Why the hell did you have to go and do something so stupid!?

If you want to be the hero, then at least play the part and come back alive…

WHY! WHY! WHY! WHY! WHY! This isn't how things should have turned out!

This was supposed to be a fun new adventure for all of us… Why did you have to go and mess it up, you idiot.

How the hell am I supposed to tell your wife and daughter… I don’t even know them.

I couldn’t save him…

Of course you couldn’t save him, you’re useless, you’re garbage.

The starry night became a great blur as a new stream of tears flowed freely down his face.

“Hiro, are you still awake?” Kichirou said in a soft whisper, any louder and the distortion could be heard in his voice.

“Yea, who would be able to sleep after that…”

“Right...”

“I need to know…” With a heavy sigh Furuya continued: “What in the world happened to Ryuta?”

They do all deserve to know, and it’s always better to know even though it meant they had to share the pain.

“When I—when I got there… He—he was still alive, bleeding out from his stomach,” he paused and drew a deep breath before continuing : “I held his hand, at the end…”

He sat up and almost shuddered when he saw the fury in Furuya’s tear filled eyes.

“It was those guys from Bereene wasn’t it, going around taking the lives of innocent women and children… even Ryuta...”

“I don't know, whoever did that to Ryuta was already gone by the time I got there. The area was littered with corpses of those assassins that came with the raiders and there was also a bunch of armoured knights who were probably with the Debouf family. If I had to bet on it, it was most likely one of those assassins.”

“Assassins?”

“Well, it's just from their appearance. I had a run in with a bunch of them at the Debouf manor.”

Another voice joined in, surprising the pair, it was Zakin. They had almost forgotten he was there.

“What were you doing at the Debouf manor? Were things under control there?”

Of course he was awake, he’s still driving the carriage, and as Kichirou expected, the man was interested in the affairs at the Debouf manor.

There were a million things he wanted to ask the man, but that conversation was better saved for just between the two of them. It's probably for the better that Furuya didn’t know about this, and considering everyone in the carriage was still awake as well, this certainly wasn’t the time nor the place.

“The manor wasn’t doing that well, it was overrun by the invaders.”

The image of the bloody hallway, along with at least twenty defenders of the manor scattered across flashed before his mind.

Not my fault though, they did it to themselves.

“Is that so…”

“Shiro when the hell did all that happen!?” Furuya eyed him like a concerned parent.

Kichirou sighed before answering: “It's a long story, the important thing is me and Schnee are fine at least.”

“Yea but not Ryuta… we can't even give him a proper burial or send off…”

That look on Furuya’s face, he knew it well, there was something Furuya was holding back to not hurt him. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what it was, the reason for Ryuta’s untimely death was due to Kichirou dilly dallying and being caught in the eye of the storm.

If only he protected Schnee and got her home safely, Ryuta wouldn’t have been out there looking for him.

A bringer of pain, a lemon only serves as a burden for everyone else around it.

Kichirou clenched his chest just to feel that it was still there and kept himself in check.

“The whole area was burning, his body was caught up in it. I couldn’t get him out of there...”

“There’s bound to be some way we can find out who was responsible for his death.”

“There probably will be ways, but it’s not going to be a good idea to be involved in that world. It’s just too dangerous… and if anything happens it might come back to haunt all of us.”

“I can't believe this, those people murdered our friend and you want us to just hold our heads down and let it go!?”

He wasn't there, he didn't see it. This world is filled with dangerous elements, and the peak of humanity here is far greater than our comprehension. There was no telling how strong Swizze was compared to the apex of this new world, but if whoever was responsible for that scene left behind is even remotely close to Swizze’s level, then only death would await them.

Not to mention, if they wanted any resemblance of their normal life to remain the way it was, they must absolutely focus on finding a way home, as quickly as possible.

If he were to compare this to a video game, and normalized progression is linear, it would take thousands—if not tens of thousands of hours dedicated to the craft alone. It could take Furuya years before even hoping to be a match for someone of Swizze’s calibre, and they just don't have the time to wait around. He had to dissuade this notion before it goes any further.

