-567th Year after Empire's downfall, Aprcien, Midday, Catago Village (Neolan Kingdom)

I gasped as if I had just awakened from a terrible nightmare. My body was covered in sweat, and I felt a wave of tension coursing through me as I gazed up at the unfamiliar ceiling.

Remembering that white haired woman intensified my headache.

(Where am I? Where did she go? My head hurts...)

"Calm down kid." An old man said, sitting on a chair. I turned my head towards the source of the elderly voice.

Seated in a chair beside the bed, the scrawny old man with a white-brown beard and deep wrinkles seemed to be around 70 years of age. As he gently grasped his staff, his kind blue eyes conveyed warmth while assessing the unfamiliar figure resting in the bed - me.

(A westerner? How does he speak Japanese though?)

"Where am I? Who are you?" (Ryuji)

I asked, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar surroundings.

"Welcome to Catago village, a small and humble village located to the south of the Neolan Kingdom Capital. And I am Gadal, the oldest resident of this village." (Gadal)

(I don't understand what any of those mean... But then how does this old man speak Japanese? Don't tell me I'm reincarnated now!)

"What happened to me?" (Ryuji)

I rose from the bed and discovered that clothing had been provided: a sleeveless black shirt and a pair of loose-fitting white pants.

The old man lets out a hearty laugh from the bottom of his belly. Then I scanned around the room, and it surely was a rustic looking place, as I could not see any modern items.

The room was adorned with woven tapestries depicting scenes from nature, and the wooden furniture seemed to be handcrafted. As I took in the quaint surroundings, Gadal's warm voice filled the air.

(Is this a medieval village?)

"We do not know, we found you on the ground within the forest nearby. You are lucky that we found you before the wild animals. Or worse..." (Gadal)

(Forest? I don't remember that. How did I even get here?)

I decided to introduce myself.

"My name is Shinobu Ryuji. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving me." (Ryuji)

The old man was surprised.

"Oooh! What an unusual name... And don't you worry about that, we help anyone who is in need! Sorry if it's too much, but where are you from, young man?" (Gadal)

"I do not remember, Gadal-san. I apologize." (Ryuji)

I bent my upper body down modestly. Remember kids, be respectful to your elders.

It's better to pretend I do not remember for now.

"No-no, don't worry about that! Hoho~!" (Gadal)

He gave me a thumbs up. I could almost see the sparkles around the lively old man. I guess he was one of those 'fires of youth!' types.

"The boy just woke up and you are already interrogating him! Gracious..."

I heard the elderly woman say as she entered the room with a platter of food. I deduced that she must be Gadal-san's wife. She was a cute chubby obaa-san about the same age as her husband, and she was quite bigger than him too, greeting me with a warm smile.

"Oooh, good timing, Ryuji-san, this is my wife Gelina! Dear, this is Ryuji!" (Gadal)

He presented me his wife with visible pride in his expression.

"Nice to meet you madam." (Ryuji)

"Oh my- Madam? See Gadal, you can learn a lot from this young man about manners! Haha~!" (Gelina)

She playfully swayed while blushing and giggling, covering her mouth with one of her big hands.

Her laugh was contagious. I scratched my head and nervously joined her.

The plump elderly woman placed the tray on the table at the far end of the room. The aroma of the savory stew wafted through the air, and I couldn't help but hear my stomach grumble in response.

"I'm sorry we don't have much to offer you, Ryuji. These are very rough times for us villagers. Now-now, let's leave him alone for a bit, Gadal!" (Gelina)

Gelina-san grabbed Gadal-san from his arm and dragged him away despite his protests. And spoke to me while dragging him away.

"Ah, I almost forgot. Ryuji-san, your backpack is over there on the counter. It was next to you when the villagers found you. Some people tried to open it, but I made sure to smack them and stopped them, haha~. They couldn't open it anyway... Never seen anything like it." (Gelina)

(Backpack? Don't tell me it is...)

"Ah! Thank you Gelina-san." (Ryuji)

I acted like I knew about it with a nervous smile.

"Don't mention it dear!" (Gelina)

She returned the smile before leaving. What a cute couple. I wonder when I will ever get a girlfriend...

