Chapter 6 - Boss Vs. Boss

"GET UP NOW, YOU LAZY BONES!"

Jesus Christ!

I fell out of bed from the shout. Someone broke into my house; I need my shotgun.

The sheet is over me; I need to move fast. Where is my bat?

No, no.

It's not here.

Fine.

Preemptive strike!

"Take this!" I threw a punch toward the intruder's voice.

I touched something incredibly soft, elastic, and…

"AAAAH!" Hey, that's a woman's voice.

I pulled off the sheet and could finally see my surroundings.

This isn't my house.

Wait, what was my name?

"Jakob," the woman said.

No, that's not my name.

I am… hey…

Who am I?

"Wait a minute." I recognize that voice. I've heard that famous voice actress in games, it's… "Armine."

Finally, my head cleared.

The beautiful half-giant girl fell to the floor on all fours.

At any other time, the sight of a woman like Armine would have been a feast for the eyes.

Against all odds, I'm still in this world.

I couldn't help but feel a bit empty.

"You took me by surprise," Armine said with a strange tone of voice, then looked me in the eye. "I didn't expect you to react like that; it was a surprise, honestly."

Surprise? You entered my room without warning, screaming at the top of your lungs.

Setting that aside.

"Armine," a bit of exasperation accidentally escaped my voice.

Naturally, I am a healthy young man. Armine is a beauty beyond possibility, and she's here in my room like it's nothing.

That means either she doesn't see me as a man or I'm simply not a threat to her.

Both reasons are depressing.

"Nyoh?" Armine looked confused.

"What are you doing here?"

Her face turned serious; instinctively, I took a step back.

"Your training." She stood up; once again, I am aware that this girl is a half-giant warrior. "You might not know it, but we giants take the advancement of our strength and physique very seriously; since you asked for help, I am ready to bring out all your potential."

My room was barely illuminated by the moonlight filtering through the window; here, Armine's golden eyes glowed mystically.

I swallowed the nerves that had accumulated in my throat without realizing it.

"I…"

"Don't think it will be easy; I'm telling you now so you don't regret it later." Armine's large hand gripped my shoulder, her serious gaze making me understand how much I had underestimated her. "There's still time to back out."

Something in me stirred upon hearing the pity with which she spoke and the compassion in her gaze.

Back out?

I clenched my right hand tightly.

I've always been competitive, even before being a Streamer; I smiled wildly.

It's not like I have many other options at the moment. Armine Kraftvollarm, I am clay in your hands; forge a worthy work of art out of me.

I looked her in the eyes, making sure to show my most brazen expression of challenge.

"Let's go all out."

At my spirit, Armine smiled.

…

…

…

"Aah, aah, aaah." I breathed with difficulty; my body felt heavier than ever.

The first activity was six laps of 28km in the Academy's inner forest.

All while I had ropes tied to my waist dragging large rubber wheels and a backpack full of stones on my back.

All this before the sun came up. The cold dawn air contrasted with the heat my body was generating.

I managed to finish the six laps, and I feel like my body is going to collapse.

Right now, I'm holding my legs while leaning my upper body forward.

"Impressive," Armine's voice said from the side.

I looked toward where her voice came from and couldn't help but feel a bit bad.

Weights on her hands, feet, and shoulders.

Armine, just with the equipment she was wearing, was carrying five times the weight I was.

Initially, I had tried to lift one of those and couldn't even make it move an inch.

"You say that and yet you make my beginning look like a joke," I said, conscious that it was the absolute truth.

Armine looked at me sternly; her furrowed brow without glasses and with her hair tied up made her seem even more beautiful than before.

To make matters worse, she was wearing that tight workout gear that makes it hard to keep a clear head.

A girl with toned, firm muscles who is also two meters tall is, at first glance, incredibly hot.

"You're just starting; I've spent years with an exercise plan made specifically for me," Armine said with a voice that allowed no complaints or replication. "Despite everything, it's a merit to have achieved this on your first try."

I smiled tiredly.

"I didn't want to disappoint you." Also, I just didn't want to give up. Jakob, who had never put such effort into anything, is my example; I will do the exact opposite of what he would have done. "Thanks, Armine."

The half-giant smiled at me tenderly. How cute.

"I'm glad to hear that, but we're just getting started, Jakob."

Of course, I expected nothing less.

I smiled tiredly.