“I'm not saying to let it go, just leave it to the authorities. Just like back home, you’re not going to go after criminals yourself, there's a system in place for that.”

“I can't believe what I'm hearing here, you of all people should understand this Kichirou, this isn't our world, the same rules don't apply, on top of that if the two countries are headed for war, why would they ever punish their own for killing the enemy?”

Of course, Furuya was right, there will be no justice for Ryuta and that’s the ugly reality of it. It's not like he didn't want to avenge his friend, there’s nine more lives in consideration here, they need to keep everyone safe.

“Hiro, this isn’t a discussion, we’re not going after them, it’s way out of our pay grade. We don't know anything about those guys, and you want to pick a fight with people who are definitely out of our league?”

“But…”

“Your friend’s right you know, those men who dabble in darkness are not to be trifled with. From what I heard the assassination units from Bereene are their own organization with mostly swords for hire. It's times like this where as hard as it must be for you, it's better to move on.”

Furuya sighed heavily and laid down staring at the sky.

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“So then what are we supposed to do? How am I supposed to live with myself, knowing that the one who murdered him is still free and out there somewhere. I should have gone with him, I…” He looked like he still had something to say, but thought about it and ended up murmuring to himself.

It must be very hard for him, judging from their social media posts they were still hanging out from time to time.

Then again it's going to be hard for everyone, we were all so close back then.

Who would it be harder on, the close friend who learned of his death, or a once close friend who was there at the scene. Without a doubt in his mind, it would be the ladder, no matter how many years they were apart, seeing someone who used to mean so much pass away in your arms was too much.

Just thinking about it made his heart numb.

“This place is dangerous, we really need to be more careful from here on out, to not get caught in something like this again. I had to hold him. The look—the look of terror in his eyes... there was nothing I could do for him, I had to watch as life slowly slipped away from him.”

“The fault lies with me, I shouldn't have let him come with me. I should’ve—” Zakins apology was cut short.

“No,” Furuya interjected: “He went out on his own accord, it's not anyone’s fault, but you’re both right on one thing. We need to be smarter, I can't avenge him.” Not yet anyways, his face seemed to say.

There's no way around this, he couldn't convince Furuya when his mind was set to something, he was gonna go for it one hundred percent.

Knowing him, even in a situation like this, he’s going to accomplish his goals one way or another. Having a goal and working relentlessly towards it, that was the difference, it was always what set the two of them apart.

The odds of them being able to return home is slim to none anyways, when he really thought about it, it's not like it really matters how Furuya chooses to live his life in this new world.

What should I aim towards then?

Back to the same old question, just like back at home.

“So then what's the plan once we get to the capital?”

“Before all of this, I was thinking about moving to the capital. So I bought a new place to set up shop there not too long ago, luckily I did. We will have a home to stay at. You guys can all work for me there too if you'd like, you’ll have a place to stay and some money while you search the archives in the library.”

The library, that's right. That's where they were supposed to go as the first step to find a way back home… all together…

Wait a second, this world is like a video game with spells and monsters, of course, how did I not think of this sooner!

When magic and spells are involved that means there must be the existence of resurrection magic, of course it would still have its limitations, like in some mangas, the body must be preserved, or that they just need a physical body for the revived soul. None of that even matters now since it's all theoretical, but as long as there's even the slightest chance of Ryuta being brought back to life, there’s hope.

“Zakin! Does resurrection magi..”

“No!” Zakin interrupted before he even had the chance to finish the question.

“It doesn't, and don't bother pursuing it.”

The way he had raised his voice, it was something rather unexpected, almost like a parent scolding a child when they ask something stupid, but are still too young to comprehend the reason behind it.

Even Furuya was surprised at the way Zakin had spoken, he must have thought that there was some merit in what Kichirou said as well.

“How can you be so sure? There are sure to be people out there developing new spells and the likes, theoretically speaking it shouldn't be impossible.”

