"Yep. It's fucking bland." I gaped out loud, the aftertaste of that sorry excuse of a soup lingering on my poor delicate tongue.
All four of them groaned after having their hopes crushed, I was tempted to say suck it up but I too am bothered by this world's lack of cullinary development. More so after realizing that we don't know how long we're going to be stuck here.
I had half of a minced meat sandwich for breakfast earlier, how now I regret not saving the other half for lunch and just devoured it.
Despite all that I forced myself to finish my soup. It wasn't THAT bad per say but having to eat 'not so good food' after a lifetime and abundance of 'good food' was a severe blow to one's sense of taste.
Unsurprisingly everyone is going through the same torture as I did. Serves them right.
"This bread is hard and stale." Momoiro whined.
"Meat is to dry." whimpered Aogiri.
"This is what they call sauce? Laughable
"No sweets or cake...." Koen added on the verge of tears.
Cullinarily speaking we're fucked. On the contrary however we unknowingly had already taken a good first step on the fields of finance and prestige, obviously I cared more about the former for obvious reason.
"Is that really them?"
"Only five?"
"Did they really beat the dark ten?"
"Yeah. I saw them exchanging their heads at the counter!"
"Seriously! They beat Barudo's group with only half their number!?"
"I don't believe it. They probably ambush them or something."
"I heard that one of them uses magic, maybe that's why...."
And so on. Geez, even though it was long past dusk the guild is still full of life.
There are few things that we learned after arriving here at this town.
One is that as expected our status here are overpowered. We learned earlier that Barudo and his merry band of thief have been a thorn in the guild's side for a while, despite the overall of their member only being a C-rank threat at best their sheer number raised up their capabilities to that of a B-rank.
Despite this town being a well known one and having enough resources to fend for itself with all the monsters lurking around, but the dark ten's guerilla war style and the fact that they always locate themselves a considerable distance away from the city made them almost neigh untouchable.
In the end the guild decided that the best way to deal with them is to hire a B-rank team. But our own arrival had saved them from that large expenditure thus not only did they allowed us to register quickly but they also raised our individual ranks to C immediately.
That's the second thing that we figured out. That the guild here is extremely lax.
Regarding the matter of registration the guild would allow anyone from everywhere to be adventurer as long as they have the will and whatever pointy objects at their possession. No doubt this plays a large role in keeping the population numbers down as good as the monsters.
Ranking up is also quite similar in nature albeit a bit more curtailed. To rank up the only thing you need to do is to take up a quest from a higher rank. Completing said quest means that one have ranked up.
Beforehand however one must first complete a series of preparatory quest consisting of multiple quest equal to the applier's current rank. Each of this quest are extremely different from one another, ranging from simple subjugation to a long term hunting ones, failing even one of them means that the person of interest must retake the whole course only after waiting for a designated amount of time to recover.
No doubt this was the safety nets to safeguard the long term future assets.
The third thing that we learned is the topography. There are six 'kingdoms' or major developed area in total, or at least within the known land.
it is neatly split into two areas, one near a range of mountains and another brodering towards the ocean. The three kingdom near the mountain are reffered as 'the three kingdoms' further divided by the governing race of each monarchy. While the other three all are ran by humans each with their own govermental system hence the naming Tri-human domain.
Right now we're on Humzar city, the capital of humans within the three kingdom teritory.
And we're going to skip this town the moment we can do so.
"Just our luck. Landing in the middle of a warzone." I spat before drenching my throat with water, which to my surprise tasted somewhat fresher than the city's regular one.
"You're taking it too lightly Akaba. We're not just on any warzone, we're in the dead center of a political warzone which is even worse." Midori graciously elaborated, cursing about the food not long after.
I sighed, what he said is indeed the truth.
From what we managed to learn rather than an actual kingdom Humzar is more akin to a meeting ground/expansion of the three human nations. This place's sole purpose is for the location of a meeting between the humans, the beastmen, and lastly the daemons.
For that reason this place seems to lack any actual form of government and is more akin to that of an extremely large market and resting place. Other landmarks include the city's guild hall which we currently occupied, the church of trinity, the Khalili market, and the site of the annual world summit the Terminal castle.
As mentioned earlier this place was an elaborate bearucratic death trap designed to ensnare those who stayed too long into the bottomless pit that is politic. It was originally a joint expansion of the sort made by the tri-human nation to further their relationship with the beastmen and daemons.
While they did manage to accomplish their first objective all three involved in this land's construction quickly switched their goal into one that is more selfish. That is to be the one with the closest relationship with the two non human kingdom.
Which lead us to number four.
"The timing couldn't be more perfect either." Momo remarked.
"Demon king coming back." Aogiri finished.