(Ooh, perhaps there are cute Elf ladies in this world!)

I briefly daydreamed about being surrounded by sexy Elf-onee-sans and blushed. It was enough to make my headache disappear.

Every Otaku's dream. Sexy Elf ladies with blond hair and blue eyes adorned with curvy bodies!

(My dream of getting a pretty girlfriend can come true!)

Thank you for bringing me to this world, scary radioactive woman in armor!

(Hohoho~)

Then the realization dawned upon me. It shattered my soul.

(I WON'T BE ABLE TO LEARN HOW NINJA LEAF ENDS!)

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!" (Ryuji)

I collapsed on my knees, unable to hold back the tears, feeling a wave of overwhelming defeat wash over me as I clenched my fists in frustration and despair.

(Curse you, evil woman! Damn it... If I ever get my hands on you...)

Of course, there was nothing I could do. I got enough experience in combat to understand the sheer difference of power between us. She practically took my life with the single step she took towards me. Weirdly enough, it amazed me that there are beings like her, perhaps I will meet a lot of strong opponents here, and the thought of it was amazing and exhilarating.

(Can I level up like those isekai protagonists and gain incredible abilities? I can't wait to find out!)

I entered the right combination and opened the lid of my backpack!

There, I discovered a collection of my Kunais, Shurikens, smoke bombs, regular bombs, my Tanto, and the short Ninjato that my grandpa entrusted to me, alongside other formidable weapons, such as a Kusarigama and a pair of Sai daggers.

-Ninjato is a short, broad, katana-like sword the Ninjas use. Kusarigama is a sickle attached to a chain and a weight.-

More importantly, my Special Nano-Shinobi Armor in its concealment form was there too.

"Woah. How did they even get here?" (Ryuji)

I mumbled to myself while reaching into the bag and fishing for the forehead protector that was there, its familiar weight and the sigil of my clan carved into it filling me with a sense of pride, and now the protector was in its rightful place, holding my spiky hair up as the line of its cloth nicely wrapped around my head.

(If anything, I am able to defend myself if things go bad.)

I decided to lock my backpack and keep the clothes I had on me.

The deadly contents of the bag were only accessible to those who knew the special seven digit combination. And the material the bag was made from was special and difficult to tear apart.

After getting out of the little, rustic wooden house, I was absolutely bewitched by the view before me.

Everything was green.

image [https://img.freepik.com/premium-photo/old-village-mountainscartoon-medieval-village-middle-forest-illustration_1016228-5910.jpg]

I took a deep breath, and for the first time in my life, my lungs tasted fresh air.

"Woaaahh... Is this even real?" (Ryuji)

Rows of fully grown trees and fields of wheat stretched out as far as the eye could see, their delicate leaves gently dancing in the breeze. The air was filled with a faint floral fragrance, mingling with the fresh scent of dew-covered grass. This serene landscape felt like a glimpse of paradise, a stark contrast to the unknown fantasy world that awaited me...

I walked to the water well nearby and decided to check how I looked now. Perhaps my appearance changed too.

(Hmm, nope. Still an ossan through and through...)

Sharp, tawny eyes with a small scar over my left eyebrow and spiky jet-black hair.

Very scarce chin-beard and a sharp jawline, another fruit of my training.

I could say that I am above average.

But still a virgin...

I proudly rolled up my shirt and took it off, admiring the testimony of my intense Shinobi training and missions, displayed by the visible scars and well-defined muscles.

Compared to an average Japanese person, I was a bit taller, about 6'1 ft tall.

I flexed my biceps and kissed the veins bulging across them.

"Muah, muah." (Ryuji)

"Hoo- Elf-onee-sans will love these dynamites!" (Ryuji)

"-Hnngh!" (Ryuji)

I assumed an Arnold pose.

Perfect physique. ⭐

(But I'm still a virgin. Shit... The absolute destiny of a NEET Ninja! Be patient my 'musuko!')

- 'Musuko' 意味 referring to his penis, which means his 'son'.-

The village was a medieval-fantasy-looking place surrounded by a forest with small mountains scattered across the horizon.

I heard the birds chirp and some farm animals in the distance.