"Fine, I'd be disappointed if it weren't so."

…

…

…

"996… 997… 998… 999…"

I chose dual-wielding for the future, but now that I'm swinging both swords with triple the weight in the training center, I question if it's a good idea to continue with this build.

I gave the last double thrust to the air; my arms burned and hurt like hell. Internally, I smiled. Jakob loathed this kind of training thanks to his father, but I am not him.

If there's still anything of him left with me, I hope he's seeing the stupidity of his actions.

"1997… 1998… 1999… 2000."

"Impressive."

First was weightlifting, then an hour of training with the dummy, and finally a thousand slashes to the air.

Once again, I am aware of the massive difference between Armine and me.

While I was swinging two short swords and already felt my arms as if they were going to detach from me, she was perfectly calm, swinging a blunt copy of her favorite weapon.

A bastard sword of absurd proportions.

No.

It's more like a sharpened piece of metal, too large to be called a sword.

It was the typical sword that references a popular dark fantasy manga.

I remembered why Armine is one of the heroines least used by the fandom: her resolve.

As the daughter of the Queen of Giants (I take my hat off to the man who was able to take Armine's mother to bed and survived to tell the tale), she is considered the union of two species favored by the King of Souls.

After finding out about Helal's lie, the giant race isolated themselves from the world; one of the most powerful races stayed on the sidelines of the World War.

Except for Armine.

As a heroine with a route all her own, she became the focus of a tragic story.

During the battle for the Holy City, she is cursed by Helal himself, who tied her soul to that of the devouring beast for opposing the decree to destroy an entire city.

Whoever was in the middle of her [Royal Road] would find themselves with many debuffs.

From there, everything for her would go downhill.

Her only hope is Aeono.

"I'm impressed," Armine's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

"Eh?" I noticed she was talking while still swinging her sword.

By the way, with every movement, her enormous attributes were doing interesting things.

It's hard to maintain concentration with that kind of distraction in front of me.

"You've kept up the pace better than I expected." Armine kept moving her sword and her breasts kept doing funny things. "Besides, your choice of weapon is uncommon."

I looked at my dual swords. Since I'm not the protagonist, it's practically impossible for me to achieve a feat like catching the attention of one of the game's heroines.

Armine doesn't count; the chances of someone like me making her fall in love are less than zero.

For practical purposes, I'm in a Hardcore Run.

In this game, where dying is a trivial matter and when I am not the protagonist…

"I think it's ideal for me." I'll pay special attention to speed and physical strength; I'll solve the resistance stat with amulets or armor.

Armine stopped swinging her sword; with a "Thoom," she leaned it against the nearby wall.

"Do you want to impress someone during the entrance ceremony?" Armine crossed her arms under her breasts; the sweat on her body gave her a very erotic image.

I smiled.

"Other than you?" I said in a playful tone.

"Nyoh!" Armine moved nervously as her face turned red.

Hey, no need to show such rejection.

"Sorry," I said sincerely; I really think it was a joke in poor taste. "That was definitely unpleasant."

Both in my past life and now that I took control of Jakob's body, I can say it.

There is no way a woman as exceptional as Armine (or any heroine, to be honest) would fall in love with me.

"... Was it a joke?" I felt a shiver run through my body; Armine's tone promised pain.

It's time to be completely honest.

"You are possibly the most beautiful woman I have ever met." I checked Jakob's memories; it's true. During his life, he met noble women, but none took the trouble to get to know him.

That counts for Jakob as something irredeemably ugly.

On my own, even my ex would know that Armine is far out of her league.

"Seriously?" Why do you sound so doubtful? You are literally a protagonist of this world.

I sighed internally; it's better to make a few boundaries clear once and for all.

"Without a doubt. That's why I know your destiny is greater than anyone could imagine." Among the 120, I am willing to help you be the one who becomes the Goddess of this world. "In the future, I know you will be one of the most important people in the world."

In fact, that would be very beneficial for me. Having my friend as a Goddess could make my life very easy in the future.

"... You sound very sure." Armine had an expression of disbelief at my words. "But well, at least I know you're not the type to hold back what you say."

With that, she took her practice sword and adjusted it on her back.

"Are we done here?" The half-giant nodded with her back to me.

Mmm, nice butt.

"It's time to eat," Armine said in a calm voice.

...

...

...

"..." I stared at the plate of food in front of me.

