Chapter 18
Chapter 18
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: Vengeful Ghost and Beastification
-----------------------------------------------------------------
His eyes snapped open.
The Elemental Endowment floated into view.
Damn it.
.....
Calm down.
I'm a grown adult who can endure this.
Even in games, there are times when something doesn't work despite no prior warning.
This is reality, but in this shitty world, I might as well treat it like a game and push through positively. Getting pissed and moping won't get me anywhere.
Still, all that lore and history I read before coming here... what a waste.
They could've taught me about skills instead of all that setup.
...No, I won't rely solely on this world's skills.
No matter how good they are, the skills I've loved using since my previous game life—especially the ones I used most, like Severing Sword, Space Sword, and the one I haven't unlocked yet, Know Thyself and Know Thy Enemy—if I can master those, I won't lose to anyone.
In fact, I survived against Yuna, whom even veteran Blan certified as a monster among monsters, using just Severing Sword.
For my goals, I need overwhelming strength.
To get stronger, rather than obsessing over levels or this world's skills, I should dig up the techniques I used back then.
Decision made—time to get started.
Head to the hunting grounds, fight, and practice at the same time.
I got various tips from Blan yesterday, so I should be able to train systematically.
As I was about to head out to the hunting grounds, a sudden promise popped into my mind.
The guild oath. I'd completely forgotten.
They'd told me to come yesterday... hope that's okay.
Skipping two days in a row would be rude, no matter what.
Guild first, then hunting grounds.
If the oath takes too long, I can skip training for a day, learn some common sense of this world, and pick up useful info.
Come to think of it, I also had a meeting today with that glasses girl whose name I still don't know.
She's an expert on Outsiders like me, so I have plenty to ask her.
But what time is it now?
Judging by the bright light outside, around 9 a.m.? Or lunchtime?
I'll find out when I go out.
I grabbed my gear roughly and left the inn.
Nila at the front counter spotted me and hurriedly turned her head away.
It had gone beyond avoiding eye contact—she could barely even glance my way now.
But she was still stealing peeks at me.
What was it about her? Pure, maybe?
Pure went out the window the moment she cheated on her husband with me, but her reactions made her seem like a girl experiencing her first romance.
Not that I'd know—I'd never dated.
......Fuck it. So what if I'm a virgin incel? Got a problem with that?
Hold up.
Am I still a virgin?
Honestly, after blowjobs and sumata, does that still count?
In manga, you gotta penetrate to lose it, but reality might be different.
At least I'm definitely not a virgin(?) anymore.
Even if it's "youthful purity" or whatever, I'm not completely innocent.
Lost in these useless thoughts, I'd arrived at the guild before I knew it.
Seeing the guild building made me feel like I was heading to work.
After years of freeloading and gaming without a job, running around doing productive stuff for over a week now.
Life really is unpredictable.
Creeeak.
I pushed open the now-familiar door and stepped inside.
I expected the guild to be quiet... but it was pretty crowded.
Not packed, but lively and bustling.
Figuring the usual shitty stares would hit me, I hurried past, and sure enough, eyes locked on.
But the vibe was different from before.
Previously, it was pity or trash-stares; now, it was more like they had no clue how to treat me.
Did Blan already pull some strings?
Ignoring the stares, I headed to the counter, where the familiar middle-aged staffer sat.
The kindly faced middle-aged woman spoke softly upon seeing me.
"Welcome, VIP."
"Uh... what?"
VIP? When did I get promoted?
For taking down one Red Rat?
At my puzzled look, the woman chuckled.
"We can't call you that openly in front of others."
"...Ah."
Makes sense. The guild wouldn't want rumors of dealings with a rumored villain.
Still, VIP. I'd only had that in delivery apps or game rankings. Felt kinda exciting.
"Do I write the oath upstairs in the branch chief's office?"
"Yes, but... terribly sorry, could you wait a moment?"
"What's up?"