The villagers were going about their daily routines, diligently carrying out their tasks. Despite its humble appearance, the village exuded a tranquil beauty. The architectural style, reminiscent of Western Europe, showcased charming low-rise buildings scattered haphazardly across the flatland. The scene was further enhanced by the lush fields of crops, familiar to my eyes.

Though the daily attire of the villagers were ragged looking, almost most of them looked like beggars. The lack of any young females or children was easily noticeable as well.

This was a very poor village.

Obviously that was the reason why most of them had sullen expressions. Of course, they are sad! I wouldn't be able to live in a village that has no pretty girls!

I also noticed that every villager I saw had blue eyes. I always wanted to have blue eyes...

While carrying myself through the stone paved path, I felt dazzled by the beautiful garden. The flowers and bushes seemed like they were being taken care of, bees buzzed as they also carried out their daily duties, collecting pollen from the wide array of flowers that greeted me as I walked on the stone path. I also noticed the toys laying in the garden without their owners being present. That means there were actually children here recently. But where are they?

As I strolled through the church garden, my tawny eyes caught sight of two people engaged in a conversation.

It was a light brown haired man talking to an elderly nun. The old woman had a sullen expression just like the other villagers, almost holding her tears back. Perhaps someone died recently.

(Oi-oi, don't tell me the children died!)

The old woman was wearing a black nun robe, similar to one I saw in a Christian church in Japan.

I wasn't really religious. I always thought it was bothersome to think about God or religion.

(Oh, this must be their religion. Are they worshipping the stars here?)

"Ooh, look Edda-san, he is the one I told you about before!"

The man said, greeting me with a smile, however he couldn't hide the sadness in his eyes from me.

(He must be the Blacksmith of this village.)

His thick arms and shoulders had a perfect match with his rugged hands and a blacksmith apron with the small tools on his belt. He also had a grubby look; I spotted the splotches of coal dust stuck on his arms and face. It was also black under his nails.

The matronly woman greeted me with a light bow, her both hands on her upper chest.

"Greetings young man, may the grace of Luminestelle be upon you." (Edda)

(Luminestelle? Must be their God.)

"Thank you sister." (Ryuji)

I kindly smiled, returning the bow too.

"Then I should head back to the shop. I still have to make twenty more horseshoes and new swords for our landowner... Don't worry Edda-san, the Scavengers should be here in two days."

"Then we must pray that the children will survive two more days. Take good care of yourself Ian-san." (Edda)

Children? Survive?

The old woman said, forcing a smile on her face, presumably offering an inner prayer to her respective deity.

Indeed, my deduction was correct. Something grievous has unfolded, seemingly affecting the children in this village. Moreover, one cannot overlook the undeniable poverty that engulfs them. One can only surmise that they are barely able to procure sustenance.

(Just like in those dark ages in medieval Europe...)

"So, how can I help you, young man?" (Edda)

I could see her making every effort to offer me a smile as her gaze shifted towards me, carefully observing the muscular young man before her. I noticed a hint of sadness in her old, blue eyes, the same sadness I've observed in all the villagers.

"Call me Ryuji please, sister-san." (Ryuji)

I retorted with a gentle smile.

"Nice to meet you Ryuji-san. I am Edda, a nun of this village. We serve and worship the Goddess of Light and Dawn, Luminestelle." (Edda)

(Goddess? That sounds really Isekai to me.)

"Nice to meet you too madam." (Ryuji)

"I heard they found a stranger in the forest nearby. I'm assuming it was you... Welcome to our village, Catago. However, I must say your timing is bad. We are going through tough times. This must be a test from her grace, the Dawn Lady." (Edda)

She said, her voice filled with disappointment.

"Why is that Edda-san? What happened?" (Ryuji)

I asked as I tilted my head.

(This feels like the start of some quest line in an MMORPG not gonna lie.)

It was a direct question. And the change of her expression confirmed all my suspicions as her lips thinned.

"Follow me young man, I will tell you what happened..." (Edda)

She made a gesture with her bony hand, summoning me towards the wooden bench.

I plopped down on the wooden bench, an arm distance away from her.

"...They came with the surprise of the dark, and we were rounded up in the middle of the village. Some tried to resist, but they immediately got killed." (Edda)

Edda-san spoke as she looked at the mountains in the distance, recalling the instance with a sorrowful face.

