#slave-kun

The tube that my master took out was indeed a whistle.

It was very small.

"It’s small for me, you know? If I blow hard with all my magic power, it’ll attract monsters, but if there’s no magic, it makes a sound that only humans can hear."

"Is that okay?"

"I’ll give it to you, Owl. Do you want to try blowing it?"

The item handed to me seemed to be made of black stone or something, and it had some weight. Maybe it's a dog whistle or a shepherd’s whistle. It’s dark, so I can’t see it well, but I feel like it has carvings.

As I was told, I tried blowing into it with just my breath.

Piii.

It made a sound properly.

It was a bit of a weak sound, kind of between a "pi" and a "pu."

With this, perhaps I could be noticed.

"That’s a good idea. Should we hang it from your neck?"

"I have a leather string."

"There should be a hole on the side for threading the string through."

"I can’t see well, bring the lamp closer."

We all huddled together, overcoming the challenge of threading the string in the darkness.

I was delighted. I had one more thing to hang from my neck.

I must be careful not to call monsters with it.

Filled with gratitude for the master, I blew it softly a few times.

Nove chuckled.

"If you get lost, be sure to blow it properly."

"Piii."

I was able to reply!

Someday, I hope I’ll be able to say thank you properly.

I wanted to always remember the smiles on everyone’s faces, illuminated by the campfire and the lamp.

As the night deepened, I decided to go to bed early. I entered the tent with the master.

There’s no bath, but I can use 'purification' to make my body and clothes completely clean. Feels nice. I even 'purified' my master while I was at it.

Back at the mansion, I could use magic to stay clean every day, so I didn’t have to worry about hygiene.

I’ve come a long way.

The forest nights are said to be cold, so I wrapped myself tightly in a blanket and lay down inside the tent. It’s hard, but I’m used to it.

My master took out his weapon and cloth and began maintenance next to me. It's probably a spear, the one he used during the day.

I wonder if he can see what he’s doing in the dark. Knowing him, his night vision is probably keen.

It seems that everyone else is still talking by the campfire.

I wonder if my master will stay beside me until I fall asleep.

"Master is a spear user."

"Hmm? Oh, I was today."

"Today?"

"I use various weapons. I’m not particularly masterful with any, but I can use just about anything. Today, considering teamwork, I decided on a short spear."

What? An all-rounder? He’s too cool. What is my master aiming for?

But was there teamwork in today’s hunt? Everything was instantly killed…

"Amazing."

"Right? I taught Daine how to use a shield, too."

"Amazing!"

"I’d like to teach you too, Owl, but you can’t handle weapons. Support us with your magic."

"…Yes."

It’s okay, I don’t really want to fight. Even if I could hold a weapon, I probably wouldn’t fight. Facing life is challenging.

The master put away his spear and peered at me when I fell silent.

"What’s wrong? You look down."

"…Today, I took a life for the first time."

"Really? Was it scary?"

"It was scary."

"Life is heavy. Remember that."

My master stroked my head gently.

I’m glad, life is cherished in this world, too.

Life.

The people from the Cattley Trading Co., the adventurer woman, they are all lives. Their existence has been lingering somewhere in my heart.

After being rescued from the mansion, I simply wanted them to be somewhere unknown to me. I didn’t care, even when I heard they might face the ultimate punishment.

I didn’t have the mental capacity for it back then.

But now it’s different. My life has changed, my mind has calmed, and I have the time to think.

Do I still wish for them to receive the death penalty?

I don’t know.

But with a single small choice, I could have been on their side. A world that can easily reverse roles. It’s terrifying.

I couldn’t sneer and say it was deserved in my current state.

My feelings won’t change their punishment. There’s no point in worrying about it now.

I should sleep.

Listening to the distant conversation of everyone, the cries of animals, the sounds of the forest, I closed my eyes.

"Are you getting sleepy?"

"Hmm…"

The master’s hand slowly, rhythmically moved along my hair from top to bottom.

In the faint lamp light that entered through the fabric, I could see the master’s eyes sparkling like stars.

I began to feel sleepy under his gentle caress.

He’s good at lulling someone to sleep.

"…Master, thank you for the whistle…"

"Yeah, make sure to use it properly."

"When do you sleep?"

