Asher POV:
The way out of the forest was quite quick.
We didn't encounter anything too dangerous on the way back, partly because we were riding Remus's horse.
Oh, and by the way—Remus, is the name of that guy who had saved me earlier.
While on the road, I asked him a few questions about… this world.
At first, he looked at me strangely because some of my questions were apparently too bazaar.
Like when I asked what those Marg Dogs from earlier were.
He just stared at me like I had grown a second head, but he explained it anyway.
According to him, Marg Dogs were a type of Danger Beast commonly found around this mountain.
And when I asked about Danger Beasts, he squinted at me suspiciously and asked if I was the son of some noble or just an ignorant brat who didn't know even the most basic things.
I was offended, but I didn't say anything.
I just smiled and said, I'm not versed with the topic and that my parents didn't really inform me of such things.
Hearing that, he begrudgingly told me about it.
Danger Beasts were creatures that lurked in many places—from the sky, the sea, and forests like the one we just came from.
There were countless types of them.
Basically… like Pokémon.
Unfortunately, I couldn't catch them all.
Every Danger Beast is extremely hostile toward humans and would attack on sight.
Danger Beasts were classified into six categories.
Class 4;
These were quite easy to handle, even for regular humans with basic weapons. Because of that, hunting parties usually didn't bother with them.
Class 3;
A bit more dangerous. Faster, stronger, and smarter than Class 4. Most hunters dealt with these for food or materials. Marg Dogs belonged to this class.
Class 2;
Ordinary humans couldn't defeat these. Only skilled and experienced fighters stood a chance.
Class 1;
Creatures that required multiple skilled fighters to defeat. Travelers prayed they would never encounter one.
Special Class;
This class had the most recorded Danger Beasts. Most hunting parties avoided them entirely. The usual advice when encountering one was simple—run.
Super Class;
The worst category. Extremely powerful and intelligent beasts capable of destroying an entire kingdom overnight.
Fortunately, they types of beasts rarely show themselves, and are usually in Dangerous places.
When I first heard all of that, the first thing that came to my mind was—
Yeah… this is definitely another world.
But something about the term Danger Beast felt strangely familiar.
Like I had heard it somewhere before.
But no matter how much I thought about it, I couldn't remember where.
After that, we talked about a few other things—like why he retired and what he does now.
Turns out Remus used to be an Imperial soldier, but after leaving the army he became a hunter.
He was surprisingly easy to talk if you get to know him better, and here I thought the guy was the typical cold, practical guys.
By the time we arrived at the town, it was already dusk.
And the first thing I noticed was the walls.
Massive lime stone walls stretched far into the distance, easily several times taller than a house.
At the center stood a huge gate where several guards were stationed, spears in hand as travelers entered and exited the town.
"Whoa…" I muttered unconsciously.
It felt like I had gone back in time—like Earth during the medieval period.
"Welcome to Rothvale," Remus said from behind me, sounding slightly amused. But I ignored him, I focused my attention into this large town.
As we approached the gate, one of the guards stopped us, and checked our luggage and asked for our purpose of entering.
After few questions, we were able to head inside.
Once we passed through the gate, I finally got a better look at the town.
People walked through the streets, merchants called out to customers, and children ran around playing.
Establishments from restaurant, taverns, pubs tailor shop. There a lot of them and the architecture they use, is the same in fantasy anime's I used to watch.
It was incredible.
It really felt like I had stepped back into medieval times.
"Dad! Let's hurry! I can't wait to eat meat!"
"Slow down!"
"Honey, let him."
I saw a family of three passing us by, they looked happy. The son had a excited smile on his face, the mother looked worried he might trip, while the dad just smiled and let his son have fun.
It was a warm scene that reminded of my own.
How are they now? I hope they don't cry too much.
I know they would grieve for me, those guy were too emotional.
I just hope mom won't grieve too much, her health had been deteriorating lately. I don't want her to follow me too quickly.
I'm sure dad would be there for her but, that guy is quite emotional too, even though he seldom to let us see him in that state.
My sister would be devastated too, that girl is sometimes too reliant on me, even though we often fight.
Ahh...I really miss those guys..
Maybe someday, if I gain power… or find some way to travel between worlds…
Maybe I could go back.
Though honestly… I didn't even know if something like that existed here.
My eyes watered slightly, but i wiped them immediately.
"What's wrong?" Remus suddenly asked.
I shook my head.
"Nothing." I said. "Just dust, it went inside my eyes."
"Is that so? Well, anyway can you wait here for a moment?"
The horse stopped in front of a store, then Remus climbed down.
"Where are you going?" I asked as I saw Remus untying the corps from the horse.
"I'll sell these." He said and carried them inside.
