Side Story 7: I must become stronger!

Side Story 7: I must become stronger!

What kinda fucked up logic is that supposed to be?! Why do I have to do something those old geezers said, huh?! Just give the leader position to that perverted otaku, Mikami. That slimy guy wants it anyways, like a fountain of defiance, Hanazawa spat out complaints and arguments as if she prepared them beforehand.

Elrick calmly took in all her anger, smiling wryly as he neither soothed nor scolded her for the outburst. He was just standing there, nodding when she finished saying something and waited until she started a new sentence.

On the other hand, the others werent taking it too well.

Kyouya kept up a fake smile, showing a polite indifference to everything that is happening right now. He was rolling his eyes, looking away in the distance while he disconnected himself from the situation.

Sakamoto-san watched the scene with a frown, glaring at Hanazawa with cold eyes. Merely glancing at it was enough to send a slight chill down my spine, even though all her hostility was being aimed at the complaining Hanazawa.

Amelia had a hand placed before her mouth but from this angle, I could see that her jaw was slacked open. Her eyes showed none of her bewilderment, perfectly retaining the poker face of an experience noble lady.

Mikami seems to be the one that took it the worse, as Hanazawa couldnt stop including him in her complaints. All the derogatory terms and insults used to describe him made veins appear on his face, quickly pulsating from his increased blood pressure. His bootlicking persona dropped and the bloodlust in his eyes was shooting at Hanazawa.

I followed Kyouya's example and simply shook my head in annoyance and then zoned myself out, waiting for her to stop acting like a bitch. This terrible personality of hers was one of two reasons why everybody at school called her the delinquent.

A lazy attitude coupled with the fact that she will vent her frustration at anybody if they even try to give her anything to do. Any responsibilities that are given to her has a 90% chance of never being finished.

Even Segawa-sensei hated her. She never explicitly said it aloud but the whole class knew that she valued and respected hard-work the most, even if you mess up or have an annoying character trait.

Hanazawa just gives up most of the time.

However, you can still say that its teenage drama, right? She was a terrible student and classmate, but she wasnt failing at school. She always made it through somehow.

You wouldnt call someone a delinquent just because of their bad performance or temper.

Go to hell, Elrick! at that moment, Hanazawa swiped a plant vase from the counter and was about to throw it on the ground, just to be stopped by Elrick who caught her wrist.

Woah, did his hand just teleported?!

Lady Asaka, you may let out your frustration as much as you want. Your role and title must put an extraordinary amount of pressure on you, after all, Elrick took back the vase with his free right hand and placed it back on the counter, releasing his grip on Hanazawas wrist after he was done. However, vandalizing this waiting room? That I cannot permit. Your room is yours to change, but this rooms condition is important for many people.

The second reason is her tendency to break and vandalize public property. She is known to breaking objects to de-stress.

She's not like those violent, bully-type delinquents in shows, but was more like those rebels who make the lives of others just unbearable by existing and breathing. The number of times I heard that her parents had to bail her out couldnt be counted on one hand.

How the hell she even got the title [Saint Candidate] to begin with is questionable. It seems like the Goddess of Light, Aurena must have drunk something when she assigned it to her.

I know you must be angry, but I ask you to bear with it. The bishops' decisions cannot be disputed even with your authority, Elrick said with a troubled expression.

Then go tell them that I wont compromise, Hanazawa kept shoving her finger into Elricks breastplate, shouting close enough that I bet some spit got onto it.

Elrick, an unmovable bastion against everything Hanazawa has to say, kept up his smile like he was used to it, I will do that if you ask that of me, Lady Asaka. However, I must inform you that the chances are very slim. It will be more productive for us to form your party now.

Kudos to him. I would have flicked her off by now.

Dont say that its my party! it seems like Hanazawa still has the energy to continue this mentally straining quarrel. You just cant stop trying to put pressure and responsibilities on me, it seems. I told you this time and time again that

Will you shut up! my annoyance has finally reached its boiling point. Can you do something else besides complaining? None of us wants you to be the leader but were accepting it because our lives are made easier when we accept the churchs decisions. All you need to do as the leader is to exist and activate the experience sharing function.

Everybodys gazes were directed at me, but I continued staring Hanazawas eyes down, instead of acknowledging everybody elses.