“It’s something that does not exist and will never exist.”

“How could you be so adamantly about this if you know there are spells outside of your knowledge?”

The two of them stared in silence at the man in the front of the carriage just as Zakin’s silent response clearly ignored him. Until he heard a faint whisper from Zakin as he shook his head slightly: “It wasn’t...”

What was that supposed to mean? Kichirou wanted to ask, but judging by his reaction alone, asking any further would be inappropriate. No one seemed like they were in the mood to chat any further and all returned to their quiet place at the beginning of their journey to the capital.

He was thankful enough though, his suspicions were confirmed, resurrection magic definitely wasn't out of the picture, it must exist in one form or another.

Rather than vengeance, a better goal would be to bring Ryuta back to life, so he would have the chance to go back home to his wife and daughter. Ryuta went out there to save him, so it must be his responsibility.

I will see this through, and bring him back to life, I swear it.

With the silent vow in his heart, Kichirou felt relieved as if the guilt was washed away by his conviction. There was nothing to be afraid of, this world still holds an endless amount of possibilities, and for the first time in the last several hours he looked forward to the dawning sky.

His mind was at ease, he laid back down.

The countryside with its endless grassy plains was beautiful, especially under the starry night. There was just something poetic about it all, traveling like this, with nothing but the sound of their carriage and nature all around them.

There was just something very soothing about it, just like how he would feel at an onsen.

Then something grabbed his attention, a sound not from them but still a bit in the distance. Kichirou sat up once more and saw a single rider headed directly towards them in the opposite direction.

More raiders from Bereene? Could they be?

“Hiro?”

“Yea I see him, what are we gonna do Zakin?”

“It's most likely one of ours, there's nothing to worry about.”

That's all they can hope for, if it really was one of the raiders there would be nothing they can do at this point anyways. They must have been spotted already as they were out in plain sight. Even if they were to sway off the road now, the rider would catch them with ease. It's not like they could fight him in their current conditions, they weren’t even armed. Either way they would be at the riders mercy.

As the rider got closer, Kichirou was able to somewhat make out what the rider was wearing. He wasn't dressed like any of the raiders that Kichirou had seen, but then again there was no way to tell for sure as the only notable feature would be the cloak that covered the majority of him.

The rider slowed as he approached and so did the carriage.

Zakin and the stranger stared at each other for a brief moment before a look of realization dawned upon them.

“Zakin, is that you?” The man asked, paying no attention to Kichirou or Furuya.

“Sven? What are you doing out here?”

“Lord Tray received an ill omen of his home town. I was sent to investigate. What are you doing all the way out here in the middle of the night?”

“I don't know what lord Tray has heard, but the town was attacked by soldiers of Bereene. We almost didn't make it out of there.”

Sven stroked his beard slowly: “So Lord Ioe’s predictions were true. Mercini is in dire straits.”

“Lord Ioe?”

“Yea, it was strange. Apparently he had a vision of some sort. He sent a messenger warning lord Tray of the imminent danger upon his hometown and family. Do you know the state of the manor?”

“I heard they weren't doing very well, they sent men after me as well, my hands were full just saving Schnee.”

“Were you guys hurt?”

“Not too badly.”

He put a hand on Zakin‘s shoulder: “I’m glad you two are fine. You need to be careful, there's something going on, I just have this bad feeling about it all.”

“You as well Sven, there are sure to be dark times ahead.”

Sven smiled faintly before riding off, disappearing into the distance.

Even though they weren't part of the conversation, the two of them sighed with Zakin in unison.

War, for everyone back home this was nothing short of a foreign concept that had almost no holdings on reality. Japan, just like the majority of the countries in the world, had not been faced with war or even the threat of war for so many years that only a tiny fraction of the population could even grasp the terrors of warfare. The very idea of it was something that only existed in history books or perhaps in a manga, television show, or a movie.

Would they even be able to survive if a full blown war occurs between Reinocha and Bereene? There's no telling what could happen. First of all, it's not as if they were citizens of either country, theoretically speaking if they just move to another neutral country they would be fine. But that would be under the assumption that the other neighboring countries aren't allied or tied to the two countries that are directly involved.

