Huh, clouds. When did hospitals have these....
I swear I got hit by a car or something, couldn't really tell.
Or maybe I passed out. It's daytime so that's probably it. I mean, no hospitals have clouds for a ceiling.
Maybe it's those AI thingies making the rounds.
Ahhh, getting up feels like..... hold on.
It doesn't hurt anymore. Also, when did Tokyo have a meadow in it?
Where the hell even am I? Did somebody take me to the boonies or something?
And these clothes— hold on. Let's see. I remember after getting my ass handed to me, a car sound, probably, but maybe it could've been real and I... m de...ad.
But am I? If I am, then what is this? Where am I? Oh— my— word, could it be!!!!!!
I got isekai'd!
Mmmm, the idea sounds tempting, but isn't there supposed to be some kind of hot goddess to be like:
"Welcome, hero. You've been chosen to save the world. Take this great blessing, or whatever."
Hmmm, might not be it.
Or maybe it's a dream. Still, there's bunnies and birds, plus the grass feels way too real.
Maybe it's one of those dreams, you know what they say— "when you kick it," your brain shows you stuff to make you go peacefully.
Buuuut it could still be an isekai. Only one way to find out.
Status open ..... mmmhhh... pop up.....
—*wooooooshhhh*—
To no avail, looking like an idiot as I double-tap the air.
Maybe it's one of those where I go to the starting village, meet some cool guy who'll help me activate it. Well, yes, that must be it.
Let's see, ooohh, there we go— smoke through that seemingly.... dense forest. Hmmm.
Hopefully I don't run into monsters and use some awesome skill. Hahaha, this is gonna be so cool.
The pillar of smoke drew near— or more like, I hope it did. The trees blocked it out a while ago.
Ladies and gentlemen, my journey in another world has just begun!
My destiny to be a hero and have a thousand wives and riches has just begun.....
So tell me why— why, why is it so hot? I~ha, so tired, and my feet hurt.
Alex: "Who the hell made this stupid isekai, or dream, whatever it is."
Ah!!~, right, they usually skip this part in anime.
Huh?
Short— about the size of an eighth grader or so. Black flowing hair and a cute, innocent expression.
What's a little girl doing in the forest all alone? And what the hell is she staring at? Is she looking at me?
Girl: "Are you.... a crazy person?"
Alex: "What!!!? —sigh— Anyway, what are you doing out here?"
Girl: "I'm working. Gathering herbs. What's it to ya?"
So young, though. In such a world there's probably no such thing as child labour laws.
Work— hold on, that means she might...
Alex: "Little girl, if you'd be so kind—"
Immediately interrupting:
Girl: "If you touch me I'll scream."
The hell?
Alex: "What's wrong with you? Water— W-A-T-E-R— I'm asking for WATER!!!"
Girl: "Water, huh? You must have come a long way for you to ask for that. Not to mention you must be pretty stupid."
Alex: "What was that?"
Girl: "I mean, who travels without water? And not to mention, shoes?"
Ahhh, I just realised I'm not wearing shoes. Still, this little shit's asking for it.
Girl: "So, Mr. Crazy, how bad do you want this water?"
What is this, a shake-up? Little monster.
Alex: "Well, I've got no money if that's what you're after."
Girl: "How about a kiss?"
Alex: "No!! Not a chance. You're too young for that."
What's wrong with her?
Girl: "Rude. Anyway, you could help me carry these baskets of herbs back to the village."
Seems my first stop's a village. Nice. The starting village, huh.
Alex: "Fine. Now give, give."
Girl: "You only get a sip."
As I drink the water, I chug most of it. This will teach her a lesson to respect her elders.
—*dokeee*—
Girl: Power strrrriike.
Ahh, the hell's wrong with this girl?
Girl: "I said a sip. Mmhhh, serves you right. Well, stranger, a deal's a deal and I don't have all day, so let's go."
Evil child, I mutter to myself. What am I, a saucy middle schooler?
Girl: "What was that?"
Alex: "Nothing, he~he."
I should just bolt. Then again, I might miss some important stuff. What if this is an event-type thing?
In a moment's flash she's already on my back with her basket, ready to go.
Alex: "What's the meaning of this?"
