2 The Burning Ambition.

'Did he speak butchered German?' Rob was a bit surprised after knowing the language Ishtar used. 'I guess I understand his words because of the Language Comprehension skill, huh?'

Rob remembered that all kidnapped earthlings got that skill as their starting package. Since he'd taken over Kousuke, he must have it too.

Rob came back to reality when Ishtar continued speaking, "I'm sure you all have some questions in your mind. But, please be patient. I promise I shall explain everything to you all. But, before that, allow me to guide you all to a more comfortable place to talk."

The students and Aiko hesitated to follow Ishtar. Though he caught their hesitation, Ishtar showed a harmless grandfatherly smile, which managed to ease everyone's nerves.

However, it was different for Rob. Ishtar's grandfatherly smile gave him goosebumps instead.

Suddenly, one male student spoke up, "Everyone, listen to me! Let's follow Ishtar-san to hear what he has to say! Maybe we can understand what's going on by doing so!"

That male student said it in Japanese. Just like how Rob understood Ishtar's butchered German, he understood the boy's words without a problem.

Rob glanced at the boy and mulled over his identity, 'Brown hair, blue eyes, and an athletic body under that uniform. I bet he's Kouki.'

Yes, that boy is none other than Kouki Amanogawa, the Hero (lol!).

'I still don't like him even though he's real now. I guess, my bias towards him isn't easy to get rid of.'

Indeed, Rob disliked Kouki with passion.

The reason why Rob didn't like Kouki is that Kouki saw himself as a righteous Ally of Justice but always interpreted anything to his convenience, especially if something didn't fit his worldview.

Even though Kouki got his 'redemption arc' in the after story series, Rob still didn't like him.

Rob knew that his bias was unfair to Kouki, but he couldn't help it. Emotion was never rational and logical, so was his dislike for Kouki.

'Well, I'm gonna disregard his existence as he isn't my problem to fix,' Rob decided in his mind.

Nevertheless, everyone decided to follow Ishtar after listening to Kouki's words. Rob silently followed the other kidnapped earthlings as they all left the plinth and passed the priests who had moved aside to make way.

As he walked at the back of the entourage, Rob pondered what he wanted to do in this world. He needed a new goal. If he had no purpose in this fantasy world, it would be such a waste!

After all, Rob had obtained an opportunity to be more than any ordinary man in his current situation!

After careful consideration, Rob decided on some matters he should do soon.

'First, I have to reduce the chances of others discovering my true identity!'

Rob didn't think his first goal was hard to achieve. After all, he'd become Kousuke Endou.

What is Kousuke famous for? It's, of course, his thin presence that made him forgettable and invisible to others!

As long as he didn't do something out of character, Rob could keep his secret without problems.

'Still, why didn't I get his memory right away?'

Yes, Rob didn't get Kousuke's memory right away, like what happened to the Isekai protagonists or self-inserted characters that took over someone else's bodies. Still, he didn't give up!

Rob remembered that not all isekai protagonists get the memories of their new life right away. One that came to his mind was Wendelin, the protagonist in 'Eighth Son?! Are You Kidding Me?!'.

When Ichinomiya Shingo got transmigrated as Wendelin von Benno Baumeister, he didn't immediately get Wendelin's memory. He only got it when he slept again after the transfer.

Due to that, Rob held a hope that he'd get Kousuke's memories when he slept later, just like Shingo. If not, he'd think of something to manage his situation.

Next, Rob wondered what kind of cheat powers he got. He decided to check it out, 'Hello? Is there a system? Well? Answer me if you're there!'

Unfortunately, Rob got no response. There was no 'Ping!' ringtone, holographic screen popping up in his field of vision, or anything.

A few moments later, Rob got a little worried but decided to give it another try. 'Come on, System? Are you there? Don't be shy! I'm a very gentle host, you know! Come on, give me some responses! Anything is fine! Please?'

Alas, it was for naught. Rob still got nothing back from his coaxing. He couldn't help but wonder if his cheat power isn't a system.

In the end, Rob decided to stop thinking about it. However, it didn't mean he had given up!

Rob remembered many protagonists didn't immediately get their cheat powers after the transfer. It meant he still had a chance.

Even though his cheat power wasn't a system, Rob knew many cheat powers from many fanfics. As such, he decided to figure out his real cheat power later.

Next, Rob pondered what he would do in this world, 'Would I try to return to my life in my original world?'

