Chapter 2: The Birth of Godslayer

Prologue

In the end, what is a Godslayer?

Those who slew gods? For what purpose gods should be killed?

What force was able to grant me that power? An existence transcending the gods themselves?

In any case, I don't care for now. Let me just do my own thing and get stronger my own way.

===

Ch 2-1

My head hurts, as I dreamed about doing stressful work back in the office.

When I realize I was now in another world, I immediately queried with the System.

[Retribution: description locked]

[Goddess: description locked]

I let out a sigh as the terms that piqued my curiosity was inaccessible. The System also gave no response to it whatsoever.

Although, when I looked at my status, it showed no change at all, despite it going up a level. I might be getting my hopes up for nothing.

Last night was really tiring; although some parts of my victory were due to luck, there are no telling things would go well next time.

You might think whether I was too reckless by sleeping right after killing those three baddies—but then, in that case, I wouldn't spend the entire night sleeping soundly. Even if they ambushed me while I was asleep, the Godslayer would activate and its new abilities would level the playing field with my foes.

While it sound like I was relying on my abilities, I believe a good man will make good use of his tools instead of something naive like relying on 'themselves'. In any case, I was tired—my brain need to recharge in order to think clearly.

Well, no use in worrying 'bout it for now. There's a lot of questions I want answers from, but for now, I just wanted to enjoy my stay.

After a good night's sleep, I changed my clothes to the ones I previously bought from the Item Shop. It's really convenient how the clothes actually went all brand new, like when it already got all washed and dried via top grade laundry. All of it just from putting the clothes in the inventory and taking it out.

Ah, I'm so lazy to change it.

If I knew this would happen, I'd also buy the training dummy and change my clothes quickly via battle mode. Especially while fighting it, I could enter and exit the battle at any point. It may not be important but the dummy also has infinite health and won't attack at all—it's defenses were also relatively low.

As soon I wrapped myself in the new attire, I went downstairs for breakfast.

It was corn soup with mushrooms and garlic, white rice and a couple of sliced potatoes with pork, dipped in teriyaki sauce. There's also a glass of milk and a glass pitcher filled with lukewarm water.

The dessert consists of a fruit salad or quite a large bowl of pudding, dripping with creamy milk. You could also add a topping of deluxe ice cream (they said it's rum raisin, royal chocolate topping—this already sound like diabetes.) by adding three coppers on the pudding.

How the fuck did those expensive sounding menu was so cheap? The portion's also large as well. Maybe in this world, such ingredients were cheap since it has no buff bonuses.

There's also a dessert which the Pops recommended for free. It seemed the dish wasn't that popular but the Pops himself love it. He got the recipe when traveling to the far east.

Well, it's Durian gelatin eaten side-by-side. If I have to say, I quite like it and I wasn't troubled by the smell when Pops took it out for sampling the taste. If I were to say, the aroma was nice.

For the main course, I couldn't comment much since I wasn't a food critic but I really appreciate being sent to another world with quite advanced technology. The food here suits my palate, especially the rice.

Moving back to the food. I enjoy the crunchy corn soup a lot. The soft, chewy mushrooms and the nice texture of garlic taste complemented it pretty well. For the rice, it didn't even have any rocks and it had the right amount of saltiness; the texture was neither too soft or rough and most of all, very delicious when chewed. I think I forgot to complement it with the actual course since it's just melted in my mouth when it's served piping hot.

As for the potato, it had a sweet taste due to the sauce. Its features were quite thick despite the size being quite small and cubic. I could chew and bite it few times before the goodness all went down my throat. Unexpectedly, I couldn't say much about the pork since it was too crunchy and juicy when I expect it to be rather hard so I could enjoy nibbling and slicing it with my teeth whilst enjoying the sauce's flavor—it's still good enough.

I told the innkeeper 'bout my feedback but he simply smiled. I thought for a second there I'd trigger a side quest, but no.

For the dessert, I didn't eat it right away. I asked my fruit salad with durian gelatin to be stored in the fridge. I also brought one pudding for snack.

After I finish my business at the Adventurer's Guild, I would return to the inn and enjoy my snack. I would probably order the lunch for a take-out.

Before that, the crisis from last night made me visit the church first.

