Chapter 12: The Country of Witches, Witching Well

…

"Hey, will you hear me out…?"

"Yeah?"

"Uhm… I have something to ask of you… well if you don't mind…"

"Uh, sure." Looking at the little girl in front of me, I replied.

"Can you be my hero…?"

"..." I was a bit stunned by the sudden request. I then flashed a big confident smile at her.

"Sure!"

"..." The little girl's face seemed to glow in joy.

"...really?"

"Yeah. I can be your hero!"

"... Even if we grow up, can you still be one?"

"Of course! I will be your hero whenever and wherever you go!" I patted my chest as an assurance.

"... I see."

"If you are a hero…then."

"..."

"Ẃ̷̭H̷̺͗Ỵ̷̉ ̴̠͆T̸̺̕H̵̪͂E̵̳̕ ̶̗́F̶͘ͅU̸̖͆Ç̷̀K̷̡͋ ̸͖̓Ä̵̳R̷̟̒E̵̟̍ ̵̣̽Y̶̩͘O̴͙͒Ȗ̶̱ ̴͈̇S̵̡̾O̶͇͝ ̶͚͋W̴̳͒E̵͍͐A̴̬͒K̵͎̈́?̶͕̉"

!!!

"..." Rion opened his eyes wide, as he gasped for air.

A certain memory of his childhood friend reappeared in the depths of his mind.

That dream…

"Quina…" He shivered in fright; cold sweat ran through his face.

That was a nightmare…

His childhood friend's face turned into an unrecognizable dark maw that was smiling mockingly at him…

"Mr. Rion… are you okay?" A man in his early 20s asked, a bit surprised by the sudden ruckus.

"Yes… you are?" Only now did Rion notice that there was actually someone in the room.

Rion chose to think about what he just dreamt of, later.

For now…

'Wait… where am I?'

'And am I not dead…' He instantly checked his body, but feeling he was better than ever, he sighed in relief.

"Daniel Garcia. I've heard about you from Ms. Leona and Lance." The policeman who is now dressed in a casual polo and dark slacks, offered his hand for a handshake.

"Mr. Rion and Lance are really brave."

"Especially you, Mr. Rion. I've heard that you stayed behind just to buy them some time to escape. I have my respect for you."

"To be able to help others in times of crisis… I sure wish I had a partner-in-operation like you guys. If only you guys were in a police department…" Daniel felt it was a pity, given they were 'brave' enough in times of emergency.

Rion didn't know what to say, so he just ignored the young policeman's words, as he introduced himself.

"Oh, I'm Kurogane Rion, although you probably know that already…" Rion accepted his handshake when he suddenly remembered the trio.

"Wait, what happened to the student, Ms. Leona, and her daughter!?" Rion was about to stand up, but Daniel quickly informed him:

"No need to worry, they are alright."

"In fact, they should probably arrive–"

"Benefactor!" A woman promptly opened the door, followed by the student and her daughter.

"Ms. Leona, no need to rush in like a damsel in distress." Lance smiled wryly.

"...oh." Leona felt a bit embarrassed.

She can't believe she just shouted and went inside the room like a wife who found out her husband had woken up from a coma!

"Regardless, are you sure you're okay now, good sir?" Lance walked towards Rion, while Cindy went up the bed and held her hand on Rion's forehead as if checking for a fever.

"...not hot. Good!" The little girl gave a cute thumbs-up as if she did a good job, causing everyone's hearts to melt in warmth.

"Hahaha~ yeah. I'm fine." Rion laughed a little as he stood up from his bed.

'I feel a little lighter…' Rion scrutinized his body and found out he has lost a bit of weight.

He still has his panda-sized body, but he can tell that he lost a bit of his mass…

Or maybe it's because of the fight…?

Wait…

Rion almost forgot. He looked at his left hand.

!

His left hand is there!

Wait… how is it there? He is completely sure it was bitten off by that monster wolf.

He scanned his left hand… everything feels the same, he can move it just fine. There was no wound or any sort of damage.

"Ahh… about that, it's quite a long story, but yes, you're healed to your peak condition…"

"I won't bother you with the long details. We have time to talk about that later… but just so you know, Ms. Francia… a witch used a very precious item to save you."

"When we found you, you're almost on the brink of death. At that time, I begged her to save you in any way possible… I almost gave up, seeing her hesitation."