Hanazawas jaw was slacked open, not expecting somebody else to intrude into their feud. However, given a few seconds, her brain rebooted, and she returned to shooting her words out, this time aimed at me, Why the hell are you getting into my business, Nagata? Just shut your mouth and go outside and swing that stupid long spear of yours. Thats all you can do anyways.

At least Im doing something compared to you, I rebuked.

What about that first month where you were just a recluse, huh? Now youre trying to berate me for something that I dont want to do? Fuck off hypocrite, however her words stung harder than mine.

Kyouya noticing that I couldn't speak back, opened his mouth to support me, "Hanazawa-san, Tatsuya might have been practically useless in the first month but he's bettering himself now. That's all that counts."

Nagata-kun is at least responsible compared to you, my eyes opened when Sakamoto-san came to my support, too. You made us wait 2 hours, 41 minutes, and 51 seconds exact, and now youre delaying everybody with your stupid tantrum. Miss Amelia cant get back to work because youre making a big fuss!

I thought it was a rumor, but can she really count every second?

Despite it being inconsiderate, my eyes couldnt stop staring at Sakamoto-san, who was like a little clock. I made a mental note to give her all the math problems that we will have as a party in the future.

Im not a big fan of yours too, Hanazawa, however, from the side, Mikami spoke, having finally found his chance to say his mind. I have literally better things to do than to stay here and listening to your braindead insults, but I need that party set up. It doesnt even cost you anything to do it, besides pressing eight buttons!

We dont need you to be our leader, Mikamis argument was the perfect segue for me to continue speaking. We only need you to let us use the experience sharing function and not to get chastised by the church. We really cant give a shit about you.

To others, it might look like three dudes and one small girl bullying a single girl butactually, this is exactly what we are doing.

We are ganging up against her, pressuring her to do something she doesn't want to do, while also insulting her. However, I really do think that we are in the right to do this. She is acting selfishly for such a mundane reason as "I don't want to take responsibility" without even considering a solution to it, except to shout as loud as she could.

Tchfine whatever, Hanazawas flustered face had a bead of cold sweat drip down to her chin, as she finally caved in. If you want your fucking party that badly then you can have it! Just remember that you did not pressure me into doing this, but that I was nice enough to do it for you.

Fuck off with that shitty attitude of yours, I said to myself. How can anybody think this person is a saint, huh? Even her unique skill [Saints Wrath] is heresy for traditional RPG saints.

Hanazawa, as she agreed to, quickly formed a party and invited us all into the party, then activated the experience sharing function according to Elrick's instructions.

It really looked like she could cry at any second during this whole process. There was nothing tough about this delinquent. Shes just a stupid adolescent girl with an attitudewhich we now all have to deal with

Name: Tatsuya Nagata

Level: 0

Job: Fighter

Health: 341/341

Mana: 79/79

Stamina: 205/205

Party Leader

Name: Asaka Hanazawa

Level: 0

Job: Caster

Health: 328/328

Mana: 234/234

Stamina: 219/219

Name: Kyouya Ishigami

Level: 0

Job: Fighter

Health: 413/413

Mana: 87/87

Stamina: 317/317

Name: Haruka Sakamoto

Level: 0

Job: Scout

Health: 257/257

Mana: 146/146

Stamina: 204/204

Name: Daichi Mikami

Level: 0

Job: Caster

Health: 284/284

Mana: 165/165

Stamina: 104/104

The Misfit party has finally been formed...yay.

Therehappy? all four of us decisively nodded simultaneously to Hanazawas question, which clearly shocked her. Whateverjust leave me alone now.

She was about to leave when she was once again stopped by Elrick, Lady Asaka, please have patience for just a bit longer. You still need to update your Jobs. I would also like to announce that from today onwards, you are allowed to use the Crystal of the Divine System in the knights garrison to your leisure.

Hanazawa grunted, shook her head in defeat, then sloppily walked over to Crystal of the Divine System and pressed her hand against it.

It glowed its distinct white to signify it was being activated. Hanazawa called out "I choose the Job [Cleric] followed by a confirming Yes.

There, Im doneso can I go back to my room, now? her face was devoid of energy, the result for her unnecessary childish tantrum. Or do I have to wait for these clowns to finish, first?

Elrick's silent smile was enough of an answer. Hanazawa sighed, lacking the energy to start another argument, and walked over to one of the couches in the room and plopped herself on it.

Ignoring our leader, the three others in my party started choosing their new Jobs.