"I’ll sleep when I get sleepy."

"…Master…"

"What?"

"…Your eyes… look like dancing stars… beautiful…"

My consciousness gently sank into the night sky.

The guildmaster fumbles with the key in his unsteady hands.

The locks in this world are similar to the ones in the other world, using keys with intricate shapes. In the other world, there were also biometric authentication and electronic locks, but here, there seems to be something like magic authentication.

After all, they do flow magic during the contract.

Click.

The guildmaster opened the door.

Suddenly, the stuffy smell of the closed room spreads around.

"Ugh…"

The master frowned and crouched down. Since I was behind him, the others didn't notice.

When I whispered, "What's wrong?" in his ear, the master whispered back, "It's okay."

"…I finally remembered. I figured out why I hate this house. It's the smell."

"?"

"In the past, I was often forced to meditate while burning incense… This smell is similar to that incense."

Smell.

It's 'smell' again.

I sniff the surrounding air.

Among the various smells, there is indeed a heavy, unpleasantly sweet scent.

────Could it be… 'powder'?

I see, my sense of smell had become so accustomed to this smell that it had become numb. Perhaps I was only able to recognize it after being away from the mansion for a few days.

Like realizing the smell of your parents' house for the first time when you return home.

Memories and smells are deeply connected.

"Hulk, is that really true?"

Daine, who had noticed our behavior, asked in a small voice. He has good hearing.

"Yes."

"…Let's go inside and check."

The 'powder' might be here.

With renewed determination, I follow everyone into the house.

This is the first time I've been inside a house in this world. It's a bit dark because the lights aren't on.

The entrance leads to a spacious hall. A little further in, there is a partitioned area that seems to be a living room-like space, complete with a fireplace.

Passing through the living room-kitchen, there is a door that leads to the back alley.

It has a bath and toilet, so it's a bit small for long-term living, but it might be suitable for a short stay.

I think there are probably several bedrooms on the second floor.

"Hmm, the size and layout are just right for a party to stay in."

"Indeed, I would have liked to have you all use it… but is it true that you are staying at an inn?"

"Yes, that's right. Speaking of which, there was a bit of a commotion last night, and we caused some trouble for the inn."

"A commotion?"

"Yes, an adventurer woman who was said to be frequenting the Cattle Trading Company barged in."

"I, I see."

The poor guildmaster is sweating profusely under the leader's interrogation.

At the same time, the smell intensifies.

A sweet smell.

I'm starting to wonder if that woman's smell wasn't perfume at all, but rather her body odor.

It's the kind of smell that's characteristic of people who use 'powder' regularly.

They say that it's difficult to notice your own smell.

"…Hulk, where does it smell?"

"Maybe over there… I don't know."

Daine and the master were literally sniffing around as if they were looking for something.

More than that, there were some parts of the structure that felt a bit odd.

There's a fireplace in what is supposed to be the living room, but the wall that the fireplace is on is a bit too thick… The room feels smaller than it looked from the outside.

This is suspicious.

I know a lot about where things are hidden because I've watched so many overseas detective dramas.

The cupboard that's attached to the same wall is also suspicious.

I approached the cupboard and flung open the door.

……It was empty.

That's right.

Hmm? Wait a minute, it's a classic to move the backboard of the shelf at times like this.

……How do you move it?

I feel like the backboards in the other world were mostly thin plywood, but this one is sturdy and firmly attached. It doesn't look like a mouse could get through.

I guess I was wrong.

I might have been a good detective.

While I was feeling a little down, Daine patted me on the head. The master was with him too.

"You have a good nose, kid."

"I think it's thicker here."

Hmm? The backboard of the shelf didn't work.

"Oh, guildmaster, I dropped a coin behind the shelf. I'm going to move it a little."

"Ah, wait a minute, that's…"

Ignoring the guildmaster's flustered voice, Daine monotonously moved the shelf to the side with a thud.

Hey!

"Hmm? What's this?"

Suddenly, a hole appears.

A hole big enough for an adult to crouch down and go through.

Jackpot.

It wasn't the backboard, but the shelf itself…!

I lost to muscle power…!

When I went to the cafeteria attached to the branch, Aki, and then Leader and Daine were also there.

Amazing.

