“Good Morning Izuna.”

“Oh Hey! Good Morning Hans, Eri.”

“So, where are the others?”

“If you’re looking for Lord Mereid and the Others, they haven’t arrived yet. But if you want to, I can escort you to the Conference room now. Or if you want to wait here in the Lobby, that’s also fine.”

“We’ll just head to the Conference Room so we won’t bother you.”

“Okay then.”

Izuna escorted us towards the Conference Room and Left afterwards.

“It looks like we’re the first one here, Eri.”

“Yeah, I can clearly see that there’s no one else in here besides us so I don’t need you to tell me that.”

“Hahaha, sorry ‘bout that.”

Eri and I sat next to each other while waiting for the others to arrive. Eri remained silent and planted in her place, while I can’t seem to relax because I feel that the atmosphere is beginning to became awkward.

A few minutes have past and the awkward atmosphere still lingers. I need to do something before I became consumed by this awkward silence.

That’s when a specific topic of conversation comes to my mind.

“Eri.”

“Yes?”

“I need to ask you about something, and I want you to answer me honestly.”

“What is it?”

“Are you really sure that you will help me in the upcoming battle? They are your former colleagues, right? Even if you said yesterday that you don’t care about them, I highly doubt that you don’t have any feelings left towards them, your kin. I know that I’m being rude in asking about your resolve but they are still your people. And I doubt that you care for me, a person you just met, more than you care for them, your long-time comrades.”

Eri looked at me the whole time that I’m asking her. I can see that she understands my concern and that it is a totally relevant thing to consider.

“I understand what you’re trying to say, Hans. I, too, would doubt someone if they were in the situation as me. But I can only say these words for you. Don’t worry, Hans. They might be my colleagues but they were never close to me to begin with. You see, I never let anyone get close to me, even if they were my race or not. The reason is because of my work as an assassin. If you are an assassin, you need to prepare yourself to die any moment. That is the consequence of taking a life. The only person that I felt like I got close to is the Demon King because… Come to think of it, I don’t even know why I felt close to him. Is it because I am chosen to be a general? To be someone with a purpose? Anyways, That’s my answer. And if you want to know why I trust you, it is because I feel that if I were to join you in your journey, I will become stronger than what I used to be. Besides, I still need to defeat you, right?”

And with that, I became speechless. You can really feel her resolve in her words.

“I’m sorry for asking that question. I now feel ashamed for questioning your resolve.”

“Don’t be, I understand your concern.”

“But really, thank you.”

“The battle hasn’t begun yet, don’t thank me yet, thank me after all of this is over.”

“Don’t say it like that. You’re making it sound like a Death Flag of some sort if you out it that way.”

“I don’t understand, but ok.”

*bham!*

The door suddenly burst open and 5 people entered the room.

“Oh, you’re already here, boy!”

“Are you trying to destroy the door?!”

“Ah, don’t be so mad now, Altus. We’re the only people here so nobody will bat an eye.”

“Stop it, you two. Lord Mereid is present, you know?”

The guild master is as lively as usual even when Lord Mereid is present. And Lord Mereid looks like he didn’t mind it at all. Lord Mereid heads towards his seat while Luluca, who’s been silent up till now, waved at us and went to her seat. Followed by Moris who silently went towards his seat.

“Come on now, Take a seat. Let’s begin this meeting. The main objective of this meeting is to find the way to repel the advancing force of the Demon Army and to protect our citizen. Let’s take all the precautionary measures needed and find a way to defend this town and its people. But before we start, you haven’t told us the name of you two. Would you mind telling us now?”

“Sure, Lord Mereid. I am Johannes Aarvold and She is Erylla Erfreth. You can call me Hans, by the way.”

“Nice to meet you, Hans and Erylla.”

“And also, come to think of it, where’s William?”

Luluca and Derek pointed their gaze towards me for a moment and immediately averted it. The one who answered the question was Guild Master Derek.

“William couldn’t join us today because, apparently, he injured himself while hunting in the forest. I believe he was overpowered by a pack of Ice Wolves.”

“Ice wolves? That’s impossible! He’s one of the High-Ranking Adventurers in this Town. Mere Ice Wolves wouldn’t be a match for him.”

