Chapter 3: Chapter 1 -The Fledgling Explorer- 1-2

The iron door opened.

After following the path blocked by the iron bars, I opened the barricaded door and went out. The entrance and exit of the Grand Palace Otherworld were very rigorously constructed. The reason was that no monsters would come out from the other side.

I walked across the main street from the Grand Palace Otherworld, heading towards the Grand Palace Station. Afterward, I arrived at a place with a signboard that said, Familiar Market.

The shop with the abbreviation 'Familima' was set up in a way that'd differentiate it from a certain convenience store. The store bought monsters and materials from the otherworld and sold weapons, armors, and other kits for otherworldly explorers.

Familima stood out since the very stylish structure resembled that of an old guild. Moreover, the owner's preference was fully reflected in its interior décor.

The atmosphere was cozy.

The front doors were made of old-fashioned heavy wood. As I proceeded to open them, I was greeted with the chime of a bell. The store inside was crowded with the otherworldly explorers returning from the search.

"I made a huge profit today! Imagine making 200.000 yen in a day!"

"I mean, you did rip that monster to shreds..."

"It's tiring..."

While listening to the boisterousness of such explorers, I made my way to the material purchase section.

Familima didn't only sell equipment for explorers but also purchased loots from them. Because of that, the store was popular. Not only that, the store was equipped with a bar. It started off as the owner's side hobby. In the back, the store also undertook orders for external gigs.

Basically, the store had everything.

When I went to the purchase corner, a muddled voice greeted me.

"Welcome! Oh, if it isn't the Sword Boy! How was your day?"

A middle-aged man spoke to me with amusement in his voice. He was slightly taller than me. Due to his baldness, the light reflected by his glossy head was dazzling.

He had a nicely-shaven skinhead.

"Well, not much has changed. But I hunted down three Araneas today!"

...Although, when compared to my surroundings, it's a small number—

"—Oh, so you managed to hunt three! Apparently, the Sword Boy is gradually making progress! Uncle's glad that you're getting better!"

I felt somewhat bashful. Even though I only took down three of them, the man was close to tears.

Nevertheless, for myself, who had a hard time defeating one, I was glad to be able to take down three.

"I'm going to assess them right away, so please be patient. Here's your number tag."

 A tag showing the number '8' was handed to me. As I wandered around the store, the wooden floor squeaked.

Daggers, swords, maces, spears, shields, axes, and canes were available. Other than the ones being showcased, there were various other weapons, as well.

All the weapons on display were shining brilliantly.

I had dreamed of going on an exploration with one of such weapons someday.

...However—

"—A dagger would cost me 200.000 yen..."

Due to their different origins, the daggers were 200.000 yen each. Obviously, it was much more expensive than when I was still a working member of society.

Indeed, the weapons displayed in the showcases came from the otherworld.

To be more precise, they were made from the materials of the otherworld. The deeper you go, the stronger the materials become since the monsters also grow in strength.

Such was the basis of the battle against the monsters.

In other words, using materials from the otherworld would skyrocket the price of weapons. As a result, 200.000 yen for a dagger was considered reasonable.

At the back, there was a display shelf filled with protective gear. There were breastplates, cuirasses, and other kinds of protectors. They played an essential role in protecting the life of an explorer.

On the other hand, the armor I was wearing was ...a hoodie and some pants I bought at an apparel store called 'Uniqlo.' Since it was winter, I paired them with a down coat. Other than that, I had no protective gear at all.

In addition, I was wearing Kusano running shoes. They were effortless to move around in.

I felt nostalgic. After all, there was a time when the store owner would laugh at me, mainly because of such armor.

I had only started exploring the otherworld for about 4 days.

Someday, I'd like to go on exploration while equipping a gleaming set of armor made of ore from the other world. I'd like to make a lot of friends, as well.

I'm alone right now. But someday...

The otherworld was a dangerous place where lives were at stake. Some started in the pursuit of wealth; those who wanted to chase their dreams; those who didn't have a job; and those who began as a hobby.

Above all, to be an explorer, you'd need a national qualification. By the way, the official name was 'Otherworld Explorer,' which was a bit long...

At the same time, the position was surprisingly easy to get. All you needed to do was take the written exam, along with the practical exam that came with a slightly higher fee, and passes them.

The national qualification was set by the country.

Therefore, only those who had obtained the profession were allowed to enter the otherworld. Well, except for those who had received special permission.

After all, the otherworld was a harsh place in which the majority of the monsters would attack and prey on people.

Therefore, people were expected to form a party upon entering the otherworld. The reason was so that they could compensate for each other's shortcomings.

I agreed with the concept.

Looking around, most of the men and women in my surroundings had grouped up already.

To form a team, there was a dedicated website to log in with your Otherworld Explorer ID and password on the official homepage. Currently, the app version is also available in iFun.