"A VIP guest arrived suddenly, so the chief went to greet them. We only learned 20 minutes ago. We've prepared alternative compensation, so please bear with us."
She looked genuinely apologetic, so I waved it off.
After a moment's thought, she suggested,
"With the festival prep underway, how about taking a stroll around?"
Festival?
Is that why the guild was bustling?
"No, no, it's fine."
No telling when the chief would return. Better to learn about this world's norms or Outsiders.
Wonder where that twirling glasses girl who promised to tell me about Outsiders went.
"Where's the branch chief's daughter? We agreed to meet at noon. What time is it now?"
"10:29... Half past ten."
She glanced at her wrist as she answered.
...Wrist?
"Oh. A wristwatch?"
"Guild receptionists get them for occupational reasons."
They have clocks here?
Isn't this a fantasy world?
Pretty advanced setting...?
No mention of that in the lore, damn it.
All they shoved down my throat was Prynar this, divine whatever that.
Misreading my expression, the woman cautiously explained,
"Wristwatches are expensive, so normal households stick to wall clocks."
"I see..."
A bit disappointing.
But as if sensing it, she added,
"If you'd like, shall I get you one?"
"You can do that?"
"Of course! If it makes up for today's inconvenience, the chief will be thrilled."
Ooh, a watch!
Finally, I can tell time properly!
Then I felt a presence behind me.
No malice, so I just glanced back—and a massive hunk twice my height patted my back.
"Hey there, bro."
"Blan."
Not just a hunk—Blan.
"Here for the festival fun, bro?"
"Can I really enjoy a festival in my current situation?"
"C'mon, loosen up. Even those guys are off today to enjoy it."
Makes sense.
No wonder it was busier than usual—festival vibes.
"Milf Village's founding anniversary, big three-day bash."
"Three days...? No guild quests during the festival?"
With everyone slacking, maybe no quests at all.
Blan confirmed it.
"Yeah, adventurers take it easy this time of year—no jobs anyway. Guild gives staff the day off, basically closed."
No quests, then.
I'd hoped for side stuff while hunting...
...Achievement grinding it is?
But why'd that twirling glasses girl suggest meeting during festival time?
"Take a breather, bro. You've been through hell lately—grab a cute girl and date."
"Date? With my rep...?"
Even without the bad rep, dating a decent girl is impossible for me.
I wasn't popular back home either.
Fuck.
"Nah, explained things yesterday—most bought it."
Blan had pulled strings, as expected.
"Regular folk excluding guilders and merchants barely know what happened. Close your eyes, and you've got looks and skills! Plenty of girls for a one-nighter."
"Skip the eye-closing part."
"Hahaha, sorry 'bout that."
As we chatted like old pals, the stares shifted.
From wary to sympathetic, apologetic.
Sensing the change, I smirked inwardly when Blan blurted,
"But don't go after my daughter, yeah?"
"I suck at sweet-talking anyway..."
...Huh?
Wait, what'd he say?
"...Blan, you're married?"
"Damn right! I'm pretty handsome, y'know?"
I pictured Blan's daughter laughing heartily.
A muscle-bound powerhouse like him—god, no thanks.
Blan's a great guy, but scary-looking... if she inherited even a bit...
Oof.
"Get married yourself, bro? It's bliss."
Bliss, huh.
My dad never married.
...Would it make me happy?
Ahem—a throat-clearing interrupted.
Oh right, I was talking to the staffer.
"...So I was wrong."
"Pardon?"
"No, nothing."
I'd heard.
"Wrong," huh.
She'd believed in me.
That felt good.
The woman smiled at Blan.
"Blan, how about showing our adventurer around the village?"
"Ooh, good idea! You got plans, bro?"
"Meeting at noon."
Remembering my date with the twirling glasses girl.
"Hour to kill! Plenty of time—let's go!"
No way a shut-in like me would get excited about wandering...
...That's what I used to think.