Not to be confused with the Daemons the big bad we're talking about is someone different entirely. We didn't manage to dig much of him since we just got here and frankly we could care less. Problem comes from what his return brought about.
"Well it was only because of him that we got a lead though." Koen pointed out, being the nicest out of all of us.
With the 'enemy of every living thing's' return all country spared no second though in uniting to use their greatest ace in the hole at their disposal.
That is the hero summoning.
"Basically they transport people from our world here and then ask them to risk their lives. Why any of them even agreed to this is beyond me." So I voiced. All of us had already gotten the gist thanks to the overused concept of Isekai, but I just don't understand the merrit of fighting fro strangers.
"It's probably the spur of the moment. You got sent somewhere where not only you are 'gifted' but everyone is also fully trust you with their entire being. For people who lived in our kind of society it is only natural to accept it."
As expected of Midori-san, going for the psycho analysis.
"Though it is more likely that they're overwhelmed by everything and ended up going with the flow. Heck they probably couldn't even think for themselves and eventually becomes a puppet of the summoner."
That gritty and dark description is also very him.
"The manga and anime rarely give us that kind of angle though." Momoiro pointed out, and then as always being followed suit by Aogiri
"Overpowered protagonist and harem."
"In other words they focus more on giving their primary readers the fanservice of the independence and success they yearn for in real life." Koen finished, no longer being the nicest out of all of us.
"Literary critics aside our endgame is obvious now...." I steered the conversation back to it's track with discovery number five.
"The hero summoning magic...." Midori followed already knowing the content of our topic.
"If something like that exist then the opposite must also be there right?" I concluded.
"Hm~. Naturally that should be the case but...."
"One way is more benficial." So the couple rebuked.
"The guy who made the thing in the first place would've thought of something like that Akaba-chi."
"Koen is right. From the start if the summoning magic is their trump card, so they would do to the best of their ability to keep them here...."
"Hence it'll be safer to assume that they didn't make something that could jeopradize their plan in the first place right? I know that Midori-kun. That's why there are two course of actions that we can take."
Everyone awaits eagerly to hear my explanation.
"The first is to scrape for any information we can get on the summoning magic itself. And hope that after gathering enough knowledge Midori could reverse engineer it and get us home."
The bespectacled man in question pridefully huffed. "Of course I can. But what's plan number two?"
I lowered my head at the very idea of number two. Truthfully speaking this was something that I want to avoid at all cost.
"Well we will only do number two if number one fail. We'd have no choice but to reveal our existence to the countries and asks them to send us home....."
As expected everyone paled slightly.
"But that would mean...."
"Fighting the demon king...." Even in a situation like this you two are still in sync. I really envy your bond Aogiri, Momoiro.
Again that was the truth. Revealing our presence especially in this kind of situation will end with us getting drafted into the war against the demon king. We are technically the 'heroes from another world' after all, there was no way that any sane person would let us off the hook so easily.
"But that's highly unlikely." So I revealed, and everyone was bewildered at my sudden change of tone.
"When I say scrape for knowledge that doesn't mean that we're just going around in a random direction. I was saying that we should gather EVERY known information about that spell, ESPECIALLY the confidential ones."
Koen was the first to realize the meaning behind my word. "You're saying that we're going to steal the spell from the king and queen."
Six pair of eyes perked up and I nodded in confirmation.
"Something like this spell is most likely taught orally by tradition since it could only be used by the royalties. So even if a written record exist it shouldn't receive much attention to begin with."
And I am sure that with enough preparation we can concoct a heist or in worst case a smash and grab of that get out of here free card.
"Sheesh~. You should have started with that Akaba-kun. I almost got a heart attack."
"Be more thorough." Scolded the couple.
"And besides your plan is too demeaning. There's no way that I couldn't find a way back after all."
"Ahaha, Midori is angry with you Akaba-chi!"
A small laughter erupted as I once again became the butt end of the joke. But to me this is wasn't something new. Back in our world this is how the five of us act around one another, as if all of us had been friends for more than a lifetime.
It is such a shame that I have to kill the mood on such a short notice.
"Guess number two is out of the question then?"
"Naturally. In fact it shouldn't even be there to begin with." Midori-san you're a real grudge keeper aren't you?
"Well sorry for that...."
"I'm not letting you off that easily."
"...But with our course of action clear there is another thing that we need to take care of...."
I felt bad for this, but the fact that the earlier warmth suddenly disappears means that I did my part right.
"That is our former lives."
Even the nonchalant Midori went silent. As expected I really did catch the tiger by the tail, but as sour the topic is this is absolutaly necessary. We'll be forced to gamble anything to find a way back, and undoubtedly we will also have to lay our lives on the line.
