Author: Yume Neiji

“Uggghhh…”

I somehow managed to endure the intense pressure. It seems that the pseudo dragon intends to crush me just like this, but I’m not someone who can be easily killed. I died once, and it does not necessarily mean that I can reincarnate again. This time, I might really go to hell. That’s why I desperately endured.

“Gugyaoooooo?”

I thought that a big vibration occurred as the ground shakes violently. My field of view, which was pitch black, suddenly regained brightness and the heavy foot on top of me is now moving away.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“Are you okay, Shinichi!?”

Erna who rushed over, helps me up. I managed to stand up by borrowing her shoulder. I immediately checked the surrounding and I found that the pseudo dragon is running away wrapped in a white smoke.

“Did Erna save me?”

“That’s a given. I’m a great mage you know.”

“Yeah, that’s right. As expected of a great mage.”

I pat Erna’s head while staggering. Had she not been there, I would have really died. Anyway, I would like to thank the Great Mage.

“Au……”

Erna’s face was dyed red. Oops, it’s not good to thoughtlessly pat the head of a girl.

However I cannot fight properly in this state. Should we withdraw or continue? If I don’t decide quickly, that pseudo dragon will eventually return.

And then I recalled a certain mushroom.

“That’s right! I have cure mushrooms!”

I take out a cure mushroom from my rucksack and bite it raw. The texture is like shiitake mushroom, but the taste is moist and not bad. If I put it in a nabe, it would be delicious to eat.

After a few seconds, the scratches and soreness in my body disappeared. I am truly surprised at the speed of my recovery, it was as if I watched a video at double speed.

No, even Erna seemed surprised at the effect.

“Cure mushroom is so effective…”

“Eh? You’ve never seen it before?”

“Well, that’s a given. Cure mushrooms are expensive. It’s more common for adventurers to sell it than to use it.”

“I see….”

With this efficacy, I can agree to its high price. However, I feel that it is such a waste selling it after knowing this. In the future, let’s not sell it just in case.

“This is bad!… I-It is back!”

Hearing Erna’s voice, I confirmed that the pseudo dragon is back and it is heading towards us again. Being unruffled after receiving two advance ranked magic means that its endurance is on a different level from the previous one.

“Erna, can you cast the chain magic you used against the pseudo dragon yesterday?”

“Un, I can cast it, but that can’t stop it for so long you know.”

“How long?”

“…..10 seconds. It’s frustrating but the force of the other party is stronger than my binding power.”

Hmm, ten seconds huh…..

If I don’t settle the fight right away, I might be done for next time.

“I understand. Either way, I’ll be counting on you to use that magic.”

“Okay. But don’t die, alright?”

Erna then hold unto her cane as she start running in a different direction. However, the pseudo dragon’s eyes are fixated on me. I seem to be completely targeted.

“Oi, lizard guy this way! Come and follow me!”

I start running in the opposite direction that Erna headed to. Similarly, the pseudo dragon changed direction and chase after me.

“That’s good, come at me just like that.”

While running, I exchange the magic stone on the sword handle. From the red stones I changed it to a yellow stone. With this, I can shoot an electric shock. Anyhow, since it exhales flames, it is not strange that it is resistant to fire. Therefore it’s no wonder that Erna’s advance magic hardly works on it.

By the way, I have five different colored magic stones in my hand, but this time, I’ll try to use the yellow one. Speaking of fire, it tends to be countered by water, but when I put a blue magic stone on my sword, water just flows out. In that case, it would be smarter to attack with the yellow magic stone.

“Gugyaoooooo!”

Before I knew it, it is already behind me. Well it’s a given because it is faster than me but this power is truly dreadful. It is scarier than the images I saw in the movies.

“Erna–! That magic–!”

My voice reaches Erna’s ear and she raises her cane. A transparent aura covered her body, distorting the view beyond. When her magical power fluctuates and converges into the cane, waves slightly occur on the ground.

“Flame chain!”

When those powerful words were uttered, a bright red chain discharging immense heat wrapped around the pseudo dragon’s body. The chains bind its limbs and the hot chains burn its scales. The pseudo dragon suddenly rolled on the ground and start to rampage as it desperately breaks the chains.

“I got you! With this, I’ll kill you!”

I hold my sword as I jump at the writhing pseudo dragon.

“–Ugugh!?”

Its tail hit my body directly and I was blown away. Though my senses were enhanced by eating the balm fruit, that does not mean that my muscular strength also improved.

My body does not react from attacks coming from a blind spot or surprise attacks and I can only barely discern them. This time too, I couldn’t read its movements and was attacked.

“Ugh…”

After I managed to stand up, I immediately start running holding my sword. It should not have been 10 seconds yet.

I can still do it. It will be alright.

As I approached a point-blank range, the chain that restrained it broke and it made a clunking noise. The next action it took was to attack me.

“Gugyaoo!”

I was directly hit by its front leg that was kicked out, I groaned as my left arm that I used as a guard was crushed. Strong shock penetrates through my whole body and my field of view spin around before I crashed into the ground.

“Shinichi!!”

I could hear Erna’s voice, but I couldn’t stand right away. If I will describe it, the impact was like I was hit by a dump truck. It’s a miracle that I’m still alive.

I manage to stand up using my sword as a cane, I take a deep breath with my battered body.

“I can still do it! Come and get me you damn lizard!”

The pseudo dragon start running and it opened its mouth wide. It’s the Breath attack!

The pseudo dragon inhaled some air then as it exhaled, the flames burned the ground at once. I continue running forward without stopping. I’m invincible against magic as long as this black robe is present.

I will let it know that using the breath attack is a bad move!

I plunge the sword into its opened mouth and touch the magic circle on the sword’s handle.

“Bugyaaoooo!?”

The electric shock causes it to be electrocuted and its body shakes violently. I called out to Erna who is watching the situation.

“Erna–! That chain–!”

Erna nods as she holds her can and releases magic.

“Flame chain!”