"But in the end, she used it to save your life. You should thank her, good sir."

"... I understand, but… if it's so important to her… why would she use it on me?"

"I have no idea. I doubt that my begging is enough to convince her, so you should probably ask her yourself, good sir." Lance shrugged.

"Still… I thank you for all your effort." Rion made a 90° Japanese bow, as a sign of deep respect and gratitude to a person.

And Lance, who received this was a bit shocked but still accepted Rion's deep gratitude.

As a weeb, he understood the meaning of that bow. He felt that begging Francia to help Rion was a great choice he made, after the personality Rion showed.

"No! No! We should be the ones thanking you, benefactor. If you didn't do what you just did, we wouldn't make it!" Leona blurted out like a rapper, she felt emotional.

That is even more so when she found out that Rion almost died.

She felt guilty and flustered. She thought she wouldn't be able to repay the man for his help.

"T-that is right, good sir." The student nodded in agreement.

"Well, for starters can you start by just calling me by my name? Rion will be enough."

"... Alright." Lance and Leona both nodded. To be honest, they felt like calling Rion a benefactor and good sir is way more fitting for him… but since the man requested it, that's fine for them.

"... By the way, how long have I been asleep?"

"Four days." Daniel, who was at the side, leaning on a wall with crossed arms, answered.

"...that long?"

"Ms. Francia said that it was actually a fast recovery. If it were a warrior with a regenerative ability it could take at least a week for them to recover completely… well, except for the lost hand that is." Lance explained while trying to remember what the witch told him.

"Wait, you mean… my hand regenerated on its own?"

"Uhh… yeah. I heard from Sir Alterick that the main property of the elixir is regeneration and that phoenix regeneration was given to you basically." Lance's eyes were sparkling in worship.

'What the hell happened to me…' He was completely stunned.

Phoenix regeneration? Doesn't that mean he's immortal now?

What the hell…

The status!

Rion quickly remembered as he opened his status.

"T-this is…" He didn't even notice the weird look everyone was giving him.

His eyes were just fixated on the bullshit in front of him:

[Name: Kurogane Rion

Race: Half-Breed (Phoenix and Human)

Racial Buffs: <Increased Learning Proficiency: 45%>

<Instant Regeneration>

<Soul Tenacity>

<Immortality: Age>

Innate Talents: <Basic Elemental Magic>

<Immortal Flames>

Acquired Talents: None

Passive Skills:

'Wise Servant of the Immortal Flames' (A- Rank) -

<Increased Mana Capacity LV: 2>

<Increased Mana Regen LV: 3>

<Stamina Regen LV: 3>

<Increased Thought Processing LV: 3>

<Immortal Fire Resistance LV: 1>

<Elemental Resistance LV: 1>

<Soul Attack Resistance LV: 2>

<Eyes of the Nature LV: 1>

'Flaming Panda Body' (C+ Rank) -

<Increased Body Toughness LV: 3>

<Rebound Attack LV: 2>

<Fire Body LV: 1>

Active Skills:

'Elemental Mage Heart' (A+ Rank) -

<Earth Manipulation LV: 1>

<Water Manipulation LV: 1>

<Fire Manipulation LV: 1>

<Air Manipulation LV: 1>

<Immortal Fire Manipulation LV: 1>

<Energy Manipulation LV: 1>

'Call of the Phoenix' (B- Rank)

<Summon Immortal Phoenix LV: 1>

<Bird's Cry LV: 1>

Title: Side Character, Hero]

What the fuck is this?

I thought I was a side character… Why do I feel like I'm the MC… and I became an immortal hero?

Rion is starting to doubt his position right now…

These cheat skills…

Is it even legal to have these?

Not to mention he became some sort of hybrid.

"...Rion."

Just what the hell happened…

"Rion."

He remembered it was a life-and-death situation at that time.

"..." Rion began to recall the fear he experienced at that time…

"Rion!"

"w-what?" Rion regained his attention as he looked at the worried faces of the people around him.

"Sorry, I think I just saw something bizarre."

"What?"

"N-nothing, never mind what I said, ehem… just some personal things, that's all."

"Are you sure you're fine now?" Daniel asked at the side.

"Yeah, I can't keep sleeping." Rion stood up, as he inspected the room they were in.

It looks a bit weird.

The aesthetic of the room is some sort of mixture of modern and middle-aged styles. It feels kinda antique…

"I know this is a bit late, but… where are we?"