That is why we have to trust one another, and to do that transparancy is needed. Might sound a bit over the top but as a person who have seen firsthand just how threatening a skeleton in a closet can be this is the first and foremost complication that needs to be taken care of immediately.
My guilt only continue to expand as I realized that I'm reopening their old wounds. My previous life was by no means clean but all of the dirty deeds that embelish my story was commited by none other than myself. I know that they all have past sins that they rather kept hidden, but for people like us who can kill without a second thought what kind of atrocity that falls within the category of 'what other's shouldn't know'?
I pushed the ngative thought out of my head. Whatever it was that they have done it was all in the past now. I was the one who said that so the least I can do is to admit my previous misdeeds before asking for theirs. I opnened my mouth to let lose of my story....
"Akaba-kun." Momoiro suddenly called me. I stopped immediately and turned towards her. She was holding both of Aogiri's hand on her own.
"I really appreciate your kindness, but can you please let us go first? It's about time that we reveal who we really are."
I only nodded, and the absence of salty remarks from Midori means that he too gave the green light. Koen too did not voice his objection, or anything at all. But as much as it pains me to ignore him a confession like this doesn't come very often, so I did what I have to do and focus on those two instead.
It was Momoiro who did most of the talking, with Aogiri only joining every now and then or when she seemed to forget a minor detail. Their world is quite similar to mine in the manner of having an 'evil overlord bent on enslaving everything'.
The difference was that they are generals instead of heroes. Their background seems to differs but during the war they managed to climb up to the rank of generals. Turns out the thing that they were trying to hide is that they sent thousends of soldiers to their deaths in order to buy enough time to transports the heroes to the demon king, before dying in the fight to prevent any of the enemies generals from reaching said heroes.
They survived long enough to view the devil's demise, but not long enough to receive medical attention.
"Honestly I still can't believe that we somehow managed to find each other back then."
"But we did." Aogiri finished before wrapping his arm around Momoiro.
I was rendered speechless at the end of their story. Killing was one thing but sending others to their death? Even if it was for the greater good I couldn't begun to imagine the guilt they both carry.
"Guess it's my turn then." Midori suddenly blurted. Turning all attention to him.
Unlike Momoiro and Aogiri he carried neither culpability nor any remorse for his past endeavors. 'It was all for the sake of knowledge' he says, not surprising considering that he was the least shaken after arriving here.
A scholar (cranky hermit) that dedicated his life to the study of everything, the bookeeping of his comprehension sets out a domino effect that eventually led the living race in winning the war against the dead ones. Just like couple unfortunately he died right after his kind's triumph. But he was more upset on dying without figuring out one random thing.
"The hell is that look Akaba!?"
"No it's just... I didn't know what I was expecting I guess? Or maybe it was exactly what I was Expecting...."
He didn't saved the world, he just did whatever he likes and ended up helping others by pure accident. We all knew there is no way Midori would intentionally help others.
"That does sound like Midori-kun."
"Smart and uncaring."
Will you look at that, for once it wasn't me that get made fun of.
"HAH!? Then what about you Akaba!? Did you even do anything in your previous life!?" He barked.
A grin made it's way into my lips immediately.
"Actually~."
I then narated my life story, those three would accuse me of lying on some part but it was mostly just to mess with me. I didn't really realize it but Midori once again had helped someone by pure accident. And that person was Koen.
He told his story only after our mood had been lifted considerably.
"My story is just like Akaba. The only difference is that I was our group's rogue. I pushed two of my friends out of the way of an attack and then died." So he explained.
After that we all just sat there in an odd yet comfortable silence. I felt as if a big weight have been lifted off my chest, and I hoped that others felt the same.
After finishing our food (and forcing our palate to adapt to this poor environment) Aogiri and Momoiro decided to retire first. They took a silver coin from our reward bag before excusing themselves.
"Sorry, but we'd like to get some rest."
"Tired."
Just like food this guild too provide service in lodging. Costing exactly a large copper coin for the duration of one night, one silver coins is equal to five large copper ones while ten times of the same goes for gold to silver.
"Umu, Go ahead. Err are you two going to share a room to save budget?"
Momoiro only smiled. "Among other things~."
Aogiri instantly went red. Nuff said. Anyway I couldn't help but to think that they'll leave some of the change as a tip to whoever is unlucky enough to have to clean up the 'mess' they will make.
As soon as those two left I turned to the other two.
"So are we going to do the same? ONLY to save budget."
"I don't mind. Pretty sure they only have two seperate beds per rooms, so it looks like we're going to need to ask for a sleeping bag."
"I'm only in as long as I don't have to be 'it' then."
"Fine. I'll sleep on the bag. You two go on ahead and get things set up." I swiped a pair of silver coin before tossing the reward bag to them.
