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"So, can I become an adventurer too?" I asked her.
Yeah, it felt like a mandatory job for anyone thrown into another world—almost every protagonist does it, after all.
"Well… it's not that you can't, it's just—"
She looked me up and down, and from that glance alone, I already knew what she was thinking.
She thought I was weak.
"I know what you're thinking. You don't have to say it."
"Ah—no, that's not what I meant—"
That was probably the most unconvincing thing I'd ever heard.
"Haha, don't worry. I already know I'm weak, so what else can I do, right?"
She went silent for a moment before finally saying,
"In that case… how about I teach you swordsmanship? I'm actually pretty good with a sword, you know."
That sounded interesting enough. So why not?
"In that case, I'll take you up on your offer."
On the way to the city, she explained that we were currently in the outer region of the Jura Forest—apparently the place where one of the True Dragons, Veldora, was sealed.
She also mentioned something about "skills," which immediately caught my attention. But I decided not to ask further—maybe the concept was similar to video games anyway.
We crossed a wide field where the grass swayed gently in the wind. With a breeze like this, I thought this place would be perfect for a nap.
I expected the trip to take a long time, but after about two hours of walking, the city finally came into view.
"Is that the city?" I asked, pointing forward.
"Yes, that's Blumund City. Come on, we're almost there."
We quickened our pace and eventually arrived before the city gate. There was a long line to get in—and of course, she paid the entry fee for both of us.
The moment we stepped through, the atmosphere changed completely.
The streets bustled with people. No cars, only horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians. Rows of medieval buildings lined the streets, giving off that perfect fantasy vibe.
It was hard to describe the feeling, but… "This really does feel different," I muttered.
We walked down the main road. Among the crowd, I spotted people dressed in strange gear, swords hanging by their sides—probably adventurers. The smell of freshly baked bread and roasted meat filled the air, making my stomach growl.
Soon after, we stopped in front of a two-story house.
"This is my home," she said with a small smile. "It's not that big, but it's cozy. Come in."
Before I could reply, she grabbed my hand and pulled me inside.
The house was simple, yet far more spacious than my old apartment back on Earth.
"Alright, wait here for a bit. I'll bring you something to drink," she said.
I sat on a wooden chair in the living room.
"Oh, right—what would you like to drink?"
"Just water is fine," I replied. No need to trouble her.
While she went to another room, I took the chance to look around. Most of the house was built with wood and stone—very medieval fantasy-like.
A moment later, she returned with a glass of water.
"Here you go," she said, handing it to me.
I took a small sip. Drinking too much might make me nauseous.
"So, Clement-san, now that you're in this city… what are your plans?" she asked.
That was a tough question. Honestly, I had no idea what I was supposed to do in this world. I had nothing.
"Well, I'm not sure yet. I'll figure that out later," I said, standing up and heading toward the door. "But thanks for everything. You don't have to worry about me."
My hand was already on the doorknob when I heard her voice behind me.
"W-wait!"
I turned around. "What is it?"
She hesitated for a moment, then said,
"You can stay here for a while. Since you don't have a place to live yet… and besides, I promised to train you in swordsmanship. It'll be easier if you stay here."
I looked at her, a bit surprised. Then I couldn't help but laugh.
"Why are you laughing?" she asked, slightly annoyed.
"It's nothing. It's just… what you said sounded funny."
Funny because it felt like something straight out of an anime. You know, when the protagonist meets a girl for the first time and she suddenly offers him a place to stay—how cliché is that?
"What's so funny about it?" she asked again, frowning.
"That's a secret," I said with a small smile.
She pouted quietly, and I couldn't help but think—yeah, this really is like an anime world.
Maybe the world I'm seeing now is fiction, not reality.
But so what if it is?
At least I have a bit of hope that my life here might be better.
Yeah… I just hope that wish comes true.
And with that, my new life in this world began.
It's been a week since then.
As usual, I wake up early, head outside to draw water from the well behind the house, and wash my face. Then I light the fire in the stove to prepare breakfast.
Since I can't use magic, I do it the old-fashioned way—striking a flint against my knife until sparks appear. Once the fire catches, I start kneading dough for simple bread and place it inside the stove to bake.
While waiting, I prepare potato soup. It doesn't take much—potatoes, water, a bit of salt, and patience.
"Yosh, looks like it's done," I muttered as I pulled the bread from the stove.
A few minutes later, the soup was ready too. I went upstairs and knocked on Viola's door.
"Viola, wake up. Breakfast is ready."
"Yeah, yeah, I'm up…" came her sleepy reply.
I went back down to set the table. Soon after, she came down, yawning.
She sat in her usual spot and started eating. I joined her across the table.
"So? How is it?" I asked with a small smile.
"It's good. I didn't expect you to be able to cook."
Well, I lived alone for quite a while. Cooking became a necessity.
"Haha, I'm glad you like it."
"Then, Clement-san, how about we start today with training?" she said energetically.
"Not today, I think. I plan to register at the Adventurer's Guild. Since it's still early, there shouldn't be too many people."
"Oh, really? Then I'll go with you!" she said, sounding more excited than I was.
"Alright then, let me get ready first."
I went to my room and put on simple gear—a small dagger at my waist, a light leather vest, the kind suited for a thief-type fighter, and a small pouch slung over my shoulder.
When I came back down, she was already waiting.
"Alright, let's go."
The morning air was crisp and cool. The streets were quiet, with only a few merchants setting up their stalls. Occasionally, the smell of freshly baked bread drifted by.
After a short walk, we arrived in front of a large building with a sign that read Adventurer's Guild.
"So this is the guild," I said, glancing around. For some reason, it felt oddly familiar—like something straight out of an isekai anime I'd seen before.
"Yes, come on in!" she said eagerly.
Inside, the place was almost empty. A few people were passed out on the tables—probably adventurers who'd partied too hard last night.
"How typical," I muttered quietly.
"Hm? Did you say something?"
"No, nothing."
We walked to the counter.
"Good morning. How can I help you?" the receptionist asked politely.
"Yes, he'd like to register as an adventurer," Viola said.
"Understood. Please fill out this form," the receptionist replied, handing me a sheet of paper.
I looked over the form—name, age, origin, skills, combat style.
Wait… how can I read this language?
I don't know. Maybe I automatically understand it because I'm from another world.
I filled everything out, making up a few details for the "origin" section.
"Oh, I don't have any skills. What should I write there?" I asked.
"Just leave it blank," she said with a smile.
"Alright, thank you."
After finishing, I handed back the form.
"For the next step," she explained, "you'll need to take one of three tests: retrieval, exploration, or monster subjugation."
Naturally, I chose the retrieval test—it sounded the easiest.
When we left the guild, Viola asked, "So? Which one did you choose?"
"The retrieval test. Out of the three, it seemed the simplest."
"Then do your best, Clement-san! I'm sure you'll pass."
I smiled faintly. "Yeah, I'll finish it quickly."
She looked at me with a hint of concern. "Be careful out there, okay?"
Simple words—but for some reason, they felt warm.
"You know," I said softly, "it's nice to have someone who worries about me."
"W-who said I was worried about you!" she snapped, her face slightly red.
I chuckled. "Haha, see you later then."
I'd just taken a few steps when she suddenly shouted,
"W-wait!"
I turned back. "What is it?"
She paused for a few seconds, then said,
"Take care out there!"
I froze for a moment. Such simple words… yet they made me genuinely smile.
"Yeah, I will."
And with that, I walked away—toward my first test as an aspiring adventurer.
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