Chapter 2 - The Main Heroine

Ugh...

My body feels heavy.

I don't know why...

I didn't do anything strenuous yesterday as far as I know.

I don't want to open my eyes...

Ugh...

I'm still sleepy... but I decided to slightly take a look at my surroundings.

[Wha-?!] (Zero)

[Huh...? Oh... Good morning, Zero. *Yawn* Can we sleep a little more...? I'm feeling really tired with all my God-Duties since yesterday... Pleaseee~.] (Lichtia)

It was Lichtia-sama on the bed, sleeping with me, under one blanket, embracing my body.

She's wearing her usual Goddess outfit.

Ah, I guess she wants to be spoiled by me.

[I-I understand, Lichtia-sama. I-If that's want you wish for, then I shall comply.] (Zero)

If that's what this Master and Servant Relationship is about, then I wouldn't mind.

With that, I fixed my posture so that she can lean on my chest more comfortably.

Then, I embraced her body tightly but gently.

[N~nn...] (Lichtia)

Hm, what a nice voice...

I thought as I closed my eyes again.

We continued to sleep during that cold dawn, warming ourselves with each other's body...

...

I can hear the birds chirping.

I get up since it's morning already.

Lichtia-sama isn't beside me?

I guess she got up earlier.

Then, as I looked around the room, I saw her sitting on a corner with her face flushed.

Why is her face that red?

Did she perhaps get embarrassed about sleeping beside me?

[Good Morning, Lichtia-sama. How is your body feeling? Did you recover your strength?] (Zero)

[G-G-Good Morning Z-Zero... I-I'm fine... but before that...! Did you remember what happened earlier this morning?! Did I say something weird?!] (Lichtia)

[Ah. I remember. You said that you were tired, and that we should sleep a little more. So I took the liberty of embracing your body as we sleep. It felt splendid, in my opinion.] (Zero)

[Haaa!!! How embarrassing! For a God and her Servant to do such things...] (Lichtia)

Her voice became quieter and quieter as her she lowers her red face.

How cute~

[Anyway, let's get some breakfast first, shall we?] (Zero)

[G-Good Idea... He thought that I was cute? I didn't mishear that, did I?] (Lichtia)

She murmured to herself as soon as she replied.

She must've read my thought.

I just pretended to not notice so that she won't feel any more embarrassed than she already is.

I hurried down the Inn's first floor and ordered a bunch of meals to eat.

Turns out, Lichtia-sama is still a lady with a beating heart.

Oops, I may have said too much again... Huh?

She's just looking at me from above the staircase with a curious look.

She heard my mind, right?

Hmmm...

It seems like hearing the thoughts of someone is a God's perk, limited to their Servants.

But, the reason why she can't hear whatever I think of right now is because of a 'distance limit', or at least, that's what I think.

[Lichtia-sama, let's wait for our food here. Is this table fine?] (Zero)

[Ah that's fine. I'll be there soon.] (Lichtia)

She ran down the stairs and reunited with me at the table as I gave her a chair to sit on.

I treated her as an Oujo-sama, a Princess that I must serve as a Knight.

(Note: 'Oujo' may mean; a Wealthy Lady, a Royalty, a Noble or sometimes a Princess. 'Hime' is more common for Princesses though.)

Right after that, food was served.

Soup, egg, bacon and pancakes.

It doesn't exactly look like the ones in my previous world, but it's getting there and I can say that it's tasty from its looks.

[Let's dig in~] (Zero/Lichtia)

Hm, the exquisite taste from the food really tells you that the quality of the ingredients are top class.

The way it was cooked was great too.

Nothing less from a first rate inn.

[Zero, there's stain beside your mouth.] (Lichtia)

[Ah, you're right. Pardon me while I wipe it-] (Zero)

[That no good! Wh-What I mean is... I'll wipe it for you... Don't misunderstand, a Master must take care of her Servant, right? This is just me doing my duty...] (Lichtia)

[Th-Then, I'll take you up on that offer.] (Zero)

She wiped my mouth with the table napkin while grinning happily.

But, I feel some aura from behind.

A lot of Adventurer men were looking at us with envious and bitter eyes.

Lichtia-sama really stands out.

She's a really fine and beautiful woman, even if her Divine Presence is suppressed, so it's no wonder that guys would get captivated by her looks.

