    "With such aim, he might as well quit! Save his party the trouble of covering his ass when he misses. Or rather, when will he NOT miss? " Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    The minions laughed and giggled, attracting other students'' attention as well.


    Aki looked at the male student with eyes so cold that could freeze an A class monster where it stood. Yet, the oblivious blondie was still mocking Takeshi even though Aki was between them.


    ¡°Such a noob that he even cannot hit a standard-¡±


    Facing the group, Aki extended her hand outwards and pointed towards the targets.


    Crack-


    A split moment later, all the targets cracked and burst into pieces. Surprised high-pitched screams came from the surrounding students who were nearer to the targets.


    A heavy silence hung in the air.


    Finally meeting Aki¡¯s gaze, the blonde gulped. If looks could kill, he would be dead at where he stood.


    ¡°Aki, it¡¯s okay. They are just cowards who could not fight in a proper match and can only mock others.¡±


    Takeshi placed his hand on Aki¡¯s shoulder as an assurance and in comfort.


    ¡°Tsk.¡±


    Knowing that she had caused too much commotion, Aki left and made her way to the stands that surrounded the training area. Overlooking the whole stadium, she saw Takeshi waving his magic fist around and teaching the group a lesson.


    Aki tried to calm her emotions. But all she wanted to do was to take Shinshu and show the blonde a world of pain. Literally.


    A figure flashed and appeared at Aki¡¯s side. Casting a glance at the figure, Aki recognised that it was the shadow guard that she met in the Prince¡¯s room.


    ¡°Babysitting?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha. Well, that''s what a shadow guard is essentially. I¡¯m Felix.¡±


    ¡°Aki.¡±


    ¡°You can ignore their antics. It¡¯s just children spouting nonsense without knowing that sometimes the things that can kill a person are much more than just a sword.¡±


    Aki clenched her fist and relaxed it after a moment.


    ¡°But¡­ it''s better if they never do come to know¡­¡± Aki mumbled.


    ¡°Yo, what''s with this depressing atmosphere.¡± A hand landed on Aki¡¯s head and ruffled her black hair.


    Looking up, she met a pair of crimson eyes.


    Aki did not know why despite being cautious about Roku, she still allowed him to be in close contact with her. Putting her guard down for someone who seemed stronger than her was always a foolish choice.


    Maybe it''s because of the way he looked at her so directly with a gaze so clear, as if he understood all her past experience and everything that she was.


    But¡­ that¡¯s not possible right? After all, they had only met twice and it was for brief periods of time.


    ¡°Hmm? If you¡¯re bored, let¡¯s duel?¡±


    Hearing this, a strange excitement zinged through Aki.


    It had been so long since she had a proper duel. She did not know when it was that she became so afraid of using her full strength. A friendly match might end up accidentally killing the opponent if she was not careful.


    If it¡¯s against Roku though, Aki could probably use her full strength and still lose.


    Moving to a private ring, Roku set the stage and barrier settings to maximum and tossed Aki a wooden sword.


    ¡°We¡¯re not using our own swords?¡±


    ¡°No real swords allowed here.¡±


    Aki looked down at the shabby sword, disappointed. Seeing this, Roku laughed.


    ¡±If you want, we can battle again at the basement in the Hunter¡¯s guild. They have a professional ring that can withstand more damage.¡±


    They got into position, each standing at opposite ends of the ring. After gauging each other for a while, with tacit understanding, Roku and Aki began dashed towards the center.


    When looking from the outside, all that could be seen are after images that''s so fast that everything is blurry. And only the sound of wooden swords hitting each other could be heard at a very fast pace.


    And as Aki clashed her sword against Roku¡¯s, she could see his eyes that were filled with laughter which also made Aki smile.


    The parry carried on for a full 30 minutes with no end in sight. Rather than a duel, it was more like two children playing around with swords. Of course, playing with wondrous techniques and skills that no ordinary person could ever think of acquiring.


    This was also a comfort to Aki, knowing that there¡¯s someone out there who could match her or even defeat her, that she was not the odd one out, the strange one with too much strength and that she was not alone.


    Breaking apart, Aki was ready to launch into another attack when the bell rang.


    ¡°Well, fun times always pass so fast.¡± Roku wiped his sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand.


    Relaxing her posture and steadying her breath, a dazzling smile bloomed on Aki¡¯s face.


    ¡°Thank you, let¡¯s do this again.¡±

 6.3 Thank you

    - Before -


    ¡°And here is the room that our party is using.¡±


    After the practical class when Aki changed back into the uniform, Roku was already gone. Heiki and Takeshi lead her to the different classes throughout the day and when all the academic classes were over, they brought her to their party¡¯s room.


    Apparently for every school term, there is a group assessment where students had to form a party to complete a quest. Depending on the time, and quality of the quest completion, they will be graded accordingly. This was also to prepare the students for the future after they have graduated.