“He got cocky, I guess. Maybe, being overpowered by Erylla yesterday made him really pissed off and tried to go to the forest all by himself and the result is, as you can see, this.”

“I still find it really difficult to believe, but it’s true that, knowing his personality, he would do something like that.”

Derek looked at me and smiled. I hope No one saw him do that. I will be suspected, otherwise.

“Now that the trivial matters are out of the way, let’s focus on the main problem at hand. The attack is expected to come tomorrow in the afternoon. We need to decide about what we should do before it happened!”

As soon as Lord Mereid said that, the tension inside the conference room became heavier. Even if they fooled around always, when it comes to something as grave as the situation at hand, they can be pretty serious. Not that I doubt them in the first place.

“I still believe that we should prioritize the well-being of our citizen above all. We can let the army have their way inside the Town and Ambush them once they’re inside.”

“And you will let Lord Mereid’s Domain get Ravaged by those Demons?! That is unacceptable! You’re being too sentimental, Moris.”

“At least I’m not letting any civilians die! You’re too obedient, Altus.”

“Stop! Both of you! This is what we’re debating since yesterday yet we haven’t reach any conclusion. This is just consuming our precious time that we could’ve used preparing. You two, cool your heads off for a minute.”

Altus and Moris both calm themselves down.

“Derek, do you have any plan in your mind?”

“I do, but it will be a suicide.”

“Can I hear it?”

“Of course. What I think is that we should intercept them before they reach the town. We should send the adventurers to intercept the attack even before they get in here.”

Luluca stand up forcefully and looked at Derek with hostility.

“You’re telling us, adventurers, to die, you know! Is it that easy to throw our lives. We’re also living beings, we’re not even slaves! That plan is absurd!”

“Relax, Luluca. I only suggested that, and I don’t really want that to be the case either. I am an Adventurer before I am a Guild Master so I understand you.”

“I’m sorry.”

Luluca sat down while gazing down.

The Atmosphere began to look really downing. Looks like every plan that is proposed all leads to casualties that they are trying to avoid.

If not for Izuna, I’ll just stay away from this town and let them handle it. But I can’t abandon my promise to her. That’s why I will end this crisis as fast as possible.

“Are there anymore plans left?”

“Looks like they’re all out of idea, Lord Mereid.”

“Are we really doomed?!”

“I would not really give up hope if I were you, Lord Mereid?”

“Do you have a plan, Hans?”

“Yes, and there will be no casualties on our side. That is what I assure you.”

Suddenly, all eyes were pointed at me.

“Really, Boy?!”

“Yeah!”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Yes, I am sure. I know that you doubt me, Altus, but not this time. Since I am the only lifeline you all have. You all have no choice but to put your faith solely on us.”

“So? What is it that you’re planning?”

“Before I said it, I have a few Conditions.”

“Conditions?”

“Yeah! And I want you to agree with it before I tell you my plan.”

“We don’t even know what your plan is. Why would we agree on those?”

Stolen novel; please report.

“Because you don’t have any choices left. Give it up, Altus.”

Altus still looked doubtful at me. Lord Mereid Immediately interrupted.

“Very well, if it’s within our power, we will agree with it.”

“That’s what I wanted to hear! So, here’s the conditions. First, Eri and I want to be compensated according to what we deserve to receive. I don’t want someone cheating on us so please, avoid it as possible. Second, I want you all to close the gates of the Town when the attack happens, Only Me and Eri shall be outside. If you want to see what will happen, just watch inside the Town, Do not, at all cost, go outside. If the Villagers want to watch us, then let them be. Third, I want you to conceal our Identity. Only the people inside this conference room knows our name so I expect you all to keep your mouths shut, Okay? Let the villagers spread rumors but don’t let them know our name. That’s all. Any questions?”

“From what I heard, the way you say it seems like you are planning on doing it only by you two.”

“That’s right!”

“Are you insane! That’s a whole army, you know?!”

“So?”

“That’s more than what two people can handle!”

“This is why I said that you need to put all your trust on us, right? If you can’t do that, then this conversation should end.”

“Wait!-”

We were interrupted yet again by Lord Mereid.

“-We will agree on your terms. If that’s all. And if you’re confident about your ability, then we don’t have the right to disagree, considering that the situation is dire.”

