Arriving at the camp, me and Kuma started to sort out the 'ingredients' that we got during our hunt. In all honesty, I still feel disgusted at the sight and smell of the dismembered bodies of the wolves that we killed. In addition, we'll be eating them. I never ate wolf's meat before. The world that I was previously in was more civilized than this one. Well, I guess that just means that I'll learn more about reality than before I died.
After sorting out the wolves' meat, we sat on the ground near the fire that I just lit up a few moments ago. Ah, how comfortable. This heat was more than welcome in the cold winter. I'm surprised that I didn't suffer a cold since I wore such light clothing.
During that time where Kuma and me relaxed near the fire, we talked a little bit about the upcoming Heroes' ceremony that was about to happen in a couple of months. It was an interesting topic for both of us.
"Kuma, you know a little bit about the Heroes' ceremony, right? Care to tell me about it in a little bit more detail since it is necessary as it is our goal for now." I asked very interested in the subject that I brought out.
"Well, as you have said, I know a little bit about it. Aside from celebrating the coming of the Heroes, it seems like the Heroes are from another world. They were summoned using a ritual or some sort." Kuma just said it plainly and straight to the point.
The thing that caught my intention was that the part where Kuma mentioned that the Heroes were summoned from another world.
"Another world huh..." I unconsciously muttered as my thoughts trailed off of the conversation.
"Yeah. Despite this fact, they were received very well. Since they are the Heroes after all. I also heard that their power could rival those of the Demon Lords although it has been about 50 years that both of the Bastia and Grandios kingdom were in a stalemate."
You said you only knew a little bit about them but it seemed like you know a lot eh?
"Rival the Demon Lords' power? If the Bastia kingdom was the one who summoned the Heroes, it must have meant that the Heroes are also humans, right? I can hardly believe that they could rival the demons. Well, that's heroes for you." I could only sigh because of all the unfairness in power.
If I think about it, isn't my power also a cheat?
"I'm also the same as you. It doesn't seem like you are rooting for the humans to win at all, Ren." Kuma said quite surprised at my remark about the Heroes.
"Hmm? Ah, yeah. I don't really care what happens between them as long as I can get my share of fun." I said while grinning and thinking about mischievous things. I should stop this bad habit of mine.
"Is that so? That's rare, coming from a human. I personally, on the other hand, root for the Demon Lords. I think that they are more fit to become the rulers. You do know that I still have issues trusting humans. Although I can barely say that you are an exception..."
Huh.. You support the demons' side eh? Kuma's reason isn't quite understandable from my point of view. How could demons be better rulers? After all, they are demons. Maybe it's got to do with his trusting issues with humans. I'm happy that he said that I was an exception even though it hasn't been long since we had met.
I wonder why?
"That trailed off a little bit from our original topic. As far as I know, the ceremony was held for years already. It's like the traditions for the humans." Kuma said, bringing the conversation back on trail.
"Do you know why they held these ceremonies or whatever? I don't see the point of it. Instead, it could bring harm towards the Heroes, them being so open to the public." I finally said what was in my mind. That question was bothering me for a while now.
..... ........
Silence filled the campsite for a bit then Kuma proceed to answer my question.
".... I'm not so sure if what I'm telling you is true because it's only my speculation at the moment. But, I think the ceremonies are for the Heroes to show their ability to the citizens of the kingdom. I bet the reason behind that is to gain the faith of the residents."
Kuma explained about the reason of the ceremony via his speculation. Although he just more or less speculated it, I also believe in what he said. I'm just glad that I have confirmed that the ceremony is open to public; I still think it's a stupid decision though. As that plays a large part in the first step in my fun quest.
"It's getting dark. Ren, we should sleep early today too. I believe it's time to move from this camp or else we'll reach the place where the ceremony is going to be held in just a few months at this speed." As Kuma said that, I began to look up at the sky.
I never thought the sky was so beautiful. Somehow, I think I have come to appreciate the nature a bit more now compared to my previous life.
Completely taken by the amazing sight the sky displayed, I almost forgot about Kuma. Having realized that, I turned my head and attention towards him.
"We should. I'll the night watch today so you go sleep first." I offered Kuma to sleep and for me to stand watch first. I have something to do. And that is to train my sword skills.
Of course I won't do something fancy as I'm only a beginner and I may hurt myslef doing so. I'm just going to practice swing using my metal sword. That way, I can get more used to fighting using a sword. My magic skills are also only mediocre. I need to do better to survive in this kind of era.
"Well, I'm off to sleep. Keep your guard up in case some monsters attack." Kuma yawned and then headed into the tent to sleep.
Well then, shall we start?
I grabbed my sheathed weapon that was near me, unsheathed it and started my training.
