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 same guy that had saved me from earlier, he introduced himself just a few moments ago.
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 bizarre for him.
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.
Instead, I told him I had lost my memories and that I woke up in the forest just before being chased by that pack of Marg Dogs.
It was complete nonsense, I know.
But I couldn't exactly say, "Hey, I'm from another world."
That explanation seemed good enough for him.
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 exactly catch them all.
Every Danger Beast was 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 were extremely rare and apparently, they didn't usually go out of their way to hunt humans.
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 despite being stiff and all, but If you got to know him, he was actually pretty relaxed and easy to talk to.
After traveling for quite a while, we finally arrived at the town.
The first thing I noticed was the walls.
Massive cobbled 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 greeted Remus.
"Oh, You're back Remus?! Looks like you've got a lot in here!"
"Nah, Just lucky." Remus replied.
"Hm? Who's this kid?" The guard asked, then he looked at Remus and paused. "Wait, Don't tell he's your son?"
"Heck no, I found this kid at the forest. Almost got eaten by these Marg Dog's." Remus said pointing at the corps behind him.
"Hi?" I scratched my head awkwardly.
"What?" The guard blinked.
"Luckily, I arrived on time and, so far he did not have any injuries aside from few nicks, here and there."
The guard stared at me.
"You're lucky kid,"
Th other guard nodded.
"Any child your age would've been just bones right now."
I'm glad I survived...
I don't want to be just bones yet.
Remus exchanged a few more pleasantries with the guards before we moved on.
There were people waiting in line behind us after all.
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.
It was incredible.
It really felt like I had stepped into medieval times.
Along the way, quite a lot a people greeted Remus, which was surprising.
Is this guy really popular here?
When I asked Remus why he was well known, he replied he grew up here and he knew most people that lives here, they were basically his second family.
Hearing that I nodded, that made sense.
Speaking of family, I couldn't help but think about my parents and my sister..
I know I died, although some part of me refused to. I still have a family waiting for me back home.
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?" As if noticing my mood, Remus 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!"
*Churn~*
At the mention of food, all of the bad things in my mind vanished for a moment.
"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.
Soon we arrived at a nearby tavern.
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.
Ah~ I'm even more hungry.
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 face that could rival a goddess.
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."
"Are you alright? If you feel anything, just say."
Rebecca is a nice woman, she's worried even for someone she only met once.
"What were you doing there anyway," She suddenly asked.
"Ah, well..."
"Well, this kid apparently had no memory as to why he was there to begin with."
Nice follow Remus!
"I see.." Rebecca stared at me with warm gaze.
She walked towards me and pulled me into her chest.
Ah, I'm glad I died and regressed.
"There, there, it must've been tough, it's okay now."
Then I felt a stare, I looked into that direction.
It was Remus, and he was looking at me with a teasing and understanding look.
That irked me, don't lump me together with you.
I slowly pushed myself away, although reluctant to remove myself from the paradise, I had to, for dignity and pride.
"M'lady, can we order food please? My-"I glanced at Remus then continued."- friend and I are tired, we just fended off a disaster you see."
"Oh my? Is that so?" Rebecca giggled. "Well, I shall obliged. What would you want?"
"Surprise me." I said with a grin. "Bring me a recommended dish by yours truly."
Rebecca stared at me for a moment, hesitation evident in her eyes.
"Are you sure? My recommendation might not be on your taste."
"That's alright," I said confidently. Then looked at Remus who was staring at me with awe. " As for this guy, Remus close your mouth, a fly might enter."
Remus closed his mouth, then glared at me but ignored it. Hahaha, you're hundred years too early to beat me buddy! I've played these conversations games before, I'm built different!
"As for me, Rebecca. Can you get me today's special."
"Alright! One recommendationa 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.
I looked at Remus with a smirk. "Hey, hey, what's with that attitude Remus? Eh?"
"Shut it kid, aren't you also the same as me?"
"Non, non, non. Unlike you remus. I'm not a simp. I know how to talk to girls, not like you."
"Heh? What do you know?" Remus snorted. "Kid, girls like Rebecca are different from girls your age! Listen, women likes strong men."
"Men who are able to provide for them!"
"Mark my words, one day, I'll make her say yes!"
I laughed.
"Wowoow! That's some confidence! Rebecca is beauty you know, you must have many competitors!"
"Hmph, I'll just defeat them! And besides, as handsome as me. Who even refuse!"
He's not wrong.
Remus is quite good looking, despite looking quite old. He's still in his late 20s.
"Well, let's hope that dream come true."
We both laughed at that.
A few minutes later, our food arrived and we both gourged until our stomach became bloated.
I plopped into the wooden counter, I'm full and satisfied. The food here is extremely delicious.
"What did I say, this place is good!" Remus laughed as he picked his teeth.
"Haha, you're right." I agreed.
It was truly a good place.
"So?" Remus dropped the mug of ale on the counter. "What are your plans now?"
I paused. "Plans?"
"Yes, our agreement is I bring you here in this town, and I did. I even gave you money and paid for your meal."
"From now on, what are your plans?"
Huh, I haven't really thought about that.
I guess It must've slipped into my mind as I enjoyed myself.
"I.... I don't really know." I said honestly.
"Everything is still unfamiliar to me, the people, the danger beasts, the money."
"I don't have family to take care of me, and even if there is, they are not here."
"I don't have any idea, what's going on now or how am I going to start this..."
"Hmm...Is that so?"
"Yeah," I stared silent.
"Then, I'll ask another question. What do you want to do?"
What do I want to do?
"Live,"
"Aside from that?"
"Find a job?"
"And?"
"And...." Then I remember the scene from earlier. "I guess, I want to learn how to fight?"
Remus smiled, "Then, why don't you become my assistant?"
"Assistant?" I raised my head.
"Yeah, I'm a Danger Beast Hunter, I hunt Danger beast for a living and sell their valuables."
"It is a dangerous job and it's not something anyone can do."
"But if it's you, I think you have enough courage to do that."
I paused and looked up to him.
"Do I really have that courage you spoke of?" I asked.
Remus grinned.
"If you did not, I wouldn't have offered and besides, you said you want job, and learn how to fight right? I can teach you those things."
"So, what do you say?"
I smiled, then laughed.
"What do you want me to say?! Of course! I accept!"