Even though we didn't make any plans, we were able to meet up properly. Maybe it's thanks to Aki.

"It seems like it was issued safely."

"Ah, I had some time so I measured Owl's magical power. It seems promising for the future."

"I see, that's good."

Leader with a smile on their face pats me on the head. I'll do my best to be helpful.

Does this mean it's lunchtime?

Maybe because it's lunchtime, there are quite a few people in the spacious cafeteria.

There are no waiters taking orders in the cafeteria, but it seems like a system where you just say what you want at the counter and they immediately give it to you in exchange for money.

"We also received unexpected information… Let's talk while having lunch."

"Alright! I was looking forward to trying the cuisine from the neighboring country."

Wait, wait.

I tugged on the sleeve of my master's clothes as he happily tried to go get the food while wagging his tail.

"Hm? What is it, Owl? Is there something you want to eat?"

"…Idiot, he's trying to say you don't have any money."

"Ah."

Oh right, I forgot.

This master needs a leash.

"You should withdraw from another union already. It's not just the master, but I'm also included, so the debts are accumulating at twice the speed."

Daine is stifling a laugh next to me. You scoundrel, you must have read my thoughts, right?

"I'll treat you. It was me who convinced you to go to the branch."

"Shuza, don't spoil him."

"Sorry, I'll definitely pay you back, Leader."

I think Nove is also sweet.

Since I didn't know the menu, I left it to Leader and he bought a spicy soup and a vegetable sandwich with a spicy aroma.

It might be cuisine from the neighboring country or maybe even Asian cuisine.

Is this soup the spicy one? I wonder if my body can handle spicy food. It feels like I'm not used to it.

Seeing everyone start eating, I picked up my spoon as well.

The spiciness tingles on my tongue with a slight hint of chili pepper. But it seems fine. Good! It's delicious.

"Then, Nove, please use magic."

"Understood… Yes, now we won't be able to hear the contents of their conversation anymore."

"Thank you."

I felt a gentle sensation enveloping me.

It was a territorial magic, right? In the knowledge of the other world, it's like a "barrier" or something.

The first one to speak was my master.

"Can I say something? The person I met at the appraisal office earlier mentioned that there seems to be some problem at the branch."

"…There was an elderly 'Ring Rank' there. They said something profound about us having to 'clean up the branch.'"

"It seems to be related to the information we obtained."

Leader lowered his gaze and took a sip of soup. Leader's soup is redder than mine. Maybe it's tomato-based? Or is it the redness of chili peppers?

"We were assigned as caretakers by the branch manager and went to talk to him, the person who committed that petty theft. That's where we heard some significant information."

To summarize, it goes like this.

There was a reason why that person had been caught committing a petty theft.

He had received orders from the branch chief.

"Make sure to blend in with the party, and when the time comes, sneak ``something'' into their luggage."

He had not been told what that "certain thing" was, but he had been suspicious of the branch chief's actions for some time, and the order came shortly after the Cattle Company went bankrupt.

This, he thought, was bad.

However, even if he, a mere employee, were to tell those around him about it, the words of a person of authority like the branch chief carry more weight.

Realizing he couldn't compete, he decided to get arrested for a minor crime before he got caught up in anything bad, and to get away with it in what was essentially a very safe place: community service at a factory under guard.

In other words, he stole in self-defense, and the items he stole were not particularly valuable.

Hmm, smart…I guess.

But he spoke so fluently…or maybe Daine read his mind. Probably.

The "certain thing" that the branch chief had ordered was probably "powder." Everyone here would have thought the same.

The question is why they tried to sneak the powder into the party's luggage.

"Now I see why he was so keen on that rental house."

"Didn't you meet the branch chief yesterday?"

"Yeah, he wasn't there."

"I think it would be better if we met once."

My master's hunch seems to be correct.

It's possible, but the branch chief is at the core of the distribution of "Powder'', and when he saw the Cattle Company go under, he frantically tried to put out the fire so that no one would suspect that he had anything to do with "Powder''.

To achieve this, he tried to use a party of adventurers from another place.

It's just speculation, but I think it's pretty good.

I still don't know much about the rental house.

That means…

The hopeful departure was over in about 5 minutes.

Because my body was more weakened than I thought, and that was about as far as I could walk.