Girl: "I remember telling you you'd carry the herbs. Never said how, nor did I specify what form they'd be in. Now let's go, horsey. Not to mention, you're a big strong man, aren't ya?"
Alex: "Who taught you that garbage?" I growl.
As we walk towards the village, the air breezes, as calm as can be. The rustling leaves, swaying trees with the sunlight hitting through them just right.
This little monster already got too comfortable on my back.
Alex: "Hey, you awake? You're the guide, remember."
Girl: "Horses don't talk. Just follow the trail. Oh yeah, I forgot, you're stupid— don't get lost."
I'll strangle this kid.... All said and done, she's actually pretty cute.
Looking past her brattiness, she'd actually be a cool little sister— not that I had one to compare.
Girl: "By the way, you're not a bandit, are you?"
Alex: "Now you ask me that. You've got zero survival instincts, you know that?"
Girl: "Says the barefoot crazy person."
Alex: "Well, do I look like a bandit?"
Girl: "You have a point there. I doubt you could rob an old man even if you tried. At least you're strong enough to carry me."
I'll dock this brat.
Alex: "By the way, what's your name?"
Girl: "Ninene. I'm 8, by the way."
Alex: "I'm Alex.... Speaking of, what were you doing picking herbs? Mom's out of town or something?"
Ninene: "My mom's an excellent herbalist, I'll have you know. I collect herbs for her and she makes medicine that we sell to the villagers. It's how we eat."
Alex: "You seem quite proud of that."
Ninene: "—fufu— I actually am. Mama says food tastes better if you work for it, you know."
As the conversation went on, the gate came into view. The village was surrounded by a wall made of wooden spikes. It had a tower by the gate with a single man manning it.
Typical, I guess. What did I expect, a floating sky castle?
The two of us walked in like we owned the place. Talk about cheap security.
Isn't someone supposed to stop me and ask for identification?
The inside looked like what you'd hear about in a history class, but it's surprisingly clean.
A bit of livestock here, a bit of hay there.
The houses are built of brick, so that's a surprise. Roads are still dirt roads but vegetation puts color to the place.
Not a lot of buildings, so it's spacious— what I'd expect from a village. It's peaceful and quiet, so that's a good sign.
The people seem to be lively as can be. The village sits along a vast wheat field— and is that maze too? Wow.
I expected some backwater vintage crap, but this place leaves villages in my world in the dust.
There's two mountains in the back, so there's no wall there.
It seems to be protected geographically. But still, I got in without even talking to anyone.
Maybe they have capable fighters.
The two of us head straight for her house. A little bit of stares here and a little bit of whispers there on the way. I mean, fair enough— I am sort of a stranger.
This place looks like everyone knows each other.
Alex: "Hey, Ninene, we're here."
She jumps off immediately, heading to the door as she pulls my arm.
Ninene: "Mom! Mom! I'm back! Look what I found— a stray crazy person!"
Yes. A stray crazy person....
Alex: "Oi, what the hell?"
Ninene's Mom: "Be kind to your new friend, Ninene."
Ninene: "Yeah, yeah, I'm just messing with him. Anyway, I brought the herbs, mama. Oh, and can we keep him?"
What am I, a pet?
Ninene's Mom: "Well, good job, Ninene, and sure, we can keep him."
She says as she pets Ninene's head.
Awww. So this is family love.
I instinctively touch my head, thinking about my own mom.
Ninene's mom begins patting my head too, which brings me back to reality.
I'm a stranger, you know. Still, I don't hate it.
Ninene's Mom: "So, Ninene's friend— would you like to stay with us?"
Over there, giggling as she spots the blush on my face.
Alex: "If I wouldn't be a bother, I'd like that."
Ninene's Mom: "Well then, it's settled. So do you have a name, and where are you, um— from?"
Alex: "I um... I'm Alex..... K..kk..ing Alex and... I'm from— (huh, I did not think this one through) —not around here."
Ninene's Mom: "Hehehe. Well, Alex, I welcome you to Dawnvale. I just hope you're not a threat. If you are— well, let's just say herbs can do more than heal, okay?"
Iiiiii, that has to be the cutest threat I've ever seen.
Ninene's Mom: "By the way, you can call me Helena, or Mom if you like."
