Lizard

Gerard woke up in an unfamiliar room. Trainer Lee leaned against the wall at the other side of the room, snoring like a freight train.

"Excuse me, Trainer Lee."

"Huh?" His snoring ended, and he rubbed his eyes.

"Where am I?"

"We're in one of the dormitory rooms. You killed an A-rank monster as a D-rank adventurer. I knew you and your girlfriend would achieve incredible things."

"You're not as keen-eyed as you'd think."

"How so?"

"Well, for one, I almost died, and two, Sprite isn't my girlfriend."

"You survived, did you not? And you should go ahead; you're both young, talented, and attractive."

"I did. And I can't. It's complicated."

*I don't even know what I think of her.*

"Where's my shovel?" Gerard looked around the room.

The mattress he laid on felt similar to the ones from his original world: foam, springs, and a cotton exterior. A small closet, a writing desk, and a footlocker were the other pieces of furniture in the room.

"Camilla is holding onto it for you. I've been told to brief you on several matters. Let's go to the training grounds."

"Why?"

"Just follow me."

Lee ended the conversation by leaving the room, and Gerard hurriedly followed. As Gerard shadowed Lee, he examined the sorry state of his clothes.

They reached the courtyard where Gerard first met Lee in this life, and they entered. Upon closing the doors, Lee sighed and sat on the ground.

"First thing's first. You have two classes? How is that even possible?" Lee smiled, obviously summing up Gerard's strength.

"I'll tell you if you tell me how you know everything that you do."

"That's fair. I've never told anyone, though, so if you tell another soul, I'll rip you apart, and nobody will ever find your body." Lee smiled calmly.

A menacing aura emanated from Lee and turned Gerard's stomach.

"Deal."

"I have an innate ability. Not many people in this world do, but they can't even be read with the status orb. It's called 'God's Eyes'." Suddenly, Lee's eyes glowed gold.

"And this does what?"

"Anything I want to know in this world, so long as I can see it, becomes knowledge that I can read. For instance, you have two classes, a level separate from your classes, and you're an artificial human."

The menacing aura grew with a sensation of bloodlust, and Gerard jumped back.

"Lee?"

"I have one question before I explain anything else to you. Are you our ally?"

"Yes. We can't be overheard here, right?"

"Correct."

Gerard opened up to Lee about his entire experience since dying in his old world, as well as their previous encounter in his previous life. He told his tale with such precision that the sun began to set when he finished.

"You killed me? That's amazing. When you get your magic back, let's have a proper fight." Lee clenched his fist and extended his arm towards Gerard.

"I'd rather not. But, you believe me?"

"I wouldn't believe anyone other than you could create a human body from scratch. Sprite is really a spirit guide, though?"

*That's the most accurate description of her I could provide.*

"Yes. She helped me so many times that I thought it fitting to provide her with a body of her own."

"Now I understand why you're hesitant to take that first step with her."

"Thank you. I haven't been able to tell many people about this. Now we both know the biggest secrets about each other, mutually assured destruction, right?"

"Yes. Now, listen carefully. The demons have started moving. The gelatinous slime under our very city proves that. The influx of natural mana that makes beings like slimes only happens during times of increased demonic activity. The MRI sent researchers to look into a demon sighting in the swamps to the southeast and found a creature that even they couldn't handle. Our SSS-rank adventurer is being summoned to take care of it."

"What about the hero?"

"The hero you met in your last life is still in training and would not be ready for another five years at the earliest. I want to ask something of you, Gerard."

"What is it?"

"Once you get more of your strength back and become an A-rank adventurer, please assist us. Help this country fend off the demons. I fear another invasion is coming."

"I will do my best. Thank you, Lee."

"You're welcome. It looks like it's time." Lee looked to the entrance,

Camilla stood at the other side of the glass doors and bowed slightly.

---

Gerard watched as Camilla looked over several documents before acknowledging him.

"I know the quest reward promised you ten gold pieces, but we had to make sure you and Lee talked first. Since you're alive, can I assume everything is well?" Camilla led Gerard through the guild's halls.

"Lee and I shared some secrets, and we understand each other better now. Don't worry; I'm an ally."