For a patient who suffered critical injuries, the room looks like anything but a ward for patients.

"We're in the country of witches, ahh… they call it…" Leona was trying to recall what the place was called.

Lance was about to answer, but was beaten to it by the child:

"The Witching Well~!" Cindy raised her hand cutely as if she recited a good answer in front of her teacher.

"Yes, yes. The Witching Well." Leona rubbed her cute daughter's hair.

"Rion-san, you should definitely check out the surroundings and buildings in this place, it's all good stuff!" Lance reminisced about all the good things that he saw.

The food, the middle-aged style of buildings, all the people using different kinds of magic and stuff that cannot be seen on Earth. All the weird creatures and atmosphere seem to scream: middle-aged fantasy world!

Despite having the atmosphere of being otherworldly, it's not too over the top.

Modern technology can still be seen in this place although there's still a little difference here and there.

"Before you ask, we are actually on a different planet named, Atheria." Daniel spoke still a bit dryly as if he himself cannot believe that he would talk about going to another planet, and not just any planet in the solar system, but a planet from the mystical world.

"W-we got isekai'd?"

"What?" Question marks can be seen from the uncultured Daniel.

"Yes. Except this time we don't need truck-kun to be transported." Lance nodded thankfully. He thanked the isekai gods for avoiding a clichè.

A cultured person's brain sure works differently.

"D-damn." Rion still looks a bit surprised. Sure, he did expect magic and all sorts of things that only exist in fantasy, but he definitely didn't expect they would really be in another world…

Looks like a hardcore weeb like Rion still needs a lot of training.

"U-uhm." Lost in their conversation, they didn't notice the person standing outside the door.

"..." A cute girl with brown blonde hair, dressed in a maid outfit can be seen outside. She looked like she was about to cry.

"..." Rion smiled wryly. He can definitely tell the girl didn't know how to disrupt a lively conversation.

"Ah. Ms. Lyria, how long have you been staying there? We're sorry we didn't notice you!" Leona instantly went to the cute maid and apologized.

"I-it's fine, I just got here… It's just my poor communication skills, yes…" Her tears are about to come out, hearing she wasn't noticed.

She looked absolutely adorable.

*Click*

With a practiced movement, a fast photo shoot was made!

"... You. Did you just take a photo…?" Daniel was speechless.

"What are you talking about? I received a message from my friend." Lance made a smooth excuse.

"There's no internet here…"

"I have my data."

"... But you can't receive a message from another planet, not to mention we're in another world…"

"I use my right to remain silent." In the end, the student used a law as his final defense.

"..." Both Daniel and Rion didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Wooo~ I have been commanded by Ms. Francia, that if ever Mr. Kurogane wakes up, he shall first be taken on a tour and get used to this place." After she calmed herself down, The cute maid named Lyria bowed respectfully as she stated her purpose.

'I thought she would ask me to meet her first.' Rion expected that the witch who saved him would like to meet him first by the time he woke up.

But it appears this witch is considerate… or she might want to build up the witches' impression first before talking to him.

*Guiirrll~* Rion and Cindy's stomachs suddenly released a weird growl.

"..." Both were a bit embarrassed.

"Well, for starters why don't we have lunch first outside?" The small maid gave a cute laugh, which made the group nod in agreement.

…

"..." Rion's eyes seemed to sparkle in warm emotions.

An isekai fantasy setting!

Who would've thought that he as a normal cultured person would see this scene in his lifetime?

He almost wanted to cry!

… A dream fulfilled for a weeb like him.

"sniff…"

Looking at Rion's emotional eyes, Lance as a weeb bro can fully understand how he feels. He nodded in agreement at his reaction…

"Uh, are you sure he is fine?" Lyria seemed to be worried. They even stopped in the middle of their walk.

"..." Leona didn't know what to say, while Cindy was innocently confused.

"Uh… It must be a matter that only they can understand." Daniel didn't know how to explain it specifically.

When they were taken here as refugees, they looked like a bunch of country bumpkins, amazed at everything that they saw.

Lance even cried fanatically in the middle of nowhere, thanking the gods for being in a fantasy world in this lifetime…

Ehem.

People were using supernatural powers and abilities. Mythical creatures like mini raptors, and a salamander pulling a cart can be seen.

There are also witches flying in the air using different magical transportation, most are floating brooms.