I passed through a park with a pleasant view when I was looking around during the time I first arrive; I figure it would be a good place to relax.

I want to enjoy this Inn's steak meal in the park whilst eying the cute ladies and also the beautiful nature along with the breezy wind. Drinking cup of tea alone amidst the crowds of people also gave that exhilarating feel.

The visit to the Church didn't take that long, it's just few blocks from the Adventurer's Guild—talk about convenience.

Inside was...just like your usual Fantasy-styled church. Rows and rows of long seats with pious Adventurers and Holy Order members praying. A listless priest stood behind the altar, overseeing the situation. While the Nuns went forward asking for donations to everyone.

Even though the basic idea was just going to the priest and pray for my safe travel, couldn't I just do it on my own? Even though I didn't really believe in god—maybe I'd start being religious if the buffs were good.

I kneeled down the soft mat and placed my hands together, mimicking the people beside me. Upon closing my eyes and wishing for my own safe travel to the God of the First Hero, or God of Heroes—a message resound in my mind.

[You have prayed to God of Heroes! The god acknowledge your existence as a Hero due to your 'Godslayer' status and has given you a blessing.]

Wow! Now that's groovy.

[My child, not all gods are just. You have taken a call to punish the ones that have overstepped their boundaries and cause harm for mere mortals. This is a special calling for those who have the potential to go beyond the gods. Whether the path you wish to take upon reaching your goals, it's yours to walk and I have no right to force you.

I believe in a world where gods rule with justice and impartiality. That people from different walks of life can attain their own greatness without hurting others.

I long for the time, the Evil God may be defeated and we can finally live in peace, free from all forms of strive.

Well then, Godslayer. I'm looking forward to see the kind of justice you will pursue. But I know, your true nature is not evil—and thus, I placed my trust in you.]

[You have gained passive skill [God of Heroes' Blessing!]]

[You have attained one of the prerequistes to unlock the [Hero] class!]

[A Hero isn't born, but made. It's not given, but earned. You're not a Chosen One, but the One Who Made His own Choice!]

...well, it sure was moving, but when I checked the description of the passive...

[God of Heroes blesses you!]

No buffs at all? Don't give me that crap.

Well, there might be hidden buff that I didn't realize yet. Though, this kinda sounds like a Plot Armor somehow.

Soon enough, the donation bag was in front of me. Seeing as the God himself had humbled himself to speak to a mere mortal, it's the best I have to give him some face.

Hmm...ten gold coins should be enough? I don't know the standard rate but...

The moment I handed the nun all of those, trying to silently obscure the value, her eyes' brightened up even more than Fiona's.

"Thank you for your patro--"

"Sssh! Be quiet! People are praying, for goodness sake. Isn't this supposed to be a pious place?"

"Ahh...forgive me, milord. It's just...so rare for people to be making--"

"Don't mind it too much, and stop blabbering your mouth or I'll take my coins back."

"...yes."

It was followed by a chuckle and the people over here started to give me a warm look.

Now it got rather awkward.

The moment I left the church, another update to the passive was up.

[Increase critical hit chance by a small amount.]

Crit chance? While it was variable at best, it's better than nothing.

This ten gold coin's totally a steal. I could feel myself getting stronger.

About the [Hero] class...it sounds like a pain. In RPG games, it's the single most overpowered class out there, for the main character. In my case, I'm not even a MC material, just your ordinary guy. I don't think my life here counts as a story either.

...but then, it's not like if I'm a Hero, I should help everyone in need. After all, I'm just one person, and the most important responsibility of a Hero was—to remind everyone—to help themselves. If you couldn't survive, it's your fault, not mine.

I'm just here for the stats.

Checking my status while walking on a briskly pace, there's no change to my status at all.

Guess I'd gotta earn it my own way then.

Next, I need to visit the Adventurer's Guild first to get some Quest and maybe reliable party members while I was at it. I need to rank up and become stronger—though I dunno how it would matter when I fought those overpowered monsters last night--maybe in terms of smarts?

Of course, before that, I went back to my Inn Room and saved my game. It seems you could only save your progress at destined points and for the [Load Game] dunno, I couldn't even access it.