To my shame, I am now being carried to the inn with one arm by my master.

I want to cry.

It was my first time seeing a town in another world, but I was so ashamed that I couldn't take it in.

Even though I'm making my debut as a slave.

Even though it was a shiny new start.

I wasn't supposed to be treated so lightly.

"Hey, don't be so down. When we get back to the inn, we'll take a bath, get some healing, eat, and go to bed. I'll have you working hard starting tomorrow."

"……Can I really be of use to my master?"

"You can. It's okay."

He patted me on the back.

My master is kind.

There are a lot of people around, but when we talk like this, whispering close to each other's faces, I can talk normally. I'm not used to talking, so I'm a little tongue-tied, but I guess it's okay for my age.

Once I was calmed down, I finally had the time to look around.

Looking back over my master's shoulder as he walked slowly, I saw tents and wooden crates filled with fruits and vegetables receding into the distance.

It looked like a market.

It had a chaotic atmosphere, similar to the Middle East or Asia. I don't remember ever going there, but I think that's what it's like.

Maybe it's quite a big city.

I wonder what the name of this city is.

That's when I realized a serious problem.

"Master, what is your name?"

"Ah…"

As I thought, he had forgotten.

Maybe because a name wasn't necessary for the contract, and the slave trader didn't mention it either.

It seems like my master's name was written on the documents, but what about my name? Was that thumbprint-like thing supposed to be my name?

"My name is Hulk. What's yours?"

"I don't have a name."

"You don't have one…"

I don't.

No one ever called me by a name, and I can't remember, so maybe I never had one in the first place. I can't even remember my name from when I was in Japan.

My master stopped for a moment and pondered.

"Hmm, then I'll give you a name. Let's see…hmm…"

My master started walking again, and the scenery flowed by. I thought the hustle and bustle, mixed with a sense of excitement, wasn't bad.

"…Your name is Owl. I took it from a warrior I respect."

"Owl…"

From today on, I became Owl.

I have a name. I'm happy.

After all, it is only when a person is recognized as an individual that they gain dignity. I have become a human being.

It's shining. The world is shining.

Seeing me so happy, my master also seemed satisfied.

As we walked further, the atmosphere of the market changed. It seemed that there were more food stalls.

Since it was lunchtime, there were more people trying to get customers.

A young woman approached us with delicious-smelling skewers in her hand.

"Hey, mister over there! Huh? Are you father and son? Hey, dad! How about some skewers!"

"D-dad…"

The young woman shamelessly advertised to my master, who was taken aback. I was about to give in to the good smell and her enthusiasm.

As expected, my master is really weak to pressure. I bet he'll be tricked into buying all sorts of things. Like slaves.

I patted my useless master on the cheek to bring him back to his senses.

"…You're broke," I whispered, and my master, startled, said, "My bad," and turned down the offer.

After that, I tried my best not to succumb to the temptations of the stalls. I would have liked to try the food from the stalls in this world, but I can't spend money I don't have.

"Damn, this road is making me hungry. Let's go eat at the inn soon."

"…Then why are you walking so slowly?"

"Because if you run through the middle of the city with a child in your arms, you'll look like a kidnapper."

"That's true…"

He's a bit clumsy, but he seems to be thinking straight. I guess it's okay that he chose this path.

"Is the food at the inn good?"

"Who knows? There's a lot going on, and I've only stayed there for one night. Besides, there's someone in our party who's really picky about food…so I doubt I'll ever get to eat the inn's food."

"Who else is there?"

"There's…let's see, the leader, the one who is good at healing, the one who is good at magic, the dismantler, the shield guy, and the long sword guy."

"So there are 7 others besides you, master?"

"No, there are 4."

"Huh?"

"Hmm?"

He looked at me with a face that seemed to say, "Did I say something strange?" Is it that one of the 4 people has multiple characteristics? Is this a narrative trick?

Conversation is difficult.

"You…no, never mind."

"What is it?"

"No, the place you were at before was terrible. My place is full of adult men, but will that be okay?"

“I think it’s okay.”

My master was okay, so I can probably go.

I don't think he smoked any illegal powder either.

"At my previous place, people from the neighboring country would smoke some strange powder and they would get irritated and take their anger out on us, but you guys don't smoke, do you? So I think it's okay."