From the explanations that I received, Jobs are exactly what you would imagine a class or profession from an RPG would do for you, in this case, it increases certain stats, grants you new skills, and spells or weapon abilities.

Besides in some special cases, you may only change your Job by interacting with a crystal of the divine system. From what I learned, there are starting classes like my [Fighter] and Sakamoto-sans [Scout] and as we progress forward, more advance classes would unlock.

While the other three were choosing their new Jobs, I took the opportunity to ask Elrick for his status board as a reference to mine. He gave me his ID with his usual smile, not dropping it in public at all costs.

Placing it on my bracelets chain, the blue screen with Elricks status board appeared before me.

Elrick's Status Board

Profile:

Name: Elrick von Karstein

Level: 41

Race: Human

Age: 21 Years

Job: Paladin

Status:

Health: 1199/1199 Mana: 792/792 Strength: 531 Intelligence: 543 Vitality: 737 Wisdom: 704 Agility: 491 Stamina: 811/811 Effects: None Skill: Magic Skill and related

[Mana Efficiency Lv. 2]

[Mana Control Lv. 5]

[Arcane Mind Lv. 4]

[Holy Magic Lv. 5]

[Water Magic Lv. 3]

[Chant Revocation Lv. 1]

Physical skill and related

[Sword Technique Lv. 7]

[Sword Mastery Lv. 5]

[Spear Technique Lv. 5]

[Spear Mastery Lv. 4]

[Archery Technique Lv. 3]

[Archery Mastery Lv. 2]

[Shield Technique Lv. 5]

[Shield Mastery Lv. 4]

[Unarmed Technique Lv. 1]

[Sundering Enhancement Lv. 4]

[Piercing Enhancement Lv. 2]

[Crushing Enhancement Lv. 2]

Senses and movement skill Resistances Stat growths and related Other Ability List: Job abilities Sword abilities Spear abilities Achery abilities Shield abilities Spell List: Job spells Custom spells Holy spells Water spells

Main Job Benefits: None

Meh, disappointing choices.

To have Jobs available for you to pick, you have to fulfill certain requirements. Most of the time it all depends on how far your status board has progressed but Jobs like [Knight] or [Paladin] requires you to be knighted.

It's a bit daunting to imagine the number of Jobs that are possible, but that's where the fun starts. The thought of unlocking a rare or unique class has piqued my interest enough that I need to start planning things out when I finally level up.

I choose the Job [Spearman], I called out.

Will you change your Job to [Spearman]?

Instead of a confirmation screen appearing on the crystal, I received a message from the System to confirm my choice.

Yes.

Individual [Human, Tatsuya Nagata] has acquired Job [Spearman]

Attributes have increased due to Job acquirement

Multiple acquisition requirements fulfilled. [Enhanced Agility Growth Lv. 1] [Enhanced Stamina Growth] acquired

Proficiency requirement fulfilled. [Spear Technique Lv. 3] evolved into [Spear Technique Lv. 4]

Will you set Job [Spearman] as your Main Job?

Yes.

Individual [Human, Tatsuya Nagata] has switched his Main Job to [Spearman]

Main Job benefits have been updated due to Job change

In this world, every skill has a breakpoint where you cant increase that skills level any further without fulfilling a requirement to break through it.

Usually, it's something extremely inconvenient and annoying to do. For example, my [Spear Technique] will only breakthrough to level four if I kill a certain number of enemies by using my spear abilities.

Our combat instructors explained that we have to reduce the enemys Health to zero with something like [Pierce] or [Flash Spiral], otherwise it wouldn't count. Like every RPG, some game mechanics just have to have some tedious requirement to unlock something.

Urgh, usually I hate it when game designers implement these things into something, just to prolong gameplay. At least, this requirement can be fulfilled, naturally, from just playingI-I mean, fighting.

Yeah, fighting

Anyways, besides naturally fulfilling the requirement, there is also the option of breaking through by changing your Job and gaining the proficiency bonus from them.

While the System doesn't show you the "proficiency bar" and how far you have progressed in it, we do know that it exists. The System says it, after all.

Proficiency requirement fulfilled, thats exactly what the System told me when my skill [Spear Technique] evolved.

Logically, you can interpret something from this. To upgrade a skill, you need to increase the proficiency of the skill to its maximum amount, while fulfilling any breakthrough requirement.