    The party was called Magicians Extraordinaire. And by the name you could already tell who had named the party. The room itself was half the size of the classroom and comfy couches were placed surrounding a low table. It looked more like a high class lounge rather than somewhere strategic meetings would take place.


    Already in the room were two girls.


    ¡°Sit sit, I¡¯ll introduce them to you Aki. This is our Healer, Yuki and our warrior, Luna.¡±


    Yuki was a girl with sharp black phoenix eyes with dark brown hair, and Luna looked more like a pixie with short blond curls and big blue eyes.


    "Heiki is at the smithy, repairing and buffing up our weapons for the upcoming assessment. Where''s Tsukasa?"


    "Do you even need to ask? Of course he''s doing his princely duty."


    Yuki scoffed in disdain.


    "What''s with you again? Tsukasa is a Prince after all. He has his duties to fulfill."


    "Then what about his duty to us? To his party? The assessment is only a week away and we have not even got our strategy down or even did one run through or mock battle. If you think we can even pass at this rate, you''re better off hoping for the sky to rain money. "


    "But! But we should always be considerate-"


    ¡°Then who should be considerate to us? You''re just gaga over Tsukasa because he''s the Prince anyways. If he was a normal person without rank you won''t even look at him." This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "How¡­ How could you say that! I¡­ I have always¡­ for Tsukasa¡­"


    Tears filled those big blue eyes and fell like diamonds. Standing up and wiping her tears away, Luna stomped out of the room.


    "Again? Yuki¡­"


    "I''ve already told you to not invite Tsukasa in and you still did. It''s your problem now Captain."


    After saying that, Yuki gave Aki a nod and left the room as well.


    Takeshi looked at Aki.


    Blink.


    Aki looked at Takeshi.


    Blink.


    ¡°I guess this happens a lot?¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t even imagine¡­¡± Takeshi said with sad doggy eyes and drooping ears.


    Sighing, Takeshi got up to find Luna and directed Aki to Heiki instead of leaving her alone in the room.


    -


    In the smithy, sounds of metal hitting echoed and a furnace was lit up that casted shadows across the room. Even so, there was no smoke and no heat trapped in the small room.


    Aki sat at a high stool near the door, swinging her legs as she looked at Heiki''s work on a sword.


    "They fought again?"


    "Yeah."


    "About Tsukasa?"


    "Hmm."


    Heiki did not stop his work. His gaze was so focused on the sword in front of him that it felt as if his world had narrowed to consist of only him and the sword he was creating.


    As Heiki placed the last finishing touches on the sword, he glanced at Aki who was still paying attention to his every move.


    "Interested in making a sword?"


    Aki shook her head.


    "Having Heiki is enough."


    "Hahahahha. Ain''t you going to ask why I didn''t go to help Takeshi?"


    Aki shrugged. It''s not like Tsukasa, Luna or Yuuki were important.


    "I actually don''t really care about anything or anyone but this. Creating a body and infusing a soul into it, making each and every weapon legendary."


    Sounds of metal hitting metal were heard again.


    "Well, aside from Takeshi. He¡¯s important."


    The sound paused, as if his thoughts were seen through, before the rhythmic hits continued again.


    "Well, aside from Takeshi."


    Aki grinned, reflecting the smile on Heiki''s face as well, and they continued in companionable silence.


    One content to simply watch and the other content to simply create.


    Outside the door, who Aki had actually noticed, Takeshi stood overhearing their conversation.


    ¡°Go away! We don¡¯t want to play with you!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re big and scary!¡±


    Takeshi was no stranger to being disdained. From as young as he can remember, he had a big build which caused many children to find him scary and intimidating. Once, he made a mistake when playing with a group of friends, accidentally hurting someone. Everyone stopped playing with him then.


    Except for Heiki.


    Heiki never let what others thought bother him. He was only concerned about what he deemed as important to him. Takeshi was his friend and that was all it mattered.


    Then, Takeshi saw a story of a great magician and became utterly smitten by the idea of becoming one. Heiki, who inherited his late grandfather¡¯s weapon shop and smithy, became absorbed in making weapons. Even though they only had each other as close friends, there was never a feeling of loneliness.


    And now they had Aki who understood them as well.


    Grinning wide, Takeshi opened the door.


    ¡°HEY! LET¡¯S GO HAVE DINNER TOGETHER!¡±

 6.4 Thank you.

    - Before -


    Walking back from another Hunt, Aki stopped by a pet resort. Although the sign did say pet, instead of the docile cute cats and dogs back at her original world, this store was catered to monsters instead.


    Each monster, depending on their type and size, will be put in a specialized room, where the monster could enjoy a variety of services and activities. For more social monsters, they can be placed in a room together.


