Chapter 3: The Power of "Search"
Fushou took Aya's hand and rose to his feet, still shaking from the adrenaline. The scene replayed in his mind—the massive creature, Aya's precision with her bow, and the way his seemingly useless skill had saved them. He didn't know what to make of it all yet, but one thing was clear: this wasn't just some fantasy world where the strongest would survive based on brute force alone. Strategy and knowledge mattered just as much, if not more.
Aya watched him thoughtfully, then spoke. "You really surprised me back there. I didn't think we'd make it for a moment, but you pulled through."
Fushou tried to laugh, but it came out shaky. "Honestly, I didn't know what I was doing. My skill… it just showed me the answer."
Aya tilted her head. "That's exactly what makes it powerful. 'Search' doesn't just find monsters—it finds solutions. It might be unranked, but in a world like this, information is one of the strongest weapons we can have."
Fushou hadn't thought of it that way. His entire life, he'd always assumed power came in obvious forms—strength, speed, magic. But Aya's words made him realize that there was more to survival in this world than combat prowess. His skill might be subtle, but that didn't mean it was weak. He was starting to understand that Search was a skill with depth, and it could be the key to unlocking hidden opportunities.
"Thanks, Aya," Fushou said quietly. "I wouldn't have made it without you either."
Aya smiled and playfully nudged his arm. "Don't go getting all sentimental on me now. We've got more work to do."
Fushou grinned despite the exhaustion weighing him down. He was glad he had someone like Aya to rely on, even if he still had a lot to figure out.
They moved away from the altar, taking a moment to rest. Aya rummaged through her pack and pulled out a small canteen, offering it to Fushou. He drank greedily, realizing only now how thirsty he was.
"Let's keep moving," Aya said after they caught their breath. "The longer we stay in one place, the more we risk running into something else. That shrine wasn't the only danger around here."
Fushou nodded, feeling a bit more confident now. He activated Search again, focusing on finding a safe path through the forest. The glowing dots shifted, and he was able to discern not just where the monsters were but also the terrain—where there were clearings, rivers, or other landmarks they could use to navigate.
"This way," he said, pointing toward a narrow trail that led deeper into the woods but away from any immediate threats.
Aya followed his lead, and together they pressed on. As they walked, Fushou found himself wondering more about this world—Zephira, as the voice had called it. They had been summoned as heroes, but by whom? And for what purpose? It couldn't just be to fight random monsters. There had to be a greater reason they were here.
The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows through the trees, when they finally came across something new. In the distance, beyond the forest, they saw a small village. Wooden houses were clustered together, smoke rising from chimneys, and the faint sound of human activity reached their ears.
"A village," Aya said, her tone a mix of surprise and relief. "Let's check it out. Maybe we can learn more about where we are."
As they approached, Fushou deactivated his Search skill, trusting they were safe for the moment. The village looked rustic but welcoming—simple stone and wood buildings, dirt paths, and people going about their lives. It was almost comforting, a stark contrast to the dangerous forest they had just left behind.
They walked toward the village gates, where two guards stood watch. Both men wore rough leather armor and carried spears. They eyed Fushou and Aya cautiously but didn't seem hostile.
"Hail, travelers," one of the guards called out as they approached. "What brings you to Verdis Village?"
Aya stepped forward, her tone calm and respectful. "We're newcomers to this land. We've been traveling through the forest and came across your village. We were hoping to find some shelter and perhaps information."
The guards exchanged glances, then nodded. "You're welcome here," the other guard said. "But be cautious. Strange things have been happening in the area lately. Monsters have been appearing more frequently, and there's talk of dark forces stirring in the north."
Aya glanced at Fushou, her expression serious. "We'll be careful."
They entered the village, greeted by the sight of villagers going about their evening routines. Children ran through the streets, merchants packed up their stalls, and a few travelers like them sat at the edge of the central square. The air smelled of cooked meat and bread, making Fushou's stomach rumble.
"Let's find an inn," Aya suggested. "We need rest, and I want to ask around about this 'dark force' they mentioned."
They found a small inn at the far end of the village called The Restful Hearth. The sign outside was faded, but the warm glow from inside beckoned them in. The innkeeper, a stout woman with kind eyes, welcomed them and offered a room for a few silver coins—thankfully, both Aya and Fushou had a small pouch of money that had appeared with them when they were summoned.
Once they were settled in their room, Aya stretched and let out a sigh. "Finally, a real bed."
Fushou sat on the edge of his own bed, staring at his hands. His mind was still racing from everything that had happened. They had survived their first real battle, but there were more dangers ahead. And this mention of a dark force—it sounded like the classic villain in an isekai story, but now that he was living it, it felt far less exciting.
Aya seemed to sense his unease. She sat down across from him, her expression softening. "You're thinking about what the guard said, aren't you?"
"Yeah," Fushou admitted. "I know this world is dangerous, but hearing about some 'dark force' makes it all feel… bigger. Like we're not just fighting monsters but something much worse."
Aya nodded. "It's probably true. If we've been summoned here, it's for a reason. I doubt it's just to deal with the monsters we've seen so far. But that's why we have to keep getting stronger. Learn more. Find allies."
Fushou leaned back on the bed, staring up at the wooden ceiling. "I guess you're right. I just wish I knew what we were really up against."
"One step at a time, Fushou," Aya said, standing up and heading for the door. "For now, let's get some food and talk to the locals. Maybe they'll have more information. We'll figure this out."
Fushou nodded, feeling a bit more grounded. He had a lot to learn about this world, but with Aya by his side and his Search skill, maybe they had a fighting chance after all.
As they headed downstairs to the inn's tavern, Fushou silently vowed to master his ability. No matter how small or unranked it seemed, Search was going to be the key to unlocking the secrets of Zephira—and maybe even saving it.