However, it seems you can completely avoid this using the Job System. By just acquiring a new Job, I was able to avoid killing anything to level [Spear Technique] up.

There is also the Skill Point System that we [Otherworldly Visitors] have. I bet we can avoid the tediousness of the System with that, too.

Once you acquire a Job, it will be saved in your Job history and you can freely switch to any that you have already acquired. Some Jobs also have Job specific skills, abilities, and spells that can only be granted when its your main Job.

The "Main Job" is the one that is shown on your status board, ID, and party UI. While it is smart to gather as many Jobs as you can, sometimes it is better to strive for quality and to unlock advance Jobs for the actual OP stuff.

Elricks [Paladin] is a prime example of this, granting him three extra abilities and two new spells.

Alright, everybody is finished, so goodbye! jumping off the couch, Hanazawa made her way out of the room with unrestrained speed.

Lady Asaka, I must escort you, so I beg you to wait for me outside, upon hearing that, Hanazawa stopped for a moment and groaned.

Hurry up, or Ill leave you behind, she muttered while she left.

After she left, I could hear Amelia mumble So, thats the other saintess before she flinched back from the gaze of Elrick. She bid us farewell and then went back to her paperwork.

The rest of us also started to leave the room, now that we were done here. However, before I could leave the room, Elrick called out to me while filling out a document on the counter. This was likely the report that he must hand to his superiors.

Lord Tatsuya, I have something to ask of you, putting his feather pen down for a second, he turned to me, now without his usual business-like smile.

I unconsciously tensed up myself from this sharp eyes, "What is it, Sir Elrick?"

I would like to say that I disapprove of your actions towards Lady Asaka, today, his expression was stern, ready to scrutinize whatever I will say to his words. As you must know, the holy state of the church of Aurena, Aureolis, worship the Goddess of Light as their main god. We take our faith very seriously and holy magic practitioners are very respected here.

He stopped his speech for a second to resume a praying pose, before continuing, It goes without saying that people that bear the Goddess of Lights blessing in the form of a title, like [Saint Candidate], are worshipped as if they are our goddess representative on human grounds. Once the commoners learn of Lady Asakas role as a saint candidate, then they will not take it lightly if somebody spreads hearsay about her.

He stopped praying, opened his eyes and curved his lips back into his noble smile, I know Lady Asakas brash personality, so I will not fault you for your outburst, however, I would like to ask that you not do this again, especially in public eyes. Even the church cannot save you from this sort of misunderstanding.

A chill ran down my spine, I could feel my forehead wet from cold sweat. Elricks cold gaze and harsh words stirred both my body and imagination into action.

His words pierced my mind, sending forth images of peasant mobs chasing me down with pitchforks and torches, trying to punish me for speaking out against Hanazawa. They will not stop until I was ashes.

I gulped from that very thought and the fear that was assaulting my soul right now.

Only once we enter the Empire or the other human Kingdoms, will you not have to fear being burned on a stake. However, while we are in Aureolis, you must take care of what you say. A Hero is nothing compared to a Saint here, a shock went through my body when he placed a hand on my shoulder. I will protect you as much as I can, but you must remember that my real orders are to protect Lady Asaka and Lady Aiko. That is my duty as a knight of Aurena.

Thanks for the warningI guess? Still, with your strength, you could have simply stated a threat. You didnt have to explain everything to me, I said while trying to form a smile as best as I could.

"Threats are counterproductive if I wish to make allies for myself and my house. Your potential to outgrow me is obvious, and this is a great way for me to have you owe me a favor," he released his hand my shoulder and threw away all the tension that he had just a while ago. "I am not your enemy, Lord Tatsuya. Your role in opposing the demonkins aligns with my goal to protect Aureolis and my home. Besides, if you don't cause any problems then I bet even his majesty, the Emperor, will support you. Suppress your emotions and think of all the benefits you may reap."

He he, that does sound good, although the tension in my body hasnt vanished yet, the lack of Elricks pressuring aura gave me some room to say something. However, I think most of us want to leave this world once we are done with our task. I personally wish to taste a certain beverage in my world, again.

Elrick nodded for a moment, content with my answer, That is alright. I hope we will have a pleasant cooperation, Hero Tatsuya Nagata.

He went back to filling out his document, finally dismissing me.