Jararara, the chain wrap around the pseudo dragon’s body and binds its limbs. It couldn’t resist as it is under electric shock, it then tumbled to the ground like a snapper on a chopping board.

But this is not yet the end.

“This is the power of a Homeless! How is it you lizard?!”

I then pierce the head of the pseudo dragon with my sword. The pseudo dragon finally stops moving and its oblong pupil was left wide open.

I won!

“Ugh… so tired……”

I flopped into the ground and throw out my sword and look up at the sky. It was tough this time. But in exchange, the aftertaste of victory makes me excited.

How many years has it been that I felt this satisfaction?

I feel greater pleasure than when the company shares are listed. It may be said that this is a feeling of being alive.

“We did it! Isn’t it amazing that we managed to kill two pseudo dragons!”

Erna hugged me and kissed me on my cheek. Supposing that this is also a reward for victory, it is worth fighting. However, I’ve been feeling sleepy since a while ago, and it’s a pain just to get up.

I want to go to sleep as soon as possible…

“Oi, Homeless! You’re amazing! Yesterday and today, you manage to subdue two pseudo dragons, it is not an easy feat you know!”

Hearing that voice, I get up. Bud is currently looking at the pseudo dragon with trace of astonishment.

“Yeah, but we had a hard time. It is way stronger than the one yesterday.”

As soon as I got up while borrowing Erna’s shoulder, I take out a cure mushroom from my rucksack and chew on it. As I thought, it tastes like raw tempura and it will taste good if it’s boiled.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“Take that.”

I received the leather bag thrown by Bud, it’s heavier than that of yesterday. When I looked inside, I can see forty gold coins.

“Isn’t this too many?”

“Oi oi, that’s already a large amount for you? That much is reasonable. And I’ll be in trouble if I am stingy towards the hero who saved the city twice.”

Bud beamed displaying his white teeth and laughs with HAHAHA. I’m sure that if Bud goes to America he can adapt shortly. That’s how I feel.

“By the way, since Bud came here, does it mean that we don’t have to take this to the guild?”

“Correct. The other pseudo dragon is still being dismantled in the guild’s warehouse. So I thought we could just dismantle this one outside the city.”

“Then can I help you with it?”

Bud whistled and he asks, “What changed your mind?”

“Not that, I can’t always trouble you with dismantling right? So this time, I’m thinking of learning how to do it.”

“Hahahaha! As expected, heroes are different! That’s fine, you should be able to learn from my dismantling team as they have good skills! Ask me anything that you’re interested in!”

While fighting my drowsiness, I decided to learn dismantling for future use.

　◆◆◆

“Fu~a~, I slept a lot.”

After I get up from the sofa, I start my usual daily routine. I learned a lot when I fought that pseudo dragon, I know that my muscles will save me. It is better to keep on training.

“Shinichi! You finally got up!?”

Erna came out of her bedroom and for some reason she has a worried expression.

“What do you mean by finally?”

“You slept all day! I was really worried!”

“All day……?”

I straightened myself and opened my status.

【Status】 Name:  Shinichi Tanaka Age:  17 years old (56 years old) Race:  Homeless Occupation:  Adventurer Magic attribute:  No Attribute Magic:  None Skills:  Appraisal (Advanced), Pressure Point (Advanced) ↑, Swordsmanship (Advanced) ↑, Archery(Beginner), Axemanship(Beginner), Spearmanship(Beginner), Taijutsu A (Beginner), Super Sensation(Beginner), Skill Picking New

As expected, my status changed. First of all, the pressure point skill. From intermediate it levelled up to advance, same with swordsmanship.

Next is super sensation. Perhaps because I ate too many balm fruit, my body learned it as a skill. In the future, it will be possible to use the super sense without eating balm fruits. I’m very happy.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

The problem is this Skill Picking. For this skill, rank is not even displayed, it feels different from the other skills. I can’t predict what kind of skill it is and I don’t know how to use it.

“Hey, Erna. Do you know a skill called Skill Picking?”

“Huh? This is my first time hearing that. Or rather, are you sure that it is a skill?”

She says so, but it’s probably a skill because it is on my skill list. As the name implies, I think it literally means skill picking but I can’t quite understand how to do it.

Where do I pick the skill from?

As I used the Skill Picking on Erna as a test, the following words were displayed in my head.

【Acquisition Failure: Skill Picking is not applicable to the target.】

……It’s a no go huh?

However, to say that there is a target means that I can acquire skills from something. For the time being, I’ll put off this Skill Picking. This time, I used the pressure point skill on Erna. There were four red dots in my field of view and the same number of green dots.

“Hmmm, the number of dots doesn’t seem to increase though it levelled up.”

For the time being, I pressed the green dot on Erna’s flank and the effect came immediately.

“Ha~gh!?”

With her eyes wide open, Erna runs to her bedroom. She soon came back and closed the bookshelf, I then heard the sound of door being shut tightly. Apparently, she entered the toilet.

A few minutes later, when she came back, she hits me with the pillow with her face flushed red.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“If you can get rid of constipation, say it first! I was so surprised because it came so suddenly!”

“S-Sorry. Don’t tell me… that dot is for eliminating constipation…?”

Including this to my apology, I press the green dot between her shoulder blades. Once again, Erna’s eyes are widely opened.

“What is this? It’s wonderful…it feels so good that I’m full of power…”

“Hmmm, was there an improvement in her blood flow?”

I consider this as an effect of  the advance levelled pressure point skill. Looking at Erna, its effect seemed to jump. In that case, if I thrust on the red dot, it may find it more useful in battle. If I won’t make a mistake pressing the green dots, I should be able to support my comrades.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

Hmm, not bad.

“From now on, I’ll try to press on the dot on Erna’s back.”

“That’s fine, but don’t press on my flank too much… I’ll call you when I want you…”

Her smile becomes rigid. I’ll also be embarrassed if that suddenly happened to me. Sorry Erna. For the time being, I prepared myself and rushed out of the hideout heading to the field.