"They took all the women and children, including Mary-dono, who is the other nun of this village." (Edda)

She added as tears rolled down from her wrinkly cheeks.

"Who were they? Bandits?" (Ryuji)

She shook her head, then replied with a sob.

"Goblins..." (Edda)

(So Goblins exist in this world! I had a feeling this was a fantasy world.)

"They are usually very cowardly creatures, and do not attack humans unless they grow in numbers and acquire weapons from other people that are unfortunate enough to stumble upon them. They probably know we aren't being taken care of by our lord." (Edda)

(Nobles taking advantage of poor villagers even though they are supposed to protect them. How typically disgusting.)

I couldn't help but clench my fist without showing Edda.

She continued after wiping her tears down on an old napkin.

"However, every once in a while, when a Goblin consumes enough people or creatures, they evolve into Hobgoblins. And Hobgoblins and the ranks above can command other goblins. All of the races in this world will eventually evolve into their stronger forms after consuming enough souls, gaining new powers." (Edda)

(So they level up? I wonder if I can do that too. Maybe there's some system too like in videogames?)

"...Many, many years ago our Gracious Goddess Luminestelle forbade humans from evolving, limiting their evolution as it is far more dangerous than other evolutions, turning them into beings that are chaotic and evil. A very long time a great Hero evolved, lost his humanity and gave into carnage and madness during a great battle and caused a great catastrophe. Many lives were lost as result. Thus, the Goddess put a limit upon humans, making them the only race that is unable to evolve." (Edda)

(I guess I can't level up after all... But if Heroes exist, perhaps there's also a Demon Lord?)

"But won't that make humanity much weaker?" (Ryuji)

She shook her head.

"Humanity is still very powerful, as we control most of the Shandrian continent with our Kingdoms and trades. With the exception of our country, the Neolan Kingdom." (Edda)

(So this is where I am, the Neolan Kingdom.)

"And then what happened? Did the Goblins kidnap all the children and the woman? And why did they not burn this village down, if I may ask?" (Ryuji)

"Yes, all the women and children were taken away. I think you can guess why..." (Edda)

(Yeah, I watched that very old anime about a guy always killing goblins...Horrid creatures. I often killed them in games.)

Her face contorted, it was weird seeing a woman so religious having clear resentment drawn across her countenance. She must be questioning why all this is happening even though she's so devoted to her Goddess.

But you could not rely on God, if you wanted to change something, you do it yourself.

"They didn't burn this village down for the same reason why we don't butcher our chickens that lay eggs. They think humans can reproduce as fast as they do. May Goddess smite those wretched creatures..." (Edda)

(Scavengers... That name again. I'm assuming they are adventurers. However, she said two days so there's not much time left then. They have to prepare for the worst. Unless...)

The elderly woman grasped my hand with both of her frail hands, holding it tightly.

"Young man... I know asking this may be too much but, is there anyth-" (Edda)

She looked into my eyes as I cut her off with my words before she could finish.

"No, Edda-san. I understand. I will help you. Don't worry, I am stronger than I look." (Ryuji)

I noticed a sparkle of hope within her blue eyes as I put one of my hands on her shoulder, reassuring her with a smile.

"However, there's a favor I have to ask in return." (Ryuji)

The old lady was puzzled.

"Ryuji-san, we are a very poor village..." (Edda)

I wasn't going to ask for money. I don't think they could afford a Shinobi like me.

In my past life I worked for astronomical numbers. Talking about millions of dollars.

"No, Edda-san nothing like that. I just need you to keep this between us. Don't tell anyone I will help." (Ryuji)

I had a serious expression, and she could see the determination within my tawny eyes.

"But why?" (Edda)

She was understandably surprised. Why would someone refuse an opportunity to gain renown? However I was not like that. I decided that it's better to work in secret in this world too.

"I would rather avoid unnecessary attention, Edda-san. I have my own circumstances, so please understand." (Ryuji)

The Shinobi always works in secret.

(That's right. My Grandpa always told me to help those in need. That was his Nindou -ninja way of living- as well as mine.)

I will help them. Let's start our first quest in another world!