"Severe the ropes of time, Collapse the sky of s.p.a.ce. Revert, oh divine light. I cast upon the skies! REVERT QUANTUM REALM!"

Suddenly we felt our body phasing out, disappearing as we stood.

"Dear representatives, may you be well in your journey. Especially you, Yakiro."

"H-huh? Umm... Thanks. I guess..."

"Once all of you returned, you cannot speak of this. Even if you were forced to, your body will not allow it especially your systems. Don't worry Ayumi, even if your master commands you, you won't be affected."

Ayumi nonchalantly nodded.

"Until we meet again... dear friends." Hinami smiled at us.

"The time we meet again, I'm already a king! I'll outrun you all! Especially you, Jin Ichigo!" He pointed his finger towards Jin. Sheesh, this guy doesn't know when to stop.

"I bid you farewell. I wish you all good health." The ever silent Jin finally spoke. He smiled at us. We were dazed by his uncommon gesture. I didn't know he knew how to smile.

We bid our farewell and they disappeared from the realm.

"Hold my hand, Ya... Yakiro..."

Ayumi faced the opposite side while she reached her hand for me. She's so cute when she acts just like this. Her flushed face gave me b.u.t.terflies.

"Yes, Ayumi-chan. Koneko, hold onto me tight."

I held her hand and she smiled deeply with her eyes closed. She seemed happy and looked happily towards me.

I held Koneko in my arm and Ayumi's hand on the other.

"Let's eat after this."

"Yeah."

Flssshhhhhhhzt!

We found ourselves transported back into our room, or should I say Ayumi's room. We smiled at each other and laughed. That was a crazy week in there.

The sun had just risen and seems like time didn't really move here. It was basically still the same time as we left. It was still dawn and Ayumi started inspecting her status.

The door creaked open and Elena came in. She stood frozen by the door.

"I didn't know Yakiro was staying here."

We were surprised and stood in front of her.

"I'm sorry!" I bowed my head.

"I-i... I can explain, Elena..."

"It's alright. It seems like you took care of our little Yakiro here. Hmm? It seems that he already looks fine."

Elena crossed her arms. She was still wearing her mask and hood. Her body was covered by her cloak and the inner by her scarlet red robe. She was clearly puzzled why I had suddenly healed all my wounds. Those wounds would basically take weeks to heal but thanks to that priest, it was in an instant. I can't tell her that, even if I wanted to, the system wouldn't allow me.

I had to think of a reason to cover up my mystery. It would make sense if I told her a village priest healed me but for her, it wouldn't. Because for her, it seemed like it only happened two days ago since time stopped here.

I looked behind and remembered the potion Ryan gave me. It was a recovery potion medium and it will instantly mend wounds and fix broken bones. Although it's that effective, it wouldn't heal a torn limb or a missing arm.

"It was thanks to that potion." I pointed from behind, showing her the flask with a violet fluid. "Ryan gave it to me."

"Hmmm... it doesn't seem to be consumed?"

Gulp!

That's right! I never had tasted even a drop of it. I haven't used it yet! Now how would I escape this?

"Oh. Nah. That's the second bottle. I had already consumed the first one."

Sigh... I hope she buys my excuse.

"I see. But still seeing you here really changes the mood. Ayumi, had you done it with Yakiro already?" She teased Ayumi.

"E.. Elensan! No, we haven't!" Ayumi said in a high tone which made Elena giggle.

"I see. Then I'll be on my way. I don't want to interrupt you two."

"Geez! There's nothing between us, Elena!"

Ayumi clenched her fists while jumping out of irritation. She must be fl.u.s.tered. I can't blame her. After all, I was the one who was really shocked. I was speechless the whole time and seemed I lost my mentality after Elena brought that joke.

"Wait! I heard about your plans about the pillar..."

Elena suddenly froze as she reaches the door, petrified.

"I'm willing to help. I'll do everything I can to provide my support."

Elena suddenly relaxed her body.

"I see. Then I'll be waiting for that. Then, I'll be on my way." She left the room and closed the door.

I stared at Ayumi and her head was in her hands. There was a puff of steam coming out of her head. I felt sorry for her. I didn't know how embarra.s.sing this was for her. Come to think of it, we're both of the opposite genders staying in the same room. This will surely embarra.s.s anyone if they were in the position of Ayumi.

I approached her and said "Let's eat, Ayumi-chan.", but as my hands reached her shoulder...

"D-DON'T TOUCH ME, IDIOT YAKIRO!" She erupted with an embarra.s.sing look and a blushy cheek.