“But Lord-”

“Quiet! I decided and that’s final!”

“I’m sorry, Lord Mereid.”

“So? What’s your plan?”

“Our plan is… Just Leave it to us!”

“””Huh?!”””

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

“So, how did it go?”

“Good? I guess?”

“That’s broad, Hans! Eri, how did it go?”

“We were almost kicked out by the Lord himself after Hans said his plan. But the Lord was stopped by Luluca and Derek. After they calmed him down, Derek and Luluca looked at us while holding their forehead. They decided to trust us in the end but I can say that it is not really that good.”

“That’s so detailed! I told you to not say it to Izuna, right?”

Eri pretended that she didn’t hear me and went on sipping her juice.

Right now, we are at the dining area of the Wolf’s Inn. After that crazy happenings in the conference room, we decided to head back to the inn. On our way there, we bumped into Izuna and she insisted to join us. That’s what lead us into where we are right now.

“So, what are you planning to do?”

“Should I really say it to you?”

“Of course! Why not!”

“Because, I don’t like to?”

“That’s not a reason! Come on, say it to me!”

“Honestly, I don’t have any plan right now.”

“Huh? You said you will handle everything, right?”

“Yes.”

“And you don’t have any plans yet?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, we’re doomed.”

“Why? I only said that I don’t have a plan yet. I will head towards an unpopulated area outside the town later to know more about my ability so that I can create a plan. Don’t worry, I will make sure that this Town will be unscathed.”

“Oh, then everything’s fine and dandy.”

“So, can you let us rest first?”

“Huh? Already?”

“I am really exhausted emotionally, you know. Let us rest first.”

“Okay then. But let me join you in your training! I want to see more of your ability.”

“Ok, Ok. Just leave us be for now.”

“Ok!”

Izuna left the Inn and we were left in the middle of the dining area.

“I’ll go upstairs now, Eri. Just call me if something happens.”

“Okay. I’m going outside the town to train. I’ll fetch you later.”

“Sure. Don’t attract any unwanted attention.”

“I know. See you later.”

Eri went outside to go to her training area. I also went upstairs to rest and preserve my strength for my training later.

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

I woke up a little past noon. How do I know that despite of the lack of Time-telling device? I don’t know. Instincts? Maybe. The only thing I should focus about is the fact that I need to go outside the town and try to come up with the most effective plan with the least possible effort. I do believe that effectiveness does not require a lot of effort, rather, effectiveness is relative towards how fast you deal with something, not how much effort you out into it. That is why I tried to finish a conflict as fast as possible, same for what I did with the Demon Generals, The Demon King and those thugs that attacked us before. Well, that’s just what I believe even before I was transported in this world. I would always find the fastest way possible in a problem without putting much effort.

As I walk down the stairs towards the Dining area of the Inn, I saw Izuna on a table while waiting for me.

“Hans! Let’s go!”

“You’re awfully into these kinds of activities, aren’t you?”

“Well, I would be able to see how powerful you are. That’s exciting, you know!”

“You’ve already seen it once, right?”

“That’s a mock battle, I didn’t enjoy it that much because I thought that you were just a fraud. Besides, I haven’t seen your ability at its fullest before. This will be a great time for me to be able to watch you and assess your strengths, and also to see how powerful your ability is.”

“In short, you were just going to accompany me for your own amusement?”

“Yeah!”

“You’re awfully honest.”

“I do think of it as one of my good points though… In a sense, this can also be a chance for you.”

“Chance for what?”

“Chance to impress me. You’ll never know, maybe I will allow you to be my lover if you were successful in impressing me. That’ll be awesome, don’t you think so?”

“I’m not really interested.”

”Wha-!”

“You know, I am so preoccupied right now that I don’t think I have time with that kind of thing. We still have plans for a journey without any definitive end. So I really am not interested. Also, If I were to choose someone, I’ll definitely want to impress Eri. Not that I have any feelings for her, It’s just because it is a lot more worth it that way. Lastly, I already have someone I love. So… sorry, I guess?”

“I just want to tease you! Now I feel like I’m less of a woman! Screw You!... I still want to watch your training though.”

I cracked a laugh.

“Do as you wish.”

