8. Our First Party and Fam's Backstory
Fam was great at gathering medicinal herbs.
She'd sniff the pressed flowers in the guidebook and hunt down matching scents in the field.
Me? I'd harvest the herbs, then spend ages double-checking against the book. But Fam? No need for any of that.
On the flip side, she sucked at combat. Monsters barely took any damage from her hits.
Her attacks were just too weak.
She had quick reflexes and dodged well, but her stamina was crap—she'd tire out fast.
I wanted to give her advice, but hell, I needed it more than she did, so I kept my mouth shut.
When she took a goblin club to the side, she burst into full-on tears. Forgot we were in battle, dropped her weapon, and just sobbed.
Even after I made her drink a potion and healed her up, she wouldn't stop crying.
Felt like a damn bully forcing her into this crap.
"It's okay. You'll get there once your level goes up. Until then, I'll tank the front line. You just hang back and watch."
"No way! I wanna fight properly toooo!"
She had guts, at least—always jumping in front of me to swing.
"Don't push yourself too hard."
She'd nod at my words, but it just left me worried sick.
I tried handing her a mana seed from a slime, but she wouldn't take it.
"Just drink it already."
"No, Master. I can't accept something this expensive."
Fam seemed real hung up on the money side of things.
"It's a drop. We'll get more. Don't sweat it."
"Then you drink it, Master."
"Keep that up, and I'll shove it up your ass."
"Eek! Try it if you dare!"
She drew her sword like she was ready to throw down with me.
"While you're sleeping at night. Yank down those panties and ram it in. Finger it deep till it's all the way up."
"Ugh, please spare me... But really, is it okay for me to take it?"
"Quit yapping and drink, damn it."
Fam finally swallowed the mana seed. Stamina up by 1. Lame as hell.
"You calm now?"
"Yes... I'm sorry."
Fam looked all downcast. I rested a hand on her head. No resistance. Gave her a pat.
She was cool with it. My hand brushed her ear. Went for it—full stroke.
"Whoaaa! What softness! How do I even describe this? Fluffy and silky smooth—super relaxing."
"Master?"
Her voice snapped me back. Pulled my hand away from her ear.
"Ah, sorry. Back to it. Yeah, in a way, I'm relieved."
"What do you mean?"
"There were these aggressive, strong types around. I figured that was normal, so I was stressing that I had to be like that too. But turns out the bar's different. You're normal, Fam. Things don't go smooth. No clue how to fix it. Getting hit hurts like hell. Fighting scares the shit outta me."
"...Master's scared too?"
"Scared? Nah, terrified."
Fam's level hit 7 too, and now her attacks actually landed on monsters—she could take 'em down.
Mine reached 10, unlocking beginner spells for all four elements. Time for test runs.
Fire magic: fist-sized fireball flies at the monster, bursts into flames on hit. But honestly, chucking a rock works faster.
Water magic: fist-sized water ball flies at the monster. Didn't look like it did jack.
Wind magic: brief gust hits the enemy. And...?
Earth magic was solid, though. Fist-sized rock launches at solid speed. I could tweak mass, shape, spin—sliders, forkballs, even knuckleballs. Great for messing with enemy focus.
Got hooked on developing curveballs. One went wild and nailed Fam's ass. Used a light stone for testing, so no damage.
"Kyaa!"
She whipped around, glaring daggers. Mid-battle, no less.
"Jeez! Can you not do pervy stuff in the middle of a fight?!"
She was yelling about battle but totally forgot we were in one.
"Fam, behind you—behind!"
"Whoa—kyaa!"
It played out like a comedy sketch.
Evening rolled around; time to head back to town. No mana seeds today. Stopped by the guild.
Usual receptionist girl.
"Made a friend, huh?"
First words out of her mouth.
"Yeah. Handle this—and thanks for the intro yesterday."
Handed over the bundled herbs (today's and yesterday's) plus a gold coin.
"Whoa, deal went smooth?"
"Yeah, saved my ass."
"Hit me up anytime. I'll hook you up."
She flashed a bright smile.
"Right—that gold reminded me. Mash, you've got a named quest. Here."
Took the request form. Reward: one gold coin. Goblin extermination messing up a village farm. Village was a trek away—days of camping en route. Ten days total commitment. Rendezvous at the gate tomorrow morning. Way too sudden.
"Why the hell's a named quest on me? We're ridiculously weak."
"You know the client, Aidan?"
"Nah, barely any friends in this town. Aidan included."
Glanced at Fam; she shook her head too.
"Aidan's an A-rank adventurer. Quiet type, but a good guy."
"What if I bail?"
"I'll pass it on. But I'd recommend taking it."
"Yeah?"
"Yep." She nodded firmly.
"Fam, what do you think?"
She was just a villager tagging along 'cause I was adventuring. She'd probably rather grind safe spots now. I wanted to decline.
But the receptionist knew our deal from past quests—she was saying this with full info.
"I'll follow wherever Master goes."
Don't just dump it on me. But decision made.
"Alright, we'll take it. Time to shove our weakness in their faces."
Ran into Wind's Blade at the guild.
"Was worried—you weren't at the inn!"
"Mizuki, huh."
Mizuki came over. She seemed gloomier than when we met. Still adjusting to this world?
"Yeah, had to switch inns for... reasons."
My words drew her gaze to Fam—then locked on her arm.
"Mash, I can't believe you!"
"It's not—Master didn't—" Fam jumped in for me, but I waved her off.
"What it looks like. I bought her."
Fam stared at me like I was unbelievable. Looked like she wanted to say something but clammed up.
"Slavery's messed up!"
"You got a new meathead too, looks like."
Eyed the buff newbie in Wind's Blade. Slave crest on his arm.
"Ugh, yeah. This is Beers. Lead brought him."