"Oh, who's smoking such a strange powder? Is it a strange powder?"

The flowing scenery suddenly stopped.

“Wait a minute. Is that the Chamber of Commerce? Yesterday there was a big raid and everyone was taken to the capital, right? Is that why the slaves were so cheap… Wait, powder…? No way… !”

Wow, my perspective suddenly dropped. My master crouched down in the middle of traffic, still holding me.

"……We came to this city to investigate the distribution of that 'powder'."

The first person who came to the slave trader was a man who looked like a merchant.

He saw me, the youngest of the slaves lined up, and kept glancing at me with a somewhat moist look in his eyes.

This isn't good.

It's unlikely that it will be worse than before, but there's something I don't like about this man. My slave sensor is telling me no.

Since I'm not in a position to be picky, I kept my eyes down and stayed still, but the slave dealer raised the price to an unreasonable level, complaining that child slaves were of poor morals and expensive.

The epitome of an unscrupulous businessman.

The customer gave up on buying me and went home after contracting with a well-built man who looked like he could carry luggage.

Crisis averted.

Thank you, slave trader.

I had a hunch, but isn't this slave trader a really good person? He looks like an unscrupulous merchant because of his mean eyes. Or rather, he just now displayed his unscrupulous merchant side.

I think he's doing his best to make sure that each slave goes to a good master… but I can't be sure because his eyes are so mean.

Perhaps I will remain unsold. If that happens, I will try to negotiate to be allowed to work here.

Since I had some free time, I sat in the corner of the room with my knees hugged, observing everyone in the room.

They are all thin, but they have been given clothes, are eating somewhat better than when they were in the mansion, and above all, they are all sparkling because they have escaped from that environment.

I totally understand. The world is shining, isn't it?

Now that my surroundings have calmed down, I have more time to think about this world.

From what I can observe, civilization seems to be quite advanced. There are things like waterworks and baths. There are no electrical appliances because there is magic, but there is no inconvenience. The means of transportation is a horse-drawn carriage, but it doesn't shake much. I rode in one for a short time when I came here, being crammed in.

Slavery seems to be well established with a few exceptions, and swords, magic, and the Middle Ages!----It didn't seem like a world like that.

I don't know much about food culture yet, but I think it will be okay.

Rather, for me, as long as it's something I can eat, I'm grateful for anything. Nutrition is more important than taste.

Isn't this a pretty good world?

After that, I have no complaints if I can get a decent job.

As I was thinking about this, a man was brought in by the slave trader's salesman, who pulled him by the arm.

Was he soliciting customers outside?

It seems that the slaves were taken in by the slave traders as part of a deal with the feudal lord, as there were no sellers since the original master had gone bankrupt.

It seems that it was incredibly cheap, so if we sell properly, it will be a good profit.

Now, what kind of customer will be next?

"Look, there are a lot of them, aren't there? They're really cheap because they used to work in a workplace with a bit of a problem! They're all motivated, so if you're going to buy, now's your chance, brother!"

"Huh? Oh, yeah."

The salesman is pushy.

And the older brother is weak to being pushed. I wonder if he'll be okay.

He's a mischievous-looking person with navy blue hair tied up in a ponytail at the back. I wonder if this person has the money to buy a slave.

The fellow slaves who were relaxing were all lined up properly like merchandise. I'll join in as well.

"Brother, you're an adventurer, aren't you? What kind of slave do you need?"

"Um…"

Brother, you're being pushed around by the salesman. Do your best. By the way, the salesperson is a nice old lady.

"Hey, don't pressure him too much. It's an expensive purchase."

"But you see, this customer was wandering around in front of the store, so I thought he wanted to buy something."

The slave trader master came and admonished the saleswoman. It seems that she is his wife.

The brother who was brought in is standing there with a perplexed look on his face, wondering what to do.

"By the way, customer, slaves are not allowed to carry weapons, so they can't do things like exterminate monsters."

"Ah, yeah, there's no need for that. I'm a member of a black party."

"What! Then how about chores and luggage carrying?"

“That’s right, there are a lot of guys who can’t clean up the house, so I would appreciate it if they could do the housework or other chores at the base.”

