“Graaaaaaaah!!!”

“Woah!”

Rolling to the side to avoid a black shadow, I analyze my current situation.

After entering the nearby forest of Gramsfer, I removed the enhancements I did on myself aside for my brain processes and raised my level growth rate to 3.

You could say that it’s like an experience multiplier cheat found in other RPG-esque games like P***mon.

Aside from grinding, I also planned to enhance my battle awareness so that I wouldn’t have to depend on my skill every time.

“But….well……isn’t this a bit too much?”

In front of me were 10 miasmic creatures with the appearance of black-furred wolves. What made them different was the varying elements surrounding their bodies.

Elemental Wolves. The name could use a bit more pizzazz, but I’m not one to complain. Usually, the first one to encounter and live through an attack by an unknown miasmic creature gains the right to give it a name.

I wonder how the miasmic creature feels about a name that’s given to it without its knowledge.

“Gruaaaaaa!!!”

The rise in temperature catches my attention, the source being a fireball the size of a small boulder headed for me.

Feeling my skin sizzle from the intense flames and becoming a pile of ash is what I could have ended up as if not for my increased inhuman brain, so in retaliation to the Elemental Wolves’ attack,

“. .”

A thick transparent wall forms in front of me which collides with the fireball. A 4th ranked spell, it could stop almost every spell with the same or lower rank in its path.

Next, I put my hand into a small floating black hole. Taking it out, I was now holding the pitch black sword I that was in the chest Kuroga was guarding.

He himself did not know its abilities nor name so it was up to me to figure out why it was included in his old country’s treasures.

“Elemental Wolves…….They’re B-ranked, I think.”

Recalling the given rank for the miasmic creatures I’m facing, I leap out of cover and run where they were standing.

My normal speed had already been increased thanks to my peerless strength, thus I covered the distance between me and the nearest wolf instantly.

Without any time to react, I bring my sword down. The wolf’s halved body collapses to the ground.

“!”

Casting the spell just in time to counter an ice barrage targeted towards me, they collide midway through. Although that attack wouldn’t do much damage to me, getting hurt is still something I’m not excited to experience. The resulting mist covers the ground we were in, obstructing my vision.

“Tsk! Where are they?”

Figuring out that they were outmatched, they must have taken some distance from me instead of charging at me recklessly.

“Pretty smart wolves huh. But…”

Double-checking my surroundings to be sure nothing was coming for me, I chant the spell that just entered my head,

“.”

The air gets cut by dozens of blades made out of the air around me. With their trajectories targeting every angle around me, I hear the agonizing howls of the wolves from a distance.

“Oh, it seems that they were in the middle of escaping. No wonder I couldn’t feel any magic power being gathered.”

Heading to the direction of where I heard the wolves’ howls came from, I come upon several trees whose trunks and branches had several cuts deep into them.

Scattered around the ground are dark purplish lumps of crystals of varying sizes.

“Magic stones……”

Busying myself with gathering the purplish stones and putting them inside the leather bag I took out of my Extra Dimension, I ignore the further bodies of the Elemental Wolves dissolving into thin air.

One of the many differences between animals and miasmic creatures is how their bodies react to death. Whereas animals’ bodies remain there and rot, miasmic creatures’ start to dissolve, leaving only stones made out of condensed magic power that was inside.

These stones are necessities for almost every tool used by this world. Thus, it is one of the most sought after materials. They are also the number one reason adventurers are able to use their skills to gain a steady living.

“Well, I’ll probably earn a bunch of coins when I turn these in some day.”

Yes, some day. No today though. It’s not because I’m incapable of talking normally with other people. No, of course not. I’ve cleared that hurdle just after being summoned here, probably.

It’s just, signing up as an adventurer this close to the royal capital does not feel like a good idea. If ever news of the hero’s characteristics or name winds up here, they’ll be able to connect the dots one way or another. Even if I’m not suspected to be the hero, they’ll think that I’m connected to him due to my sudden appearance.

“Now then, this pace will do for today. I have my experience multiplier after all.”

Saying that, I continue deeper into the forest.

===

The smell of alcohol spread through the air. Loud sounds of laughter and drunken conversations could be heard all around. Women who were wearing outfits fitting for bar waitresses walked to and fro from tables taking and delivering orders.

I, Kuroga, in accordance with my master’s orders, am currently in one of the many bars of Gramsfer.

The order was to ‘get used to the living again’. However, a problem arose immediately after I had left the inn we were residing in.

“How does one get used to the living?”