"Here…"

"Magical Dagger on discount! We accept Earth currencies or plated currencies…"

"Crystal apples for only two plated bronze!.."

Upon arriving at the center area, people can be seen selling various things from wholesale food to various weapons.

"Just like in MMORPG…" Rion nodded with a smile. He seemed to be satisfied.

Throughout the walk, Rion's brain quickly adjusted to the change around him; it seems that it's now hard to surprise him anymore. As expected of a hardcore weeb!

"Here." The cute maid pointed at a modern cafe shop at the end of the street.

Despite looking modern, the place doesn't look out of place. In fact, it perfectly fits its surroundings.

It looks clean and simple.

"Moonlight Cat…" Rion muttered the name of the cafe shop. The logo of the shop was quite striking.

A cat sitting on the curve of the crescent moon can be seen. The eyes of the cat were plated with white gemstones, making its eyes quite alluring.

…

"Cling~!" The chime sounded as Lyria opened the door.

"Welcome to Moonlight Cat, dear guests~!" A beautiful and cheerful waitress then greeted the group with a welcoming smile.

"Oh, Ms. Lyria… why are you not here today with Ms. Francia?... And who are these new guests?" The cheerful waitress became even more cheerful, looking at the new guests.

"Ahaha~ Madam Francia asked me to tour Mr. Rion and the group first." Lyria gave a smile, as she introduced each member.

"...assets."

Gulp.

Lance, who saw the cheerful waitress, couldn't help but assess the treasure before him.

As such, it would be disrespectful if he didn't use 'it'.

<X-Ray Vision>!

Lance's eyes glowed for a bit, the clothes of the waitress seemed to disappear right before his very eyes.

!

But it appears he saw something that he shouldn't see.

Two pairs of artificial 'slime' are attached to the girl's bosom.

'Sigh…' A hint of pity appeared in his eyes.

Usage noted. Never use it again on people to avoid exposing their secrets.

He soon redirects his gaze to the scenery before them.

"Watson, more drinks!"

"Yes~!"

"Two cups of blue herbal coffee, please!"

"Sure~!"

"The place sure is popular." Daniel commented.

The place looks like a mix of a pub and a cafe shop.

People were having good times just drinking, eating, and chatting with each other.

"Yes, this place offers pretty much any food and drinks you want. But our establishment forbids too much noise, as this is a working café. Only meant for the people who want to relax in a silent and peaceful environment." The waitress explained with a professional smile.

The group walked around the place, looking for a spot.

"Oh! Wait, aren't you the group that we rescued at that time~?" A loud and cute female voice suddenly caught the attention of the group.

"You know who she is?" Rion looked at Leona, a bit confused.

"Uh… No."

"It's the rescue group that Mr. Alterick assigned to get us that day." Daniel gave a smile as he strode towards the group.

Rion shrugged as they soon followed Daniel.

"Oh~ it really is them." The ponytailed girl holding a staff… Kristen commented with a hint of interest.

"Right!?" The short girl with twin-tailed hair… Mara sat back down after making a loud ruckus.

"Shhh. Don't make a ruckus here!" The skinny-looking man… Ian sweated in nervousness. He looked around, wondering if the staff heard the loud ruckus Mara made.

"Eh? Isn't it fine? We're regulars here anyways." The shorty snorted with a crossed arm.

"That doesn't make it…"

…

'Tsundere'

'Yep. Definitely a tsundere.'

Rion and Lance looked at each other. Their eyes seemed to communicate in weeb code.

"Ahh~ don't mind these two idiots, they're just my teammates." The leader of the group, James, commented laughingly.

"Anyways, seeing how you guys are one of the 'new ones' here, let us give you a treat! Order anything, the bills on us!" James offered his cup with a smile on his face.

"Yes, yes. What a great time to be alive…"

"You will never know when it will be your last day, so it's better to enjoy life as much as you can." The ponytailed girl invited at the same time reminisced about the disaster that happened four days ago.

"Ah… Don't remind us of that hell day, Kristen." Ian shivered. The infested scene that day made his skin crawl.

"Well, that's true... Anyway, do you guys plan to just stand there or what?" Mara invited the group with a bit of a tsundere-ish tone, which made Rion and the group smile wryly.

"... Well then, it will be our pleasure." Daniel replied after confirming that everyone agreed.

…

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