Mom, huh. What a heavy word. I think I'll call her Helena instead. But that persuasive smile, hmmm.
—bang—
Ahhhhhh!!! What the hell? As I look to the door, I could hear them— the angels singing up in the clouds.
Irene: "Oh, pipsqueak's back. Huh? Who's this?"
Alex: "Ahem. The name's Alex, my fair lady. Alex the Great."
Ninene: "He's our new pet, Irene."
Irene: "Oh. ...Whatever. I'm heading out, Mom— to the well to get some water. See ya."
What the hell? Where's the love? Isn't she supposed to go:
"Oh, handsome hero, take me, I'm yours, body and soul, as I bask in your awesomeness."
A~ha, goddess, hear my prayer please....
Oh wait, I get it now. She's the heroine who I shall save, and then she falls in love with me.
Not bad, goddess. Not bad.
Alex: "It fits the tale perfectly! I, the hero, save a damsel in distress and she swoons over me! Ahahahahah!!"
Ninene: "See, Ma? I told ya. Crazy person. Earth to Alex, hello— you still among the world of the living?"
Alex: "Buzz off, pipsqueak, the grown-ups are talking."
—*twaa*—
A smack on the head like some disobedient puppy I receive.
Ninene: "Come on, we gotta go. Since you're new in town there's someone you gotta meet."
Ooohh, this is it! I meet the man who'll give me a quest, or some legendary sword wielded by the gods themselves.
This is gonna be so good!!
Helena: "Be careful out there and make sure to be back by dinner, ok?"
Ninene: "Yes, Mom."
Well, I'm here now. The first village I've come across. To be totally honest, I thought I'd run into some messed up things.
You know— slavers, monsters, that sort of thing. But it's been smooth sailing for now.
The village— it's called Dawnvale. A village under the kingdom of Aurelia, one of the great kingdoms.
The people are nice and kind. I think I've greeted more people than I can count.
Ninene seems to be taking me somewhere to meet some guy. Knowing Ninene, it's probably not gonna be that interesting.
I spotted Irene a couple of houses back by the well. She seems to be chatting it up with the other girls.
Ninene: "I can't wait to introduce you to the old man!"
The old man— shit, I wasn't ready to meet their dad. What if he figures out I'm tryna get it with his daughter?
Ninene: "Here we are!"
Then again, he could be the man. This could be the event where I meet him, the o....ne!!!???
Old Man Rizen: "Ohh, yes. *hiccup*. What a fine woman she is... Huh?"
Ah~, this is the guy? Some pervert who drinks during the day, and not to mention he's pretty old.
Alex: "Hey, Ninene, your dad's kinda... how do I put this— not what I expected."
Ninene: "Hahahaha, you're one to talk, crazy person. Besides, that's not my dad."
Alex: "It's not??"
Ninene: "No, stupid. That's Old Man Rizen. The village chief."
Chief, huh!? He doesn't look or behave it.
Ninene: "My dad left... before I was born, to fight in the war in the north or something like that."
Haha, an actual literal war. No thanks. Whatever goddess brought me here can shove it if she thinks I'm getting involved.
Ninene: "One day when he comes back, you'll get to meet him."
Alex: "Really? What for?"
Ninene: "So he can walk me down the aisle, stupid. How else will we get married?"
Seriously, what screws did this girl lose?
Old Man Rizen: "Ninene... you came to see me again.... yay!"
Ninene: "Of course, you perverted geezer. If I don't, who's gonna keep you company?"
Old Man Rizen: "Why, the view of these splendid ladies would suffice, wouldn't you say, kid?"
Is he talking to me?
Ninene: "Stupid pervert."
I think I see where she gets it now.
Old Man Rizen: "Hey, Ninene, who's this? Your boyfriend or something?"
Ninene: "Yes."
Alex: "No!!! She's too young!"
Old Man Rizen: "Well, she will get older."
Alex: "Screw you."
Old Man Rizen: "Oi, come closer, kid."
I'll regret this.
Old Man Rizen: "—slurp— Ahhh— tell me, kid, what's your type?"
Alex: "Type??"
Old Man Rizen: "Women, stupid. Skinny, curvy, short, tall— what's your type?"