My legs automatically dragged my body out of the building. My mind was solely occupied with fleeing the scene, that I registered nothing else. I didnt know how I got out, I didnt know if the garrisons lounge was empty or not, I didnt know if Elrick even watched me walk out.

Oi, Tatsuya! I woke up with an Ah! after somebody grabbed me by the shoulder. Dude, your gambeson is completely soaked in sweat. How the hell is that possible?!

I turned my head around, noticing my best friend Kyouya wiping my sweat off his hand. The sight of his disgusted face and struggle to clean his hand was amusing enough to release all the tension inside me.

I sighed in relief but both my breathing and heartbeat still needed time to calm down, "God damn, it's good to see you again, Kyouya."

Hold, on! Dont hug me, dude! Kyouya took out the shield that he, for some reason, always carries around and presses it against my body, blocking my hug. What the fuck is wrong with you?

Hearing him say that made me finally burst out in laughter, Ha ha, nothing, nothing. It was just so hot in that room just nowhuh? Where is Sakamoto-san?

Kyouyas suspicion wasnt completely gone but he understood that I didnt want to answer what happened when I talked with Elrick, She went back to Aiko and the other girls. If youre curious, Mikami went back to his mage training and Hanazawa went back to her room, after waiting for 5 minutes.

Well, I guess thats better for me.

Well, whatever, come on lets go, I told Kyouya.

Huh? Wait! Explain yourself before telling me to follow you somewhere," he called me out before I could walk off. "I have other things to do too, Tatsuya. You can't always drag me around wherever you want?"

"Pff, as if you have anything interesting to do. You only want to go back to Sakamoto-san," my words obviously caught him off-guard. "We have something more important to do that your little friendship-making, bro."

Kyouya's face was obviously annoyed that I mentioned his stuff with Sakamoto-san but I ignored it, "What is so important that we have to do it now? he asked.

We are departing the church for the dungeon in two days, Monday, or Fireday, will be the day that we will finally enter our first dungeon, as tomorrow is Restday. We have to train ourselves before then, Kyouya. We need to become stronger as soon as possible. No slacking off anymore."

Kyouya was silently contemplating my words, trying to understand what I meant with it, That important, huh? Coffee isnt the only thing driving you forwards anymore, huh?

I gave a nod to his response, "We absolutely need to become stronger to survive in the future. At all costs!"

Kyouya shrugged to my answer but began following me nonetheless, saying A bit of prep before the big day sounds like a good idea making me smile as we began making our way towards our chambers to grab the rest of our gear.

I need to become stronger. Much stronger than Elrick. Even stronger than the Knight-Commander!

I will not be burned on a stake in this world!

_____________________________________________

Hestia's Status Board at the time this chapter happened

Profile:

Name: *

Level: 0

Race: Young Dragon

Age: 0 Months

Status:

Health: 100/100 Mana: 302/302 Strength: 46 Intelligence: 39 Vitality: 26 Wisdom: 30 Agility: 66 Stamina: 47/47 Effects: None Skill Points: 550 Skill: Magic skill and related

[Mana Control Lv. 3]

[Holy Magic Lv. 4]

[Fire Magic Lv. 3]

[Earth Magic Lv. 3]

[Primal Magics]

Physical skill and related

[Mana Strike Lv. 2]

[Enhanced Claws Lv. 1]

[Enhanced Fangs Lv. 1]

Senses and movemetn skill

[Stealth Lv. 5]

[Enhanced Enemy Sense Lv. 3]

[Evasion Lv. 1]

Resistances

[Physical Resistance Lv. 3]

[Pain Resistance Lv. 3]

[Holy Resistance Lv. 1]

[Fire Resistance Lv. 1]

[Earth Resistance Lv. 1]

Stat growths and related

[Enhanced Mana Growth Lv. 2]

[Enhanced Strength Growth Lv. 1]

[Enhanced Intelligence Growth Lv. 1]

[Enhanced Agility Growth Lv. 1]

Other

[Identify Lv. 3]

[Cooking Lv. 2]

[Dismantle Lv. 2].

Spell List: Holy spell

[Minor Heal]

[Cure]

[Modest Heal]

[Smite]

Fire spell

[Fire]

[Firebolt]

[Imbue Fire]

Earth spell

[Earth Wall]

[Rock Blast]

[Earth Strike]

The Light spell

[Shine]

Titles:

[The Light] [Bearer of Kargryxmors Blood] [Otherworldly Reincarnator]