A world can't be without conflict

The western forest is a place truly that thrives with nature. Large trees with green leaves, different kinds of animals, small and big. However there doesn't exist a settlement near the forest.

That is, even though there are plenty of natural resources, the woodland houses different kinds of monsters. From Goblins and Kobolds, those being the most common ones, to the rarely seen Griffin, if someone is unlucky enough. Although the monsters-the latter example notwithstanding- are usually "weak", they are still level 1 or 2 in strength. A level that a trained City Guard will have some difficulty to fight against, but highly rewarding if one wants to start his adventure as a source of income.

The creation, or better "spawn, of monsters usually happens on specific locations overtime. Those creatures have little intelligence and rarely might possess some form of equipment. Be it a weapon and light or heavy armour. Monsters do not possess significant mental faculties, the exception being their survival instincts and their distinctions on attacking or reacting violently towards another person be it human, elf, dwarf, lizardman and so on.

Those locations, that are Spawn Point if one was to put into simple terms, are usually tied in some form or way in the Dungeon.

The Dungeon is located in the entrance of the Tower of Babel, a construction of the gods to seal the nest of the monsters, which is attributed wholly to the gargantuan seal itself. Though that has to do more with the Three Great Quests, since monsters can exist throughout Eden. A truth that while acknowledged by the majority of its inhabitants, is extremely difficult to grasp. After all monsters can appear at any place, that being the Land or Sea of the Mortal Realm. Meaning, this Realm which spans for thousands upon thousands of kilometers is somehow interconnected to the singular Location named Dungeon.

A bar that secures all before the immediate stampeded of Behemoths of old. A prison, if one was so callous, expanding significantly were someone to compare the lower floors to the ones before them. Yet a linier point of interest nonetheless.

'Naturally these are my on speculations on the matter.'

[And quite well thought if I say so~]

A small chuckle escaped my throat at my companion's admission. Carefully observing all the functions the System can provide, even at its initial stage did leave a great amount of astonishment. While it isn't complete-or better- unupgraded the sheer versatility each function provides is enough to leave me agape. From [Gamer's Mind], which was a catalyst for heavy teasing from Rose-chan- A nickname that left me pleasantly surprised by the embarrassment I could feel it caused and the reddening of her "cheeks"-, to the almost insane amount of potential my [Map] provides. Albeit most areas are a grey color, the path I transverse is added unto the metaphysical chart at the bottom left of my vision. In additional, an area of 50 meters is documented.

Nevertheless, I divert some of my attention to the surroundings in case I notice something amiss.

An act that is born more at out my desire to observe and appreciate the beauty of the forest, rather actual worry. Or the latter to be so low in my priority list is mainly due to the attentiveness Rose has shown.

Every action and anything I see can also be observed by her. Along with most of my past. Something that was surprising to know, yet no reason of actual concern. A little awkwardness to be sure yet nothing truly worrying.

The Map would show any sign of hostile life that should be marked as red, provided said enemy isn't using any means of concealment.

Shaking my head slightly, I decide to continue my train of thoughts and possible ideas that would depict the World.

After all I only watched Danmachi till the introduction of Wiene, a new species named Xenos. Sentient monsters. The rest of what happened isn't something I know, as I stopped watching till that point. Ungodly work Hours, a schedule that pushed me to the very limit without care for my declining health and worries of future and how to best handle the unknown tomorrow, didn't really allow for the completion of most Series. Danmachi being one of them. The few snippets I saw on the fandom couldn't really paint an accurate picture, since I gave them a cursory glance rather my full attention.

'I'm okay and thank you for your concern Rose-chan~', I responded to the sudden feelings of nervousness and sadness. Another remarkable feature of our unique bond.

[You can speak to me, but knowing you I would imagine the need of cataloguing all your knowledge and potential theories about the World takes precedence.], releasing a sigh, Rose slightly focused a particular sharp glance to "me", [You don't need to do this in the current time, since I already know most of the information we discuss. It would be better to enjoy yourself than start worrying.]