Of all things, really.
"What are you, my pimp?"
Old Man Rizen: "What was that?"
Alex: "Curvy!!! I guess. Or whatever."
It's not like girls liked me anyway, so what would've been the point of having a type.
Old Man Rizen: "Boy, did you just say curvy?"
What's with the change in tone all of a sudden? Did I say something wrong?
Old Man Rizen: "You're not bad, kid. Not bad. I like you."
Alex: "What does that have to do with..."
Old Man Rizen: "You're not from around here, are you? What do they call you?"
Did I just get interrupted?
Alex: "It's Alex. And no, I'm not."
Old Man Rizen: "Alex, huh. Not the weirdest name I've ever heard. But welcome to my village."
Alex: "It's nice to be here."
Old Man Rizen: "Do not— boy, and I mean do not— hit on my women. You can take Ninene. By the way, sorry, we don't have inns. We don't get too many visitors."
Ninene: "Stupid old man, I'm not yours to give. Besides, he's mine already, not the other way around."
Alex: "Would both of you stop? I belong to no one. Haaa. What happened to the 'oh hero, here's your legendary sword, please— we have a guest house prepared just for you'?"
Old Man Rizen: "Pffftttt, hahahah! Guest house! This kid! Well, I've got a pigsty if you want that, hahahah!"
Oh, come on. Not a single thing of worth came out of this conversation. This old man's useless. Officially the worst isekai ever.
Old Man Rizen: "Oi, brat?"
Huh. There he goes again with that "I'll take your head" vibe.
Old Man Rizen: "You mentioned weapons. What's a kid like you need with them? You a bandit or something?"
Alex: "No no, nothing like that. I talk crazy like that, you know."
Ninene: "It's true. My pet is insane."
Stupid brat, you're the insane one.
Old Man Rizen: "Well, if Ninene trusts you, then welcome to the village. Just don't start any trouble and keep your hands to yourself."
Oi oi, should you really be trusting an 8-year-old for that? Still, I'm not one to talk. I could be in a village of murderers who'd use me for a ritual that involves 8 wives, hehehe.
—*Dwa*—
Alex: "Ow, what was that for?"
Ninene: "You had that creepy smile the old pervert has at times."
Old Man Rizen: "—hic— I do not smile like that. Anyway, kid, tell me— you passing through or moving in? Which is it?"
Well, to be honest, I have no idea what to do. But I'm not telling him that. Gotta keep some cards close to my chest, right?
Alex: "Well, I.... wanna go to the capital and become a top-notch adventurer, so that I can get a harem."
Old Man Rizen: "Pfffttt, hahahaha! You crack me up, kid. You, an adventurer? Harem?! Hahahah!"
Is this bastard making fun of me?
Alex: "Think I can't do it, you old fool?"
Old Man Rizen: "Hahaha, think you can't? I know you can't. Look at you. Can you even use a sword? And that's not even the start. You know where the capital even is?"
Ugh, dammit. He's right about that. I have no idea where to even go. And as for fighting— I'm not sure I can do anything. I was never a fighter in my previous life.
Stupid old man.
"I can, if I put my mind to it."
Old Man Rizen: "What was that? Hahaha."
I hate this. I come to a new world, aren't I supposed to be good at everything? Aren't things supposed to go my way?
Old Man Rizen: "I like you, kid. Tell you what— why don't you stick around in my village and I'll train ya? You could also learn a thing or two from the villagers."
Ninene: "Oooohhh, Alex, this is gonna be so much fun! Did you know the old pervert used to be a knight?"
Him, a knight? How the standards have fallen.
Still, him teaching me would benefit me. Besides, I know nothing of this world.
Alex: "I accept your offer, and thank you in advance."
Old Man Rizen: "Oh, don't mention it."
Also— I wonder, how does he know I know nothing of this world?
...
Old Man Rizen: "Oh, and kid— words of advice. Most people who have something to prove burn the brightest, but dim the fastest too."
—*wooooooshhhh*—
So this is it, huh? The beginning of my life in this new world. Or dream. Whatever it is.
This time, I won't live with regrets.
I'll achieve my goals, whatever those are. Get ready, world— for a storm is coming.