Chapter 26

"This is a rare talking half-beast! Dragging him here nearly killed me, and you're offering just three copper coins?" The tavern owner was livid at the slave trader's price.

Yosuke had 27 copper coins on him, plus the three from selling him, totaling 30 copper coins—not even enough to buy a dish, far from covering his losses.

"If you were a customer, would you buy this strange-looking half-beast?" The slave trader's words made the tavern owner look at the bruised and battered Yosuke, and he fell silent, finally understanding why Yosuke was worth so little.

Their conversation became one of Yosuke's most painful memories. After mastering communication with spirits and using memory magic, this was the first memory Yosuke erased. If it weren't for recounting his post-separation experiences to Gin, Yosuke wouldn't want to recall it at all.

Seeing as even mosquito legs are still meat, the tavern owner sold Yosuke, taking his measly payment and leaving with a scowl.

Yosuke, however, suffered greatly. Forgotten in a cage for a week by the shopkeeper, he starved until he was skin and bones, his appearance drastically changed.

He survived by drinking rainwater and maintained his sanity by talking to the moonlight.

Thanks to his 'Universal Language' ability, Yosuke accidentally communicated with a light spirit and used light magic to escape.

After hearing Yosuke's story, Gin was speechless. Yosuke had described his ordeal as a "pretty good start," but Gin found it more like a hellish beginning. A weaker-willed or less lucky person might have perished.

Surviving a week alone, starving, and drinking rainwater, Yosuke had also managed to discover the correct use of his powers.

Gin now believed Yosuke might be the world's chosen one, despite his struggles. He must be the protagonist of this world, facing challenges without lasting psychological trauma, proving his inner strength.

Yosuke seemed more concerned about his value being only three copper coins than his week of inhumane imprisonment.

"Gin, you were right. The 'Universal Language' ability allows me to communicate with not just people and animals but also invisible spirits. Because of this, I can use various types of magic by making agreements with these spirits."

Yosuke's excitement was evident as he explained his newfound abilities. He had successfully begun his journey in this world and was no longer defenseless.

"But how did your magic power increase so much? The first time we met, you were an ordinary person. Your magic power now is incredible!"

Indeed, Yosuke's magic power was another surprise for Gin. In just nine days, Yosuke had gone from being a powerless human to someone with immense magical energy, surpassing the elven girl Suiruzu from earlier. Yosuke now seemed to be at least an A-rank adventurer, among the elite.

"In addition to escaping the slave traders, a lot happened. Starving and fleeing, I returned to the forest. By chance, I entered a secret realm, defeated monsters there, and received a reward—a colorful potion. Too hungry to care, I drank it all. Afterward, communicating with spirits became easier, and my magic grew stronger."

Listening to Yosuke, Gin felt a pang of envy. Both were transmigrators, but their experiences differed greatly. Yosuke's journey, aside from being sold into slavery, seemed like a series of fortunate events.

Gin had recently cleared an underground labyrinth with no special rewards. In contrast, Yosuke's luck and growth were almost supernatural.

However, seeing Yosuke's sunken cheeks and aged appearance, Gin felt balanced. Yosuke had traded his looks for power. Gin wouldn't make the same choice, valuing lasting attractiveness over rapid strength.

"What will you do now? Will you come back to town with me? With your current strength, those who captured you wouldn't dare try again."

After a moment of hesitation, Yosuke shook his head. "No, I don't want to cause any trouble there. I'm looking for a way back to our original world. Staying in one town won't help; I'd rather travel the world for clues."

They continued together for a while, eventually reaching a village. Yosuke planned to rest and resupply, while Gin aimed to claim his reward for the poisonous dragon's corpse.

(End of Chapter)