Then suddenly...

[Say, Miss, wanna come with us? We're Platinum Rank Adventurers, you know. You're going to have a really good time together with us.] (?)

The guy, along with other two men smirked creepily...

Ugh, I feel nauseous...

[Woah, aren't those guys well known Adventurers?] (?)

[Yeah, the {Cavalier-Paladin, Argento}, the {Battle Mage-Berserker, Harrison}, and their {Healer, Jargus.}] (?)

Of course, there are people like these three; who suddenly interrupted me and Lichtia-sama in the middle of our meal...

Except the Healer who had a long black robe, the other two wore slightly thick metal armor and wielded long and wide swords along with the rest of their gear which were high level based on its appearance.

How annoying...

[Excuse me? I'm not obliged to come with people I don't even know.] (Lichtia)

[C'mon. We're better than this shrimp here.] (Harrison)

[Hahahahahaha!!!] (...)

The three of them laughed.

How rude.

I just turned 16.

I can't turn into gigantic men like you that easily...

[You bastards. Take back what you said, otherwise I'll-] (Lichtia)

I stopped Lichtia-sama's words as I stood up and faced the three.

[Otherwise what? Haha, huh? Oi, what are you looking at you shrimp, ha?! Don't you know who we are?!] (Jargus)

[Ah, gentlemen... please don't be so rowdy, it might trouble other people.] (Zero)

I asked them to stop politely.

[Ha?! What the heck are you saying you newbie bastard?! What we want is her-] (Argento)

One of the guys tried to reach for Lichtia-sama.

I stopped him by grabbing his wrist.

[What do you think you're doing... you piece of crap...?] (Zero)

I narrowed my eyes and intently looked at him.

I can feel an air of animosity circulating around me.

[Insulting me is one thing. But if you try to lay your hands on my Master, I'll break every bone in your body. You have been warned.] (Zero)

[Shut the fuck up you bastard!] (Argento)

He tried to punch me with his free arm, I dodged it then grabbed his wrist on that free arm.

While in pinning him unable to move, I twisted the joints of his elbow and shoulders, dislocating both of his arms.

[Graaaaahhh!!!] (Argento)

[Oi, you bastard!] (Harris)

The Battle Mage enchanted his sword then swung it towards me.

I evaded his attack then swiftly ran to take out the Healer.

It would be troublesome if their Cavalier fights again.

[H-Hiii!!!] (Jargus)

He shrieked in fear.

[Sleep for a while, scum.] (Zero)

With that, I quickly hand-chopped his throat as he lost consciousness.

Alright, the Healer who did nothing but gaze on Lichtia-sama's chest under that robe has been neutralized.

And now...

[I'll kill you, you piece of trash!] (Harrison)

[Oh, look who's talking.] (Zero)

He tried to pierce me with his sword lunging it towards my stomach.

I side-stepped his strike by pivoting my body.

But since I want to swiftly get to him without giving him the chance to react, I extended further, letting him hit my right arm as I hand-chop his neck from the side.

[Gaha-!] (Jargus)

I beat them.

The three of them were lying there, unconscious.

That Argento lost consciousness from the pain?

What a wuss.

Anyway, it's a good thing that I finished it quickly.

With Lichtia-sama's adjustments to my body, fighting them became as easy as beating up delinquents who ganged up on Minami in my previous world.

I'll send them later to the Guild for causing a riot.

...

Everyone inside was stupefied with I did.

It was so quick and sudden that they didn't even have the chance to cheer on who they wanted to cheer on.

Guuhh...

I can feel the people staring at me...

This is not good.

I don't want to stand out yet.

[Zero! Your wound! Let me heal it.] (Lichtia)

[Thank you, Lichtia-sama. Also, I have one favor to ask. Can you erase or at least change the memories of the people in here of me schooling these guys? I don't want to be the talk of the town all of a sudden. Oh, alter these guys' memories too. Like, an anonymous big guy was the one who beat them, or something.] (Zero)

[I can but, are you sure? You deserve some glory after doing a heroic deed, after all.] (Lichtia)

[It's okay. I don't want to be famous. Besides, I was able to defeat them thanks to you.] (Zero)

[What are you saying? That power is all yours. It was a fair trade in exchange for your life.] (Lichtia)

[I see. Then that's fine. But I still don't want to be popular just yet.] (Zero)

[If that's what you truly want, then as your Master, I shall hear your request.] (Lichtia)

Suddenly, Lichtia-sama let out a blinding light that dazzled everyone inside.