"I see."

Housework! I can do housework!

The slave trader master skillfully elicits the brother's requests. As expected of a pro with the face of an unscrupulous merchant.

I can do housework! I don't know much about cooking, though.

I straightened my chest a little and looked at the brother to assert myself.

However, he doesn't look at me much.

Do you have any motivation? I'm full of it over here, though?

"Do you have a price list? I don't have much on hand."

"Hmm, here it is."

"Hmm…"

He started looking at the paper and consulting with the master, muttering something.

It seems that he is willing to buy.

Hey, look at the product properly. An incident is happening on the spot.

I'm getting more and more on my toes because I'm asserting myself too much. I'm about to start hopping around.

“This is the cheapest one, so it’s just barely there…”

At that moment, the brother finally looked up and looked toward us.

"A child…?"

He looked at me.

Turning point.

One day, the trading company was rounded up and arrested.

The reason was 'suspicion of assault, abuse, and murder of slaves'.

Surprisingly, in this world, it was illegal to hurt slaves.

For me, who only knew the inside of the mansion, it was like water to the ear, I was like, "Seriously?"

That's a lie, right?

I didn't feel anything like that at all.

I was beaten up in front of everyone.

Rather than that, they used to take some sort of illegal powder, but is that okay? It's definitely not. Actually, I didn't even know there was a murder charge too. If I had made a mistake, I might have been killed too. Scary.

Anyway, I was rescued as if I was following a spider's thread from hell.

As a result of hearing various things at the slave trader where I was sheltered, I came to understand that the inside of that mansion was abnormal.

Suddenly, the world expanded.

I had felt like that place was the whole world, but apparently I was struggling in such a small world. I felt frustrated.

I thought it was the worst because I started as a slave, but it was just that the mansion was irregular, and originally slaves are treated as valuable human resources.

The slave trader with mean eyes muttered, "It's unbelievable… wasting valuable human resources… that's why I don't like people from that country," and while doing so, he took us in, rewrote the contract, called a healer, and took care of us in various ways.

It seems that the treatment of slaves is determined by something like international law, but there are countries that have not ratified it.

The owner, servants, and guards of the trading company I was in seem to have come from that country. I've hardly ever met the owner, though.

By chance, it was discovered by an inspector who had come to this city, and the owner and guards of the trading company were arrested. I don't know what will happen to them in the future.

I think it will probably be the death penalty. There are many other crimes.

I drew a big blank from the beginning, but anyway, I'm glad I was saved.

My life from now on will be full of hope. I can overcome anything compared to that place.

As for my treatment, it became complicated whether I would go to an orphanage or not, and in the end, I was sold to this slave trader.

The slave trader was reluctant.

First, a simple appraisal revealed that I was 9 years old. I thought I was 6 or 7 years old, but was it because I didn't have enough nutrition?

It seems that child slaves are not very well received, but according to international law, it seems that you can become a slave from the age of 9. There are various conditions, but I was just old enough.

Above all, I wanted it myself. Regardless of my physical age, my mind is that of an adult. I don't want to be some great detective, but I didn't think I could stand living a closed life in an orphanage. I want to work.

Besides, there aren't many environments worse than that mansion.

I don't get beaten up, I can eat, and I can do a reasonable job. That's heaven.

On top of that, international law is on my side.

You could say that the world is on my side.

There is no choice but to continue being a slave.

I would like to enjoy a comfortable and happy slave life.

I wasn't the only one who thought so.

The fellow slaves who survived the end of the century were also full of motivation.

Of course, after experiencing that place, the whole world looks like paradise. It's only natural that you would be motivated.

The slave trader who had taken in the slaves at a dirt-cheap price at the request of the lord was also excited.

Because it's time to make money.

Hmm, I might be left unsold.

Children are weak as a labor force.

Also, I can't speak.

I can't read or write.

… The conditions are too bad.

I'm worried about the future.

I was worried about that, but I was the second best-selling slave among my fellow slaves.

Prologue

Chapter 1: Hated by the world

Chapter 2: The world is on our side

Chapter 3: The new master

Chapter 4: Purchase

Chapter 5: Starting out full of hope

Chapter 6: Black party

Chapter 7: Story

Chapter 8: So far, I have been taken care of all the time.