Stopping herself, she averted her gaze as I felt apprehension nervousness and guilt through our bond, [Again sorry for that. It wasn't my intention and I can seal all the knowledge of your past if you wish to. I wasn't mean-

'You aren't mean nor forceful. You are my companion into this new experience.', dropping my smile I focus all my attention back to Rose, 'It was more surprising that anything else, but as an existence that saw my entire life and decided to keep helping me, I have but respect towards you'

[That is not exactly-

'You specifically asked me for permission to do so. I was surprised at first but then gave my acknowledgement to you not out of some misconception or worry, but because it was the right thing to do. I already offered you another alternative should you wish to stop our partnership.'

[That isn't my purpose.], while her voice had an edge, I could detect a small amount of trepidation. I simply continued speaking without stop as I had no reason to lie. It was simply the truth and my belief on the matter as we conversed.

'Something that Akasha could do without the need for you to obtain a personality that-enjoyable to be around can be slightly irritating with its nonstop teasing!', I huffed "annoyed" and her response was more than the reward I wanted as a small twitch of her lips told me all about the effectiveness of my effort.

'I could use that Spell which could provide you with at least a body and later on decide your own path. Yet you decided to stick with little ol' Me. The system is the function it provided. Not my lovable companion named Rose by yours truly!'

Stopping I raised my head and observed the passing clouds with a tranquil expression. Rose wasn't responding and she didn't need to. Her feeling was all the response I needed.

Fear, Surprise, Unease, Anger.

But most of all Hope.

'You are able to verify the truth in my words and even then, we both know that Akasha wouldn't simply create an ego-beautiful enough at that-that would help me. The system itself would be enough. That is why I offered you the choice after I gave consent to your view on my memories. Because you are alive and have a right to decide your future. Through my memories you can decide whether you wish to stay together with someone like me. That is your right as a living thinking entity. '

For a while no sound was registered to mind. Not the beautiful singing of birds nor the distinctive sound of crickets. I simply enjoyed the sight of the blue sky. My mind was waiting for my companion.

[I-I want to believe so.....], without noticing the passage of time, I heard her sweet and confident voice, now nothing more than a whisper in the depths of my Soul, [But I also want to help you. Because I desire to do so]

'Then do so. Your company is more than welcome!', a smile rested on my face,' Should you ever you want something else, you only need to ask.'

[…You should be ready to make a better pitch!], while she complained I did catch the small amount of annoyance accompanied by a far greater of happiness. The former being the reason for a small blush to paint her cheeks, [What if I decided to leave! Baka-Aki!]

'Then I would happily do so. After all I would be with you.', a small cough made my smile widen as I detected her surprise, 'For a person to decide to offer myself their unconditional help even when there is an alternative, there is nothing but respect and care I could think providing. Any problem you might face I will be there to offer you a hand despite any distance that separates us. That is my very own belief, Rose.'

Feeling the gratitude of her emotions I decide to offer a small tease to change the heavy but much needed talk between us.

'And before you say~! That person would be one of the most beautiful ones because of their essence my adorable companion. A person willing to help someone unconditionally is an impossibly dazzling sentiment that speaks volume of the very inner World of said person. A beauty without any contest~'

Instead of the expected outcome, I felt her....burning in embarrassment. Covering her face with both hands and looking away from me.

Surprised I stopped as I felt heat gathering on my cheeks at the words I'd spoken and the reaction they wielded. It seems I really need to think better before speaking the truth so brazenly. Offering such an adorable reaction dealt a critical hit to my heart!

I shouldn't have teased right away! Now I made it weird!

Especially with someone I honestly care-

I felt my whole neck burning. A response that was shared with Rose.

'...S-so we should talk about Danmachi! Ha-ha'

[...Y-yes great idea! Ha-ha]

Silence descended once more amongst us. Yet the mood was entirely different form before. Equally lighter and... awkward.