“Why are you laughing? Are you making fun of me? Hey! Answer me! Don’t just walk away after that. Come on!”

And with that, we went to the fields outside the town for some training… While Izuna still tries to know why I laughed.

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

The first thing we noticed as we arrived there was… Beautiful. The scenery that unfolded in our eyes seems like it was taken from a fantasy setting… Wait a minute… I am in a fantasy world, now that I think about it. Anyways, the scenery was awesome. A field of grass and flowers in the middle of the forest. And, I forgot to mention, there was a recently-made huge crater in the middle and small ones all over the fields. Several Trees were also in the ground and traces of it being cut or blasted remains. Only one person came into my mind when I saw all of this…

“”Eri!””

“Looks like we both agree that Eri did all of this, huh.”

“Well, look at this. It is absurd if Eri is not the one wo did this. Only someone like Eri can do this, she’s crazy strong after all. Right, Hans?”

“Yeah. I thought so.”

Izuna pulled me while she tries to run.

“C’mon!”

“Where to?”

“Let’s go towards where Eri is!”

“Do you know where she is?”

“The path seems to be formed when she was destroying all those trees so it will be easy to find her.”

“Now that I look closer, it seems like that’s the case. Ok then, let’s fetch her before I start.”

When we caught up with Eri, she was sitting while leaning towards what appears to be a huge Black Bear with a single jagged horn in its forehead. The bear seems to have sustained multiple slash wound and is losing an arm. The scenery looks like it fits perfectly to Eri’s personality. But when I looked at Izuna, she seemed to be awestruck and in disbelief at the same time.

“Hey, what’s the problem?”

“Can’t you see what’s in front of you?”

“Eri? The Bear?”

“This scene doesn’t hit as weird or unbelievable?”

“No. That’s just a Bear. What’s weird with that?”

“That’s a Giant Dark Bear!”

“So?”

“Don’t ‘So?’ me! That’s a Rank A threat, you know! Even a usual Adventurer’s Party of Six will have a hard time killing that Beast. It is common sense to call to run and call for help whenever you encounter one.”

“Should I be amazed right now?”

Izuna just sighed.

“Whatever, let’s just go.”

We went towards Eri and asked her about the bear that she’s leaning on. Apparently, the bear attacked her while she’s training and in return, she retaliated by killing it, obviously. But apparently, what she had done is a big deal for Izuna, not that she really cared though.

After the commotion, we returned to the open grass field and began training to know more about my ability. And it somehow bugs me that there are two people in the side that is currently watching me. I don’t like being watched, so this is embarrassing.

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

After a whole hour of training, my understanding on my ability has certainly increased. Although I always heard ‘Wow!’, ‘Amazing’, ‘How did you do that?!’ and ‘That’s crazy!’ on the side, I managed to stay focused. And it certainly paid off. I now know that there are certain parameters and limitations to be met in order for my ability to used. Although it appears that you can use it whenever you want and whatever you want, it really is not that simple. These are what I learned about my ability so far:

1. I can materialize almost everything that I can imagine.

2. I can use my ability within a sphere of 10-meter radius. So, I can summon something even in 10 meters underground or 10 meters above the sky from where I am.

3. I can materialize something without knowing how it works inside. I only need to know what I looks like and what it does. I tried materializing a smartphone and it worked. But it is a bit useless in my case so I disregarded it. Additionally, I cannot materialize something that is larger than my ability’s range of effectivity. That’s why I won’t be able to materialize a whole Airbus A380. I can materialize it by parts though. The only problem will be on how to assemble it. Maybe I can materialize it slowly while moving so I can materialize the whole plane and not just the parts of it. I don’t know, I haven’t tried that method yet.

4. Even though I can materialize anything, the skills required to use it is still needed. I tried materializing a M60 Patton tank and use it. The only problem is I do not know how to use it. Better learn how to drive it or just make it so that the driving can be easier.

5. A book will be almost impossible to use when materialize if you do not memorize the whole book itself. It can be materialized but only the Cover and the paper will appear. No writings will be inside unless you memorized the contents of the said book.

6. There is a limit on Materializing something. The larger and more complex an item is, the more I’ll be exhausted from materializing it, while small things can be materialized easier. I tried to materialize as many M60 Patton as possible and it took me 23 tanks before I felt exhaustion. While I try to materialize as many pencils as possible and it can be materialized practically indefinite.

