“Are you sure you want to stick with that spear?”

“Huh?”

A woman with an eyepatch is pointing at my spear.

I guess she was talking to me.

What do I say? I mean if she's just making fun of my spear then that's just rude and mean. What would I even say in that situation? But if she inst and I respond negatively, that'd make me the jerk. I wouldn't want to make myself look rude and give off a bad impression already. So what could she possibly want and what impression should I give her? I'm not even sure if she said that as somethings wrong with it, I need more information. Yes, the only option is to respond as neutral as possible. Alright, plan perfected.

“Uh, hello? Anyone there?”

“Is there anything wrong with it?”

“I'm just saying your spear there looks a bit old, if you don’t mind I can replace it if you want. For a fee of course.”

Oh, she's just a salesperson.

How tiresome.

Back on earth, they came to my apartment from time to time. Ignoring them and pretending I wasn't home till they went away was my go-to, it's not that I just didn't want to talk to them but my apartment was so dirty! The shame I’d feel if they saw my space… don't even want to imagine it.

But can I just reject her? I'm in a bit of a rush to get to the expedition meet and I'm already a bit late. I'm sure Ari let them know but I don't know if she's capable of holding them off for long. Especially Otto. He gets hyped up whenever the expedition or adventuring in general ever comes up.

It's rude but I don't have any choice.

“I’m sorry, I’m in a bit of a rus-”

“I KNOW, I know what you're going to say! But I may be new at blacksmithing but I promise my work is top-rated! Here let me show you!”

She’s turning around.

Here’s my chance!

Running as fast as possible. I quickly get away from the desperate salesperson, successfully avoiding being late!

Huff huff

I’m almost there! The meeting place was outside but It's on the other side of the building!

Who designed this turbo shit building!

This maze of a building is going to kill me!

The door!

There it is!

I hope they have wat-

Oomph

Ugh, I fell!

What just happened?

Agh my head is killing me!

It feels like it’s split in two.

Man if only this floor wasn't brick.

“BWAHAHAHAHA! Did you see that Nigel!”

“Heh, you’re going to cry, kid?”

“Look at his face!”

Oh no.

Oh no no no no-no.

Not again

Not again not again!

This can't be happening. I thought this place would be different. I thought I could change things. This is why I don’t like people. No matter what I do, and how I try to change it all ends up the same. I don't want to remember.

Huh?

Are they picking me up by my shirt?

Are they that strong?

Man, I'm completely outclassed here.

This universe just hates me.

“Now hurry up and put our stuff in the carriage!”

“You’re a bronze, right? Go do your job!”

Shove

They want me to do their work?

Maybe if it makes them like me more…

That's just hopeful wishing. Even if it doesn't I still have a job to do. If I quit the expedition now, I’ll be even more of a laughing stock.

It’s raining and a bit foggy, hopefully, no one saw me.

“Hey, Bell! I finally found you! What were you doing with Nigel and Sizeof?”

What do I say here? It was pretty obvious they were messing with me. But if I say that Ari might start messing with me too and stop wanting to be friends. I know we only met a week ago, but she's pretty much the only friend I have here. In fact, she's probably the only friend I’ve had in years. I mean I spar with Otto while Sansa watches, but we don't really hang out outside of that.

“We were just messing around you know? Just guy things hahaha!”

That was the awkwardest laugh I’ve ever had. It may be Ari, but I have no choice to make it as believable as possible. I can't take chances on my reputation now.

“You know you shouldn't be playing around like that right? We have an expedition to get ready for!”

These bags are so heavy! I can't pick them up! What are these things filled with anyway? I'm guessing food is like gruel to eat. I tried it one time at that vendor but it wasn't very good. Edible but like tasteless mashed potatoes.

Oh hey, it's Otto! I guess he's carrying stuff around too. Is he a bronze too? I might as well ask.

“Otto, I never asked but, are you a bronze like me too?”

“Actually, I'm a Irid, not much better really. Everyone still treats you like a pack animal. Hey, do you want to meet my friend Kaia? She's the youngest silver in the guild! You can ask her for tips and stuff! She's right over there.”

Huh right over those bushes of flowers?

Woah!

She's scary!

Completely decked in a black cloak and wielding a huge sword!

I think there's a name for it, claymore?

How do I even approach her?

“Don’t worry, if you know what to say she's as sweet as a baby.”

That’s gonna be a problem, I never know what to say!

“Here I’ll introduce you myself!”

Stop grabbing my hand and dragging me to places!

“Hey, Otto, who's this?”

Oh, man. Such a gruff voice. Like she's been smoking for years.

“This here's Bell! He's my sparring friend!”

Friend?

“Huh. Well Bell, if you're ever in danger, just let me know.”

She's not even looking at us, she's watching this green-haired girl.

She’s drawing the purple and white flowers in her sketchbook.

But why is she watching her so intently? Could it be that she's a prisoner?.

“Why are you watching this girl so much?”

“Well um... I’m watching Konni cus, uh…Just guarding her you know...”

She's blushing now.

Come on! I may not have much in the social department, but even I can tell when someone has a crush! My time playing visual novel games has taught me all I need!

Otto said she was silver right, that's one rank before gold if I remember right.

I guess I should stop pressing her on it. I don't want to make her mad.

So she's Konni huh?

She's been smiling the entire time sketching those flowers.

Well, at least she's happy being here.

In fact, no one here except her looks in a cheery mood.

Why is she drawing those flowers?

“What are you drawing?”