Whether they noticed it or not they left me behind and took care of tonight's shelter. And me being the responsible captain I am made my way to the now almost empty bar. Looks like our story telling session took longer than expected, maybe it was already midnight even.
All the more reason to get wasted. The barman didn't spared a glance when I sat down in front of him, cleaning one of his glass without a care.
"What do you want?" He asked with a gruff voice.
"The cheapest bottle you got."
"Not just a pint?" You do care. Unfortunately I didn't.
"Did I stutter?"
If my remark pissed him off then he skillfully hid his displeasure. As per my order he grabbed a full bottle of whatever cheap booze he have along with a glass.
"That's seven large copper coins."
"Lucky me that's a good number." I tossed him one of my silver coin, he caught it before giving me my change.
I filled the glass with the bottle's content and didn't even bother to look at it before gulping it down. Just like the food it pales in comparison to the ones that I am used to, but the lack of quality was overshadowed by my own fatigue as well as the remaining quantity.
I immediately felt the alcohol taking it's course as lightheadedness assaulted my head, no matter how cheap some things still does it's jobs right.
I pour myself another round, the reason I'm shoving alcohol down my throat is to releive stress. Might sound like an idiotic thing to do but this is how adults cope with things like that.
I was about to take another sip when he finally came by.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Not really, the drink is only so-so though."
"I don't really care about the taste." Koen then sat down next to me. "As long as it helps me forget...."
People drank liquor to wash the 'bad things' away for a brief moment, even when knowing that they will have to face it the very next day. A futile self destructive act and nothing more.
"Sorry but can I please have an empty glass?" Normally this kind of order would be frowned upon (lazing around a restaurant without ordering anything will get one kicked out after all), but whether it was because the bartender was kind enough or that it was common sense in this world his wish was granted.
With a small fake smile he pushed the glass towards me, and with a sigh I shared my drink and pour him a round.
"Uwah. You weren't kidding Akaba-kun, this stuff is terrible." I know that, but did you really have to say that right in front of the bartender's face.
"Of course it is. Blame your friend over there for being a cheapskate!" The bartender huffed. Oi-oi even at a time like this can't you cut me some slack?
Koen chuckled at the comment, taking another sip of his drink.
Koen chuckled at the comment, taking another sip of his drink.
"..."
"...."
"...How's Midori?"
"Slept like a log, fell face first the moment he reached the bed. Should I be worried that he might suffocate to death?"
I snorted "Don't waste your breath. That guy won't die from something like that."
"Dayo ne~."
We both shared a small laugh, but quickly things once again turned silent.
I had drank another glass when Koen spoke again. And he was at his fourth pint.
"I....Earlier....I...."
"...."
"I lied."
Tell me something I don't know will you?
"It was real though, the demon king and all that whatnot. I didn't made it up. I just.... lied about the time."
I didn't respond and kept quiet.
"By the time I went into action he was already defeated. The heroes beat him and his army.... My job...."
He once again gulped down his drink in one go, almost falling of the chair from the wooziness.
"I was sent to end his bloodline..... I... I killed...."
He didn't finish and instead started to cry. Once again I was rendered speechless. One revelation after another, a bloody trail that cannot be erased even with another life.
"I just want it to stop..."
He took his own life.
"Ne.... Akaba-san. I'm... a real terrible person aren't I?..."
"No doubt...."
"Haha.... you're as blunt as always."
No matter what I say there was no word that could possibly bring him comfort. So I poured him another pint from my bottle.
"Drink." I commanded. And he looked at me with a shocked expression.
"Honestly you..... I don't really know how to react to those kind of things. What you did was messed up that's for sure, but who am I to judge since I wasn't there."
"So right now this is the only thing I can do!" With vigor I swigged the alcohol in my glass, letting out a 'puha~' right after.
"I can buy you a drink and make you forget all about it tonight! But you gotta promise to pay me back! And once you've gotten over your hangover you're going to decide what to do next with a clear head! You got all that!?"
"...Pft~ Hahah~ HAHAHAHA!"
I ignored his laugh and pour myself another round. Goddamnit things are starting to get blurry.
"Senpai.... You're a really good guy you know."
"OF COURSE I AM!" I proudly received his praise. The drink had gotten into me so I didn't know whather that was a genuine compliment or his snarky quip.
But I know him, and he's obviously in a better mood.
"Looks like you still can't hold your drink Senpai~ What a lightweight."
"HAH!? I haven't even started yet! Oi Occhan! Another bottle!"
After that things were a bit fuzzy, but I remembered passing out after making my way into the room.
I wasted some money no doubt, but it was also apparent that .Sure we still have a lot of problems to deal with tommorow, and god or gods knows what kind of shenanigans are going to be dropped on our feet the next morning.
But hey, we now have one less problem do deal with and I'm proud to say that this brought us closer to our goals.