7. The time limit of the materialized item does not exist. I can dematerialize it whenever I want, though.

8. I cannot materialize living creatures. I can create artificial beings but that’s it. I can create a robot though so… that’s fine, I guess.

9. I can modify something even in molecular level if I focus enough. I tried to turn a stone into gold by imagining it and it worked. Guess I’m also an alchemist now… Better not mess with the Law of Equivalent Exchange though, just kidding.

10. I can literally materialize anything. Even something that is considered as fiction or sci-fi in my old world. This is so fun to use!!!

That’s everything that I concluded after training and conducting a series of experiments while I’m at it. Right now, my ability feels like it’s becoming a part of me now. That’s just the sentimental part of me monologuing, just ignore that.

“That was awesome!”

“I admit, that’s entertaining, to say the least.”

“Oh Come On, Eri. Just admit that you’re also amazed of what I can do.”

“You’ll just get cocky. You would become so irritating if I admit it so perish the thought.”

“Aw, you’re no fun.”

She frowned at me and avert her gaze from me with an ‘hmpf’ murmur. Izuna looked at Eri then looked at me while smiling.

“What is it?”

“It’s just too overwhelming for me, what you showed us back there. You really are an unthinkable person with qualms on being the most recklessly absurd sometime.”

“That description describes me as a crazy bipolar guy, you know.”

“Maybe that’s what you really are!”

“Just… zip it.”

“Hahaha. A Bipolar!”

“You’re being childish.”

“Bipolar, Bipolar!”

I just let out a sigh. Eri seems like she’s not interested about the conversation, and Izuna will just get tired of teasing me anytime soon.

We went back to the Town and brought the Dark Bear with us. Because Izuna was with us, we managed to bring the carcass in the guild without raising any suspicion… well, maybe a few, but that doesn’t matter. Eri was rewarded 7 Gold and 31 Silver Coins for the bounty reward.

Since there are few people in the guild hall today, the workload is not that bad. That’s why Izuna swiftly took care of everything and is able to talk to us after she’s done.

“So, Hans. What is your plan now?”

“You know what, now that I fully understand how my ability works, the plans in my head just keeps coming.”

“That’s what I want to hear! So? What’s the plan now?”

“Dropping a nuclear bomb to them would be the fastest solution and will be the most effective. But I cancelled it out.”

“Why? Even though that’s the most effective? Also, what is a nuclear bomb?”

“First of all, if you consider what would happen afterwards, that plan will be out of question.”

“Why?”

“Imagine this. If I were to plan an explosion that can destroy an entire city and also contains poison that will slowly kill you and I detonated it near your town, what do you think would happen?”

“Um… We would die too?”

“Exactly! If I were to detonate it near the city, the shockwave will undoubtedly affect the whole town and the poison it contained will spread in the land itself. If you hadn’t been killed in the initial explosion, then you will surely die because of the lingering poison.”

“That sounds really bad now that you elaborated it. Do you have any other plan?”

“Use a Tank that I materialized earlier to kill them all? But I don’t know how to drive it.”

“Other ideas?”

“Hmm? Well, I guess I have more. But I would not tell you right now. I don’t want to see you freak out, after all.”

“If that’s the case, then you’re planning something absurdly dangerous, right?”

“Sort of.”

“Not that I can stop you. Looks like you made up your mind though. I’ll just wish for the safety of the two of you.”

“So, you can be sincere sometimes. That’s not bad.”

“Shut up. Anyways, tomorrow is a big day. I should give the two of you some time to rest. Good Luck! See the both of you tomorrow!”

“Goodnight!”

“Goodnight, Izuna!”

“Good night to the both of you!”

And with that, Eri and I went to the Inn we’re staying in. It seems that we we’re out for a while since the sky’s already dark. Our Neighbors were returning from their work. We head towards our rooms and immediately fell asleep. Who knows that training can really drain you. Guess I’m not that athletic at all. Anyways, tomorrow will be the day. Not that I’m nervous, I’m just excited to see what will happen. I can’t wait.

Just like that, I was pulled out of my consciousness and dragged into the depths of abyss that we call Sleep.