“Oh these? These are Vaisy Bush flowers, they grow only around this time of year and I never had the chance to record them until now. I can’t wait to see what’s on the outside. It’s my first expedition ever. I'll get to see and record all types of unknown monsters and plants! Oh, I don't believe I ever met you before. Sorry for talking so much nonsense before getting to know your name. I’m Konni!”

“I go by Bell.”

“Hehe, it's nice meeting you Bell!”

Darn, as soon as I say my name she goes right back to drawing. Well If I was interrupted when I was in the middle of something important I'd want to get back to it quickly too. Well, she seems like she has her own goals for this expedition.

The next guy I'm looking at is a total hunk. Dressed in a suit of armor and cleaning a gigantic shield, this guy is about as close to what you can get to a paladin.

He actually seems pretty focused on cleaning that shield. I wonder if he needs help, it’s a really big shield after all.

“Hey, do you need help?”

“No! That would dishonor him! My god!”

He's scrubbing it even harder now.

He’s kind of dumb though.

First, It's already pretty clean as is. I can see my reflection in the mirror. That can't be easy to do with a pre-modern world rag.

Second, what god would care so much about you cleaning something on your own?

Well, I don't know anything about the gods of this world yet. So there may be some super strict god who cares about cleaning. Could that be Baal? Baals the god of this country right?

“I told you already, you don't have to clean your shield because of me.”

Woah Woah Woah!

I recognize that voice!

“Oh hey Bell, I see you’ve recovered well.”

“Medici my god! My savior! You're here! You here! My god is here!”

The paladin runs to kneel in front of Medici. Immediately dropping his shield into the muddy ground destroying all that effort from before. Talking about dedication wasted.

Wait!

Medicis a god?!

“Medici?”

“Stop kneeling already. I've told you a thousand times now Pike! I’m not a god! I’m a doctor.”

Medici looks as stressed and disheveled as always. Why is this Pike guy worshipping him? So strange.

“I’m sorry my god for not being honorable enough for you! I promise I’ll make it up to you even if it takes a lifetime!”

“Please don’t…”

Pike can’t even hear Medici over how loud he's praying to him.

Honestly, you gotta feel bad for Medici, being praised like that would be stressful to me too. Not that I’ve ever done anything worth worshipping me over.

“Hey, why the fuck are you talking to people? Get those bags on the carriage.”

Oh, shoot! I got distracted.

Sorry, Sansa!

Hopefully, Nigel and Sizeof didn't see.

…

Huff huff

I’m finally finished. All that's left is to rest on the carriage.

Looks like everyone’s resting.

There are about ten other people on this expedition with us. I wonder what we’ll see out there in the forest. I mean it's a new world, right? Where walls need to exist to keep out monsters and other dangerous things. The possibilities are endless. Still, I do want to find out why in a world run by gods why are there monsters in the first place.

Well, there's only one way to find out I guess.

Reaching the gates of the city. You just gotta appreciate the grandness of it all. The gate is as large as a house, with the symbol of a bookmarked onto it. What could that possibly be?

It could be the symbol of the city, or maybe Baal himself.

“Hey Otto”

“What's up?”

“Do you know what the book symbol means?”

“Oh yeah, I think it had something to do with Baal really liking books or something. I dunno, I never paid attention in school. Anyway, aren't you excited about finding Abaddon?! We're going on a real adventure! Like a really real adventure! I feel like a real adventurer now!”

“Yeah, I can’t wait. How would they stop us from stealing the sword for ourselves?”

“Actually I heard the person who commissioned the guild was coming with us. They gotta be strong as heck to have that kinda confidence!”

“ALRIGHT! Last meeting before we head out for good!”

All the important people of the quest went on a different carriage than us. That means since Ari is supposed to be the cook, that apparently makes her important enough to go on that carriage.

I feel bad for her, knowing those sleazeballs Sizeof and Niel are on there.

Speaking of which, they and a very short person covering their face in a red cloak are stepping out of the VIP carriage. I guess they have to make a speech since they’re the leaders.

“Alright! Listen up! In a few moments, we are going to enter the dangerous Wiksor Forest! You WILL be fighting dangerous monsters. And there's a good chance that some of you may die!”

“Looking at you Bell!”

“Hahahahahah!

Huh? Why was I called out?!

I did nothing ugh. It just started and I'm already demotivated.

“Now let's introduce ourselves to make sure everybody knows their roles! I’m Nigel! I will be the Leader of this expedition! Any and all orders you are given by me are absolute. If you fail to meet them I will not hesitate to leave you in the forest alone to die! Next to me is Sizeof! He is your second in command! Do not make him unhappy! Lastly is our guide and just so happens to be the person who commissioned this expedition! She goes by the name Venus! She will be the one leading us to the sword Abaddon!”

This Venus is pulling off their cloak.

Oh.

OH!

Are those cat ears?

A Neko!

A real Neko!

I can’t believe there are Nekos in this world!

Man have I lucked out!

Doesn't seem as talkative as I hope for though.

Not even saying a word before putting her cloak back over her head.

So cute! I can’t believe they actually exist!

I’m making it my new mission to talk to her!

Why wouldn't I do this? It’s not dumb and vain I swear!

This is the first time I've seen a catgirl in this world! In my life really.

I'm not going to waste an opportunity to talk to one in real life!

“Alright Holy Knights! Open the gate!”

Two knights wearing armor with an X symbol on it who was standing in front of the gate salute Nigel and begin the process of opening the gate.

Once open all I can see an open field with a forest somewhere in the distance. To be honest it looks pretty disappointing with how real it looks. Maybe once we get inside will there be any cool sights.

And so my first expedition begins!