I waited for him for a moment and a few minutes later, he returned this time carrying a pouch of coins.
"Here!" He threw me a small pouch to which I clumsily caught.
"What's this?" I asked as I opened the pouch which contained silver coins.
"A token, you acted as a decoy so, you also had a share." He said and puts his pouch inside his sachel.
"But-"
"No buts, that's your's and besides I also have mine. So we're even."
I reluctantly nodded, I felt a little guilty, I was supposed to be the one giving something and yet, he was the who gave.
"Thank you."
"No problem."
Then, Remus grinned.
"Anyway! Are you hungry? I know a place we can eat delicious foods! Don't worry about spending, it's my treat!"
*Churn~*
At the mention of free food, all of the bad things in my mind vanished.
"What are you doing Remus! Let's go! The food is waiting for us!"
Hunger is an enemy, said a certain king and she couldn't be more right.
Remus laughed. "Hahaha, I know you're hungry but let's get you something to wear first. That clothes you've got there is starting to get a lot of attention."
I tilted my head then looked around and noticed a few people giving me looks?
I glanced at my clothes then instantly gets it.
I nodded and Remus took me to a nearby tailor shop and bought a premade clothes using my money.
I just picked something and used it immediately, and after that we headed to our destination.
Soon we arrived at the place.
Just being outside, I can tell how lively it was from the inside. You can practically hear the music outside.
After leaving the horse with a stable boy, we walked in.
The first thing that greeted me was the mouth watering scent of dishes. And the sound of people's voices clashing with the music.
It was certainly lively.
Remus and I sat into an empty stool in front of the counter where we met another friends of Remus.
"Oh, Remus! How have you been!"
In front of us was a woman, not just any woman but probably one of the most beautiful woman I've ever met.
Long dark hair.
Fair skin.
A beauty mark beneath her lips that made her look even more alluring. and a figure that could easily put Earth's models to shame.
Who's this chick?
I turned to Remus, only to see a completely different version of him.
"Hello, Rebecca, I've been good, and you look beautiful as always." Remus said smoothly as he leaned forward.
"Oh my~ Don't say it like that, I'll blush!" The woman placed her hand on her cheeks and giggled.
Then her attention shifted into me. "And, who's this little guy?" She asked, her tone curious.
I instinctively straightened my back at the stare, and smiled like I did not find anything particular good.
It was definitely because I was attracted to her, nope, definitely not. I just straightened my posture because it's..... bad for the health, yeah! That was it!
"Hello there, m'lady." I greeted her.
"Oh my, looks like we have another gentlement here." She said with a chuckle.
"Heh, I found this kid at the forest, he was getting chased by a pack of Marg Dog's."
"Fortunately, I managed to arrive in time before the kid became a dinner of those bastards."
"Oh my! Are you alright? If you feel anything, just say." She looked at me with an extremely worried expression.
Rebecca is a nice woman, she's worried even for someone she only met once.
"I'm alright, but if I feel anything, I'll be sure to tell." I said.
"That's good." She said with a relieved smile. "But, what were you doing there anyway," She suddenly asked.
"Ah, well..."
"Ah, Rebecca," Remus interrupted, gesturing her closer.
She leaned in, and he whispered something.
"I see…" Her expression softened.
She walked towards me and pulled me into her chest.
Ah, I'm glad I died and regressed, I shot Remus a thumbs up from behind.
"There, there, it must've been tough, it's okay now."
Then, I suddenly felt a gaze boring into me.
I looked and it was Remus, he was gesturing his thumb across his throat?
Eh, what happened Remus? I sent you a thumbs up you know?
He mouthed something.
Get, aw..ay?
Then I looked at my position.
Ah, I see... Heh!
I shot him a smirk that seemed to tick him even more, not that I care, hah! You bastard, you must be dreaming about doing this right? Well too bad!
I laughed internally seeing him grit his teeth, but as much as I'd like this to continue, my stomach needs sustenance.
I slowly pushed myself away, although reluctant to remove myself from the paradise, I had to, for my stomach.
"Um, can we order food please? I'm starving."
"Of course, ah you don't have to pay for your meal, it's on the house." Rebecca said with a smile.
"Really?"
She nodded as a response, alright!
"Then can you give me a recommended dish by yours truly."
Rebecca nodded. "Alright, what else?"
"Uh, I guess a desert would be nice, I'll also leave that to you." I said, then turned to Remus who was still, by the way glaring at me.
"As for this guy, Remus why are staring at me like I had killed you're son?"
The moment Rebecca turned to Remus, I saw how a fast a human can instantly change their expression.
"What are you talking about, I'm just thinking." He said with a smile.
Hahaha, thinking he said! You're hundred years too early to beat me buddy! I've played these conversations games before, I'm built different!
"I'll have today's special."