I dragged the three out and reported them to the Guild.

After that, Lichtia-sama and I continued to eat our breakfast.

[Ah, right! I came here for a reason! Zero, I shall tell to you all the other things that I missed to explain last time. First, being a Servant is not just some job. It's a Title, given by Gods. You can be granted with different Blessings directly from the God which is registered as your Master. Since Gods can't directly interfere with beings in the {Realm of Mortals}, we seal our Divine Powers as we visit. It's common courtesy for God-Masters to think about the well-being of their Servants so I gave you some money to spend as head start...] (Lichtia)

Lichtia-sama explained several other things, like Classes, to me as we continued to chow on our food.

[I'll now go back then. Thanks for the breakfast, my Servant.] (Lichtia)

[Yes, Lichtia-sama. Come visit anytime.] (Zero)

We went back to my room as Lichtia-sama disappeared in a dazzling light.

I recall the things Lichtia-sama has told me.

Basically, The Primary Category which focuses on Offensive Attributes have 6 Class different Classes.

The Classes on the Primary Category are:

{Cavalier}. They are pure P.ATK-based Adventurers that excel in head-on battles.

{Sorcerer}. They are pure M.ATK-based Adventurers that excel in Spells and Magic.

{Assassin}. They are pure SPD-based Adventurers that excel in swift and lethal attacks.

{Battle Mage}. They are hybridized P.ATK and M.ATK-based Adventurers that excel in both Physical and Magical Attacks.

{Hunters}. They are hybridized P.ATK and SPD-based Adventurers that excel on high speed brawls.

{Speed Caster}. They are hybridized M.ATK and SPD-based Adventurers that excel in Magic even in the front lines or flank.

Next are the 6 Classes from the Secondary Category:

{Berserker}. They are pure P.RES-based Adventurers that excel in tanking Physical attacks.

{Paladin}. They are pure M.RES-based Adventurers that excel in defense against Magical attacks.

{Battle Artisan}. They are pure AGI-based Adventurers that excel in dodges and parries.

{Guardian}. They are hybridized P.RES and M.RES-based Adventurers that excel at repelling both Physical and Magical damage.

{Anti-Warrior}. They are hybridized P.RES and AGI-based Adventurers that excel at high-speed battles against Physical fighters.

{Anti-Mage}. They are hybridized M.RES and AGI-based Adventurers that excel at fast-paced encounters against Magicians.

Lastly, is the bonus Class which is the:

{Healer}. They are healing-based Adventurers that excel in Healing, Crowd Control Spells, Buffs and Debuffs to support their Party Members.

Classes that are strong on 2 Attributes from a certain Category are called {Hybrid Classes} or {Hybrids}.

They can master Skills and Techniques that require expertise from at least 2 Attributes.

New fused Skills and Spells can also be born.

Even though they excel in 2 Attributes, they can't match Pure ones in terms of the Individual strength from one of their strong Attribute.

For example, A {Battle Mage} can't match a {Cavalier} in terms of P.ATK alone. He'd get physically obliterated.

The money system of this world is also one thing.

The highest value that currently exists is Platinum currency while the lowest is Copper which, as Lichtia-sama told me, equals to a hundred yen.

100 yen is equal to 1 Copper coin.

10 Copper coins are equal to 1 Bronze coin.

100 Bronze coins are equal to 1 Silver coin.

100 Silver coins are equal to 1 Gold coin.

100 Gold coins are equal to 1 Platinum coin.

So, 1 Platinum coin is equal to 1,000,000,000 yen.

Heck, that's a lot.

Also, there is a fundamental concept that exist in this World.

A certain "System" or "Phenomenon" exists where one's Status is automatically enable or disabled.

It's like breathing or heartbeat.

The conditions are extremely intricate.

For example, even if your Fire Magic Resistance is strong, you'd still burn your finger when you cook.

It's like your Status is only relevant during battles, in most cases.

In terms of Skills, there are two Main types dividing both Physical and Magical- these two are {Active Types} and {Passive Types}.

Active types are Skills you cast or chant in order for it to work and moreover, almost all of them consume MP.

On the other hand, Passive Skills are embedded onto yourself.