Despite the situation I continued moving forwards.

Now Quests are what amounts to subjugation missions issued by the World itself against three monsters of which only one remains alive. Those beings can supposedly lay waste to the whole human realm by their lonesome.

One might question why they are not treated as animals? The answer is simple. While as they continue growing, monsters can become smarter, acquire reproductive organs and become notably stronger. They do not require a falna to determine their strength, but they can still classified through the level system. Though it deserves to be mentioned that a lower levelled person can defeat a higher levelled monster with proper preparation. Obviously, that heavily depends on the type of monster, since a level 2 Minotaur can easily defeat a level 2 Kobold, along with the fact, in latter levels not only is it harder to level up, but also the gap between a previous one is quite more pronounced!

Additionally, monsters-unless incapacitated through exhaustion, poison, a particular spell or skill-will turn to modes of dust after their deaths. At the same time, they drop a monster crystal that can be exchanged for monetary value (which in this world is called Vali) and monster parts that can be used in crafting equipment or again exchanged. So unfortunately, no data crystals (drops from enemies slain in the game Yggdrasil) for me~

In Yggdrasil to fight against a player or a boss that is 5 levels higher than you, is considered an inevitable defeat. Provided you are similarly skilled and the equipment you both possess is equal. So, it is pretty straightforward to understand that the same applies in this World.

Even the equipment even if is categorized from I-S (though I imagine that there would be equipment above s rank). Though F, being the 4 lowest in the scale, is only a low-class item in Yggdrasil terms.

The highest known level a person supposedly reached is one level 9 and belonged to the Hera Familia followed by a single level 8 that belonged to the Zeus Familia. Though like Guilds, Familias have clear differences.

For one not all of them are for adventures, but they can be for farmers, blacksmiths and city guards depending on the god that found said familia. While an adventurer Familia will possess some blacksmiths to do maintenance to weapons, they usually differ to blacksmith Familias. The Gods rarely take an active part in the on goings on their Familia. Usually, they abstain from activity. But there are examples of gods that help or provide services. A good example being Hephaestus of the similarly named Hephaestus Familia. The most prolific goddess of forging.

Yes Goddess....

Also, Loki is a woman...

Anyway~!

The importance of these thoughts aside, after 30 minutes of walking the length of the river I managed to see my very first monster. Or better monsters since they were three of them.

With green skin, short with stubby limbs and two clubs and a single wooden spear. I met this place's form of Goblins.

Of course, long before they appeared I had managed to locate them through my Mini-map. Though the credit rightfully goes to Rose since she immediately brought to my attention the existence of three red dots in the corner of my mini-map. While most people might be disoriented through the appearance of an interface that shows their HP, MP and mini map, years of playing Yggdrasil have more or less made me quite accustomed to paying attention in my surroundings and not get distracted.

Now hiding behind the tree-line and creeping as silently as possible I tried to think of a way to engage the enemies. While the body is my avatar in the game, I still have the mind of a human that only fought virtual battles.

Thank Akasha for [Gamers Mind]. Not only does it rein in my insecurities and lets me keep a clear head, I can turn it on/off at my leisure. Of course, I haven't even thought of turning off currently!

Regulating my breath, I raise my hand. After concertinaing intently, I manage to create a small basketball size flame and carefully aim it to one of the little green smucks.

Now you might ask, how can I use spells?

Remember the [Mage] magic I have? It usually is a development ability. But this body is even more resourceful than I initially thought.

As you can imagine getting a new body isn't as simple as making a carbon copy of the appearance. Getting a new body also means getting the skills it has, some of the experiences and even memories. Usually when someone wants the "full" package of a new body they do not possess the same abilities it has. It carries a form of will of the owner, which would try to indirectly influence the soul inhabiting it. The same thing that happens in type moon when a goddess manifests, such as in the case of Ishtar and Rin. Rin did manage to mellow out the rather evil goddess.