Lately, with all the bullshit, a mood-changer sounded fun.
But the oath... The staffer nodded it was fine.
"Hee hee. Enjoy yourself. The chief would prefer a relaxed meeting over squeezing it into a busy schedule."
"Ah... alright."
Then her expression changed.
She touched her ear, saying "Yes, yes."
Intercoms here too?
Her face grew serious. "Understood," she said, removing her hand, looking troubled.
"...Terribly sorry, Blan. The chief requests your assistance."
"Eh? What for a washed-up one-armed has-been?"
"The VIPs want to see Milf Village guild's real power broker."
"Haa?"
Whoa. Power broker?
Blan's a bigger deal than I thought.
He scratched his head, grumbling unhappily.
"Be right back. Wait up, bro!"
"Sure. Go ahead."
"You're so chill, bro. Hang with Asita, the guild's—and village's—pride and joy. Might not be bare-faced, though."
"Asita...?"
"Girl so pretty even a one-track wife-guy like me gawks. But hands off—her dad's terrifying."
His face turned mischievous.
"Blan."
"Whoops, gotta jet."
The staffer called sternly; Blan laughed "Kahaha!" and got serious, getting details from her.
He bolted out at arrow speed after hearing the location.
Incredible agility for that bulk.
In my old world, he'd be a famous fighter.
Now what?
Adventurer stares hurt in here... and I'm bad at small talk anyway.
They're about to approach. Maybe wander outside.
Or the stable that sheltered me.
Meant to repay if successful, but why not now? Got money.
...Hope they didn't get backlash because of me.
Owners looked pissed back then. Worries me.
Good deeds deserve repayment.
At least check from afar.
Then another presence behind me.
Someone reached out—I grabbed it on reflex.
Nothing there. Or rather, invisible.
"Waaah, you scared me~."
"...Hello. Our appointment was at noon, but you're early."
The air shimmered like peeling wallpaper, revealing the twirling glasses girl.
She giggled "Ehehe," sticking out her tongue like busted.
"Saw you ages ago, but you were chatting with Blan, so I held off~."
"I see. So, what're we doing today?"
"Today! Festival tour to build our friendship! Forgot it was festival day, hee~!"
She forgot, huh.
Sounds like her.
But why with me?
No friends...? Seems friendly enough.
...Does she like me?
"Um, why me? Your friends or...?"
I trailed off; she stared, then smacked fist into palm with an "Aha!"
"Aha! You think I like you, right?"
"Huh? N-no."
Stumbled over words for the first time in ages. Not airheaded—sharp.
"No worries~ It's purely business! I owe you, but don't know you well yet~!"
"But I..."
"Plus, I have a boyfriend~!"
......Boyfriend.
Fuck. Why so embarrassing? I didn't even ask if she liked me.
"Miss."
The staffer scolded; the girl tilted her head.
Guessing she realized it might've hurt me.
I didn't love you anyway, bitch.
"Anyway, it'll be fun~!"
She grabbed my hand—insanely soft.
Don't act like that if you've got a boyfriend.
Go enjoy the festival with him.
...Three-day festival. Probably saving the wild fun for the finale.
Fucking normies.
Whatever—might as well enjoy it.
Nothing else to do.
Tour the festival, chat about Outsiders and common sense. I let her lead me by the hand.
That instant.
Creeeak...
The guild door opened.
That alone was nothing.
The entrants were the problem.
Fancy armor I'd seen somewhere. Familiar emblem on their chests.
My eyes widened.
I'd already shaken off the twirling glasses girl's hand.
Thump. Thump.
My heart pounded.
I scanned their faces.
No sign of him.
That thought crossed my mind.
Then, through the still-open door—between the two who'd entered first holding it—he stepped in.
A cold-beauty with brown hair.
"...Hm?"
She sensed my stare, frowned, narrowed her eyes at me.
Surprise flashed across her face.
"You?"
"...Yulis."
My sworn enemy stood before me.