These abilities can't be enabled or disable at will and all of them consume little to no MP at all.

Physical Skills are constant and fixed while Magical Skills have 7 Main Categories.

6 of them are the Elements; {Fire}, {Water}, {Earth}, {Wind}, {Light} and {Dark}.

The other Category is called {Void Magic} which manipulates Energy outside of the Elements.

Some examples are {Boost} which increases a percentage of your Physical or Magical power depending on Level.

There are also Additional Statuses that can be seen only by a certain magic called {Appraise}.

I tried casting and it was a success.

All entities have Aptitude to Void Magic.

It's the type of magic that alter the laws of logic and it's within the grasp of mortals.

After successfully casting {Appraise}, I saw other Attributes that are not present in the Guild Card which are also labeled as {Unseen Status}.

{HP REG} or Health Points Regeneration. It determines how well you regain missing HP overtime. It depends on the Value of your P.RES.

{MP REG} or Mana Points Regeneration. It determines how well you regain missing MP overtime. It depends on the Value of your M. RES.

I can see what types of Magic I have an Aptitude to. Elemental Resistances are also shown. The Average for it is 100% since it's purely based on your M. RES.

{FIRE RES} or Fire Resistance.

{WATER RES} *.

{EARTH RES} *.

{WIND RES} *.

{LIGHT RES} *.

{DARK RES} *.

Mine showed:

Unseen Status:

Aptitudes:

Fire Magic

Water Magic

Earth Magic

Wind Magic

Light Magic

Dark Magic

HP REG: 0.5 HP/s

MP REG: 1 MP/s

FIRE RES: 100%

WATER RES: 100%

EARTH RES: 100%

WIND RES: 100%

LIGHT RES: 150%

DARK RES: 150%

Hm... I guess I have Aptitude to all types of Magic... just like any other Protagonist transferred in another world.

Tch, but I'm a side character!

I'm not exactly upset, but I'm not too happy about it.

It certainly is amazing, but I think it's nicer to master one or two elements while having a weakness.

It's honestly a good thing, but quite boring to say the least.

I won't complain too much.

It's a blessing from Lichtia-sama, after all.

It's just her way of taking care of her first Servant.

As far as I can remember, Ace should have aptitude to all types of Magic too, along with the Main Heroine who was a very strong Sorceress, if I would be basing it from the original Series.

0.5 HP/s and 1 MP/s Regeneration is Average.

I have a stronger Resistance to Light and Dark Magic which are considered the rarest, so I don't know how I feel about it.

Though the Demon Lord can use all types of Magic -yeah, including Light- and at a ridiculous amount of power too, Dark is his strongest –which makes sense- so it can be quite useful.

Well, that's enough muttering and explaining.

I'll go training for a bit.

I go out and head at the back of the inn.

There, I saw a topless Ace, swinging his sword around while doing some maneuvers. He must also be training.

[Oh, good morning Zero. I heard some strange noises inside. Was there a commotion?] (Ace)

[Ah, it was nothing. A waitress just slipped and dropped some plates.] (Zero)

[Ah, I see. Everything's fine then. So, wanna go for some sparring? I get the feeling that you're stronger than what your Guild Card states.] (Ace)

He said so in a serious tone.

As expected, he is very perceptive.

He's not the smartest guy -like most Action-based Protagonists- but his intuition as a warrior cannot be underestimated.

I, for one, know that since I've seen his adventures... in a different way though.

[Hoh? Wanna go? I've been really itching for a good fight since I got here.] (Zero)

I removed my Touhei High Blazer and uniform, leaving only a white t-shirt and as my top.

I stretched my body as a simple warm-up.

Regarding that matter, I need to buy clothes as well.

Ace set his sword aside while tightening the coat around his waist.

Seems like this will really be a fist fight.

Alright, let's do this.

Fighting the Main Protagonist, especially from an Action-based series, is like a suicidal thing to do, but given my circumstances, I can be considered as an equal.

It makes my blood boil in excitement.

[Let's go!] (Zero/Ace)

We ran towards each other.

I struck him with a right hand jab aiming for his face.

He tilted his head to the side, dodging it.

He then tried to elbow my side from below, but I blocked it with my left palm.

I also countered with my right elbow to hit the back of his head, but he tumbled forward to dodge it.

