CH 23

“That’s why Hans-san…”

“What are you planning on talking about?” (Hans)

After the incident, I got worried about hunting goblins using [Light Ball]. So, I stopped at the reference room, returned to the inn, before consulting with Hans-san, who I found at the bar.

“So, I wonder what I should do from now on.”

“I cannot answer that! I do not know any better.” (Hans)

When I think back, I started out with no idea what I was doing, and I chose to work as an adventurer in order to earn enough money to survive.

I had no other choice but to become an adventurer.

In this world, it would be difficult for a person with no connections to the world to just jump into a store and try to get hired. This is especially true in a rural village like this.

Because society is built out of trust.

In modern Japan, the government and laws provide the foundation, the backing, and the guarantee when trusting people.

For example, if a person commits a crime such as murder, fraud, or theft, the police will do everything in their power to catch the culprit. Catch them, charge them with the crime, and punish them. Because of this action against crime, people would not want to commit a crime. Since everyone knows this, there is a baseline level of trust.

That is why it is easy to hire a stranger who has a resume, and who will go through an interview.

What about this world?

As far as this village is concerned, I have not seen any kind of army or police force. Perhaps there is no such permanent organization, but rather a volunteer group made up of villagers formed in times of emergency. In other words, they have to protect themselves or their families and neighbors through mutual cooperation. There are governing bodies, but they do not guarantee even the minimum level of trust.

In other words, in this world, a man who suddenly appears from nowhere and is a stranger without any proof of character. No one can trust them. If they are looking for an employee, they would be looking at their relatives, neighbors, or someone introduced through their circle of trust. In a small village like this, this trait is especially strong.

After all, the only job I could do in this world was through merit. Being an adventurer is the only profession I can take on my own. It excludes my origin and background.

Back to the topic at hand.

I started out as an adventurer for that reason, but as my achievements in the beginner, dungeons have piled up. I began to feel more comfortable both financially and emotionally. Then I imagined the possibility of fighting against people if I continued to be an adventurer. Thus, I began to ruminate about many things ahead.

To be more specific, I wondered if I should continue being an adventurer. If I should somehow find a regular job even if, I would go through hardships. Also, what I should do from now on. It is hard to decide, and I do not know what to do, what my goals are, or how I should live my life.

Well to summarize, I have no idea what I should do in my life.

I was so confused, so I talked to Hans-san for the time being. However. I do not know what I want to ask.

It is hard to find another path.

“… Hans-san, what did you aim for as an adventurer? What did you find that was fun about an adventurer?”

I do not know what to ask, but somehow, these were the questions that I asked anyway.

I asked it casually, but I might have sounded rude.

“What are you doing…? Oi, do not change the topic. We, I do not know what to say.” (Hans)

However, thought for a bit while he drank his ale. Then he answered.

“… Well, let us see. Make money, play with beautiful women, get powerful weapons, drink fine wine, and make a name for yourself in dungeons and undiscovered places. If you do well, you can even become an aristocrat. That is what being an adventurer all is about.”

After his lengthy answer, he took a long sip of ale.

Yes, that is exactly how I imagined adventurers are.

The idea of rising through the ranks and gaining fame and fortune seems like the ideal path or something like that. However, maybe it is because I was born and raised in modern Japan, where you can become what you want. Also, I’ve never really been interested in becoming an aristocrat with fame and fortune. I do not know how to describe the feeling, but those goals do not excite me. There was something different about it.

I slide some mystery meat skewers I ordered in front of Hans-san.

“Oh, aren’t you thoughtful? … Yeah, I guess so. When you find something amazing in a dungeon, you get so excited that the blood rushes to your neck, you get goosebumps all over your body, and you scream like a crazy person. That’s the real thrill of being an adventurer.” (Hans)

Hans-san took a bite of the skewer, took a gulp of ale, before continuing.

“Well … when I was young, I aimed for artifacts at the bottom of dungeons or ran around the forest in search of legendary ancient ruins… There were times when I traveled to see the world, you know… I cannot say that everything went well, but it sure was a lot of fun.” (Hans)

After saying that Hans-san looked far away.

I wonder… I also think it is going to be a lot of fun.

A journey searching for artifacts, legendary ancient ruins, and traveling around the world. How dangerous. But my heart is beating hard against my chest like it is about to burst! How Exciting!

“Hans-san! Tell me more about your adventures! What about the artifacts? Where are the legendary ancient ruins? What do other countries look like?”

“Oh, oh… you suddenly got excited and you want to hear more, hey. Ah… I talked a little too much and my throat is–” (Hans)

“Master! More ale!”

“Okay!” (Barkeeper)

So I listened to Hans-san until late that night.