Raevin watched as everything unfolded based on his expectations.

"Yes, exactly as I expected. If I use you as a distraction, I can definently avoid noble girls attempting to do marriage proposals with me".

"That is not what I want to hear!" Iosi complained.

At the moment, he was forced to wear a rather cute dress, so he was blushing quite a bit.

"Well, whatever. You roughly understand the situation right?"

"Yeah. Well, your explanations are also clear and consice. And I know enough about otherworlders to understand the Reincarnated bit".

Indeed, Raevin had explained to Iosi about being a Reincarnator already. Raevin felt it would have been a pain to put off, and its not like Otherworlders have never come here before.

But from what Iosi told him, they were typically summons or transfers. Reincarnators were rare.

"Its great that this was easy for you".

"Well, the entire reason my mother was someone that Duke Elgram got close to was for her Otherworlder knowledge. See, my mom's mother was an Otherworlder, a summoned hero who had great magical abilities. Which I have since inherited".

"Yeah, without a doubt that helps. Either way, we should go over the operational plan".

As he said that, he put out a few papers, dossiers he made based on gathered information.

"The upcoming party which is held here at the nearby Impereal Capital, it will have a number of nobles from various ranks, to celebrate the good health of the third Prince and his swift recovery. From what I hear, assassins attempted to take his life...and like me, is thirteen years old".

"So, if its the same as you, he may have been one of your classmates".

"Depending on who it is though, this could be trouble. Among the people in my class, there were four or so really bad seeds, troublemakers. We cant trust them at all. Its a shame I have yet to find that one girl. She seemed especially good at sneaking and information gathering. As for the boy she often hung out with...he was always coming up with out of the box ideas. That could be useful honestly, but sometimes they were just crazy".

"I see...and that class president you mentioned, she was the one you were kinda wary of, but you dont expect to meet here?"

"If she reincarnated as a noble, I would have heard about it already" Raevin said bluntly. "Anyways, the issue is those bad seeds. They were pretty depraved, and bullied relentlessly. They would harass people just because they found it pleasant. And in this world, with them having additional power...I would rather not know what they are capable of. Especially, the two that were the worst of them all".

"The two worst?"

"Yeah. One was a rather strong jerk who would force people to do what he wanted, even if he physically had to move them to force them himself. He would use all manner of threats to get people to do what he wanted. And the other would use a mix of threats, blackmail fabrication, seduction even, she was a real psycho for sure".

"...are these students or major criminals?"

"Well, you are not wrong to think of those two like that. And now you understand why I want to avoid them at all costs right? At the very least, we should get some allies first".

"I see...still though, is what you see really a major issue like that?"

"Yeah...honestly, I think its amazing your grandma lived long enough to have a child in the first place. Because, between everything...it seems like Otherworlders dont live very long in this world, especially if they are born in a position of money, power, or authority. Assassination, Demon Lord attacks. Considering my own family, I am sure the threats to me will begin to come sooner or later".

"Certainly...my grandmother died when my mom was only seven, and from what I was told, they lived quite isolated from the rest of the world for a bit. You think she was aware of this?"

"Perhaps. Its hard for normal people to find the information, but studying and fact analysis is one of my strong suits".

"Pretty cool considering you dont have a skill for that".

Yes, this Status and Skill System. That bothers me even more. At first glance, it compensates and improves things well, and leveling up is possible. But...why does it feel incomplete? Or like, it doesn't cover everything? Already, I can see several ways I can exceed the system with time, and one or two even now. It almost feels deliberate. Everyone else takes the Status at face value though, and a lot of people worship the god that created it, Ciel. But this...why would they impliment such a game like system? Especially since it doesn't seem to dictate or govern everything?

Raevin felt as if there was something amiss. However, his investigations on Ciel were quite strange. It seemed he always appeared as a young boy, despite being one of the oldest gods of the world. He created the Status System, handled reincarnation, which had various forms in this world, and also did many other things. Supposedly, they believe this world recycles souls from those who have already lived for new beings, although they get wiped down so they dont carry over influence and cause contradictions or issues. New souls are created whenever the current amount is not enough. And for legendary heroes, its believed they are ascended into becoming Greater Spirits or even Angels of the world, a high honor as its essentially an immortal afterlife while also allowing activity on the mortal plane.

But, he definently then would have also handled their Reincarnation as well.