Having lived a secluded life for over a thousand years, the only living I have interacted with were wild animals that did not pay attention to the large gap in strength between us and recklessly attacked me.

“This is harder than I thought……”

“Oh? Are you new here mister butler?”

Reacting to the voice that disturbed my thought, I raise my head.

One of the waitresses was currently standing in front of me, waiting for my reply. Although not an extremely beautiful girl, she had a good figure and showed a patient and bewitching smile.

“That is true. My master and I just recently arrived here.”

“Hmn? Where is your master then? I don’t see any rich looking merchant or noble here.”

Contrary to her appearance, she’s a surprisingly sharp individual. It must be because even though this town is close to the capital and crimes do not occur as often as in other places, it is still possible for them to happen.

But for them to be wary of such things here, did something happen recently?

“My master is none of those that you mentioned.”

“Oh, I apologize then. But if I may be so intrusive, what does he do that gave him the resources to acquire such a fine butler such as yourself?”

Now she’s resorting to flattery? Is she trying to gain information from me? No, wait that may have been her goal from the start.

Who knew that in the long time I’ve been living in that cave, bar waitresses would become an important part of the anti-crime force.

“I guess it is okay to tell you this much. He simply travels around the world. Because he comes from a faraway land, you see? For now, he is very interested in the country of the Dragons so he is gathering materials from the nearby forest to prepare us for the journey there.”

I recite the story that master told me to say if anyone ever asked about why we were here or what we did for a living perfectly. The waitress seems to have bought the story as she leans in closer with eyes of admiration.

“Heeeeeeeeeh. The both of you must be pretty strong then to be heading there with only the two of you!”

“You exaggerate miss. Hmmm…it seems my throat is parched from our chat. May I order a glass of your best wine please?”

“Best wine? Sure, got it! I’ll bring it over right away!”

Saying so with a smile, she leaves the table and heads to the back room meant only for the bar’s staff.

Sitting patiently for my order, I decide to gather information from my surroundings. Most of the people here right now are adventurers. Either coming back from a quest or just wanting to relax, bars are the natural convergence zones for these types of people.

“Hey, hey! Did you hear?!”

“Eh? What is it this time? Did you finally hear something about the forest next to Gramsfer?”

After scouring through the multiple conversations happening simultaneously, I find one that piqued my interest.

“Exactly!”

“Don’t put on airs! Tell us!!!”

“Alright, alright! Calm down!”

“Okay, here you go. A glass of our best wi---is something wrong?”

A glass filled with a semi-transparent blue liquid is placed onto the table. The waitress had returned, though at an inconvenient time, if I were to add.

“It’s nothing. I was just deep in thought is all.”

“Really? Well, here’s your order. Call me if you want anything else, okay?”

She leaves after I nod back at her words. After taking a sip from the glass, I quickly go back to listening in on the earlier group’s conversation.

“---the guild hasn’t figured out its identity but it’s already put out a subjugation request?”

“Yep! They plan to restrict it to only A-rank and above though, so there’s no chance of us ever taking part in it.”

“Well, for me, that’s great news! No way am I going up against something that can kill dozens of A-ranked miasmic creatures easily!”

“But think of all the rewards!!!”

“Forget it! He’s right! Besides, what I’ve heard is a portion of the royal army’s coming over here to assist with the subjugation too!”

“The royal army?! Then….does that mean even the princess too?!?!?!”

Oh, they seem to be getting excited over this princess, interesting.

“I doubt it……..Seems the princess is on a leave of duty.”

“Too bad!”

“I know, right?! To see the ‘Peerless Princess’ with my own eyes……..ah!!! What a dream!!!”

“Wait! Where did you even hear that the princess is on a leave?”

“A friend of mine who’s currently in the capital told me. She’s working near the palace so I’m sure it’s reliable information. Furthermore, even the princess’ squad is on a leave accompanying her as well.”

“““EH?!?!?!?!”””

“Shhhhh!!!! Quiet down you idiots!!!”

They quieted down and apologized for the noise before continuing.

“So even the ‘Walking Fortress’, ‘Horizon Sniper’ and ‘Explosive Magician’ won’t be coming here?!”

“Unlucky! Despair! I thought the nearer you were to the capital, the more likely you were to meet them?!?!?!”

“Well, think about it this way. At least we won’t be seeing those pretty boys, the ‘Piercing Spear’ and ‘Miracle Maker’, hogging every girl’s attention.”

“Y-yeah. I guess so.”

“Th-that’s right!”

“Let’s call it a day guys! The 4th bell just rang, after all!”

I have gathered lots of interesting information today, what a fruitful visit.