I didn’t realize that I slept all day.

Perhaps until now, whenever I get drowsy, I might be sleeping soundly. In exchange, I felt that my body was firmer and my body is stronger than ever. Now I feel like I can defeat a pseudo dragon with one hand.

However, I didn’t realize that this was just the preparation stage…

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When I returned to the city while dragging the defeated pseudo dragon, I am instantly surrounded by many adventurers.

“That’s amazing! Oi, what’s your name!?”

“Oi, you-, you’re planning to scout him right?! I laid my eyes first on this guy!”

“Hey bo~y, why don’t you join our party? If you join now, I will do puff-puff for you.”

What an excessive uproar!

I was crushed and confused by the scout storm from various parties. In particular, I’m moved by the puff-puff offer of that female adventurer.

Ah, puff–puff is the best.

“Disperse!! Shinichi is my partner!”

An explosion took place in the sky, Erna who’s holding a cane was fuming. The adventurers scattered to the sudden event.

“O-Oi, calm down. It’s not good if you use too much magic.”

“It’s okay, I have a lot of magical power. Other than that, what did you do to me Shinichi?”

“What do you mean by “what did I do?””

“After Shinichi pressed my waist, I’ve been in a very good state. I’m sure that’s the reason why I can now use magic.”

I think over it for a while. Speaking of the pressure point skill, I need to press the dots as the name implies. With the red and green dots display, I can either press the bad or good points, but this time, I think that the yellow one is special.

Erna has always been worried as she can only use beginner magic even though she has magical powers. Thinking about it in an easy-to-understand manner, I think it’s like a clogged hose. That being the case, it is safer to consider that it’s a “therapy dot”.

In that case, it’s truly a capable skill.

“Ah, that? Don’t worry about it, I did it arbitrarily.”

Saying that, I sell favour to Erna. Living for fifty-six years, craftiness comes to work. I don’t know if it’s thanks to my skill, but it’s better to say so here, in addition, her performance will also be different.

“I thought so! So me being able to use magic is all thanks to Shinichi!”

She hugs me and says “Thank you!”. Her chest pressed against my body and its soft elasticity is being transmitted.

Mufufu, this is irresistible.

“Shinichi?”

“Ahem… Well then, let’s carry this guy to the guild.”

Slightly aroused, I dragged the pseudo dragon to the guild. Damn! It’s pretty dangerous, that part is pretty robust. Being young is also troublesome because “it” doesn’t think about the place.Translated by Yume Neiji

As I walk while dragging the pseudo dragon, the residents who saw us cheered for me and Erna. With shining eyes, the children say, “It’s the homeless again!”. Perhaps they are talking about centipede case. Our popularity is definitely increasing.

When we came in front of the guild, the same staff member as before stood there as expected.

“Again?! Please disassemble it properly before bringing it here!”

“Yes I know… but, I don’t know how to dismantle it so I brought the whole thing.”

After saying so, the staff breathed out a big sigh as if giving up on something. It’s said that giving up everything is essential, but I want to say that young people should not give up so easily. Of course, I don’t plan to obediently comply.

I then brought the pseudo dragon to the warehouse behind the guild, I wonder what will happen.yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com

I told the staff that I do not know how to dismantle it. I explained that I have some experience with tigers and birds, but I am confused when the target is a lizard. Should it be removed from the scale first, like a fish, or should it be scraped to remove the internal organs?

Well, it’s a difficult question.

A black man then came to the warehouse. He looks like a middle-aged but has shaved head and thick eyebrows. The hemp T-shirt that he wears bulged muscularly and his physique is obviously not that of an amateur. The best evidence is the worn-out sword equipped on his waist.Translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“Uhahaha! You hunted a huge prey there! Oi, are you guys from that homeless party!?”

I reply to the man’s words,

“That’s right, you are?”

“I’m Budwell. I manage the guild here in Mana city.”

“You mean… you are a branch manager?”

“That’s correct. Feel free to call me Bud.”

He took my hand and we shake hands. I’m a little nervous in this sudden friendly atmosphere. I have also been abroad, but I can’t get used to the atmosphere of foreigners. I know that’s their way of showing their friendship, but sudden skinship is a bit… It would be nice if I can openly hug a woman instead though. I will also be delighted when the female employee of the business partner is beautiful.

“Alright then, I’ll call you Bud. Why did you, the branch manager, come here by the way?”

“Oh, that’s simple. I came to see the faces of the heroes who saved the city.”

After he said that to me, he handed out the leather bag hanging from his waist. Looking inside, there are about thirty gold coins.

“It’s your reward. In addition, the guild gave you a rating.”

He then took out two cards from his pocket.  He handed it over to me and Erna and he then sits down in a nearby chair.

“This is?”

“It’s the so called Adventurer’s Card. When the adventurer’s rank is intermediate or higher, it will be issued by the guild and it becomes an ID card. The name and date of birth are all listed there, but depending on the rank of the card, the benefits you will receive changes so don’t lose it.”

The card I received was about the size of a copper-colored business card. In the front, my name and other details are listed, on its back, something like an ID number is printed.

Then I realized what Bud had just said.

“Wait a second, Does this mean we have become intermediate adventurers?”

“I know you guys are beginner adventurers but, isn’t it too little if the hero in this city who beat the pseudo dragon is only given money? Besides, pseudo dragons are tough opponents even for advanced adventurers. I think this is a valid evaluation.”

Bud then stood up, he approached the pseudo dragon and patted its big face.

“This guy is good as it is. Leave the dismantling to the guild.”

“Um, is it okay? The guild staff told me to disassemble it before bringing it in.”

“Hahahaha! That obstinate staff! Don’t worry about her! She has just been transferred from the headquarters and she doesn’t know much about this city.”

Bud exaggerates and laughs. Speaking of the transfer thing, this Mana City is located on the outskirts of the Kingdom of Logas. The royal capital seems to be in the far East and the guild headquarter is located in the royal capital.