The food tasted great and the meat was as tender as it gets. Ayumi paid for the food since I didn't have any money left. I felt dejected, I should be the one paying for the meal. Koneko was happily eating dozens and fell asleep on my shoulder. She was happy the moment we bought her the golden marlin fish.

"Sorry, Ayumi... I'll pay you soon as I get enough money."

"Oh don't worry about it, Yakiro. Besides, we have enough money to spend."

"Where do you earn all this money?"

"Oh. It's from the loots that our party collects. Ymil and Arnel are always doing quests."

Come to think of it, I haven't seen the two of them lately. I must thank Arnel for the other day that he saved me and also Ymil.

The street was filled with adventurers, people, and carriages. It was a bustling of people. Merchants were displaying their merchandise. I could see various monsters here too. Maybe they are all livestock here and some must be working like horses. Ayumi told me that anything here that isn't human is considered a monster. Birds you see here are called Cla.s.s C Monster which is harmless to the people.

I decided to visit the weapon shop and the old man was entertaining a group of adventurers. They bought any kinds of stuff from weaponry to armors.

"Hey, old man." Ayumi, Koneko and I went inside. Since there were people here, it felt a little bit cramped.

The old man transferred his attention to us and the adventurers left their money as they exit the shop. Ayumi and I separated to make way for them to pa.s.s.

"What can I do for you two?"

"I'd like to buy a sword."

"A sword eh? How come? I thought you never had a cla.s.s."

"Apparently, now I do." I smiled widely at him and he replied to me with his rejoicing.

"Then please choose from a variety that's hanging on the wall there."

"If possible, I would like you to recommend me a cheaper price."

"How much?"

"About 6 silver."

"I see."

He took out a bronze sword with a wooden handle. It looked old but it was only because of its color. It had just been smithed the other day.

We paid the old man and went for the valley. We decided to try the forest since I was already level ten. We only stood on the corner of the forest where the Gra.s.s Valley could still be seen.

"Graaaaa!" A giant Level 15 Red Orchista appeared. It had th.o.r.n.y vines and whipped it towards us. Ayumi was still in her level two, so she can't do much, so it was up to me and Koneko to defeat the Red Orchista.

I ran towards the Orchista and lifted my sword. Koneko in her Fox Queen form stayed behind with Ayumi.

Graaa! Graaaa!

The Red Orchista jumped towards me but I was able to evade it thanks to my [Stride]. I was able to use my skill efficiently thanks to all that training Ayumi did for me.

I found an opening and took my chance. It was finally time for me to slash things to bits!

"Hraaaaaaaah!" with all the strength that I mustered, I swung my sword.

Crikkkkk!

"Huh?"

The sword spiderwebbed and abruptly shattered before me. It didn't even reach the Red Orchista nor inflict a scratch on it.

My vision was covered with a red icon.

"CURSE: REPENT*

+The user is unable to wield man-made weapons.

H-how could this be?

Ayumi was shocked to see the result and Koneko jumped in and slashed the Red Orchista. It didn't do much damage but it made it flinch, giving me a chance to widen out the distance.

"Why?"

I looked at my shattered sword and tears started to well up in my eyes. I felt hopeless... Again... Just how am I supposed to fight this?

The Red Orchista spat a scorching acid. I was too petrified and found my feet frozen on the ground. I couldn't think straight and I started to lose myself. Koneko was not attached to me so my traumatic tension only made things worse. I wasn't able to move and felt helpless as the acid flew towards me.

"Yakiro! Snap out of it!"

Ayumi jumped in and caught the acid with her body.

"HYAAAAAAAAAH!" she cried out in pain as her clothes and skin started to burn, the acid spread out on her clothes and skin. She curled up on the ground with an immense amount of pain running inside her body. She was in flames and the acid started to burn through.

"Hrah hrah... Aghhhhh! Ugh..."

"Ayumi!" I felt powerless. Ayumi was lying on the ground, sweating and crying.

"Koneko! Slash it!"

I was s.h.i.+vering... I was terrified... I don't want to lose anyone anymore...

My traumatic fears suddenly changed into wrath and felt my blood boiling with rage.

Koneko pounced and swiped the Orchista.

"Iiiiiiryaa!" It yelped in pain.

It spat out several acids but Koneko was able to adroitly avoid each of it and continued to repeat the attacks until it was weakened.