[As expected from Zero, you're really fast.] (Ace)

[Nah, you're stronger. Even one hit from you would render me unconscious.] (Zero)

We exchanged pleasantries as we continued the fight.

He can still react to my SPD even though it's greater than his AGI.

It seems like I'm still not used to this body yet.

That, or Status might not matter as much as it first seemed.

We continued the fight, exchanged blows one after another.

We received strong kicks and punches from each other as we get more and more into it.

Then suddenly, Ace rushed to me at an incredible speed.

As a reflex reaction, I punched him, but he instantly lowered his body and tried to sweep my foot with his leg.

I immediately jumped, but as soon as I did that, he threw a right straight at my face.

I crossed my arms to defend against it, but it was too strong and I got blown away up in the air.

Ace ran to the place where I'd land and readied himself.

I re-positioned myself and went with the momentum.

He jumped towards me and I dived at him, with our fists ready to burst.

[Gaaaaahhh!!!] (Zero/Ace)

His punch hit the side of my face and my punch hit the front of his face.

We both fell down gracefully as we lost consciousness...

-Scene-Change-

[Akito-kun... Akito-kun...]

[Mi... Mina- Minami!] (Zero)

[Kyah! U-Uhm... Are you okay...?] (?)

I woke up...

Ah, it was just a dream...

Wait a minute.

Pillow... A-A lap pillow?!

Who in th- Ahhh!!!

It's her!

The Main Heroine, {Iris Kinsley}!!!

Oooh Wow!

I know I've seen her in illustrations, as well as in the Anime and Manga adaptation, but man!

She looks extra gorgeous in real life.

I never thought I would say that as someone who liked 2D -a little bit- more than real girls.

But... weirdly enough... he looks really, really... similar to Minami...

Nah, there's no way.

It's just me being all delusional.

A-Anyway, her long shiny pink hair...

Her glossy white skin...

Her healthy teenage figure...

Her majestically beautiful face...

She wears a smooth silk dress with white as the basis of the color.

It had cute motifs and designs.

Her skirt nearly reaching her knees along with her with her white stockings that had similar designs to her dress, makes... "The Perfect Absolute Territory"!

Ah, it's exactly- no, it's 'more' Moe Moe in real life!

Hoho, lucky you, Ace, having such a waifu by your side.

I know that Iris is already in love with Ace after the first year that they were together, which was stated from a backstory since she and Ace already knew each other since childhood by the start of the Series...

But since defeating the Demon Lord by the end of the Anime and the Light Novel Series, the Romantic Development remained open, for some reason.

Poor, Iris... though many hints can be seen about Ace possibly liking Iris...

Aaah, I going too deep into that rabbit hole.

Go away Romanticist-Otaku me!

[Ah, ha! I-I'm okay. Thank you...] (Zero)

[Well that's great then. My name is Iris Kinsley. I'm Ace's friend and I'm also aiming to become an Adventurer. Since you are also his friend, let's get along from now on!] (Iris)

She said while bowing.

She's tense as ever.

As far as I know, she's a pretty frail girl, loved by everyone around due to her down-to-earth kindness.

When she grew up, she was often taken advantage by males because she was cute but naïve.

That's where Ace and her brother Jurio comes to save her.

She became a top student in her academy for her great intelligence and performance.

She became a popular person similar to that of an idol but she remained humble and honest...

Geez, she's really... just like Minami...

No, no, no. Stop, me.

This is not the time to be comparing her to anyone.

[A-Ah... Pleased to meet you too... Iris...] (Zero)

...

[Oi! Zero! Iris! I'm back!] (Ace)

[Geez, Ace. What took you so long? You had me and Zero waiting...] (Iris)

[C'mon, don't be that stingy. You're the one who left your newly registered Guild Card behind. Oh, Zero, you're awake now. Seems like our battle was a tie. Iris here woke me up when she saw me lying down on the ground with you... then she explained her situation and I ran back to the Guild.] (Ace)

[Oh, I see.] (Zero)

[Ace's friends are also my friends. And since, it's not just me and Ace heading towards our dream now, I figured that all three of us should choose our Class together!] (Iris)

[Let me get ready... Fufun... Choosing our Class, huh? After that, let's immediately go for our first mission.] (Zero)

[Good idea!] (Ace)

Iris is here. Seems like our adventure is about to start for real...