“Well then, I’ll take your word and let the guild do the dismantling.”

After I handed it over to Bud, we turned to Rodman’s weapon store.

“Oh, you’re back! I heard that you defeated the pseudo dragon! You’re now the hero of this town huh!”

I sit down in an appropriate chair and think about Rodman’s words.

“Hero is an overstatement. I think I was able to get rid of it by chance.”

“Heh, By chance or not, the fame will go to the one who defeated it! The one who saved this city from crisis are you guys! Be more proud!”

Erna stood up to Rodman’s words.

“That’s right! We’re heroes! And someday I’ll be a Great Mage!”

“That’s right! That’s the spirit!”

Erna and Rodman stick their shoulders together and started singing. Seeing them in such high spirit, though I will feel bad, I think that it’s about time to know the price of magic stones.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

Ignoring my feeling of being fed up, the cheerful song of two echoed inside the store.

　◆◇◆

The day after the subjugation of the pseudo dragon, some adventurers surrounded us after we arrived at the Mana City. Their atmosphere is so tense, like that of a taut thread.

“You guys are from the homeless party who defeated the pseudo dragon, right!?”

“Either way, please come this way! It’s an emergency!”

“Please! I will puff-puff you if you come with us!”

I swallowed raw saliva hearing the puff-puff word.

Can I really get a puff-puff if I go with them somewhere? Where is it? Please guide me there quickly!

“Shinichi!?”

I returned to myself hearing Erna’s voice.

“Ahem… so what is this emergency all about?”

One of the adventurers responds to me,

“A pseudo dragon different from the one yesterday has appeared! This time, it’s bigger in size! Contrary to yesterday, no one can stop it. As we’re wondering if there’s anyone else, the name of the homeless party was raised. We ask of you, please subdue it! Otherwise, this city will be destroyed!”

“What!? A different pseudo dragon?”

I ask the adventurers to guide us and we came to the outer wall on the north side. Looking around from the top of the wall, many adventurers are already fighting and corpses are scattered on the ground.

The pseudo dragon enemy runs through the field at a tremendous speed, chasing the adventurers who try to escape. Unlike yesterday’s pseudo dragon, even with its bigger body, its speed is faster.

Every time its thick legs landed, the ground was hollowed out, and its huge face impassively aims at the humans.

“Perhaps the one from yesterday was a female…”

I was taken aback by Erna’s words.

“That’s right! These guys act in male and female pair! We defeated the female and the male came to get it back!”

The adventurers make clamour in the unexpected words. But I’m already angry.

“Hey, Shinichi, what should we do?”

“It’s decided. We’ll just get rid of the other one.”

Erna smiled at my words.

“That’s right. What’s more, Great Mage Erna is in this town.”

“T-That’s right…”

Since yesterday, Erna called herself as the Great Mage. Ah, annoying!

She was even grinning as she reads the book in the hideout, it’s good to be in good shape but I’m worried that she’ll make a mistake.

After me and Erna go out through the gate, we immediately chew on the balm fruit. In addition, I also activated the pressure point skill and red dots are displayed in my field of view.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

Looking at Erna, unlike yesterday, the yellow dots on her already disappeared. Just as I thought, most likely because I pressed that spot, she can now use magic.

“Erna, are you ready?”

“I’m good! We can go anytime!”

Me and Erna start running towards the pseudo dragon. From the outer wall, I could hear the cheering voices of the adventurers and residents.

After running through the field to chase the adventurers, the pseudo dragon stretches its tongue and it swallows the humans one after another. It treated the humans as if they’re just some fly.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

The adventurers who confront it and did not escape, move to the flank of pseudo dragon and wielded their swords on its leg and belly.

Clang!, the metallic sounds echoed out and their swords were repelled.

Female ones are also very proud of their defensive power, but the scales of the males seemed to have uneven hardness. The iron sword didn’t seem to make a solid hit. Judging that they’re no match against the pseudo dragon, the adventurers turned on their backs and start to escape.

“Damn, this is bad! It’s going to use the breath attack!”

The pseudo dragon opened its mouth wide. Approximately twenty adventurers are desperately running away. If it continuous like this, they will die.

“It will be fine, leave it to me! Flame wa~all!”

A transparent aura appeared around Erna and in the blink of an eye, it was quickly sucked by her cane. At the next moment, a bright red wall appears between the pseudo dragon and the fleeing adventurer.

The exhaled breath hit the wall and the flame was drawn into the wall.

“What is that? Is that magic too?”

“That’s amazing! That flame wall is an intermediate magic! It absorbs anything that is flame-based!”

The flame wall disappeared silently while the adventurers arrived safely in the city. In the meantime, I move around the pseudo dragon’s rear and start an attack.

“I will cast magic first! Shinichi attack at that time!”

“Understood!”

Erna holds her cane and a large fireball appears from its tip and it hits the pseudo dragon directly. It was a fire magic that seems to be a high-level of flame burst, but this is not the highest rank.

Magic is different from skill, it seems that it is not something you can learn by just meeting the conditions. Depending on the magical attributes and talents upon birth, it seems that one can suddenly increase magic in a day.

Furthermore, magic grade are ranked as beginner, intermediate, advanced, and special. There are only a handful of magicians who can use a special ranked magic. However, it seems that the magicians who can use the advanced class are also considered rare and apparently, in Mana City, Erna is the only one. It’s not that impossible to understand her feelings as she calls herself a Great Mage.

A crater was created at the place where the fireball hit directly, and the whole body of the pseudo dragon was scorched black. However, it opened its eyes as if nothing happened and it starts to rush towards Erna.

“Kyaa! Shinichi! Do something!”

While Erna is running away, I jump on the pseudo dragon’s back. Sorry, but I’ll let you act as a decoy for a while.

“Now then, I’ll immediately take your life!”

As I try to swing my sword down, the pseudo dragon suddenly stopped. In that sudden movement, I was thrown forward and rolled on the ground.

“Ugghhh….. what happened?”