Out of rage, I ran towards the Red Orchista and pounced on it sending it lying on the ground. I sat on it and started to pummel it with my fists. Every punch I delivered was full of hatred and anger.

Why?

Why wasn't I able to use weapons?

Why did it shatter?

Am I going to end up helpless in this world?

Is he going to make me suffer more?

Why? Why? WHY?!

d.a.m.n IT! d.a.m.n THIS WORLD!

"HRAAAAAAAH!"

Blag blag blag blag blag!

I punched and punched until its liquids came out staining my face, hands, and clothes. I was full of rage and I couldn't think clearly. My rage had taken all over me.

My vision started to glitch like a computer with a virus. The edges of my vision were starting to redden and icons made of chains started to appear on the edges.

My vision was filled with exclamation marks and blinked red and black color. It was starting to warn me.

My hands were burning and the acids on my cheeks were starting to bore a hole. But I didn't feel any pain. I only felt...

-Furious Devastation-

+Conditions Met

"Hraaaaaaaaaah! d.a.m.n it! d.a.m.n it! d.a.m.n THIS WORLD!"

Nas.h.i.+ki Yakiro Exp 10

Nas.h.i.+ki Koneko Exp 9

The Red Orchista was already flattened by my fists but my rage continued to grow. I couldn't stop... No... I don't want to stop.

KILL! MORE MORE MORE! KILL MORE!

I pummeled it until my hands started to bleed.

Suddenly I felt a hug around my shoulder. My anger vanished. I felt drizzles of tears sopping my shoulder.

"Stop it. Yakiro-sama... Stop it..."

"I'm alright, Yakiro-san... I'm alright... Enough... That's enough..."

I glanced on my shoulder and both of them were sobbing. My vision started to shake as I stare on my burnt, drenched in acid and darkened hands. I was s.h.i.+vering... What happened to me?

This is unbecoming of me...

How could I let loose?...

"Ayumi... How come that you're fine?"

"Ryan gave me a recovery potion too, but it was only small... So I used it all... I'm sorry we went through this... Let's go back to the village..."

"I see..." My face had a hole in my cheek. Revealing my teeth and blood were dripping out of it. I felt the daylight pa.s.s through my skin.

With my hands s.h.i.+vering, I reached for the potion but before my lip had ever reached it, my wounds and injuries started to heal on its own. Even the hole in my cheek was all patched up. But my clothes were tattered and my breastplate wretched.

-Hero Cla.s.s-

+Special Bonus

[Resiliency]: Heals wounds and mends injuries. However, debuffs and toxins cannot be treated.

I see... This is what a Hero Cla.s.s is...

"Let's go back to the village, Yakiro-sama..."

Koneko embraced me right. But even so... I decided that this week, I would grind.

"Ayumi... Do you know a place where there are only level five monsters?"

"Yes... Why is that?" She replied. Her clothes were damaged too. She didn't wear any armor since she's a Thief Cla.s.s. Armors would only hinder them.

"I've decided to grind no matter what."

"But master!"

"I've decided!"

I felt hopeless and found myself shouting without me realizing it. Koneko appeared to be surprised by my pitiful words. I had to be strong. I have to be strong in other ways. If it needs to be this fists, then I'll gladly turn them into iron.

Koneko returned to her cat form and rested on my shoulder. She was crying and I can feel her hurt by my actions. I realized it was rude of me to shout at her after all that she'd done. My heart sunk so I patted her head and kissed her forehead, hoping she'll forgive me.

"I'm sorry... Koneko..."

I looked at Ayumi and she was painfully glaring at me. She shot me an angry look.

"Alright... I'm sorry I shouted... I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you, Ayumi... I'm sorry I hurt you..."

"Geez! I'm not angry because of those! Nevermind! Idiot! You're such an idiot!" She began to shout at me and turned her back as she started to walk away.

"Follow me! Didn't you say you want a place to grind? Then by the Flinn River!"

Geez. I somehow irritated her. I don't know how and why...

On our way, she has slain dozens of Orchista. She was expressing her anger at them. I ended up looting several Orchista Herbs. I wanted to get an Orchista Gem like how Ryan did, but I somehow didn't.

The maximum luck you can have is 10 and it's still pretty low. That's how this world works.

I changed to Apothecary Cla.s.s and brewed dozens of potions which I stored in rocks that Ayumi punched a hole in. She was really p.i.s.sed and her strength was remarkable. If I got hit by those fists, I was sure to die.

I lost my armor and my health lowered down to a maximum of two hundred fifty. My defense stat went from B to C-. I had no armor left.