    Many magicians bring their familiars here as a treat or simply if they were too busy to take care of them. Kit Kat however, was attracted to the store front where they displayed a high quality spa treatment.


    His eyes shined like stars when just thinking of how majestic his fur will be after he had this extra special deluxe spa treatment!


    Kit Kat refused to bulge, flying in place and yet not letting go of Aki''s hair. Aki sighed and could only sign up Kit Kat to this deluxe special. Moonlit Pet resort is one of the more expensive and high class pet resorts in the city. Although pricey, with what Aki earned and how little she spent for herself, this did not even make a dent in her pocket.


    However, she has the feeling that she should try to earn more as the spendings on Kit Kat is just about to get bigger in the near future¡­


    Retrieving Kit Kat with very smooth and very fluffy fur, Aki made her way back to the inn. The pink fluff has once again occupied his throne atop of Aki¡¯s head as it puffed up as if saying "Look at this majestic me!"


    As she walked by, many turned to stare at the beautiful Hase that sparkled. Little did Aki know that because she had been wandering around the city like this, carrying a Hase or a monster on one¡¯s head would become a very popular fashion trend.


    Settling into her bed with the fluff in his, Aki was about to doze off when she received a notification on her smart bracelet. Checking to see if it was an emergency hunt, Aki instead saw a notification from the Adventurers guild.


    Huh.


    Ever since signing up as an adventurer, Aki had never stepped back into the Adventurer¡¯s guild as the Hunter¡¯s guild kept her busy. With the long inactivity, her status as an adventurer was automatically revoked. So why are they contacting her now?


    After clicking on the letter, a burst of virtual confetti exploded on Aki¡¯s face and celebratory music began. Aki wanted to chuck her smart bracelet out of the window or better yet, hunt down whoever that designed this.


    ¡°Congratulations! POO TU LU POO POO POOO!!! As one of the top rankers in your guild who is currently residing in Forthmight City, you¡¯ve been chosen to be a protector for the Royal Academy¡¯s annual field test!!


    You will be looking after the very cute and very talented children, making sure that the tests pose no harm to their life. If you are willing to take this job, you will be handsomely rewarded with not only points for your ranking, but also generous monetary compensation and a medal of appreciation from the King!¡±


    The irritating voice launched into a detailed explanation of how the test will be carried out and what a protector does. Right below the lengthy letter were simply two buttons.


    ACCEPT | REJECT


    Without thinking twice, Aki pressed the accept button. Being able to oversee Takeshi and Heiki¡¯s test or even be placed close to their vicinity will allow her to protect them and in official capacity to boot.


    -


    The sun was just peeking over the Horizon when Aki walked into the Adventurers guild. All Aki could see after that were people. Loads of people. Being the main branch of the entire adventurer guild in Valticand, there were not only adventurers who came to get their quests processed but also to simply hang out with other adventurers.


    But this number of people was simply ridiculous.


    Looking at how everyone was squeezed into a small area made Aki itch to get out of here. You can never see danger coming here. It''s so easy to mix and get lost with the crowd after eliminating the target.


    Gulping, Aki gritted her teeth and squeeeeeezed her way to the front of the reception hall. At the left was a sign for protectors to head up the stairs. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    From here out it was easier as the area is totally deserted. Moving steadily up the stairs, it opened to a narrow velvet covered corridor. Lined on the wall are frames of portraits, which are likely past adventures who had made significant contributions. Curious, Aki stopped periodically to read the plaque of their names and their achievements. There were some weird sounding names, and some familiar ones too. They were probably trippers. After confirming that she did not see any familiar faces, Aki finally made it to the gathering area.


    She felt a prickling charged atmosphere as a few turned to glance at her entrance. This room was twice as big as the reception hall and was only filled with about 50 people sparsely spread across, with only a few in groups.


    "Aki!!"


    Suddenly from a far, she could see a bundle of silver moonlight bouncing towards her.


    "Axel."


    "Aki! As expected you were also invited!!"


    Axel ran up to Aki and looped his hands around her waist and nuzzled his head against Aki''s stomach. Smiling, Aki gently rubbed Axel''s head.


    "Why are you here Axel?"


    "The Alchemy guild was called to provide high class healing potions to the Protectors, including an emergency teleportation crystal. Those cost a bomb! The Royal family sure isn''t kidding about taking the field test''s security seriously."


    Axel chattered as he led Aki to an empty area with seats and started to tell Aki how troublesome it was to create transportation crystals and how much materials was wasted for this field test. It has been a while since Aki dropped by to see Axel and Axel was so excited that he grabbed Aki''s hand so tightly, as if he wasn''t intending to let go forever.


    " Axel!"


    From the front of the room, Martila was signaling to Axel to come back. Pouting, Axel got a promise from Aki to visit him again and with a last gentle pet on the head, Axel made his way back to the front.