When I tried to get up, my field of view becomes dark and something rests on my body.

Immediately after, I noticed that the pseudo dragon’s foot is stepping on me! Cold sweat runs from my forehead. It seems to be smarter than the female one!

The weight pressing me down becomes powerful and my body sinks into the ground.

It’s almost 1t, it’s such a deadly weight!

I’m surprised at how much I endured, but if this goes on, I will die.

“Damn it! Am I going to die in a place like this?!”

My resistance is futile and I’m groaning as the wall is blocking the light.

Then my field of view went dark.

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When we arrived at the outer wall surrounding the city, soldiers and adventurers already began their attack. Many arrows are shot and pierced into the monster’s body. Mages wield their cane and attack with fireball nonstop. However, the movement of the magical beast running through the grasslands cannot be stopped.

On its green scales, there are red mottled patterns which are poisonous. It has six legs, there is no horn on its head and it’s a lizard no matter how I look at it. The oblong pupil is restlessly moving around as if it is observing the surroundings.

The monster about 20 meters in length raised dust as it moves and it fiercely heads towards the city.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“Is that the pseudo dragon? Isn’t it just a big lizard?”

“That’s how it looks like but you should think of it as a dragon.”

It looks like a lizard but its size is astounding. It seems like it is about two large trucks in width furthermore its vitality is also surprising. Hundreds of arrows were stuck on its back leaving many scars. Normally, with such attack, the creature should have died by now. But those attacks don’t seem to work at all.

“Those so called dragons, are they all like that?”

“Dragons are the strongest race. They’re incomparable to this pseudo dragon.”

“Oh, I see…”

I don’t want to see a dragon. And if possible I also don’t want to fight this pseudo dragon. I just thought that way but Erna took out her bow, pulled the string and fired an arrow.

“This city is my important place. I will never let it be destroyed!”

When the wind arrow was shot, it changed trajectory and hits the flank of the pseudo dragon. Part of it dispersed and dug into the body which looks like it has exploded. With such damage, it worked as expected, the pseudo dragon stopped moving and agonizes in pain.

The soldiers and adventurers who saw it cheered.

“Proceed with the next strategy! Deploy the close combat units!”

After that person who looks like a knight raised his voice, soldiers emerge from the city gate and line up around the outer wall. Then the soldiers set up their spears and ran towards the pseudo dragon.

The soldiers’ spears stabbed one after another into the pseudo dragon’s body that has stopped moving, like a wine, bright red blood gushes out from the wound. The pseudo dragon howled out loud, it opened its mouth wide and exhaled flame.

“This is bad! It’s the breath attack! Run away!”

Erna’s cry is in vain, the intense flames transformed the soldiers into charcoal. That breath attack is continuously breathed out, it also killed the soldiers who tried to escape as if it is vent on wiping out all of them.

Me and Erna who are watching the situation break into a cold sweat.

“Oi-oi….. that was really dangerous.”

“That’s a pseudo dragon all right. It’s not easy to win…”

“What then? Are there other soldiers?”

She shakes her head and stared at me.

“O-Oi, don’t tell me… your asking me to get rid of it?”

“From now on, the adventurers in this city will fight, and if that happens, we’ll also fight that pseudo dragon. If that can be beaten, I think Shinichi is the only one who can do it.”

“………..Aren’t you planning to escape?”

“I will fight even if Shinichi escapes. This city is not my hometown but many important people live in it. I like this Mana city.”

I scratch my head and smile. I didn’t expect to have such an adventure at the age of 56. I was planning to spend the rest of my life in the cold skies of Tokyo, but it seems that fate doesn’t agree with me. Then, I should prepare myself for the worst like a Japanese man would.

“Escape as soon as you are in danger.”

“I’ll be fine, I can run away quickly.”

Me and Erna smiled at each other and run to the gate. Many adventurers have already gathered at the gate, and discussions are being held. It’s like a strategy meeting before the battle.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

There, a woman appears through the crowd.

“Adventurers! I’m one of the guild staffs. I have an urgent report so please listen!”

The woman, probably a guild official, told the adventurers how to easily reach the outer wall.

“Right now, we will present an urgent request from the guild! The subjugation target is the pseudo dragon! We will give you thirty gold coins reward for those party or personnel who can exterminate the monster! Please join us!”

Oooooouuuuuu! The adventurers delightedly raised their voices. Adventurers then gathered from all over the city, and it quickly turned into a festival.

“Adventurers are those who are moved by money huh.”

“That’s thirty gold coins after all. Besides, it’s also a chance to gain fame.”

Erna holds her cane, she’s as excited as usual.

Eh? What happened to her bow?

“Hey, aren’t you fighting with a bow? Why are you now holding a cane?”

“What are you talking about? I’m a mage, so it’s not natural to use cane!”

“….stubbornly insisting that you’re a mage huh.”

Inspired by the adventurers around us, her pride as a Mage may have been set on fire. Well, I think she’ll switch to a bow soon, I don’t want her to do anything absurd.

“Open the gate!”

The gate that was tightly closed open synchronously with the voice. The adventurers rushed out to the field and run to the pseudo dragon. We also start running alongside the others, first of all, I start to move behind the pseudo dragon.

“It looks like we’ve split from the front and the back.”

“Oi, Erna. Eat this while we still have time.”

I threw a balm fruit to Erna.

“What is this?”

“It’s a fruit that enhances the senses. It’s quite useful.”

I also take out a fruit from my bosom and I chew on it while running. Super Sense took effect after a few seconds. I can hear the breathing of the adventurers and the sounds of their heartbeat.

“Whoa! This is amazing! Everyone seems to be slow!”

The effect of the balm fruit surprised Erna. In addition to the super sense, I use the pressure point skill. I’m worried whether it will be effective against this pseudo dragon, but it’s better to try than doing nothing.