However, I have a "body" which I created, inhabited and basically made an extension of myself! Meaning part of the spells and sword-fighting I experienced, have become instinctual knowledge to me rathe memories of a virtual simulation of both spellcasting and sword-fighting. I was never happier that I made my introductory character a magic knight like Bellriver, since have more options than being only a weapon user or a spell caster, since my effecting range is everywhere (whether it be close-mid-long range). And the best part I can get more proficient in the magic spells of Yggdrasil since I am currently casting [Fireball]. Thankfully my reserves are currently enough to utilize the spell a multitude of times.

Though the [Mage] only gives me knowledge of spells up to the third tier. By becoming stronger more will be unlocked meaning I could use even 10th tier spells in the far future! I can also get different development abilities that boost me even more! Though I can only get a development ability by completing the "objectives it requires"(i.e. [Hunter] kill many monsters in a short period of time). I can unlock the option of getting it, but by only levelling up can i truly "equip" it.

Rose was kind enough to explain things to me since she was given the knowledge by Akasha, during our much earlier talks about the World.

Naturally, after I asked and learned about its details, I thanked profusely Akasha.

Suffice to say she appreciated if the note that suddenly appeared in my inventory says anything about it reading: [No problem Akira-chan~]

After the little [Fireball] was ready I pointed to the furthest from the river goblin and released it.

Suffice to say while a level one I can better my stats by excise but combat dramatically influences the growth rate. Plus considering how powerful for a level 1 I am... well.....

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The two goblins suddenly heard the shrill cry of their brethren, which immediately was silenced by the fire relentlessly consuming it, turning the short green monster to a magic stone.

Surprised they immediately moved their gaze to the forest, trying to find the perpetrator and kill him or at the very least notify their boss.

However, to their confusion after a second a white-haired youth, with bright blues eyes, casual clothes and an unsheathed sword calming walking towards them. An amicable smile plastered on his face.

Their momentary confusion turned to anger when they understood the seemingly frail youth managed to take one of their own sneakily.

Roaring the two goblins brandished their weapons, a spear and a club respectively, and rushed towards him.

If they had an iota of a brain, they would understand that someone approaching them, after he killed one of their own wouldn't be a normal opponent. Especially since said person could utilize the element of surprise to his advantage. They would have proceeded with more caution.

Yet they didn't.

They, along with a moderate group of their kind follow an ogre after it evolved during one of their raids to the nearby plains at a village. But a group of adventurers managed not only to defeat a number of them, but one also injuring their Chieftan by taking one of his eyes out, through a horn that broke out of his helmet during their fight.

Alas both survived after the team of adventurers retreated since their numbers were larger than anticipated.

As such, they were made to patrol the periphery of their hideout, while their leader is recuperating and make preparations for his revenge.

For two days the adventurer did not arrive, but now a new pray appeared before them!

Prior to any thought of bloody-murder they could muster, the boy sprinted forward while swinging diagonally, cutting a clear line to the club wielding goblin. From the pain it dropped its weapon and fell to the ground rolling and trying desperately to close the wound, releasing some painful roars in the process.

The spear wielding goblin immediately tried to use the superior reach of its weapon to skewer the boy in his gut. Yet unperturbed he parries the blow with ease and positioning his sword immediately for a counterattack.

Not a moment later the blade went through the chest of the Goblin, killing it and making it turn to dust releasing its magic core in the process.

"Hm. That wasn't so tough after all."

Sighing Akira watched as the previous blood of the monster left the blade of his sword and turned to dust.

Keeping an eye on the whaling goblin and any kind of reinforcements it can call, utilizing his mini-map to be ready in case of any aid, he collects both stones and keeps them in his inventory.

[Indeed. Though not the toughest, goblins can kill adventurers that just started and look down on them. Instead of paying attention to the fight they get overconfident and complacent.]