It was a must-have item for explorers. The main purpose was to be notified of the latest and necessary information. It'd also allow the explorers to communicate with each other. Moreover, the site also provided the explorers with illustrations of the monsters, etc.

The feature to recruit a team member was also available.

It was quite a handy feature since the service also considered your location, the otherworld you'd like to explore, and the reward conditions.

Perhaps because it was managed by the country, you could use the service for free if you're an explorer.

...But I can't seem to join any party.

Everyone would turn me down for one reason or another;

"...Are you a sword-user? But, can a fledgling fight well in close combat?"

"As you can see, we already have a good vanguard. We're looking for a ranger. Besides, I've never seen a sword-user before. I don't think you'll be of much use?"

"You have no armor on? What do you think you're doing?"

"The condition to join us is for you to be available seven days a week."

"I'm an independent woman!"

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"Not only are you a beginner, but you also use a sword? Are you serious?"

"I, I'm sorry, I have some errands to attend to! See you next time!"

...And so on.

It couldn't be helped; I didn't have any armor. Nor did I have the money to buy any.

Then, an idea occurred to me.

If I can't join a party, why don't I just make it?

For me to come to such an outstanding idea, I felt proud of myself. In my entire life, that was the smartest I had ever been—

—I truly believed that.

Thus, after thinking it through, I created a party.

Afterward, I waited for a new member. I waited for a long time...

'—Searching for Otherworld Explorers. The reward will be divided equally. We'll be exploring from level 1 to level 5 of the otherworld. A fledgling is welcome because I'm also a fledgling!'

I honestly believed that the conditions were good enough.

But the result was...

...Nobody came.

That's right, nobody.

There wasn't even an inquiry. Speaking of the open recruitment, the announcement would soon expire.

Thus, I muttered inwardly—

Whyyyyyyyy—!?!?

For the longest time, things had always been like that.

Looking back, it started when I was still in elementary school.

"Form a group with your friends."

That one sentence from the teacher would signal the beginning of a battle royale.

At that time, to not be left behind, I instinctively tried to act quickly. As for my friends, they had already formed a group by then.

With each and every second, the time limit was approaching.

At last, it was the moment of truth—

—Of course, I was alone.

"Is there anyone who doesn't have a pair?"

In the end, I was at my desk alone. The teacher, who noticed it, approached me.

Undoubtedly, the teacher would say, "Then, let's work together with the teacher!"

Just when I thought that he'd try to remedy the situation—

"—Oh, I'm sorry, Shiranui. Then, imagine that you have a friend and complete the assignment."

The teacher exceeded my expectations.

Faced with an event far beyond a child's imagination, I froze.

Is this how you're going to salvage the situation? By telling me to go get an imaginary friend?

I could still remember it as if it was yesterday.

I didn't have many friends. No, I didn't have any friends.

I had gotten so accustomed to exploring by myself that my number of friends would probably be within five fingers—if I were to count my younger brother.

...Who am I kidding? I'm too scared to count.

Even in college, I couldn't remember ever making friends, let alone the ultimate, imperfect fantasy of a life form called a girlfriend. Otherwise, I wouldn't be called a samurai.

I'm not a samurai, though.

In the first place, why did they call me a samurai? By their logic, everyone with a passion for the sword would be a samurai.

I was alone, but so what? The true strength lies in the sword that was in my heart. Besides, being alone wasn't as sad as it sounded. I actually had my share of fun.

Before I realized it, I was lost in thought.

I laughed bitterly.

While thinking about my future prospect, the word '8th assessment completed' was projected on the wall-mounted LCD, so I went to the counter to receive my reward.

"I'm sorry for the wait!" The same shopkeeper greeted me.

While there were other clerks, the assessment was usually done by that particular clerk. As a result, I often spoke to him.

The shopkeeper often lamented about the fact that he'd often get scolded. Apparently, he violated the rules and regulations of Familia Market. However, he didn't seem to be rebuked harshly because he made more sales than other stores.

Recently, he had been encouraged to do more.

"You're fast today."

The shopkeeper snorted proudly.

"There aren't as many customers today. Above all, Sword Boy always brings a small number of items—I mean, a small number of high-quality items! It's just that they're faster to evaluate..."

...Just now, he slipped up, didn't he? This shopkeeper.

"I, I see."

I had intended to let it go, but I was still salty in the end.

In the end, I received 1540 yen in total. What a great day, the payment was slightly more than usual.

Afterward, the reward would be transferred into the credit card I signed up for when I became an Otherworld Explorer.

For every 1000 yen, I'd receive 5 points. It was slightly profitable; I thought that it was a good deal.

After cashing in, I received the statement and was sent off by the shopkeeper, "Come again!" Thus, I left the store. Such was the usual process of selling materials.

While everyone around me seemed to be having fun, I quietly went outside.

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