Pondering about these, I decided to take a walk instead of using [Go to]. A leisurely walk accompanied by the fresh morning air was always a good thing.

...

Exiting the Inn 'Monkey Island Cymbals', gentle sunlight greeted me and its warmth relaxed my tense muscles. Pacing my shoes against the concrete roads; staring at rows of brick buildings towering everywhere in my sight—I also found various stalls that sold many items: food, equipment, to shady-looking things.

While I stood there absentminded, kids could be seen running around. An elderly couple watched this young' uns in front of a retirement home. There's also a lot of adventurers discussing stuff with their party members—most of these guys were heading towards a wide building made mainly of steel, that could be seen from far off.

A group of silver-armored knights patrolled the perimeter, just like yesterday. Now I began to take note of their equipment...some was a full-plate like Fiona and some others on the lighter side. Their weapons range from greatsword, sword and shield, halberd and spear—there's also those who used guns and crossbows, in addition to the usual bow.

Enjoying the view as I walked around, the same Adventurer's Guild I went in yesterday came into view. Taking on carefree walk while enjoying the sun, the building was in front of my eyes before I knew it.

Upon entering, it was bustling with activity as usual. Just like yesterday, but the counter seats were all filled currently, with the exception of the ones I sat in.

As soon as I entered, I was greeted by a familiar voice.

"Takeshi!"

It was Fiona, gathering with the party of adventurers I've seen last night at the Inn. She didn't have her silver paladin outfit and instead wore a bronze armor and a different greatsword that looked quite second-hand.

There's also the dwarf named Horace holstering a pump-action shotgun, the hooded cleric who idolized Kevin and the silent masked guy with double blades.

Huh? Where's that slender rogue guy?

Noticing my confused look as I observed the party, Fiona added:

"If you're looking for Felix...then..."

"...he's still out washing dishes." Horace nod whilst speaking indifferently.

"—while we just ate without paying!" shouted the cleric girl, not a tinge of reservation could be heard.

"What?"

Not I sympathized with him or anything; the development's just too sudden...

The masked katana simply snorted. Beneath his mask—his crimson eyes looked rather violent but I could tell he'd be smirking inside.

"Serves him right for buying that Magical Iris figure with the remainder of our funds. We didn't even have enough to eat for a week because of him!" the cleric harrumphed.

"Maybe we should also cut down his funding for anime and manga so he would stop embezzling. Your alcohol too, Horace." Fiona added.

"I don't drink alcohol! Why's there a prejudice that dwarves are always a drunkard?"

"Oh right, I mean your rickety trinkets." the cleric made another snarky remark.

"These model guns are a man's romance! A pretty-boy lover like you couldn't possibly understand!"

"If only you'd talk much less I might start to consider you a bit charming."

...no comment for this.

The banter continued for a while and I couldn't even follow what they're saying at all.

...finally, it settled down somehow.

"By the way, Takeshi. You seem to be familiar already with my party---"

"Of course it was, we're a famous C-Rank adventurer party! Even he should know my name, Horace the Dwarven Sniper!"

For a sniper, you carried the wrong gun, at least make it a rifle!

He's a dwarf around three quarters my height but had the bulging muscular physique, curly brown hair about shoulder-length and long beard which reached out to his thick leather tunic. He carried a wooden shield in his back along with bullets strapped on the front. On his belt was a gunpowder pouch and another pack meant for...stuff, maybe a handy-toolbox.

"Aye, you noticed my toolkit lad, you have good eyes. Are you perhaps that civilian our new lassy just saved?"

"Yes, mister Horace. I'm Takeshi and Fiona had saved my life, I'm indebted to her."

"You already paid me with five gold coins anyway, so it's all good! Rather, I'd say I owe you my life. With that bit of an extra, I finally repaid my debt, freedom at last!"

So I guess she joined the Holy Order and put up a false front cuz of something that occurred in her family.

So I guess they kinda raised the money to bail their comrade out; what a beautiful display of friendship, I guess.

"....gold coins, seriously? I thought we only got a several of those as a group, after clearing the subjugation—and you easily net those from saving a rich traveler. Oi, Fiona, you would face 'Retribution' if you con someone while still in Holy Order. Hehe..."