“Excuse me, I’ll be leaving now. Thank you for everything.”

“You’re leaving already? Guess it can’t be helped then. Take care and come again!”

Drinking the entire glass in one gulp, I place my payment on the table and leave the bar.

Walking down the road to the marketplace, I organize my thoughts.

First, a powerful entity seems to have made the nearby forest its home. Possessing strength equal or above an A-ranked miasmic creature, a subjugation request has been made with enticing rewards.

Second, the royal army is headed here for said subjugation.

Third, the princess of this country, who master said is a powerful individual by normal people’s standards, is not part of the subjugation force.

Lastly, her party of similarly skilled individuals will also not take part.

Most of this seems possible. The problem lies in the last two……

“Although she was able to fool me at first. She let down her guard when sending a message to the one I assume they call the ‘Peerless Princess’.”

My face breaks into a smirk after figuring out the earlier waitress’s identity.

“’Explosive Magician’, huh. You’re not just some battle junkie mage like what your title states. Such misleading information. Tsk, tsk, tsk.”

Having finished organizing everything I gathered, I see the marketplace just around the corner.

===

On the long winding road from the royal capital of Helgas to the town of Gramsfer, five people were travelling on horse-like creatures with lightning markings all over its black fur.

“Hey, Stephaly! How long until we get to where Haylee is?”

With shoulder-length silver hair, dazzling eyes with the color of the sea, a physique that was not too muscular nor too thin and a face that did show a single sign of seriousness. This person, who was speaking in a casual and exhausted tone, is the princess’ childhood friend and long-time companion, Catie Yselfon.

Not bothering to answer her, the princess, Stephaly Helgas, listened to the voice that seemed to be speaking directly in her head.

“Uh-huh. Alright. Got it, thanks!”

“Was that Haylee? What did she say?”

Brenton Harling. A young man with combed back blonde hair, brown eyes and a body that had a bit more muscle than fat, he inquired as to what their companion had told Stephaly through a spell known as Telepathic Conversation.

“Did she find your future king and husband?”

Joining the conversation is another one of Stephaly’s childhood friends and Catie’s brother, Arven Yselfon. Like his younger sister, they both shared the same physical characteristics. The differences showed in their style. Arven’s silver hair was sloppily combed to both sides, bangs reaching his eyes, blue eyes that were a shade darker than his sister’s and his body was slim. A result of not exercising with the intent of growing muscles.

Although his sister was casual to the princess and did not hold back in speaking out her thoughts, Arven took this a step farther. Treating Stephaly like a younger sister, he would not pass a chance to tease her and witness her normally unseen expressions.

“Wha?! Hu-husband?!?! Didn’t I tell you already Arven-nii-sama the purpose of our mission?!?!?!”

“Heh…………but I heard that we’re going on a trip as a reward for all our hard work, right Trinna?”

He nonchalantly involves the last remaining member of Stephaly’s party.

Positioned furthest in the back of the group, not out of isolation or anything of the sort, but out of her reasoning that it was the most peaceful spot considering the people she was travelling with.

“Although it is annoying that Arven is the one asking me of this………..it is true that that is what had been told to us……...”

Bewitching white hair and cold purple eyes with a curvaceous body that any woman would die for. A person holding such beauty that is said to be born only once every hundred or so years, Trinna Grandel.

Although her attitude towards the others implied a cold and distant relationship, this was not the case. In fact, from time to time, she would break out in a smile that even attracted those of the same gender. However, this time was not one of those times.

Ignoring her remark about him, Arven continued his talk with Stephaly.

“See Stephaly! Even Trinna agreed with me!!! No wonder you’re my favorite companion, Trinna! Please marry me!!!”

Casually speaking out these words, her reply was,

“Please reconsider after looking at your own reflection…….then jumping into a burning pit of magma…………and never coming back from the endless void………”

“As cold as always Trinna!!! And didn’t you mix up eternal light and endless void?!”

“No……….I made no such mistake………”

Hearing her reply, Arven slumped down on his mount and his expression darkened, likened to those who had lost every reason they had to live.

“Haaaaa………just stop Arven! Trinna’s never going to fall for you.”

Brenton comforted the despairing Arven while the sky slowly turned into a shade of orange.

“Ignore my brother Stephaly. So, what did Haylee say?”

Riding up next to her, Catie continued the earlier topic.

“Oh, right. Although it wasn’t exactly who we’re looking for, she had found someone who had just arrived in town. A man in his prime who’s serving a master who’s interested in Farbrent.”

“Eh? Farbrent? The Dragons’ country?”