Boiled vegetables, a large amount of pasta along with meat. I haven't eaten breakfast, so naturally, I'm hungry, but I really don't know if I can eat all of this.

"It's important that you follow a diet for your exercises," Armine said. She had a plate of meat, bread, and a few chocolate-covered desserts.

"I understand that." I took a bite of a boiled potato; like everything else I've eaten here, it was simply delicious. "I'm not complaining, but I have a question."

"Go ahead," Armine ate calmly.

I noticed that today there are more students at the tables; little by little, all the extras and important characters will be arriving here.

"What do you know about cleaning the sewers?" Without much interest, I scanned the entire Banquet Hall in search of a heroine or character who gives simple quests from the start.

I must capitalize on the easiest missions before Aeono arrives.

"The sewers?" Armine seemed slightly puzzled. "Usually, they use the fire-cleaning system for pests…"

They kill vermin with fire?

Talk about being hardcore.

"... Well, I've heard rumors lately that there are problems with some rats and…"

Wait…

I saw her enter through the central doors of the Banquet Hall.

Her black hair covered her eyes in a fringe and reached past her waist; her skin was a ghostly white.

Lips red as blood, a body too voluptuous to be hidden.

She wore her uniform impeccably, plus long black stockings that covered her entire legs.

I felt a knot form in my stomach; I decided to focus on Armine.

I must not get involved.

Leave that Pandora's box for the protagonist.

"Too many problems," I said without thinking.

"More or less. Anyway, I was planning to offer to go take a look in the sewers," Armine said while she ate.

It seems that not paying attention led me to an ideal spot.

My chance.

"Hey, can I go with you?" This pasta is really good; it's not just the hunger talking for me, it really is much better than what I ate in my previous life.

Armine paused between one bite and the next.

"You want to go to the sewers?" The half-giant looked at me as if I had grown a second head.

"I want to help the Academy a little." It's not a complete lie; by killing the rat I help, and I make a profit in the process.

Armine arched her eyebrow with doubt and disbelief.

"That sounds very hard to believe." Armine values honesty much more and detects lies with ease.

That's what her first bit of lore as Aeono's companion said.

I sighed, realizing that here the lore takes literal relevance.

"I want combat experience." Better to say it directly, without beating around the bush. "It would be very advantageous to go with you; I wouldn't have anything to worry about."

Armine smiled sweetly.

"Better. Although your reason is still something I didn't expect." A sarcastic smile formed on Armine's lips. "It doesn't seem like a noble to go down into the filthy sewers."

I looked at Jakob's memories; Pride—what a useless thing.

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with feeling good about your achievements; no matter how small they are, they are proof that you have been able to grow.

But Jakob is a case apart. Born as a minor noble, he quickly developed an outsized ego.

Sadly for him, being the last of nine brothers and the least talented only made him a very frustrated person.

Above many, below too many.

In other circumstances, I'd be capable of feeling pity for you, Jakob, but…

'Filthy half-breed!'

'Disgusting Commoner!'

'Worthless rat.'

Jakob, you were only noble by title. Aside from that, you were nothing more than a bully.

I remembered other noble characters in the game and a principle to remember the duty of those who carry noble titles.

Noblesse oblige.

I would like to meet one of the characters who follows such a principle.

Anyway.

"Hey, it's as believable as you going down there," I told Armine with a playful smile.

Now my friend looked at me with suspicion.

"What do you mean?"

I put my right hand to my chin in a gesture of deep thought.

"What is a beautiful damsel doing going down to such a filthy and ugly place?" I smiled honestly.

Seriously, what kind of logic is there behind a beautiful woman like Armine going to fight a mutant rat?

"..." Armine remained silent. I saw her face turn red. I sighed internally.

Let's set these bad jokes aside.

"In any case, I want to accompany you on that exploration." That rat will be very easy.

Armine's gaze turned serious immediately.

"You are in no condition to do that. To be honest, if you came with me, you would undoubtedly be a hindrance."

Ouch.

The good thing is that she is totally honest.

"I understand that, so I'd like you to tell me: how long would it take me to not be a nuisance to you?" I'm willing to give my all to make real progress before Aeono shows his protagonist face.

Armine stared at me for a few seconds, took a bite of her food, and seemed to meditate deeply for a moment.

"With the pace we're going… in two weeks you can achieve an acceptable level."

Two weeks.