"Good. Here's your shovel." Camilla opened a bag and pulled the shovel out.

*Another of those bags? Are they just given to everyone?*

Gerard grabbed the shovel and smiled.

"Since when did it feel so comfortable to have this in my hands?"

"It probably has something to do with your class. Certain classes that allow a specific weapon to be used have been said to bring them calm while holding such weapons."

"About that bag..."

"The guild staff are given them to help in our duties."

"Oh, then-"

"You aren't joining the staff."

"Okay. Then would I be able to grab another quest?"

"I would advise that you take a quest that won't bring as much attention to you."

"That's understandable."

Gerard opened the door to the lobby, and the adventurers stopped, looked at him, and cheered. He could faintly make out some of the words of encouragement and praise but ignored them as he followed Camilla to the counter.

"I see what you mean." Gerard awkwardly laughed.

"You strike me as someone who doesn't want to be recognised by the whole city wherever you go."

"You'd be right about that. So, the quest?"

"For this one, you can choose an unassuming quest from the quest board. There should be plenty."

"I will, thank you."

Gerard approached the board, and a couple of adventurers came over. Before they could breach Gerard's personal space, Brutus stood before them and grunted before pushing them away.

"Thank you, Brutus."

Gerard scanned the requests. Plenty of low-grade monster-hunting missions.

"Goblins, goblins, trolls, horned rabbits, skeletons, zombies, etc. Etc. Nothing really stands-"

Gerard grabbed a quest from the board and returned to Camilla.

"Please find my pet. The reward is thirty gold. Are you sure you want this one? A couple of people have failed it."

"I'm pretty good at finding things, and it's a nice reward for a simple quest."

"It might not be that simple, but very well. It's yours. Please complete it within a week; otherwise, we will have to return it to the board and mark it as failed."

"I'll be back before you know it!"

"And please get some new clothes. Everyone can see a little too much of you."

Gerard ran his hands over his body to find that part of his behind was completely uncovered.

*That's awkward...*

"I'll do that right now."

"Your contact for the quest will be waiting at the gates of the upper district every day at noon and dusk, so make sure you meet with them."

---

"Oh, hello. Where is the angel that usually accompanies you?" Hubert watched the entrance to the tailor shop and waited.

"Hello, Hubert. She's not with me today, but if you make me highly resistant clothing in the same style as the last set you sold me, I'll bring Sprite around next time."

*Sorry, Sprite. We do need to get you some better shoes, though. I hope you're doing okay.*

Hubert examined the damage to Gerard's clothing.

"It does seem as though you require new attire. Well, Gander paid handsomely for my angel's armour, so I'll do this on the house as long as you bring her back to my shop soon."

"As I said, next time I come, she will be with me."

*We only have to avoid the store for as long as possible.*

"Well, let's get you measured up!"

Gerard removed his armour and clothing in the back room before having his measurements taken.

"If you wait around, I'll work on this right away, and your clothes will be ready within two hours."

"I've got someone I need to meet, but I'll return after that."

Gerard left the store and wove through the city streets. He reached the steps leading to the upper district and climbed to the top. At the last step, an older woman with long grey hair stood by the wall that circled the upper district. Gerard approached.

"Excuse me."

"Please get away from me. I'm waiting for someone." The woman turned her gaze back to the city below.

"That might be me. Is your name Esma?"

"Yes, how do you know that?"

"I'm Gerard, from the adventurer's guild. I'm here about your missing pet. Your request didn't give a lot of information."

"You're here to help me find Archie? He's a little blue lizard, and he ran away two days ago."

"A lizard?"

"Yes! A very special lizard."

*How am I supposed to find one small lizard in a giant city?*

"Do you have any idea where I could start looking?"

"Well, Archie likes dark and wet places. Maybe someone in the lower district has seen him?"

"Why do you think he's gone into the lower district?"

"He loves the smell of the food down there, and there are many darker and wetter places in the lower district than the upper district."

"That helps a little. I'll ask around for your pet lizard."

"I hope you have better luck than the last couple of adventurers."

"I'll see you soon with little Archie, Esma."