**Ping! Welcome to the world of Engrasia.**
A translucent blue panel flickered to life before me, shimmering like the surface of a tranquil lake. The panel pulsed rhythmically for a moment, casting an otherworldly glow, then vanished into thin air, leaving a lasting shimmer in my vision.
"Engrasia, huh? I guess I'm really in another world. It wasn't just a dream." My heart raced with both excitement and trepidation as I surveyed my surroundings. It was clear that the goddess hadn't summoned me to a lively metropolis or a glittering castle. Instead, I found myself enveloped by lush greenery stretching endlessly in every direction, a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers and shrubs dancing in the gentle breeze.
"A meadow... hmm, interesting."
I couldn't help but ponder the fates of the other three who had likely been summoned alongside me. Wasn't the typical narrative of heroes being received in the grand throne room of a charming princess a much more glamorous entrance?
Nevertheless, I needed to find civilization. As a level one with no weapon at my side, venturing into the wilderness felt like a reckless gamble—like jumping into a raging river without knowing how to swim.
As I turned my gaze to the left, a faint glimmer caught my eye. A panel lingered at the edge of my vision, pulsing gently and beckoning for my attention.
[Name: Sai]
Species: Human
Age: 17
Level: 1 [00/100]
Mana: [10/10]
**Skills:**
Weapon Mastery (*-one star*) - Grants essential knowledge on wielding any weapon possessed. The principles of combat and weapon affinity are grasped subconsciously.
- Increases weapon handling.
- Reduces weapon deterioration and enhances weapon durability by 10%.
The panel laid bare my newly forged identity in this realm. The name "Sai" felt fitting; it cloaked my identity in a shroud of anonymity, which could be advantageous should I encounter the heroic party. The goddess's words echoed in my mind—gaining skills through leveling up could pose a risk to my disguise, and I shuddered at the thought of the chaos that might ensue.
Absorbing the information, I had unknowingly ventured nearly a mile from my starting point—a decision I now deemed unwise.
"Ah, let's use that." I snapped my fingers, recalling one of the skills I had chosen earlier.
"Let's see... detection." A wave of energy surged from my core, pulsing outward and filling my senses with heightened awareness. I could feel every blade of grass swaying in the light breeze, and even the faintest rustle of insects crawling through the underbrush became a cacophony of sensations.
**-Beep.**
Interesting. I detected a presence about seven meters to my right—an unmistakable signal devoid of hostility. I estimated that at least ten individuals were nearby.
The tall grass concealed my view, but my curiosity was overwhelming. I raced through the wild greens, the soft earth beneath my feet practically swallowing my footfalls in silence.
As I neared the source of the commotion, I slowed to a crouch, parting the dense grass for a better look at the unfolding scene. A dirt road emerged from the thicket, its edges well-trodden, hinting at frequent use.
"Sebas, my butt hurts! Can't we quicken our pace to the city?" A disgruntled feminine voice pierced the tranquil atmosphere with an exasperated lilt.
"Such terms are debasing for a lady," a male voice responded, likely belonging to Sebas, his tone stiff and formal.
"I don't care!" she shot back, her exasperation ringing loud and clear.
Peering through the grass, I spotted a pair of luxurious carriages pulled by powerful stallions, flanked by knights mounted on imposing steeds—an honor guard clearly tasked with escorting noble travelers. One of the knights, seemingly attuned to the muted sounds of the surroundings, suddenly turned his gaze in my direction.
My heart raced, and panic surged through me. I instinctively jerked back, tumbling onto my rear as the gravity of my situation struck me. A vital lesson from countless isekai tales resurfaced in my mind:
**Rule number one:** If you wish to remain inconspicuous, best to avoid those who seem like royalty.
I crouched silently for a few minutes, the echoes of hooves gradually fading into the distance, ensuring I hadn't drawn attention to myself. Once I felt confident it was safe, I carefully inched out of the tall grass and stepped cautiously onto the dirt road, shadowing the direction taken by the carriages.
Fifteen minutes had passed since I set out, and ahead loomed a massive cobblestone wall—was this the city? Just another ten minutes, and I'd reach its imposing gates.
**Ping: Monster slain. A farmer's plague, Ruthless Grasshoppers, has been defeated. Experience gained: {5x10}.**
What just happened? I glanced down at the small splatter of green blood beneath my shoe.
Interesting—killing grasshoppers earns experience? Perhaps it might be wise to level up before reaching the city.
**~time skip~**
[Name: Sai]
Species: Human
Age: 17
Level: 4 [150/700]
Mana: [120/120]
**Skills:**
Weapon Mastery (*-one star*)
*Passive*
- Grants essential knowledge on wielding any weapon possessed. Affinity and combat principles are understood subconsciously.
As I approached the city gates, I was stopped by the guards, who instructed me to touch a glimmering orb that glowed bright against the muted backdrop of the city's walls. It would allow them to assess my status without requiring identification.
And yes, thanks to my unorthodox method of dispatching grasshoppers, I had leveled up to level four—not exactly the most dignified way to gain experience, but effective enough.
The bustling city before me was called Ryuk, the royal capital of the kingdom of Erza. As the guards briefed me, they conveyed that a significant event was unfolding—a parade featuring the summoned heroes at high noon. The streets were alive with energy, and the prospect of blending into such a crowd filled me with both excitement and apprehension.