Fine. I have no way of knowing what my parameters are or their equivalent in this reality.

Man, those who have a "System" are very lucky.

I still have the [Tome of Fortitude], and if I set my mind to it, maybe I can get some other item that gives me an upgrade of some kind.

"Fine," I said calmly. "In two weeks, we'll go together."

I noticed Armine's cheeks turning slightly red.

"... You seem very interested in accompanying me."

Naturally. Without you, I would have a much lower chance of success.

"You are indispensable to me right now."

Again, Armine turned red.

"... Idiot…"

I am, without a doubt.

…

…

…

After lunch, we continued with the routine. The next point was the pool inside the academy.

"Right, there are dates and +18 scenes in this place," I said with a tired voice, making sure my trainer didn't hear me.

Speaking of her…

"You'll do several laps, then lift weights, and that will be it for the day."

Armine spoke in a professional tone as she slowly climbed out of the pool water.

The water over her hair and body made her look incredible.

I curse you, eroge world.

"I understand," I said and entered the water.

Swimming is one of the things I enjoyed before coming to this world.

While I detach myself from this world in the water, I can feel my mind clearing.

Will anyone in my world of origin care about my disappearance?

Maybe for a while, then they'll forget me.

My father and I were never close; I don't have a relationship with my siblings.

And my ex is still on her "self-discovery trip" in Europe.

I don't have many things to regret from this turn of events, but I wish some things had come with me.

I hope my fans find a new Streamer to listen to nonsense.

I should focus on trying to create a favorable future for myself; up to this point, my ideas have been barely sketches on paper.

Main goal: Do not be defeated/humiliated by Aeono.

If I manage to change that, I can calmly focus on the rest of the game's plot.

The first part is a mix of the Academy and exploration in surrounding parts of this side of the world.

Then would come the conflict.

In theory, while I am here, Aeono the protagonist should still be in the starting area, his home region.

With any luck, he might face the secret boss at the beginning, something that will only make him more dangerous to me.

I was never a religious person, but I pray that Aeono isn't one of those absurdly powerful characters from the start.

I got out of the water and looked at my reflection.

I really am pale, the color of snow; my red eyes glow brightly… I looked through Jakob's memories.

Why on earth does he look like a vampire?

Great, now I want to vomit.

Inbreeding is very common in Erdeder Gnade.

The Liedschlag family was originally a powerful family; for fear of losing influence or territory, they decided to imitate the monarchies of almost all the cultures of my original world.

Inbreeding.

In the end, it served for nothing. The Liedschlags have now lost a lot of power and authority.

Jakob, thank God you didn't turn out to be a psychopath.

Wait…

I hadn't thought about it, but… why am I Jakob? I don't know the rules of transmigration, but I think it's strange.

Although, it's actually a good thing for me. I don't think I'm world-savior material like Aeono.

I thought of all the times I died in my [Kings Roads] playthroughs... I really don't know what kind of person Aeono is, but the future of this world depends on him. With that in mind, I'm torn between wishing for him to be as competent as possible and for him to pick a heroine quickly.

Armine—if she becomes the goddess of this world then…

"Is something wrong?" The half-giant called me from the side.

"No, nothing." Just my useless thoughts that won't leave me.

She looked at me with doubt. Strange; I'm sure I didn't lie in any way.

"Are you sure?"

It's weird to have someone asking those kinds of questions.

"Yes." My voice was dry without intending it to be.

"Okay then. You did more laps than expected. I was worried; you seemed to be in a trance."

Something warm spread through my chest. It had been a long time since someone had said such words.

I smiled at that.

"Thanks. Shall we continue with the weights?"

Armine returned the smile.

"That's the spirit."

…

…

…

One thing I did after finishing the lifting was walk through the castle.

Armine usually studies for classes that haven't started yet; for my part, I've decided to be totally irresponsible in that aspect and instead explored this bastion.

There are some mysteries and items I can get, and I don't plan to waste the opportunity.

I went to the inner forest. A place with a cold climate and large pines covering everything around.

I spent five whole minutes searching through the trees until I found one with a notable hollow where the air passed through and produced a sound.

It wasn't hard to reach the hollow and stick my right hand in.

Something wrapped around my index finger. I smiled. Upon pulling my hand out, I saw the metal circle there.

Good.

This is the [Ring of the Destined]; it exponentially increases my speed.

Climbing down from the tree, I had to do a calculation of my hypothetical parameters.

