The old man's voice trembled as he looked at Fyar. His eyes darted, looking from the young man's strange clothes to the four lifeless bodies lying on the road. His expression showed both fear and awe.
"A-adventurer? S-sir? A-are you the one who killed them all?"
Fyar sighed. "I already told you who I am. Why ask again?" He paused for a moment, then said flatly, "Yes, I'm the one who killed them."
Scratching his head, he continued in a more relaxed tone. "So, can you take me to the city? And give me a little money?"
"Of course, Sir! Of course!" The old man scrambled to his feet. He immediately bowed deeply as a sign of gratitude. The girl next to him copied her father's movement and also bowed her head. "Thank you so much for saving me and my daughter!"
"Alright," Fyar answered briefly, his gaze shifting between the old man and the girl.
The old man then began to drag one of the bandit's corpses from the carriage to move it to the side of the road. Fyar watched him for a moment, then his eyes moved to two other bodies lying on the ground. He thought, I can take the money from their pockets. Should I?
He considered it. This is just a dream. Even if I get punished, it won't have any effect in the real world. Alright, I'll just take it. I'll do whatever I want here. Fyar's heart beat a little faster. The feeling wasn't fear, but a sense of excitement from being able to act freely. To him, a dream like this was a form of entertainment.
He walked over to one of the bodies and began to check the pockets of its clothes. He found a small leather pouch that felt heavy. Inside were a hundred gold coins, a stone that emitted a dim blue light, and a knife with a dragon carving on its hilt.
Bandits have things this nice? Fyar thought. My assumptions about them were wrong. Or maybe this design exists because this is my dream. A small smile formed on his face.
He looked over at the old man who was still busy moving the second body. "Old man," Fyar called out, pointing to the two bodies near him. "May I take the money and items from them?"
"Of course, Sir," the old man answered nervously. "I won't forbid it. Besides, you were the one who killed them."
Fyar nodded and then checked the other two bodies. He found fifty-nine more gold coins, a plain knife, and a few small stones. In addition to that, he also found a palm-sized metal emblem shaped like a black skull. The object felt cold against his skin.
What is this? A magical item? Or some kind of identification? Fyar observed the emblem. Don't tell me I killed members of an organization. Even in a dream, I have to deal with this kind of thing. He let out a soft sigh.
He decided to ask. Holding up the emblem, he said, "Old man, do you know what this is?"
The old man's reaction was drastic. His face immediately became very pale. His eyes widened as he stared at the emblem in Fyar's hand.
"T-that's?"
"Throw it away! Throw it as far as you can!" the silver-haired girl suddenly screamed in a panicked tone. She took a step back, her eyes fixed on the emblem in terror. "We have to get out of here right now! They might be coming soon!"
Seeing their panic, Fyar didn't ask any further questions. He threw the emblem far into the bushes. After that, he helped the old man carry the remaining bodies into the forest so they wouldn't be seen from the road.
Once they were finished, Fyar climbed into the back of the carriage. The old man sat in the front to drive, while Fyar sat facing the white-haired woman. The carriage began to move. The sky on the western horizon changed color to orange and purple. Fyar looked at the sky, thinking about his life and how he could be having such a vivid dream.
After a while, he turned his attention to the girl in front of him. The sunset light illuminated her face. Her skin looked smooth, her eyelashes were long, and her hair was white. Her lips were slightly reddish. She's very beautiful, Fyar thought.
After thinking that, Fyar felt confident enough to start a conversation.
"What's your name?" he asked, his tone and expression as flat as usual.
The girl seemed a little startled. "C-Cyhas. My name is Cyhas," she answered softly. "I'm a merchant and also a level seven healing magic user."
Level? Magic? Healer? Fyar processed the information. This world is like a game. I have to ask more without making them suspicious. He then got an idea. He paused for a moment, then placed his fingers on his chin.
"I've lost my memory," he said, his voice deliberately made heavier and his face showing a confused expression. "I woke up in the forest and realized my powers were gone. I only remember how to use this thing in my hand." He showed his weapon. "This is what killed the four bandits. Can you explain what levels and healers are? Your explanation might help me remember."
Cyhas's expression changed to one of pity. "You've lost your memory? And your powers are gone? That must be difficult for you," she said gently.
Fyar remained silent, letting Cyhas accept his story.
Cyhas then explained. "A level is a measure of strength. The higher a person's level, the stronger they are. But, leveling up is very difficult. That's why only a few people have levels above thirty. They are usually royal guards, great adventurers, or dangerous criminals. A healer is my ability to mend wounds. Since I'm only level seven, I can only heal minor injuries."
Fyar listened intently. "I see. Is there a way to get my powers back? And, are there people with no powers at all, like level zero?"
"Level zero? No. As far as I know, everyone is born with power. It's very rare for someone to be born without any. As for getting your powers back, I don't know," Cyhas replied. "I've never studied it. Maybe you can ask the adventurers in the city, or the head of the adventurer's association there."
"I see," Fyar replied briefly. He felt a little disappointed. The dream might end before I get to try, he thought.
He looked at Cyhas again, this time observing her more closely. Cyhas felt uncomfortable being watched like that and averted her gaze.
"W-what is it, Sir Fyar?" she asked hesitantly.
A small smile appeared on Fyar's usually flat face.
"I think you're beautiful, Cyhas. I'm just admiring you."
"Eh?" Cyhas's face immediately turned red from shock and confusion. She didn't know what to say.
In the front of the carriage, Eutas coughed loudly.