A week has passed since then, and we can finally set off on our journey.
That said, in-game time moves three times faster. So, in reality, I've only waited for about two days and a bit.
Leveling up hasn't been going smoothly.
We can't just leave the baby unattended, after all. We've been taking food from the village's storage. There's no one left to use it, so it's fine. Not that we have any qualms about theft at this point.
We entrust the baby to a merchant who is shocked at the sight of the ruined village and then set off.
By the way, we've got new weapons. The rusty sickle had its limits. Now, Liora walks around dragging a giant scythe taller than herself.
It's the type with a grip in the middle of the handle. Liora seems to ignore that part entirely, never using it in combat, but she does make use of it when walking through thick brush.
"How's the handling?"
"Not bad! But it lacks attack power!"
"Well, it is a farming tool. Hopefully, we can find some proper weapons along the way..."
Scythes are unpopular on the forums. In fact, there are very few NPCs who use scythes as weapons. It makes sense since axes are more practical for daily use and more suited as weapons.
In a world full of monsters, it would be natural to keep spears and swords handy.
For NPCs without a contract with a spirit, skills are learned randomly, but they seem to acquire skills based on their thoughts and activities.
If you don't usually recognize a scythe as a weapon, you won't learn it as a weapon skill.
At least, no named NPCs have been confirmed to learn "Scythe Techniques" on the forums. Only a few players have learned and use it, but they find it quite cumbersome and wish to quit.
When players acquire weapon skills, it's usually for use with [Manifestation]. Since spirits don't have an HP concept, it's strong for the vanguard role. I don't plan on taking [Manifestation], though.
By the way, it's popular to take[Manifestation], get a human body, and touch beautiful girls. Many players end up getting their contracts terminated for this reason.
I hope Liora grows up quickly. Despite being malnourished, her development might not be too bad.
I've assisted in murder in-game, but sexually harassing Liora and getting our contract terminated would be too harsh, both in the game and emotionally.
"Alright."
I float in the air, surveying the surroundings. Our goal was the city, but it seems we've gotten lost.
Liora has never left the village. This world is new to me too.
We can't afford to enjoy being lost in life. However, after wandering for a few hours, we finally find something.
"...Oh, people. I don't really want to interact with them, but we have no choice. I need to make Liora an adventurer."
I stop my aerial reconnaissance and return to Liora's side. She hugs me tightly and lets out a warm breath.
"Welcome back, God."
"Yes, I'm back, Liora. It seems there are people over there."
We see a stone-paved road ahead. Compared to the real world, the technology is lacking, but the presence of a road is reassuring. We walk along the road, heading towards the people.
Until now, we've mostly been in the forest, but suddenly it feels like civilization. The fantasy forest was fun, but the moving mushrooms were creepy. When Liora saw my discomfort, she immediately stomped on them.
I haven't been using [Appraisal] at all. I should've used it at times like those.
As we approach people, we hear the sounds of intense sword fighting. The booming sound of magic and the sharp sound of arrows being shot accompany it.
Battle sounds.
"Liora."
"Yes, God."
Liora dashed off, hurrying to the scene.
What we came upon was a battle. At the end of the road was a plaza with a fountain. In contrast to its peaceful appearance, it had become a battlefield.
A huge armored monster was engaged in combat with five NPCs. One of the NPCs cast a wind spell, while the floating spirit next to them released a burst of flame. The fire, amplified by the wind, created a torrent of destruction aimed at the armor.
However...
"It won't work!"
"What should we do, Lord Tanaka!? ...Yes, yes, understood. I approve!"
After the handsome NPC with the staff muttered to himself, the atmosphere suddenly changed. The space around him warped slightly, and the spirit at the center began to transform.
What emerged was a bewitching woman in a dress.
"[Decisive Manifestation]—We only have three minutes. Let's finish this quickly, Hilda."
"Yes, Lord Tanaka!"
"Everyone else, cut your [Manifestation].We can't afford to lose anyone."
As soon as Player Tanaka used [Manifestation],various shadows appeared around the other NPCs. It seemed like non-humanoid avatars were also an option, as there were lizard and bird forms visible.
Their group, now swelled to ten, launched a barrage of attacks at the armored monster. The barrage stirred up a storm of dust, causing Liora to shield her eyes with her arm.
When the barrage ceased, a shadow moved behind the dust cloud.
Only Tanaka seemed to notice.
Just as the players began to celebrate their victory, the elf with a bow was cleaved in half by the armored monster's greatsword.
"Damn! We've hit our limit! With one of us lost, we can exit the boss area! Retreat!"
As Tanaka shouted, the armored monster was shrouded in darkness. The party, however, had already begun their retreat. The manifested players, being immortal, used their bodies to shield the NPCs.
The NPCs, with desperate expressions, managed to escape from the dome. As soon as they did, the dome was enveloped in darkness, obscuring its interior.
"Ah, it seems they were in a boss battle."
"Boss?"
"Yes, that was a field boss. We can't proceed to the next field until it's defeated."
"God is so knowledgeable!"
"Thank you, Liora. The collective wisdom of the internet is quite powerful."
"Internet?"
"Liora, you're so adorable."
Perched on Liora's head as she blushed, I observed the escaping NPCs. The field boss had not yet been defeated.
The boss of the first field.
Eternal Wanderer Helmut—that was the identity of the enemy.
"Perhaps now is the best time to challenge it."
"God?"
"According to the forums, Helmut's defeat doesn't need to be achieved necessarily by higher rank players."
Seeing the fleeing NPCs gave me some hesitation, but I was eager to face the boss. Liora tilted her head in confusion.