    Leaning against the wall at the end of the hall, Aki instinctively cataloged everyone, their weapons, strength and also the possible exits as she waited patiently for¡­ something. It wasn''t her fault that she did not read the letter. The voice was just too annoying that Aki pretty much shut it off after clicking accept and went to sleep.


    Contemplating whether to open the letter to read through it properly this time, the doors slammed open with a thud, echoing through the hall and effectively silencing the whispers.


    "THE FIRST PRINCE OF VALTICAND, KYLE JULIAN DE VALTICAND."


    The first Prince which Aki had met not long ago, strut down the hall with his entourage of loyal nobles following behind him. Deck in formal ceremonial attire, a shiny crown and arrogance in his bones, he sat at the main seat atop the stage.


    Everyone got up and bowed. Everyone except Aki of course.


    This made Kyle able to spot Aki at a glance. He gave a short laugh at how Aki was so nonplussed and waved at her. The cold beauty just gave him a curt nod and turned her attention elsewhere.


    Kyle mused that it''s not often that people do not give a fu-, did not care about the first Prince of Valticand. Although, he thought again, almost all the Hunters he had met so far actually treated him like this. Apparently Aki fitted quite well in the Hunters guild.


    Amused by his new observation, Kyle leaned back as he relaxed and began to oversee the assignment of Protectors for the test.


    "Aki from the Hunters Guild."


    After waiting for what seems to be an eternity, it was finally Aki''s turn. As she walked to the platform, whispers could be heard spreading around. It was afterall the first time they had ever seen a Hunter turn up in a formal occasion. Many of the hunters were always off wondering and it was rare to see one. They were always seen as rather eccentric.


    Looking at the stage, the stairs were at the far corners and it was such a bother to walk a whole round. Thus Aki placed a hand on the platform and lifted herself up, jumping right in front of the Prince. Without bowing nor a second glance to Kyle, she walked to the announcer who had a letter with the group of students that she will be protecting and an emergency teleportation crystal.


    Shocked at the disrespect, the main overseer of the ceremony looked towards the Prince. Kyle waved his concern away and the announcer passed the items to her. Ripping open the letter of paper directly, Aki saw "Magician Extraordinaire".


    With a slight tick of a smile, Aki roughly stuffed the paper into her pocket. Just as she was reading to jump off the platform, a smooth velvety voice rang.


    "Take care of my little brother, will you Aki?"


    Turning her head back, her smile dropped and she gave a nod at Kyle and left. It was a win-win situation, so Aki would let the conspiracy pass.


    After everything was distributed, the guild master brought all the protectors to the test location, which was surrounded by a barrier that only allowed the relevant personnel to enter. They pointed out the assessment''s mission points and allowed them to scout the area.


    Perched on a branch of a tree, Aki looked at the sunset over the horizon as the darkness fell.


    ~~~~~~~~


    - After -


    A rumble was heard in the distance, followed by a few yowls and roars. Aki had dug a hole deep into the pile of discarded inventions and was currently making the hole even deeper, trying to find the herb she was after.


    The rumbles were getting closer and closer, even causing the ground to shake and a few of the inventions cluttered down around her. Afraid that the items piled above her would bury her alive, Aki jumped out of that 5 meters deep self-made hole.


    Looking towards the rumble, Aki dropped her jaw in shock. A roughly 5 meters tall robot was chasing after Kit Kat and Cadbury. She looked towards the same hole and wondered if she should get back in to hide.


    The classic retro robot with its eyes flashing and shooting laser beams out of it, clumsily headed towards her with a pink fluff and a mini dragon leading the way in joy.


    ¡°Intruder alert, intruder alert.¡±


    Kit Kat and Cadbury were frolicking around as always when they spotted the herb that Aki was looking for. Wanting to give Aki a surprise, they tried to pull up the herb. But just as they touched it, the robot activated and landed them in this situation.


    Still, instead of trying to deal with the robot themselves, they thought, what more convenient way to bring the herb to Aki, then to have it go to Aki itself?


    With the gleaming eyes looking at her that practically shouted ¡®Prise me¡¯, Aki heaved a sigh and said ¡°Good job.¡±


    Feeling the crackle of electric magic in the air, Aki pointed to the sky and summoned forth a bolt of lightning. As her finger drew downwards, the red flash descended upon the robot.


    Boom!-


    After the electrifying moment, the robot was fried inside out and collapsed into pieces.  Yet, the Helianthus that was actually growing on the Robot¡¯s head was not affected in the slightest and was even letting out a few electric charges as if it was pleased by Aki¡¯s lightning and wanted more.


    Kit Kat and Cadbury bounced around Aki, still going ¡°praise me, praise me¡±. Aki tossed them a bar of chocolate each and headed towards the robot to unearth¡­ to detach the Helianthus.