“Correct. From what Mariya said, Kin---the hero was strangely intrigued by the existence of the Dragons. So if our guess is correct, unless he has not travelled to another town by now, he is definitely in Gramsfer, which is the nearest town to the capital in the south.”

“To think that our Stephaly would put this much thought into a man. How the years go by!!!”

“E-even you Catie?!?!?! I told you, it’s not like that!!!”

“Yes, yes, whatever you say!”

Sadly, even the sister had adopted a part of her brother’s playfulness. Much to the chagrin of everyone around her.

And so, this is how the journey of this country’s most powerful party from the capital to Gramsfer continued.

===

“And the last one!!!”

I shout into the heavens as I kill the last golem-like miasmic creature.

Its body dissolving after collapsing on the ground. Around me are other miasmic creatures that I had encountered while delving deeper into the forest. The sun was still up, so I decided to take a break in this clearing.

“But no matter where I go, there’ll always be a miasmic creature just around the corner.”

Sighing to show my exhaustion, only for it to disappear.

After encountering several A-ranked miasmic creatures, and even a few S-ranked ones, my body was succumbing to fatigue.

Thinking that this would be the cause of my death in this forest, which is truly an embarrassing one, I used my skill to speed up my body’s stamina recovery rate.

No matter how many times I think about it, this skill is a bonafide cheat. Not too overpowered, partly due to the way I’m using it, but also because there are ways to counter it.

“So I can’t just carelessly use it all the time. Hmmm……I wonder if there are people with skill-thieving skills. Man, that would be scary…….”

Luckily, no one like that has appeared. But to be sure they don’t find out about my skill, I can’t just use it on an individual on a whim.

“Oh yeah, I remember freezing the entire continent after I left the royal palace. Does that mean there are already people that know about my skill existing now?”

Swaying my head to sides, my brain simulates several possibilities. Finally, it comes to one conclusion,

“Most definitely!!!”

Standing up and raising my fist in the air, I proclaim it loudly.

“Haaaaaaaaah………just what am I doing……….”

I pick up the black sword next to me and proceed deeper into the forest.

“Wha?!”

A tremendous surge of wind knocked me back to the ground.

Looking around, I could trees being uprooted and miasmic creatures from farther away were being carried off into the air.

Their agonizing howls and screams reached where I was. I look away as their bodies were torn apart and flung even further away.

“You!!!”

Hearing a voice that seemed to belong to a young girl’s, I scan my surroundings.

It would be bad if a girl got caught up in any of this. As long as I could see her, I might be able to use Space Transfer magic to send her off near the town.

“Where? Where is that girl?!”

“You!!! You!!! YOU!!!!!!!!!”

The voice grew louder and louder.

“Guh!”

I covered my ears in an attempt to block it off.

This isn’t right. No way could a young girl’s voice be this loud…….probably. This just showed my inexperience regarding the common sense of this world as even I wasn’t too sure of this.

“YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

I got it! Realizing where the voice was coming from, I look into the horizon.

A bit farther away from where I was, a mountain loomed in the distance.

Looking carefully, a black shadow was rising behind it.

The shadow rose and rose into the air. Wing-like appendages were flapping with rhythmic timing, a long tail growing underneath it……..no, those weren’t wing-like appendages, they are wings!!!

“YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

As the voice reached me, from the shadow burst out blood red flames. The heat and force from the flames travelled the wide distance between us, pushing me back and making me sweat a little.

“Hey, hey, hey! I don’t remember doing anything to you!”

At an unbelievable speed, it began flying towards where I am. With every beat of its wings, the resulting winds blew stronger and stronger.

The only thing I could do to avoid being blown away was stabbing my sword into the ground.

“Kuh! This might end up with us battling, then…….”

Using my skill, I activated the already set up options to apply on myself. My physical capabilities now being raised to 5 and reaction time to 4. Furthermore, I lowered gravity’s effect on me to -1. Better be careful when messing with the laws of physics and whatnot.

The shadow was now close enough that I could make out its features.

“No………way………already………..”

It indeed had wings. Its entire body was covered in pitch black scales. Ruby red eyes glared at me even from a distance. Sharp teeth and claws, most likely strong enough to bite through steel. The tail had spikes lodged onto its end. One of the most powerful existences in this world, to which none dare defy. An existence I had wanted to see with my very own eyes.

“A Dragon……..”

And now, flying right in front of me was one such member of the legendary race.

“YOU! YOU WOKE ME UP FROM MY NAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

With those words, this is how the battle between me and a member of the Dragon race began.