Mizuki sounded bummed. Coincidentally—or not—same name as the old slave. Gave me the creeps.
Glanced at Lead; he noticed and grinned back. I half-waved.
"...Solo exploring's rough. Good you found a party."
Mizuki said it like she'd given up.
"Yeah."
"Tell me your inn—might need to reach you."
"Asuka-tei. But got a named quest. Outta town ten days."
"Got it. I'm at Big Ape Pavilion."
She nodded stiffly, and we split.
Skipped the inn for the market.
One district packed with shops and stalls—daily goods, food, weapons, armor, you name it.
Prepping for a ten-day trip.
Request said client covers food and essentials, though.
Window-shopped for anything useful anyway.
"So many people... Might get separated."
Fam clutched my clothes.
"First time in a spot like this?"
Grabbed some skewer bites for a snack; we chowed down. Chicken, tasty sauce.
Market heavy on food stalls. Might stock ingredients for home cooking.
"Yeah, busier than our village festival."
Fam couldn't hide her curiosity—eyes darting everywhere.
"Don't know the market or the town, huh? Teach me, Master."
"Truth? Day four for me here. Know squat."
"Oh..."
Hadn't told Fam I'm a transfer yet. Soon.
Didn't know much about her either. Hard to ask, given the slave auction backstory. Waiting for her to open up.
"Got a guidebook—World Traveler's Handbook. Show ya back at the inn."
Realized we'd wandered through the market block. Looped back to the inn.
"So Master's a total softie, huh? Why act tough at the guild?"
"Huh? What about?"
"With Mizuki."
No intent to play bad guy, but that's how it looked.
"Mizuki's the panty girl. Gotta be one of those 'aggressive strong types' you mentioned. Master... no, you shouldn't act like that."
"You're too sharp! Be that way in fights."
Didn't wanna talk. Tried deflecting.
"S-sorry. But I wanna know more about you, Master." Fam persisted.
"Dunno the meaning myself."
"For real? Can I guess?"
"Love mind games. Hit me."
"Short version: How kids act around their crush."
"Wrong—" Tried denying, but damn, spot on.
Was I acting childish? Wanted Mizuki's attention but blanked on what to say.
"Embarrassing... Sucks at talking to girls. Back home, none bothered with me."
"That happens?"
Fam's shocked face—today's heaviest blow.
Passed the slave trader's old tent spot before the inn. Packed up—back to empty lot. Fam looked like she had words but stayed quiet. Passed in silence.
Couldn't read her, so zipped it.
Inn reached. Innkeeper handed double room key like always.
Figured Fam'd complain; nada.
Kept promise—handed over the bound World Traveler's Handbook.
"Smells like white panties."
"Bingo!"
She dove into the book, thrilled.
Bath time: she sheet-partitioned us.
Then hopped in the same bed. Thinks period means safe?
Turned her back and konked out.
I crashed too.
Woke to Fam crying in the night. Still facing away.
"...Mommy..."
Almost kicked her off the bed to shut her up. Kidding, obviously.
"Can't sleep?" I asked.
"Sorry. I'll be quiet."
Hand on her head. Stroked the dog ears. Fam didn't budge.
"If I'm too noisy and you're trying to sleep, kick me off the bed. Can't help it myself."
How'd she read my mind?
"Thought tonight was when you'd do naughty stuff. You did me a solid—I won't resist."
"On your period. Not happening." Plus shitty mindset. Wanted to fix it, but hey, I wanted sex too—kept quiet.
"Master caring about my body."
"Harsh much? Not calling in favors, but you being healthy? That's me looking out for you."
Protest lodged.
"Right. Forgot with all the naughty stuff since morning. I revere you, Master. Won't forget."
"Revere? You forgot. We'll see."
Fam rolled over to face me. Close. Pitch black, but clear. Heart raced.
"As apology—after the quest, climb the church bell tower? Guidebook says five coppers entry. Sunset city view's gorgeous. I'll give you my most treasured thing there."
"C'mon, you had nothing when we met. Rags you wore? Tossed 'em."
Treasure? But they stank.
"Nope. You'll see."
Hiding something?
"Can I tell you about me?"
"If it's sexy, hell yeah."
"Not fun."
I nodded. Serious vibe—listen straight, no jokes.
"Lived in a settlement near the Demon Kingdom border."
Human empire rules here. This town's under feudal lord, empire turf. East: demon-run Demon Kingdom.
Both dominated by one race; others get flak. Empire worse near capital. Demon Kingdom milder, but exists.
Non-human/demon races build border villages beyond either control.
Fam's was one—deep forest, hunting and foraging.
"Got sick at 10. Settlement has a guardian god protecting us. But costs one villager's illness."
"Sacrifice? What's this god like?"
"Not picked by us, but... not full sacrifice. Leave settlement, clears in five years-ish. No one's seen the god."
God that curses? Complaint to Rakushel.
"Your illness worsened leaving the settlement?"
She nodded.
"Then head home first."
Might mean splitting. Do what I can first. She seemed resolved.
"Parents stuck with me through sickness. Village treated me special—happy times. But half-year back, bandits hit. We lost. Parents shielded me—died. Village trashed; dunno about others. Captives slaved out like me."
Raiders hunting slaves. No affiliation, no complaints. Guardian god slacked hard. What even was it?
"That's why you were up for sale."
Explains slave market. Tent had her villagers? Caravan bought her from elsewhere; already gone.
"No home left. Do what you want? Tough spot. Let me help you, Master."
Wanted smart comfort words; failed.
"Adventuring, no set path. Level up enough, head east from here. Break your curse. Dig info on the village too."
Thank you for reading.
To everyone who bookmarked and rated—seriously, thank you. Likes too!
Means a lot. I'll keep pushing.