Such a question crossed Rob's mind. It was a good question.

However, Rob was not attached to his life in his original world. Therefore, that would not be his goal in this world.

Then, what would Rob do? Should he conquer the world of Tortus?

Rob couldn't deny that it was tempting. However, he couldn't see himself managing the whole world of Tortus after conquering it.

Also, many obstacles would try to stop Rob's conquest, such as Ehit and his pawns who wouldn't allow him to do so.

But, still, if Rob can conquer the world of Tortus, he can enjoy the finer things in life as the ruler of this fantasy world. Of course, that is after Rob appointed someone suitable to manage the whole world in his place!

If Rob doesn't do that, the responsibility of managing the world will overwhelm him. It's something he doesn't want to come true!

Regardless of who'll manage the world of Tortus in his place, Rob has to admit that he could enjoy many good things if the whole world is under his control!

All the most delicious food and the best drinks you can have whenever you feel hungry or thirsty!

All the most luxurious accommodations and VIP services when you want to enjoy it!

All the hottest women you could call on to serve your perverted desires!

Doesn't such a life sound amazing?

Such wishful thinking could not come true in his original world, but Rob could make it happen in the world of Tortus. Hence, he made up his mind.

'So, getting stronger until I become the strongest in the world, conquering this world and appointing someone suitable to manage it, getting all the best girls for my harem, and enjoying the finer things in my soon-to-be near-immortal life! Yeah, that sounds like a fantastic plan! I guess I know what I'm going to do here, then.'

Rob felt something hot burning inside him. As he found a new goal in his life, it ignited his ambition.

Alas, it's easy to say but hard to realize. However, Rob would face the challenge ahead of him head-on!

Getting stronger wasn't a problem. At least, Rob thought so.

Rob had noticed his body was unbelievably light. He could also move his limbs faster than ever and assumed it was due to the boost in the Agility stat.

Having the Assassin Job, Kousuke Endou got the ten times increment in his Agility stat. Since Rob had taken over Kousuke's body, his abilities had become Rob's abilities!

Even though Rob's current abilities are still nothing in the grand scheme of things, it's a proof of concept. It means Rob can become even more powerful.

Plans began to form in his mind, but Rob had to save them for another time. After all, he and the others had already arrived at their destination.

Ishtar brought the kidnapped earthlings to a banquet hall. It was the room that Rob remembered from the anime adaptation.

Aiko took a seat at the head of one long table. Meanwhile, Kouki Amanogawa, Ryutarou Sakagami, Shizuku Yaegashi, and Kaori Shirasaki filled the head of another long table.

Rob was sure of their identity. He could somewhat guess the identity of some students by comparing their characteristics to their 2D arts.

Of course, their 2D art didn't give justice to their real-life version. For instance, Shizuku and Kaori were gorgeous young women.

Shizuku Yaegashi was a beautiful young woman with waist-length black hair tied up in a ponytail with bangs hanging over her forehead. Her reddish-brown eyes gave her a rather sharp look, but deep within her gaze dwelled a kindness that made her seem dignified rather than cold. Standing 172 centimeters tall, she was taller than other female students.

Next was Kaori Shirasaki. She was a beautiful young woman with a slender yet busty body and alluring brown eyes. Her waist-length black hair was tied back in a half ponytail by a dark-colored bow with long bangs hanging on the right side and short ones on the left side.

In any case, their charm made Rob lose his breath and blew away his mind. They were too alluring, after all!

Alas, Rob was reluctant to get them. Why would he feel reluctant? Real Arifureta fans in his position would want to get those three without doubts!

Well, the answer is, putting the thin presence that made Rob easy to forget aside, many things made him reluctant to get them.

First, Rob knew how deep Kaori's romantic feelings were for Hajime. She was obsessed with Hajime, and it was almost impossible to get her to like him.

On the other hand, even though getting Shizuku wasn't as difficult as Kaori, Shizuku had a strong sense of responsibility towards Kouki Amanogawa. Therefore, she was very loyal to the source of the headache named Kouki Amanogawa.

That was such a big turn-off for Rob because he didn't want to deal with that son of a bitch.

Unless Rob did something nasty like reprogramming Shizuku and Kaori, he was reluctant to get them.

Besides, doing such a thing would touch Rob's already low bottom line.

In the end, Rob decided to put that matter on hold.