Up, down. Up, down the sword go as I struggled to keep my stance and balance when swinging the heavy sword. I guess my physique is not that good. That's another thing for me to work on.
I also took some time to rest a bit after all those exhausting swings. After the small breaks, I continue my practice.
As I fully concentrated on my swings, time seems to have past by. I was drenched in swear and so are my clothes. Ugh, I smell and it feels really disgusting. I wish I can wash up. That reminds me, I haven't bath for days right? Even after dismembering the wolves... No wonder I smell worse than poop.
Before worrying about all of that, I needed to wake Kuma up. It was his time to stand watch. My time already finished a couple of minutes ago.
Tonight's watch was different than last night as we didn't change shifts every two hours. Instead, Kuma and I needed to stand watch for half of the night for each of us. I was the one who proposed this since I wanted to practice longer without sleeping. It's more efficient that way for my muscles to develop. I believe it would be easier to move than after you have just awoken from sleep.
I sheathed my sharp sword into its scabbard and brought it along with me as I enter the tent, still reeked the smell of sweat.
I woke up the human bear who was sleeping soundly. He made some weird mumbling that I pretended to not notice since he's probably dreaming about something inappropriate.
"Kuma, wake up." I shook his shoulder using my hand but he unexpectedly had some issues waking up.
Taking a deep breath, I close in on one of his ears and said, "Wake up, you pervert bear!", loudly.
Surprised, Kuma finally woke up. His face was of an expression of annoyance but soon, he regained most of his consciousness and realized that it was his time to stand guard.
He only nodded and scratched his head before heading outside. Well, then it's time for me to sleep. Before that though, I need to change my clothes. It feels very uncomfortable to be wearing a sweat-drenched clothes after all. After changing to my original attire, the white buttoned shirt and black robe, I lay down in the tent and slept.
~~~~~~
I was woken up the following day by Kuma. It started quite normal today since there's nothing to really do except that we are going back on our journey and leave this current camp spot.
Kuma looked refreshed and energetic in the morning as always. I wonder how and why is that? Usually, people are more sluggish and grumpy in the morning but he's the exact opposite. Oh well, maybe that's just one of his redeeming features.
I took some time to stretch my body before proceeding to help Kuma clean the place, store the tent and other stuff. It didn't take long however since we didn't have too much things scattered around.
Before we departed, I deodorized and cleaned myself and Kuma using a new magic that I invented last night. Suprisingly, when I take a look at my status window, the deodorized skill that registered didn't have 'Ancient Magic' in it's name. How weird. Or maybe it was supposed to be that way.
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
.......
Oh, you said that that didn't happen last night? Well, I sorta forgot to mention about it.
Anyways, I'm no longer stinky and disgusting. Magic is so convenient. Kuma was also pleased about it. I knew it. I knew that nobody liked to smell worse than poop. Even a bear agreed with me.
With all of our things all things packed, Kuma and I started walking towards west, where the Kingdom of Bastia lies.
We walked in silence. The first one to break the silence was Kuma.
"We are heading to the nearest town for now. We can't afford to keep camping here and there. It would take a toll on our physical health if we are continually exposed to the cold. So we are there to refresh ourselves." Kuma stated as a matter of fact.
I see. I was starting to wonder a little about that.
"I get your point. So, what is the town's name and how long does it take to get there? You should know, right? Since you said that you often go there to do... things." I rolled my eyes as I finish my sentence.
".... Well, I think it would take about three days? If we walk faster and don't waste our time, I'm sure that we will arrive earlier. The town's name is Corolla. Therefore, Corolla Town. "
Three days huh... Kuma was willing to take a three days trip or more just for something like that? Well, aside from that, the town's name is Corolla huh? With that kind of name, I kind of imagined that the town would be filled with flowers.
So that I don't leave the conversation hanging, I only answered Kuma with "I see."
After that, we once again walked in silence. Along the way,we didn't encounter any sort of dangerous animals like the wolves or even anything. As expected of the plains of snow. No one would want to be here anyways.
The thing that I have taken notice of was that Kuma navigated through the plains without a compass. How is he doing that? Natural born compass? Animal instincts?
I'm starting to respect Kuma more with his perks showing. What other things can he do?
The day go by really fast. Before dusk came, we had set up camp. As for the firewood, Kuma didn't forget to bring or stock them up before we departed in the morning. The routine was basically the same as last night except that I asked Kuma to help me practice a little before the night watch.
Of course, during my shift, I practiced my swings and some of my magic. Well, I didn't go around throwing my magic, destroying everything. I just use the magic (skill or whatever you want to call it) Flame of Corruption and maintained the four black flames in my hands until I ran out of juice. Maintaining the magic for hours wasn't an easy feat.
