Day-6
...
The sixth day since I arrived in this world, Grimgar. There was nothing particularly special about what I did—I just went through my usual routine.
Starting from waking up in the morning, having breakfast, preparing a few things, and heading out to hunt outside Ortana.
Sometimes I even find myself thinking, "Is this really the life I wished for?" But that doesn't mean I mind this life as a volunteer soldier… well, even if I'm not officially one yet.
-
After arriving in the forest, I decided to rest for a bit.
Yesterday, I realized something—fighting while exhausted is extremely dangerous.
Yeah, it's something simple, but it makes a huge difference in battle.
Because I'm not like those protagonists in isekai anime who have overwhelming power.
I'm just a normal human. Nothing more, nothing less. Just human. If my head gets cut off, I die. If I lose too much blood, I die. If I can't breathe, I die. And many other ways.
That's how fragile I am. And once I truly realized that, I figured I needed to be more careful from now on.
I was really reckless these past few days, wasn't I?
-
After resting for a while, I immediately started searching for my prey.
I explored several places—starting from the forest trails, then moving toward the river.
And when I got there, I was honestly surprised by my luck.
Right there, near the riverbank, a goblin was wandering around the area.
"How lucky…" I thought.
But then I noticed something different about this goblin compared to the ones I fought before.
This one was wearing an iron helmet that covered the top of its head, and it carried a sword roughly the same size as mine.
No need to think twice—it was clearly stronger than the goblins I had faced before.
So—
Can I actually win?
That question crossed my mind. But I already knew the answer from the start.
"…I don't have a choice but to fight."
After all, I need money to survive. And for that, I have to kill it.
So I started thinking about how to fight it. But then I realized—I don't have many options.
The terrain isn't suitable for any elaborate strategy.
It's standing in an open area… so how am I supposed to kill it quickly?
Using the same method as yesterday would be too reckless.
"…Maybe I can throw my axe." I muttered, staring at the small axe hanging at my waist.
Some sacrifices are always necessary.
"Sorry about this, axe."
I grabbed it and held it tightly.
From within the bushes, I stood up and took aim at the goblin.
"Hope this hits."
And once I felt ready, I threw the axe with all my strength.
The axe spun rapidly through the air…
But it seemed I used too much force.
Instead of hitting the target, it kept flying forward until it lost momentum—and fell straight into the river.
I stared blankly at where it went.
Then I drew my sword.
Because of that throw, the goblin became alert. It turned around—and saw me charging toward it.
I could see it drawing its sword as well.
I swung mine.
It slightly ducked—my attack missed.
"Damn." I immediately took a few steps back.
The goblin let out a roar, probably trying to intimidate me.
Then it tried to close the distance, slashing its sword at me.
By reflex, I raised my shield and struck against its blade.
With a metallic clang, its sword was knocked back.
Seeing that opening, I thrust forward with my sword—
But it only grazed its arm before it retreated.
"…This is going to be tough," I muttered.
I can't afford to make mistakes here.
I need to take this seriously.
But actually… I do have an idea about my fighting style.
In Monster Hunter, the lance is a weapon that focuses on defense and countering at the right moment.
Meanwhile, Sword and Shield—the weapon I'm using now—is balanced. Agile, yet still capable of defending.
But what if I adapt the lance's playstyle into Sword and Shield?
That's what I was thinking.
If I can consistently deflect attacks like I just did…
That could become a powerful skill.
With a focused gaze, I adjusted my stance.
Shield raised to chest level, sword slightly lowered.
This is just a test.
It's dangerous—but if I don't try, when will I ever improve?
So I will do it.
The goblin roared again and charged at me.
Then it jumped—fairly high—and while midair, raised its sword and swung it down at me.
In response, I struck its attack with my own blade.
When our swords clashed, it slightly altered the trajectory—just enough for it to miss me.
Then I immediately slammed my shield into its face.
And kicked it, sending it stumbling backward.
Taking that chance, I caught my breath for a moment.
Improvising… isn't as easy as it looks in anime.
Even when I think about trying something, I barely get the chance.
Then something I never expected happened.
The goblin suddenly threw its sword at me.
As I dodged it—
It turned around and ran into the forest.
All I could do was stand there, staring at it as it disappeared, wondering if I should chase it.
"…Yeah… guess not today either."
A fight that lasted several minutes ended just like that—
Because the goblin used "flee" and ran away.
"This isn't some damn game…"
I didn't expect it to have the option to flee.
I thought that was only for players.
Huh.
I shifted my gaze toward the river and walked closer.
There, reflected on the surface, was a face that felt both familiar… and unfamiliar at the same time.
I don't remember anything about it.
Not even a name.
Even though I have memories of always living with it.
A tired smile formed on my face.
"…Haha…"
A quiet laugh escaped my lips.
"…Who am I, really?"
-
After spending some time just sitting by the river…
I noticed my axe still lying at the bottom.
So I stepped into the water.
It wasn't that deep—only up to my neck.
I grabbed the axe from the riverbed, then came back up, completely soaked.
The water felt refreshing…
But now I was cold.
Without wasting time, I decided to end today's hunt and head back to the city.
Walking while drenched was uncomfortable.
My clothes felt heavier.
I regretted not taking them off before jumping in.
Huh… nothing I can do about it now.
-
When I got back to the city, it was still daytime.
But I decided to return to the inn.
After arriving, I used some water to wash myself, then changed back into the clothes I wore when I first came to this world.
After that, I dried my sword.
And once everything was done…
I returned to my room.
And collapsed onto the pile of straw.
Closing my eyes—
I fell asleep not long after.
...