Then again if all the surrounding countries get involved, they wouldn’t be safe anyways. The raid just now showed how they don’t care about the nationality of the people they slaughter. They will kill anyone they can get their hands on within enemy territory.

Kichirou’s head ached at the thought of this. This wasn’t something they needed to worry about in a video game.

It would be better just to stay put in the capital. That way the only way we would be in trouble is if Bereene decisively defeats Reinocha and the battle line reaches the capital.

If it were that easy for this country to fall, then bustling towns like Mercini wouldn’t exist. Considering what Zakin has said about the state of their country, Reinocha should have a considerable amount of military might. Once they reach the capital they should all be safe.

From the soldiers of Bereene at the very least, Zakin has his connections and if he is made aware of the fact that someone is after him and his family, then he should be able to respond in kind, perhaps it wouldn't be that dangerous sticking around after all.

He looked to Zakin, the man whom they just met recently but was relying on heavily.

It was still early to draw such a conclusion, he must speak to the man alone once he gets the chance.

Now assuming things go well, once they reach the capital everyone still needs to provide for themselves.

What would the others want to do? It would still be the backbone of their effort, but they won’t all be working for Zakin. Those who do would gather the base income and become the supporting cast as they take the safer route. The rest would probably be looking for a way back home. Then again they would all have their own agendas on the side just like himself.

Furuya would most likely join the military, it would be the easiest way to get an income to support himself as well as get him closer to his goal. He could even use it as a stepping stone to bring himself to greater heights. Even if he would be able to find the murderer, what good would it be if he can't take him down. Not only that, but in order to track down murderous mercenaries he would need to build connections with people that are in the know, and Kichirou couldn't think of an easier path to get into the system of society than the military.

The twins would probably stay and work with Zakin, it would be the safest route for them, plus they are already familiar with that kind of work.

What about Calbi? It's hard to imagine that he would work as a manual laborer at an inn. He has a mind for business, he would figure out an opportunity sooner or later, maybe even learn the tricks of the trade of this world under the wings of Zakin.

What kind of work would Karin take? That was a good question. In fact, she’s the one that Kichirou probably knew the least about in terms of recent life. Given her high aptitude for leadership, and the fact that she’s practically a genius in her own right. She probably worked as a project manager or something along those lines in a fancy corporate office, or perhaps she had her own business. No doubt she would definitely have very little trouble adapting to this new situation, whatever she decides to pick up, she would most certainly become very proficient at it.

Ryuta… he would probably do something stupid like a hustler or a bouncer at the inn, or something along those lines. That’s what the old Ryuta would have done. Seeing him at the party with a drink in his hand, he still seemed like that same old guy Kichirou had always known. The passage of time changes all.

But not everything…

What would she choose to do in this world? Maybe she could finally pursue her dream of being a singer and entertainer. Even being a teacher would suit her, but what would she even teach in this world?

None of that would mean a thing anyways, if war is declared. Their peaceful lives in the capital would be disturbed, affecting their lives negatively in one way or another.

Nevertheless, everything would be a lesser pain in the butt, if the two sides could just get together and come to terms somehow to avoid war.

Hmph.

As if the two sides could come together after something like that, they must have a lot of bad blood built up anyways. It would be nothing short of a miracle.

That's right, things like that don't happen.

Miracles are nothing more than a blinding light for the foolish, like a moth to an electric zapper. Everyone prays and hopes for the best, but in reality miracles don't just spontaneously occur, the power of friendship can't and won't overcome a villian with years of training and practice.

That's reality, and common sense.

Kichirou smiled at the night, thanking his lucky stars that he sat atop the carriage away from the others, as the starry night blurred once more.

It didn’t matter how many times he tried to close his eyes, his body refused to grant his mind any peace.

To this he was no stranger. Although not in the comforts of his own bed, Kichirou could only smile at the rising sun.