I wonder, will I be able to get any answer, or even just any reaction, from this god? Or do they plan to sit on the sidelines this whole time?

Raevin, unaware that Ciel was already definently not standing on the sidelines, was thinking things like that.

"Either way, so at this party, we shall use this as a chance to learn if anyone else there is a Reincarnator as well. The prince seems like a likely one, but we cant be entirely sure either. In the first place, although I suspect it might be the case...while I suspect...well, we dont know for certain".

Wait hold on, why am I assuming the rest of the class Reincarnated? Sure, I did, but there is no evidence that the others did, yet I seem to be auto-defaulting to that its a matter of fact. Why am I doing that?

Raevin felt he had more questions then he could account for.

"This world seems to be being kept in a strange state, and someone is making sure it stays that way by ending Reincarnators. I am not sure why, but we are going to find out, and stop this madness. Its time for this world to advance, even if I have to lead it myself".

There are too many mysteries in this world that need to be rooted out.

----------------------------------------

"Here we are. The village of Torfan".

The village of Torfan, unlike the city, didn't seem to have any walls. That said, it seemed like there were far less monsters around this area as well, as Rikuo noticed the encounter rate was far less. ANd unlike the city, which had mighty and tall buildings, and everything was very close together, there was more open space which allowed nature, including the lovely setting sun, to seep in.

There was some natural defense for sure, such as the rocky terrain, but they also had an ambundence of farmland. In fact, there was even Terrace Fields, which are the types of fields commonly found alongside mountains and cliff-like terrain.

What was especially notable though was that while they didn't seem to have as much defense, even with the natural defense, they seemed a lot more carefree and happy. Children were seen playing in the woods and through the fields, there were not as many people on guard, and everything was a lot more open.

"Do monsters not come to this area as much?"

"This entire area is built upon Roxite. Its a mineral that seems to repel monsters and demons instinctively. That said, if they group up, or if they are led by an Intelligence, they tend to bypass it. Also, monsters tend to prefer to gather around more populated areas where there is more chance of food, such as cities. So Roxite is more effective at protecting villages. That said, adventurers still have to regularly come out here and keep the monster population down as well".

"I see. So since there are so many people in cities, Roxite is less effective there?"

"Essentially yes".

As they stepped further into the village, it occured to Rikuo that even with the memories of his second life, he had no idea if this was a small village, a big village, or somewhere inbetween. But if he had to guess, it was either medium or big. There were at least a hundred or so residents, and over two dozen residents, as well as some buildings that appeared to just be a business. And, there was one that stood out more then all the others. An Adventurer's Guild building.

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"To think there would be a guild building out here..."

"Ah, that is more then just a guild building. Since its a village one, instead of a massive library and such, it features rooms that adventurers can rent for cheap. There is usually one or two others, maybe three in a village this size, but its far less then the city" Arila explained to the reincarnators, and Sora who was a Dragon. "They also dont have many accomodations. But since there are constantly merchants and travelers on the move, and sometimes there are more adventurers then the inns can handle, its common to for the guilds out here, who cant get as much of a book selection, to have more rooms instead".

"Since there are less inns out here then in there".

"Yep. And although basic, its cheap, especially for adventurers. Unlike the city inns, they wont provide a basin and water for us, so we will have to either use a river or wipe ourselves down at the well...which honestly, we could use".

Perhaps due to the stress of being constantly on guard and watched earlier, they had perspirated quite a bit, so they all felt they could use a bath.

Either way, they decided to head to the guild first and get a room for them, as well as get some details about the Spear. Even though they had come here planning to claim it, since its been here for so long they were sure plenty of others had already tried and failed.

It was just that Red Ice might be Blood Ice, which meant that Rikuo could have an advantage.

The last fight made it obvious that our opponents, so long as they had decent perception, saw me as the weakest. Even my familiar was seen to be stronger. Not only that, but they realized I was the weakest in close combat as well. Perhaps it was because I wasn't carrying a weapon, but neither was Sora and yet they didn't target him once. It could be my size, but...I think they could just tell. Maybe a skill, but I don't know...it could be experience...or maybe that...

While thinking such things, Rikuo's party entered the Guild. Unlike the guilds at the city, there were far less people there, and also there were less requests available as well. Although the architecture was very similar to the one in the city, having used stone and even metal in its construction. With multiple doors, and a very study contruction, it seemed like it would take a lot to damage it.