Chapter 9: Q&A

Chapter 10: A bolt from the blue (different POV)

Chapter 11: Authority (different POV)

Chapter 12: Breakfast

Chapter 13: My turn

Chapter 14: Welcome back

Chapter 15: Dinner

Chapter 16: Fragrant crimson

Chapter 17: The three-act play begins (different POV)

Chapter 18: Three-act play, curtain call (different POV)

Chapter 19: Dinner, again

Chapter 20: Talking about magic

Chapter 21: Morning market

Chapter 22: Adventurer's Guild Sansa branch

Chapter 23: Measurement

Chapter 24: Meeting and lunch

Chapter 25: Evil scheme

Chapter 26: Guildmaster

Chapter 27: Secret

Chapter 28: King's Order

Chapter 29: End

Chapter 30: Dinner

Chapter 31: Likeness

Chapter 32: The pen is strong

Chapter 33: Chaos in the palm of your hand (different POV)

Chapter 34: Travel preparations

Chapter 35: Goodbye Sansa

Chapter 36: Shadow (different POV)

Chapter 37: Going across the plains

Chapter 38: Body strengthening

Chapter 39: Becoming the wind

Chapter 40: Going through the forest

Chapter 41: Hunting

Chapter 42: Life

Chapter 43: Camp preparations

Chapter 44: What is camping?

Chapter 1 Episode 0: Prologue

I heard the sound of something shattering. 　

When I woke up, I was in hell.

…………

I was a regular office worker in Japan.

Or so I thought.

I don't remember dying, but when I came to, I was in a different body.

To be specific, I was in the body of a young boy, covered in wounds, weak, and starving.

He looked to be about 7 years old. My whole body ached.

Where am I?

"Hey, he's alive." "Don't kill him, it'll be a pain to deal with." "My bad, my bad, I went a little too far."

When I looked up, I realized I was in a dusty, dimly lit place.

I was surrounded by adults. I couldn't see their faces clearly because of the backlight, but they gave off a bad vibe.

"Hey, don't die on us now."

My body instinctively braced itself. They were poking me with the tips of their shoes.

It hurts. It hurts. And it's cold. I'm scared.

I was thrown into a strange place and was being subjected to a level of malice I had never experienced before. All I could do was tremble.

Why is this happening to me?

My mind was in chaos as I desperately tried to make sense of the situation.

Let me see, I woke up in the body of a young boy, in an unknown place, and I'm being beaten by unknown men.

This can't be happening. I don't want to understand.

Did the original owner of this body have his mind broken by these guys?

The shattering sound I heard might have been the sound of something spiritual breaking. I don't feel like I've awakened to memories of a past life, so I think I've been replaced.

I can't remember anything before this moment. I don't even know my own name.

But my body seems to remember the pain it has been through. I can feel myself tensing up involuntarily.

Why are these adults surrounding and beating up a helpless child?

Judging by the unfamiliar clothes the men surrounding me are wearing, this doesn't seem to be Japan. They're not modern clothes either. I doubt clothes like these even exist on Earth.

A different world? Reincarnation… rebirth, no, replacement?

That can't be right. But it is.

This is too much to handle all at once. Couldn't it have been something gentler?

The language they were speaking wasn't Japanese, but I could understand it.

Maybe it's because I'm in this body. But it's because I'm in this body that I'm in this mess.

I tried to open my mouth to say something, but my body was trembling so much that I couldn't make a sound.

"This mansion is great because it has so many slaves." "You can do whatever you want and get away with it." "Hey, don't ever say that outside." "I know… this country is a pain." "Isn't it about time for that stuff to arrive?" "Finally."

The men left, chatting idly. I felt my strength drain away.

Wait a minute. I thought I heard something I shouldn't have.

A mansion… is this someone's house?

And slaves.

Slaves? 　 Am I a slave?

Is that… the slavery I've heard about? Where people are used as tools, with no rights whatsoever?

Waking up in a strange place and suddenly being told that is a bit harsh, or should I say, it's like hell on hell-mode.

My whole body aches. I think I'm hungry, but I'm not sure. Maybe this is despair. I didn't want to know.

I wish it was all a dream, but there was no sign of waking up. This is reality.

This is tough.