I thought so, but all the creatures in front of me showed red dots, my head even hurt. Four red dots were also displayed on the pseudo dragon’s body, I’m now secretly convinced of victory.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

I noticed one thing though. Looking at Erna, there are yellow dots on her waist for some reason. For the first time, I’m confused. Speaking of curiosity, I would like to push it but if it has a similar effect to the red dot, it will only afflict my partner.

It is meaningless to do that.

I shifted my eyes that were focused on Erna’s waist towards the battle in front, I decided to forget the yellow dot.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“Gugyaoooo!”

The pseudo dragon violently rampages and sends the adventurers flying. Some of them have been crushed by its big feet like some crushed tomatoes.

Still, there are few people who jumped daringly, their swords swung down on its back and the scales were crushed but it was not a fatal injury. Moreover, before they could deliver their second strike, the adventurers were shaken off its backs one after another.

Finally, me and the others who sneak behind joined the attack, I swing down the Mithril sword on the pseudo dragon’s abdomen.

“Gugyaoooooo!?”

The blow pierces deeply and blood gushes from the cut. It appears that my weapon have good performance unlike the other adventurers. When I tried to make another strike seeing a chance, I was kicked off by its second leg.

“Ugh…”

I bounced off the ground twice, but somehow I can still get up. I dealt a powerful blow but it seems that it was able to guard immediately after. I forgot that it has just six legs.

“Shinichi! Are you all right?”

Erna rushes up to me, I immediately hugs her waist and move sideways. Immediately afterwards, that place was covered in flames. It was the breath attack.

“Damn that was bad! It looks like its target is me.”

The pseudo dragon turn around, it brushed off the adventurers one after another and rushed towards me. Perhaps it got angry at my previous attack.

It is a good news that it now move away from the city, but I don’t feel good being targeted.

“Shinichi, just hold me as it is and run!”

Erna then holds out her cane as she accumulates her magical power and releases magic.

“Fireball!”

A fireball of about 10 cm appears and it flies toward the pseudo dragon. The fireball hit its head and disappeared.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“Idiot! Instead of that, use your bow! You’re not a mage, you’re an archer!”

“No! I’m a mage! I don’t like being a swordsman or an archer anymore! I decided to become the strongest mage!”

Erna, grow restive and struggled. I can no longer take this! I then push the yellow dot on her waist. Even if the effect is the same as the red dot, it is perfect for punishment.

“Hyan—?”

Erna’s body quivered and became silent as if she suddenly died.

“Don’t tell me, she really is dead?”

“Fufufu…”

Erna starts to laugh creepily. Something like a transparent aura begins to emerge from her body, distorting the surrounding landscape. The cane that she is holding vibrated and I can even feel the pressure coming from Erna.

“O-Oi, what’s wrong with you?”

“My magic power is stronger than ever…”

“Listen to me! Uwaa!?”

The pseudo dragon who relentlessly pursues me releases another breath attack. Although I avoided it at the last minute, I will eventually get hit as I’m holding Erna.

“Shinichi, I’ll show you my true power now!”

“Then do something about this situation!”

“Okay, watch my spectacular debut as a Mage! Flame Burst!!”

The transparent aura converges on the cane and a red fireball with a diameter of 5m appears and it was emitted without any sound. Then it caused an explosion and raised black smoke. The blast burns the ground and blows everything around.

“Uwaa!?”

Me and Erna fell to the ground and I even hit my back with that powerful blast.

“O-Ouch!…..what on earth have you done?”

When I got up, Erna landed on her face. I was worried and tried to hold her up but I heard a creepy laugh instead.

“Kufufu… Kufufufufu…”

“E-Erna? Are you okay?”

She stood up and pointed her finger at the pseudo dragon.

“How was it? Have you seen the power of Mage Erna?!”

“Ah?”

The whole body of pseudo dragon turned black and smoke is rising from it. Moreover, the power of the explosion was considerable as craters were also created.

“By any chance, did you kill it with one blow?”

“This is the power of the advanced magic flame burst. Now then, get rid of all the thoughtless words you have said.”

I don’t remember uttering thoughtless words, but it’s probably rooted in the phrase “You’re not a mage”.

“Alright, it’s my bad. Erna is definitely a mage.”

“Kuhahahaha! My life as a Mage has just begun!”

I leave the overly elated Erna and move towards the pseudo dragon. I think that it died in the explosion, but I can’t feel relieved unless I confirmed it.

I felt a sense of discomfort as I approach a point-blank range. “Dokun- dokun-”, I can still hear its heartbeat. The moment I realized it, the pseudo dragon begin to move and exhaled a breath attack.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“Shinichi!!?”

I heard Erna’s voice. Like a revolving lantern, I also remember the images from this world, and the bright red flame burns my body.

―No, I felt like I was burning. However, the heat did not come at all. When I opened my eyes, the flame around me disappeared. I stand alone inside a bright red space.

Grin.

I already knew that my robe could nullify magic and apparently, that breath attack is magical. If so, there is nothing to be scared of. Going straight through the breath attack that is breathed out, I stabbed the sword into the mouth of the pseudo dragon.

“Gyaooon!?”

The breathed flame disappeared and I jump straight to the back of the pseudo dragon. From here on, I’ll show my real ability. I step on the scales that were burnt black and stab the sword into the red dot on its back.

The scales were crushed and the blade of the Mithril sword sinks deeply. I could feel the sensation and I can even hear the sound of the flesh being torn, and while the pseudo dragon violently rampage, I desperately grabs the sword.

“I’ll help you right now! Flame chain!”

After I heard that the sound, a red chain wraps around the pseudo dragon’s body. It seems that Erna is magically supporting me.

“With this, it’s oveeeer!”

I pulled out the sword all at once then jump and thrust the sword against to the pseudo dragon’s head. Even if it’s a dragon-like monster, this pseudo dragon cannot live if its brain is destroyed.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

As expected, it stopped moving and lay motionless on the ground like a marionette with broken threads.

“You did it! Shinichi! We won against a pseudo dragon!”

I sit down with my sword pierced as it is, I smiled watching Erna laugh in high spirits. To be honest, I would have died without this robe.