And now that I think about it, I can sense a magical aura coming from bits of it. I didn't notice before because of all the people, but...it seems that its got quite the enchantment on it.

However, Rikuo didn't let that distract him, and properly went to the counter.

"Excuse me, we are adventurers who have traveled from a nearby city. We were wondering if we could get a room here, as well as information on the spear that has been trapped here?"

So far, they mainly just knew that it was a sentient spear trapped in red ice. That was the main point of gossip that was talked about, and then they heard a few other wild stories like it was forged by Dragons or wielded by a Hero or such. But everyone always argued about those points, claiming that was not true, so it was hard to get any reliable information.

"Ah, please don't make such jokes little boy. You are holding up the party behind you, and I have official work to do. Come back when you are at least ten years old. And also, rather then making such jokes, a dirty and smelly child like yourself should go take a bath in the river instead. There should still be a few adults there to watch you, but best go quickly".

And of course, the receptionist treated him as a small child. He really wished he could somehow remove that Vampire Brat title, as well as grow a bit more.

"Erm, the person who you just spoke to is actually thirteen years old, and our party leader" Herra mentioned calmly, letting out a sigh as if she was used to it.

He was also the shortest boy in our class by a lot too, and was always picked on for that. In fact, pretty much every teacher we have had thought he was in the wrong class or accompanying a big sibling. This must be tough on him to still deal with such things.

"Eh? Please dont support such children's play, there is official work to be done. I dont recognize him from the village though, could you make sure his parents know where he can be bathed?"

At this point, Rikuo showed her his Guild Card, which included an image placed there via magic. The others also showed their guild cards. As such, the receptionist realize she had been quite rude and made a bad mistake.

"I deeply apologize! I dont know what came over me, not realizing you were potentially a half dwarf or other such race!"

It took her awhile to figure out, but it seemed she finally got it to an extent. She was making a bit of a wrong assumption.

Still, this was a clear sign of that title. Or rather, it seemed like it was more like a curse.

Even my second life cant actually remember when I recieved that title...exactly, when was it placed on me? Its annoying being overlooked and underestimated, although I suppose I should be glad I am not being treated like a monster yet...

"Anyways, as an apology, can you handle the room and the information?"

"Yes. Of course. We have a medium room that will fit four just fine. As for bathing, you should find the river to be at a nice and pleasant temperature right now, although some people might be fishing at this time so be careful. If you leave right now, you should make it back before it gets too dark. As for the information about the spear, I can compile an entire report for you once you get back, but...many of the villagers, especially the children, love to gossip at the river, so you may find some useful information there".

Although the reception was acting a lot more apologetic, she seemed to be hinting at something. Or rather, the entire cause of this issue was really Sora, who flew way too fast and made them panic and sweat and the stress from before. Well, there was also the fact they had not had a bath last night since they were busy doing the heist, so while they hid signs of blood and such to an extent, they did need to wash up...and wash their clothes.

After renting some spare changes of clothes and some soap from the guild, they decided to head to the river. It was really more like a stream that branched off of a river though, but there was enough water to both bathe and do laundry. Quite a few villagers there, mainly children who appeared to have gotten dirty from playing all day, all of them quite naked and carefree. But that was life in a village, it was simple and open and close like that.

Rikuo and Herra were still a bit embarrassed, having the memories of their first lives, but they pushed themselves and stripped off their clothes as well, heading into the water. That said...

"Hold on Rikuo, we gotta take these off too" Arila said, taking off his glasses and setting them by his clothes. Everything was blurry and weird for him, though he could still make out basic things it gave him a headache when he squinted. And without them, in the direct sunlight, he felt weaker.

And as such, he collapsed right into Arila's arms, whe held him close.

"Just sit in my lap. Although you want recognition from the guild, it would be bad if we got too recognized right? Better to blend in".

"Right, that is true...a bit surprising though".

"What do you mean?"

"Arila saying something smart like that..."

Suddenly, Arila began washing Rikuo's lower body first, causing Rikuo to blush.

"Sorry, I am sorry!"

"Its only smart you know, gotta wash the areas near the center which have the most warmth and therefore sweat the most first" she said, filling a bucket of water in the stream with one hand and then pouring it all over Rikuo while they sat in the stream, and she began to soap him up. Although, it certainly could have been much gentler.

She was definently getting revenge, as she also deliberately targeted his ticklish spots.

"...Arila and Master are having fun as usual".