"Alright! But Remus you're paying for yours." Rebecca said with a smile.
Remus was about to protest but as he saw her smile, he held his tongue and reluntatly nodded.
"Good, one on the house and today's special, what do you want for drinks?"
"Just juice and water." I said.
"Give me ale." Remus answered.
"Got it, I'll be right back!" With that she went inside the kitchen.
The moment I confirmed Rebecca was away, I I smirked.
"Hey, hey… what's with that attitude, Remus?" I leaned slightly forward. "You look like someone just stole your future wife."
"Shut it," he shot back immediately. "If I didn't know you're just a kid, I would've busted your head open."
"Oof, violent. And here I thought you were the mature one," I clicked my tongue. "What is it? Jealousy?"
"Hah?" Remus scoffed. "Jealous? Of you?"
"You really just doesn't want to lose to a kid." I said dryly.
"What are you talking about? And besides its because you're a kid, that's why Rebecca is like that."
"Mhm, sure." I nodded with a knowing grin. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."
Remus clicked his tongue, clearly annoyed.
"Kid, girls like Rebecca are different from girls your age!"
"Listen carefully—women like strong men. Confident men. Experienced men." He pointed at himself proudly. "Men like me."
I blinked, This guy is really shameless.
"Alright, alright. So what's the plan then, oh great master of romance?"
Remus smirked, "That's for her to know and for me to find out."
"So in the end, you don't have a plan." I sighed.
"Shut it, I'll win!"
"That's some confidence! Rebecca is a beauty, you know. You must have many competitors."
"Hmph, I'll just defeat them!" Remus puffed his chest. "And besides, with a face like mine, it's only a matter of time."
He's not wrong.
Despite having that kind of personality, Remus is quite good-looking. Even if he seems a bit older, he's still in his late 20s.
"Well, let's hope that dream comes true."
We both stared at each other for a moment then laughed.
A few minutes later, Rebecca arrived along with our food.
"Here it is boys!"
She served each plate in front of us with a smile.
My mouth literally watered as soon as I saw the food. It was practically glowing, like it was calling for me to eat it.
And as soon as I tasted it, it was love at first bite.
My spoon didn't stop and gourged until there was nothing left.
After a few minutes, there was nothing more left in the plate aside from bones.
*Burp!*
I plopped into the wooden counter, full and satisfied.
Rebecca appeared and took our empty plates.
"So how was the food?" She asked.
"It's delicious, give my compliments to the chef!"
Rebecca giggled and nodded. "I'll tell him about it!"
And just as she was about to leave and cater another table, Remus suddenly spoke up.
"Rebecca before you go, can I ask a favor?"
Rebecca paused. "Sure, what is it Remus?"
"You need extra hands at the tavern right?"
"Yeah?" Rebecca nodded, listening.
"Can you hire this kid?" Remus pointed at me, then looked at Rebecca. "Any position will do."
"Remus, yo—"
But before I could finish my words, Remus cut me off.
"Shut it, kid. I know you'll probably say I don't have to do this, but the moment I saved you, you became my responsibility," he said.
"I'm a Danger Beast hunter—a bounty hunter. It's an extremely dangerous job where one mistake can cost a life. I can't take you with me, so I'll leave you with people I know can take care of you."
"You can say I'm just passing that responsibility," he added with a smirk.
This guy...
He looked back at Rebecca.
"So, how about it? Can you take this kid?"
Rebecca nodded with a smile. "I'll talk to the owner. He's a kind man—he'll accept."
"Well, that's that. From now on, you'll work here. Case closed." Remus clapped his hands as if concluding everything.
"You guys... deciding everything for me," I sighed.
These people really just decide things without even asking my opinion.
But despite that... I was happy, because I realized I had met such wonderful people.
"Alright, I'll work in this place from now on," I said.
"That's good."
Remus stood up from his chair.
"Welp, this is it for me, folks."
He offered his hand forward.
"It was nice meeting you, kid. I've never met someone your age who talks so maturely."
"You're leaving already?" I asked.
"Yes, I've got a busy schedule, you see." He winked at me.
"Busy my ass." I snorted in humorous tone, then stared at him with gratitude.
"Once again, thank you—for rescuing me from those Marg Dogs, for the money, the clothes, and the meal."
He waved it off.
"It's nothing. Don't worry about it. Besides, I can't just leave a child to die, right?" He grinned.
"Hahaha, true!" I laughed.
Remus then looked at Rebecca. "Rebecca, I leave this kid to you."
"You don't have to worry about him with us. Worry about yourself—come back alive," she said.
"I'll try my best," Remus replied, then turned around.
"See ya, kid!" he said as he walked out without looking back.
"Yeah... see you later," I said, watching his back gradually disappear.