After that, Kuma takes over for the rest of the night. Somehow, I felt that I'm getting a bit stronger in terms of both my physical build and my magic due to my training. That just means that my effort paid off.
Without much happening, the next day came and we started our journey once again. We traveled for two more days after that. We also didn't encounter anything during our travel. Not that I wish a monster would pop up.
It was a convenient and relaxing trip for us.
On the third day in the afternoon, as mentioned by Kuma, we arrived at the town of Corolla.
If I were to describe how the town looks, it would be.... very ordinary. It disappointed me a bit since it wasn't like how I imagined it to be. Being a town, it was bigger than average.
I noticed that there were two guards situated near the entrance; standing guard. I would like to commend the guards for not slacking off during the job. Good job guys!
As Kuma and me approached closer to the town, the guards also noticed our presences. Instead of being wary of us, they greeted us with a smile.
One of the guards stopped us in our tracks and said, "Oh, nice to see you again Kuma-san (san here is an honorofic that the japanese people usually use fyi. Search it up for more detail)."
"Boldor and Zabu! I'm also pleased to see you again. You guys on guard shifts today? What about the other entrance?" Kuma replied, seemingly familiar with them.
I thought that Kuma often come here just to play but he properly made some acquaintances huh? Either way, it would be easier for me. I do think myself as a suspicious person.
"Yep. As for the other entrance, Posu and his friend are guarding it. Not sure if they are doing their job properly though. You know that Posu usually slack off during his duty." The guard who I assumed to be Boldor answered Kuma's question.
"That is to be expected of Posu. He has always been that way." Kuma could only smile wryly at the guard.
The Zabu guard was a bald buff man that looked like he was in his thirties. The other guard named Boldor, had a moderate build and an average face. He looked like he was in his twenties.
Zabu who was silent the entire time spoke.
"By the way Kuma. Who is this handsome guy beside you, heh~?" Zabu said that and began examining me with his eyes.
"This guy? He's Ren. We met a while ago during my trip to here." Kuma said nonchalantly.
At least act like you care!
I, in turn started introducing myself. "Good afternoon, sir. My name is Ren Tatsuki. I'm Kuma's travelling companion. Pleased to make your acquaintance." I bowed and spoke politely since they were older than me like I have been taught in my last life. It stuck with me.
"Hah! This guy is too formal! Say, you don't need to be too formal with us. My name is Zabu. Just call me Zabu. No honorifics, Ren." Zabu flashed a smile at me.
"Same for me. Just call me Boldor, Ren-kun (another honorific. Search it up~)." He and Zabu bold hold out their hands to me.
"Thank you, Zabu, Boldor." I also return their smiles with my own and shook their hands.
"Well, we need to go now." Kuma waved his hand to both of the guards and went to enter the town. I soon follow suit.
"Come and visit us again, Kuma-san!" The one who replied was Boldor.
~~~~~~
After parting with the guards, we headed to the town's inn. I panicked a little since I thought that we didn't have any money to rent a room for two. Fortunately, Kuma had brought some money but I don't it will last us for the rest of the journey to the capital of the kingdom. I will address the matter to Kuma later on.
After booking a room for two, we went to the room to drop off our stuff. I just hope that the security around here would be tight enough to prevent any thievery.
While arranging our stuff, I took the chance to ask about the matter concerning money.
"Say, Kuma. How are we going to last when you are the only who has money and it isn't much? I can just create them but I don't think it's efficient that way as I can't spend my whole time creating coins. I want to improve my swordsmanship and also my magic." I said to Kuma while worrying about it at the same time.
The money system in this world is quite different from the modern world that I used to live on. This world uses coins rather than paper money as there was no machine that can prevent copying.
The value goes like this:
1 copper coin = 100 pennies.
1 silver coin = 100 copper coins.
1 gold coin = 100 silver coins.
It's a simple money system so I was able to memorize it easily. I asked about it earlier when Kuma was booking a room for us. Even though he explained it, he also reprimanded me for not knowing such a simple thing.
I wonder if Kuma has suspicions about me?
Back on track, Kuma answered my question with, "If it's the source of income, you don't have to worry. We are going to the Adventurer's Guild for that. Of course, you are going to register as one."
Adventurer's Guild... The place where adventurers gather...
That's the place where I can become an adventurer like in the stories I have read... I can't wait!
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A/N: Well, It's been a long, long time since I have last updated so I really am sorry about that. However, I'm sad to tell you guys that I don't have a reason for not updating except that I procrastinated. Regardless, here's a chapter that's a bit longer so I hope you guys enjoy it.
As always, feedback is always welcome and thank you for reading my humble fiction ^-^