"Huh. So his ticklish spots are the same as the previous world huh?"

Sora and Herra, who were busy doing their own thing, watched with some amusement as they saw the scene in front of them.

Herra herself found it a bit awkward to be watched by so many others though. However, it was a better feeling then when they were being watched by whoever was tailing them in that forest.

"Woah, for a girl, you sure do have a smaller chest then that other girl" one boy said while walking up to her, sounding rather cheeky and blunt. He was only like around six, and he stood there with his hands on his hips like it was nothing.

Herra however proceeded by pinching his nose and holding on tightly.

"Such a comment, you do understand you have to pay for it right..."

"Ah, please dont mind him!" a six year old girl, also naked and quite wet, came over. "He just tends to speak his mind, he doesn't mean anything bad by it! Unfortunately, his grandma is quite the dirty pervert...at least, that is what my papa says".

"Hmm....in that case, I will forgive you, but only if you tell me some secrets about that spear. Otherwise, you might end up suffering quite a bit if I find out you both lied to me".

In truth, Herra didn't actually care if her chest was bigger or smaller, but she was using the stereotype in order to get some information from the locals. Children were typically more honest and more dependable gossips anyways, provided you could understand their childish way of speaking and possible misperceptions they had.

But in the end, she got a few useful tips. So once they finished bathing and got out of the river...

"Our stuff is gone. They didn't even leave the towels" Sora muttered.

"...it seems we dropped our guard a bit too much around these children".

However, a few of the village children also came by.

"Ah, they took ours too! Those jerks!"

"Not just adventurers?" Sora questioned.

"Its a prank that some people sometimes do" a nine year old boy answered. "That said, the adults always scold them and get mad at them, but it happens regularly in the summer. That said, unless they are being especially malicious, they just turn the clothes into the lost and found of the guild. Since the receptionist typically remembers and understands who was wearing what, its very reliable...but it means you have to walk all the way there".

The village children, although a bit embarrassed, seemed to go ahead like it was nothing. But as expected, for Rikuo, it was not pleasant. Since they stole his glasses and his clothes, he had to walk all the way completely naked in the sunlight, which was coming at an angle where it was still hitting him as it set behind them.

As a result, once they made it back and got to their room, just left his clothes on the side of the bed and dived straight into the pillow, laying on top of a blanket that would get the remainder of the moisture on him.

"Rikuo, you are still awake there right?"

"...I want a nicer pillow and matress" Rikuo complained.

The other three who were also looking at him had sympathetic looks on their faces. After all, today was harsh for him. It was clear Rikuo prefered indoor bathing.

"Anyways, here is the report we got from the guild. So far, over one thousand adventurers have tried. They stopped counting after awhile. Its been confirmed that every race, aside from a God and Demon Lord, has attempted to remove the spear. The Demon King, which is believed to be ressurecting soon, is also not tested. It is confirmed someone used an Angel Summoning spell to test it, but that failed, and several Vampires have also tried".

"So, we might be wrong about the blood ice then" Sora muttered.

"Well, there is one thing. Apparently, the Spear was actually forged and used by another Otherworlder. Apparently a summoned Otherworlder by the name of Darius, its believed he used a Divine Shard to form the Spear, as well as other materials. Apparently, after getting an even stronger weapon, he sealed the Spear in that ice, and announced that he was done with it, and anyone who could pull it out of the ice was allowed to take it. He said though that the seal was made so only a single individual could attempt to pull it out, and if multiple people tried, it could get dangerous...or lethal".

"...what? What kind of person was this Darius?"

"Apparently, he was big on research, but there was a lot of questionable behavior with the guy. However, he also defeated two previous Demon Lords, who have since been replaced by new ones. Its rumored he has done research into Otherworlders and Souls as well".

"I see...is it known if any Otherworlders have attempted it yet?"

"It is not known...but the dangers of the seal are believed to be real. When people have attempted to bypass or dispell it, it got dangerous. According to this report, lives have been lost quite a few times. Supposedly, the ice might be red because of the blood that was shed on it".

Everyone had a grim look on their face. Without a doubt, whoever this Darius was, they were a dangerous sort. Rikuo especially, even though he was in the middle of passing out, was especially nervous.

But on the other hand, if the Spear was made with a Divine Shard, they couldn't just go and ignore it either.

And perhaps, it was simply waiting for another Otherworlder to take hold of it.