Her cleric friend raised her hood, revealing beautiful her pale skin, golden eyes, and silver hair. I say her appearance and personality kind of ruin each other though. She carried a metal staff in which imbued with strong presence—man that weapon looked painful to get hit at. I was even more surprised seeing a frail-looking girl like her lugging that heavy rod with ease.

...I didn't mean anything perverted by the last line, seriously.

"...ah you're right, Liese. By the way, Takeshi...it's water under the bridge, okay? You just nonchalantly handed these coins to me."

"Nah, I am just a sheltered traveler who didn't know the value of money much. If gold coins were really worth the service of a C-Rank party in a difficult subjugation—then I felt a bit cheated, honestly."

I just felt like teasing Fiona since she seems to be really cute with a troubled expression.

"Ehhh....but...but...!"

She twiddled both fingers with a face that's about to cry.

Another critical hit to my heart. Nice, I barely managed to hold in my smug face.

Whoa, she really did bring up my sadistic nature.

"Though it's alright, when you're with me you wouldn't face those so-called 'Retribution'."

That's right, I recall it's one of the skills from 'Godslayer'.

"I..if that's the case then, I would listen to whatever you desired—but please be reasonable okay?"

"Sire—you should be kind to ladies."

"Don't bully poor Fiona too much. She went through a lot of stuff in the Holy Order."

"Oi, don't misunderstand stuff. I just wanna say, since I'm weak and you're a really capable fighter, I...wish to employ your services."

"....the way you word it kinda sound....lewd..." Liese let out a bit of frown but her face was kinda smug.

Ain't you a cleric? Why are you the one to bring up such things! Also, I did say that I was weak and I need services of strong people, didn't I?

Ah, I was a bit flustered I didn't manage to get my wording right. Rather, in a situation with peer pressure like this, I always lost my cool.

"That's right, Liese! When I first accompanied him, he even outright asked me to sleep with him. What a dangerous man, I felt my chastity was in danger."

...hey that's really rude. It's not like I was looking forward to it at all.

I lied, actually.

It depends on her age, if she's above 18, I'm game.

"Who cares if your cherry got popped anyway. You're a bit past marriageable age anyway, and he's a rich and capable man, ain't he?"

Yey.

"Liese!"

No, I didn't want to marry anyone. Being in a relationship were such a bother, not that I ever had one or planning for such. What about those sexual urges though?

I'd take it any time if it didn't come along with burdensome responsibility.

If there was something like a Succubus Shop somewhere like in Kono Soba, it'd be a nice alternative.

"Ohhh...I like your style big brother."

...this dwarf.

"You are supposed to be defending me here!"

"....sire, I think you are what people call a wolf in sheep's clothing."

He sniggered again. Contrary to his stern appearance he might be liking these scandalous gossips more than I thought.

How about you all shut up, you guys were just making it worse. Ain't we in the Adventurer's Guild with lots of people around? Why did they go and cause a ruckus?

...wait, why was there no one giving a damn? Hmm...I saw an adventurer party filled with all males talking some disturbing things like renting a corpse to play around with—no one batted an eye.

Now I see why.

"That aside, sire, since the lass Fiona is our party member, if you wish to employ her services, it'll do you good with more people, aye?"

"Because the experience was distributed equally and it's the same amount depending on the monster? Like, you get the same amount if you're in a party of eight or playing solo?"

"Indeed. That's why when we adventure, we always go bring in as much capable hands as we could." Fiona added.

"..."

The katana guy, who stood back and distanced himself all the time finally went back. He started explaining stuff with a sign language.

"This fine lad is Jung, he cannot speak but he could explain things much better than any of us with his gestures." Horace cleared his voice before introducing the Masked Katana, in which the said guy gave him a thumbs up.

Still, that gesture—he seemed to be a really energetic and aggressive person.

Well, if I couldn't understand the sign language explanation, I'd just ask for the party members as an interpreter.

...though in the end, it's unnecessary.

...since right on my vision, there were subtitles.

Just about time, I'd like to see how this group works out. If it's suitable with how I roll—I'd be glad to. I might have social anxiety for normies, but these guys were anything but normal. They're just like the Isekai novel characters I got accustomed to.

The most important factor, these guys look they'd be a blast to hang out with.