Nodding at Rose's words I turn back and observe the goblin that after understanding nobody coming to its help, tries to get away from me.

Again, another sigh escapes my lips.

While not in the wrong, it still feels peculiar to kill these creatures.

I do not have real sympathy for them since they are not Xenos but akin to animals hellbent to destroy the races on the surface. On the other hand, the Xenos are intelligent monsters that have -apparently from the wiki-created hidden villages in the dungeon and try to find other who are the same as them and hide away from both monster and adventurers since both attack them before they can explain that they wish for no conflict. Just the opportunity to reach the surface, leaving the dreary Dungeon...

Though the only Xenos I can remember reading about, are those in the Dungeon, it provides an excellent example, that these mindless creatures can be reasoned with if they gain a bit of intelligence and avoid combat...

Even before [Gamer's Mind] can clear my thoughts, a memory resurfaced.

Humans that abused their position to act arrogantly and do whatever they wished...

People choosing the easy way out that saves their skin, while dooming another person.

If those got their hands on a tangible form of power akin to strong adventurers and earth was in the medieval times, what would change?

Does that mean that there are not 'intelligent' people that would rather hurt others for selfish reasons?

Simply they would act more brazenly since laws do not simply mean as much, as strength. Be it political or more tangible.

This world is not perfect, as perfection cannot truly exist.

Yet I will make it better.

Not out of altruist means or humanism. But....because it would have been what she would want. It is something I want

So, stilling my heart I made a promise to myself

'I will never relish in the suffering of others...'

Little by little the colors of the world their brilliance, to the subtle shine that comes from his body. It outshines all, bathing the surroundings in a subtle gold light.

'I will not become a monster that I hate'

Rose seeing this phenomenon does not disturb Akira, but she carefully observes the changes he experiences.

'However, I will not become a pariah of justice...'

Suddenly the light disappeared. A more prominent Darkness made its appearance. Drowning the surroundings, while his eyes changed from their vibrant blue to steely grey and his hair change from the innocent white to a dark platinum

'I will help the people I can, I will not save everyone. But for those that want to harm me, there will not be mercy....'

The goblin freezes and shakes not out of his impending death, but something more.......

A prime fear overtakes the monster and looking behind it. Its eyes widen while the trembling worsens.

'I do not care about being a hero, but I refuse to let this world continue its way...'

'I will not try to take all the burdens of the world on my shoulders because of my power....'

'I will create change through my actions...'

Darkness.

Pure Darkness

The Abyss that everything begun from

And everything will end

Surrounding its previous victim.

No, that thing!

'I will live my life without regrets and change this world...'

Laughter comes out the never-ending despair that is the Abyss.

A cruel laughter that promises pain.

A winged creature with horns and claws created out of nightmares manifested behind the youth.

And I am going to meet them in the future and keep my head high knowing I do not have any regrets on this second life....'

Placing his hand to the goblin head he squeezes it

'So, beware world....'

Lifting his head Akira announcement

"Because I, Akira Suzuki will change you eventually!"

The only thinking anybody heard was a demonic laughter in the western forest full of glee for the incoming chaos

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In the plains we see a team of adventurers

"Hoho, to think that I would get this chance to try this divine nectar again! How fortunate must I be!"

"Yeyaeh. You haven't shut yet trap ever since you got a hold of some cheese. Show some restrain!!"

"Well at least he is appearing at the time we agreed on. Not like one short drunken barrel like you~"

"Oh shut it you anvil!"

"What did you call me!!"

While those two were arguing a petite girl was trying to pacify them but stop and look at a specific direction...

For some reason she suddenly trembled until an armoured hand touched her shoulder.

"Are you alright?"

"Y-yes! S-sorry, i just got a weird feeling suddenly."

"I see..."

Pouting the girl rebutted

"Mou~. Orcbolg haven't we said you should limit the 'I see....','I understand...'and express yourself more!"

"My apologies..."