“What the hell are you?”

I murmured at the black robe I wore.

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A man I’m not familiar with came inside the warehouse and he starts to inspect the centipede immediately. Although he looks old, there’s an unusual dandy atmosphere around him, maybe because he’s a white man.

There are white hairs mixed on his hair and beard and his stubbles were neatly trimmed. He’s dressed in an orange robe and he has a cane in his hand, which suggests that he is a mage.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“Hmmm, it’s in an excellent condition. Above all it’s better than I expected, I also appreciate having more material.”

While the man was saying such a thing, I also took out the request form from my pocket and check the details in it. The client is a person called Duffy but further details were not included.Translated by Yume Neiji

“Uh, I just want to confirm one thing, are you the one called Duffy?”

“Hn? That’s right, you are?”

“I am Shinichi Tanaka who accepted the request for this fork centipede. The person over there is my comrade, Erna.”

As I introduce myself, the man takes my hand and shakes it firmly.

“Thank you. I’m grateful that you brought so much material, I can now help the patient.”

“Patient? This centipede will be used as a medicine?”

“That’s right. This ice centipede’s shell is effective against a certain disease, but it is a rare magical beast and it is hard to see one. Fortunately, I heard that there are subspecies in the third level of the dungeon in this town, I’ve always been waiting for someone to accept my request you see.” Read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com

“I see……”

Then I listened to the full story. Apparently, there is a girl in the neighbouring town with an incurable disease. As a doctor, he stayed in this city for over a month, waiting for the day when his request was finally fulfilled. I was deeply moved by the enthusiasm of such doctor and I’m glad that the suffering girl will finally be saved.

“Well then, this is your reward.”

As soon as I received the reward placed in a leather bag, I look inside. Certainly, the reward is exactly what was written on the request. I pulled out a few silver coins and returned the leather bag to him.

“Hn? What do you mean by this?”

“As doctor, it would mean that this request fee was also paid by the patient’s family. If so, half the price would be enough. Let the patient eat the nutritious food with the remaining money.”

“But… this is your rightful reward. I’ll feel bad as you even brought this much material for me.”

“Don’t object. I’ve already decided, I’m not going to accept any more than this. Erna, we’re going.”

I then step out of the warehouse with Erna in tow. I could feel that the doctor was bowing towards us on our way out, I hope that the girl with the incurable disease could be saved.

“Shinichi, that’s a good act.”

Erna, who is grinning, looks kind of blissful.

“I just felt sorry for the sick girl. And if we could sell that doctor a favor, we may be saved later on.”

“Uh, you’re not being honest. In truth, you really want to return the full amount right?”

Hmmm, was it that obvious? I really wanted to return the full amount, but I thought it would be bad to do so. Still, I don’t want to get the reward as it was stated. I can’t bear to do that.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“Stop grinning, we’re going home.”

“Ye~ s”

Me and Erna left the city and returned to the dungeon.

　◆◇◆

As usual, we’re working in the field. Three days passed since we accepted that request, but nothing has changed in particular.

No, there was one. My body became stronger and my status also upgraded.

【Status】 Name:  Shinichi Tanaka Age:  17 years old (56 years old) Race:  Homeless Occupation:  Adventurer Magic attribute:  No Attribute Magic:  None Skills:  Appraisal (Advanced) ↑, Pressure Point (Intermediate), Swordsmanship (Intermediate) ↑, Archery(Beginner), Axemanship(Beginner)New, Spearmanship(Beginner)New, Taijutsu A (Beginner) New

Finally, appraisal skill reached advance level. Since I hadn’t seen my status for a while, I truly regret that I didn’t notice these changes. Next is my swordsmanship, it’s now in the intermediate level.

Many other skills have been added, but honestly, this is within my expectation. In addition to sword training, I have recently practiced using axe and spear.

With these almighty skills, I think I’ll be having more advantage during battles. Besides, there’s a reason why these so called skills are easy to learn, it’s a loss not utilizing them.

I can’t remember practicing Taijutsu though. Perhaps the kicks and punches I used during the battles were considered. However, the “A” part is intriguing.

There was once a business owner who I’m familiar with and he liked martial arts. He told me that martial arts is not only about kicking and punching, in addition to that, there are throwing techniques.

Remembering that, I think that it is not strange that there are several types of skill for Taijutsu. Thinking that way, I can understand why it’s Taijustsu A. I’m sure there’s also a technique called Taijutsu B.

And the thing that caught my attention the most is my occupation, it changed from Homeless to Adventurer. Finally, I got a job. However, my race didn’t change, it’s still homeless.

“This hasai is really delicious right~?”

I stop my hands from weeding and then I take a look at Erna. Right now she’s packing a pile of vegetables in her rucksack, it looks like she’s happy harvesting hasai.

“You speak like that’s extremely rare. There are Hasai on the ground too right?”

“You don’t understand! Shinichi doesn’t even know how wonderful this place is!”

“Oh, uhm…”

Erna got angry all of a sudden and she starts rolling her eyes.

“Shinichi, did you not think of anything when were on the market above?”

Speaking of that, the vegetables here are not sold in the market. I thought it’s related to the season or something but… am I wrong?

“The vegetables and fruits here are all high-class ingredients! To obtain them, one has to go to a country far away. But these vegetables grow all together and they even grow regardless of the season. If you still don’t understand how amazing this place is, somebody will surely come to steal this place!”

Ugh, it will really be troublesome if this place is robbed. I find it fun to live here. Erna is right. I should keep my mouth tight about this place.

“Thank you Erna. I was about to tell it to someone inadvertently.”

“Ahem, now you know. I’m a reliable partner, right?”

While saying so, Erna nibble on the Momon fruit plucked off the tree.

Oi, don’t eat while working!

An idea flashed into my mind as I watch Erna. That’s right!, let me try the advanced appraisal skill.