There were monster around the area and leveled only by five.

There were crows, mushrooms and piranha monsters. The piranha became our lunch and its meat was surprisingly good. We cooked a chicken soup using Croku meat, the crow monster, and the Mushee, a mushroom monster. I took some parts of the Croku and Mushee that seemed valuable. The skin of the Mushee and the feather of Croku, according to my loot help system and Ayumi, they are sold to battle loot shops.

Dusk has arrived and the sky has now been covered by stars. We decided to camp here during our grind. Ayumi started to ignore me but I couldn't help it if she stopped talking to me, I decided to talk to her.

"Ummm... Ayumi-chan?.."

I can hear the firewood snapping. It kept us warm and Koneko was resting on my shoulder after all that eating.

"Hmmp!" Ayumi crossed her arms and faced the other way.

"Ayumi-chan... Why won't you talk to me?"

"Figure it out by yourself, Idiot!"

"Eeeee... But I said I was sorry."

"And none of those were the reason that I'm upset."

Sigh...

I patted Koneko's head and she made a long nyan.

"I really don't know... Tell me, what would I do to make it up to you. I'll do anything to make you happy."

Suddenly I caught her attention. Her shoulders became stiff and I can see steam puffing out of her head.

"anything?" She stuttered. Her voice sounds nervous.

"Yes."

"Are you sure?"

She was still facing the other way.

"Sigh... Yes, Ayumi-chan... Anything... So please talk to me." I touched her shoulder.

"Ahhhhh!" She suddenly screamed, flushed as she slapped my hand away.

I got confused.

"Sorry... Th-then..."

She leans forward with her forehead facing me.

"Th-th-then..." She was stuttering. She couldn't speak clearly. What am I going to do with her head?

Oh! I know!

"No! That's not it! Stop patting my head!" She got angry at me. She pouted with annoyance on her face.

"Then what?"

"Geez! You really are clueless, aren't you?! Idiot! Idiot! Stupid Yakiro!"

I ended up facepalming my face as I stare at the night sky. The s.h.i.+mmering backdrop of stars showered us in the forest. Besides us, we could hear the rapid current of the Flinn River gus.h.i.+ng down the stream. The firewood continued snapping and its flames were perfectly warm.

"Geez... I meant, kiss my forehead... Idiot..."

Gulp!

Her sudden command made me swallow my throat. No, it felt like I was about to throw up my heart and I was lucky to swallow it back. Ayumi, so you've been angry since I kissed Koneko first? I remember, she said that I should wait. Now I remember what she mumbled before. She said 'Wait before you kiss me... Idiot..." That's what she said before das.h.i.+ng into the darkness when we were still in the quantum.

I can't believe it...

I glance at her, she's basically keeping her composure. Her shoulders are stiff and she's biting her lips. Our eyes met and we suddenly end up looking in the opposite direction.

"T-then I'll do it... S-so... Y-you'll t-talk to m-me again..."

d.a.m.n! I'm feeling nervous that I can't stop sweating! This moment... this moment only exists in fiction yet I am here. This is the reality and everything is real.

"Y-yes!"

She's nervous too. I can hear her voice shake.

I closed my eyes and leaned towards her. I feel my lips pus.h.i.+ng against her forehead and I can hear her resisting her giggle.

I opened my eyes and she was smiling widely with her eyes closed.

"Idiot."

She said before she conceals herself inside a blanket that we brought. I can feel my heart leaping with joy.

I've decided.

I'll do my best to protect this girl. I'll find other ways to strengthen myself and my stats.

Two days have pa.s.sed.

I ended up getting Level 13. We kept on hunting prirara on the river. The Prirara were feisty and hard to deal with. Their sharp teeth resemble a piranha.

We had taken a bath in the river after we cleared out the monsters surrounding it. Koneko and Ayumi were on the other side of the river and I was on the opposite side. I can hear them laughing and chuckling. They sure are enjoying it.

The more that Ayumi, Koneko and I spent our time together, the more we get attached to each other.

Night came and we slept another day.

The next day had come and we went further on the woods. Ayumi had her level raised to two and now she's level five. I also realized that Ayumi's height was just below my ear and Koneko was high just as my shoulders are.

I remember I have Zen and Ren aura skills. I should probably investigate how I could use activate them. Some skills have conditions.

I had collected several herbs and made dozens of them. I placed them inside the Mushee skin since it felt like plastic.

I could get money for these. Once we return, I'll find an apothecary and sell these potions.