【Appraisal Result: Erna Frederia: The second daughter of the Frederia family. Her ancestry is known as one of the best mages but she can only deploy beginner magic. She’s famous as the defective mage in Mana City】

【Status】 Name:  Erna Frederia Age:  19 years old Race:  Elves Occupation:  Adventurer Magic attribute:  Fire | Light Magic:  Fireball, Light Skills:  Archery (Intermediate), Hell Ears (Beginner)

“I did it! I saw it!”

I jumped involuntarily. I can now finally see the status of others! But I’m at a loss for words regarding Erna’s status…

Her archery barely becomes a force during battles, it is probably because she was originally training as a mage. I’ve seen her use magic once, but the fireballs are only about 10cm in size, and the light skill is literally used for illumination.

Unexpectedly, I saw an unfamiliar skill, it’s called Hell Ears.

I wonder what Hell Ears meant? While pondering about that, I involuntarily look at Erna’s ears. Don’t tell me… is it what I’m thinking of? Erna’s ears are big, no wonder she has that skill.

“Hey, for a while now, what are happy about?”

“Nothing, I’m just glad because I can now see the status of others.”

“Eh!? Status of others!? By any chance…”

Her face flushed red and she hid behind the tree.

“Shinichi you pervert! You can’t just thoughtlessly look at the status of others!”

“Um, okay, it’s my bad. But let me ask you a question, what is Hell Ears skill?”

Erna answers behind the tree.

“Hell ear is a skill that often appears in elves. When activated, it doubles one’s hearing, which is useful for searching.”

“Oh, But why is it that it’s on the beginner level on your status?”

“The more a person levels up, the farther he can hear. But the skill doesn’t grow unless the person uses it, and the degree of growth is also related to the person’s talent, so it does not necessarily level up you see.”

“Oh, so skill can only be achieved by using it. Interesting.”

Even though I already ended the appraisal, Erna’s face is still red. Her eyes were somehow moist too.This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

“Uh, Shinichi has seen my status…..”

“Y-Yeah, I saw it. In exchange, do you want to see mine? If I open my status, other people can probably see it too.”

I then opened my status and showed it to Erna .

“Whoa! Amazing!, your status is not of a knight’s level. Huh? Your race is homeless? Also, next to your age… there’s a description…”

“I don’t really understand why my race is homeless. 56 years old is my mental age. Think of it like I’m older than what I look.”

“You’re not a human… Inside, you’re even older than me…”

While looking at my status, Erna looked glad for some reason. I think she’s really a strange person. After showing my status, we carried the harvested vegetables back to the hideout.

Immediately after that, we prepared for departure and set up our equipments.

Today, we will go to the ground.

　◆◇◆

 “This is all of it.”

From my rucksack, I placed the large amount of magic stones on the counter. Stones of red, blue, and green are piled up and they reflect some glitter.

We are currently at Rodman’s weapon store.

I had been asked to bring magic stone before, so today, I decided to dispose all of it at once for the sake of organizing the warehouse. The total number is 235.

“Oh, that’s a pretty large number. The total number is different from what I expected huh.”

“Is it no good to purchase them?”

“No, not that. I’m rather happy that there are many magic stones. I did tell you that magic stone is a consumable item right? About 5cm of the stone will disappear in a month time if you continuously use it. And those with poor quality will sometimes be consumed quicker than what is expected. For that reason, everyone buys them.”

Rodman’s explanation piqued my interest. He talked about poor quality, but what does a magic stone with good quality mean?

“What does a magic stone with good quality look like?”

“Oh that? Rumour has it that when it comes to magic stone with good quality, it has a high degree of transparency and sparkles. Well, it seems that higher quality stones are bigger in size, more or less it’s fist-sized. And no matter how often you use it, it’s said that it won’t be easily consumed. Supposedly, it could last for about 2000 years.”

Me and Erna were startled. The stove in the hideout was equipped with a magic stone exactly of that category. Even Erna used to nonchalantly say, “It’s a big magic stone. We don’t have to replace it for a while.”

Swallowing raw saliva, I ask Rodman the next question,

“I-If we manage to find and sell something of that size, how much would it fetch?”

“Ah? Hmmm, that’s right…. but wouldn’t it fall as a national treasure class? I can’t buy it then.”This is translated by Yume Neiji (yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com)

It’s a national treasure!? And here I am using it normally!

“National treasure…”

Erna shows a creepy smile. I’m sure she’s delighted as it will fetch a huge sum of money. After this, I have to persuade her not to sell it.

“Wait for a bit. I’ll finish the appraisal soon.”

Rodman checks the magic stones with the magnifying glass and immediately writes on the paper. He looks like a bulldog but he has this aura that you can work well with him. I want to keep in touch with him in the future.

“This way! Gather quickly!”

After I heard the hurried voices outside, I peeked from inside the store and I could see that a lot of people are running somewhere. Most of them are soldiers and adventurers, but their facial expressions look tense.

“Rodman, it’s noisy outside.”

“Hn? Ah, if that’s the case, isn’t it because “Pseudo Dragon” is coming?”

“Pseudo Dragon?”

I titled my head in puzzlement, but Erna is so astonished that her eyes are wide open.

“For some time now, I’ve heard rumours that it’s approaching the city, but it’s too late to escape now. Maybe the adventurers or soldiers can do something about it. It would be better if they can repel it well.”

Rodman replied while appraising the magic stones but he didn’t really answer my question. Erna answered my question before instead.

“Shinichi, Pseudo Dragon is a large lizard that resembles a dragon. It’s a ferocious and nasty magical beast that eats humans. Previously, when the Pseudo Dragon came to this city, there were more than a hundred people eaten. Many adventurers and soldiers were killed.”

“Ah, that’s right. There are also tough monsters on the ground.”

I stand up quickly.

“Rodman, I’ll take a look at that Pseudo Dragon thing. I’ll get the money later, so just have it ready.”

“Alright, that Pseudo Dragon has a breath attack, so be careful.”

“Un, I’ll pay attention to it.” Me and Erna rushed out of the store and followed the direction the soldiers took.

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