… No, it's useless. Trying to extrapolate my strength to numbers is nonsense.

It's a disaster, no doubt. Jakob wasn't even that good in his original orientation (Minor Arcane), which was a mix of sword and staff.

Now that I've changed the build to dual-wielding, I'm even more adrift than if I were in Aeono's body.

Regarding Magic, despite Jakob having studied Soul Magic, he had only learned three spells.

Yes.

Three spells.

{Valior}: One that allows him to increase his strength for a short period of time.

{Defiance}: Which increases resistance for a short period of time.

{Purity}: A skill that clears the mind and cures status ailments like panic and fear, and can recover part of his stamina.

For now, despite everything, it's quite a bit.

My feet touched the ground. I looked at the tower where Zofia should be right now; a bluish smoke was coming out of the chimney.

I don't know what could produce such a color, but I must not fall into the trap of trying to understand the logic of this world.

"..." I turned around. A few meters away from me was the same girl from the banquet hall.

"..." It's hard to tell if she's looking at me with her hair covering her eyes.

"..."

"..."

God.

This is awkward.

"Excuse me." I decided enough was enough with the silence and turned toward the castle.

"Do you know me?"

Her voice stopped me mid-step. I felt nervous.

"No," I said without facing her, trying to continue with my life.

"You're lying," she said in a tone that sounded desperate and annoyed.

I'm sorry, but your destiny is tied to Aeono's. Even if I wanted to interact with you, it's simply not a good idea.

"I'm sorry, I don't know you at all, miss." I kept walking, trying my best to ignore her.

Her voice, full of emotions, reached my ears anyway.

"... Please…"

I closed my eyes, wishing I hadn't heard that sob.

I can't help you; I'm not the hero you're waiting for.

Shit, now I understand a bit of the complaint that you can't save everyone in the game.

"... It does no good worrying about things I can't change."

It leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but…

What am I supposed to do?

I'm not the hero.

I didn't turn around. I kept walking forward. Little by little, I left the inner forest and reached the castle gates.

Right on the wall that greeted the students was a display case for objects like swords or trophies. I looked at the map of this world and felt a slight chill.

The moment would come when, because of a lie, a devout priest, and a woman in love, the world would burn.

In the name of honor, glory, justice, and the King of Souls himself, blood will flow like a river.

"It matters little that God has gone, for man now raises other altars…"

I don't remember who said that, but I know I read it somewhere; honestly, it encapsulates the situation of this world well.

Ultimately, all this world only belongs to someone…

The sunset caused my shadow to form a dark spot over the world map. I should start thinking about a remote island to live on.

"I'm not even a piece on the board." Walking to my room, I told myself this.

I must not fall into the trap of believing that my presence here necessarily changes anything.

Tonight, I will concentrate on reading the book to get the Buff.

...

...

...

Apparently, I need to finish the reading if I want to receive its buff.

Magnificent.

Well, at least my routine is already well-structured.

And so, in a heartbeat, two weeks passed without any major issues.

"So…" I began, placing the dual swords back in their rack and stretching my muscles a bit. "Am I ready now?"

For comfort, I'm now wearing a tight black t-shirt and loose white training pants.

I must be honest: I've grown fond of this training thing.

"... You've improved quite a bit," Armine said calmly as she walked around me, her eyes examining my body.

Armine is a competent teacher. I was able to adapt to the pace with effort; little by little, I increased the weight and difficulty.

"Can I join you for the sewer run now?" I smiled with some hesitation. She looked me in the eyes searchingly.

Damn, she'd make a great professor.

"All right," she finally said, adjusting her sword to her back. "But I need to speak with the director. I'll see you later; we'll meet near sunset."

"Isn't that dangerous?" Usually, during the night, the danger level of some Bosses increases. Besides… aren't the rats more active at night?

I'd prefer to attack my enemy when they are at their weakest.

"No. You're going with me. Nothing will happen to you."

Long ago in my original life, I heard that some people are simply different from others—people better than the rest.

It's nonsense, but considering this world was originally a work of fiction, Armine is a key character, so it's normal for her to have uncommon confidence and charisma.

I can't help but have faith in her.

"You're right," I said with a smile. It wasn't worth feeling doubt or fear as long as Armine was with me.

"That was fast." Armine had a look of amusement on her face. With her arms crossed, she seemed very accustomed to my way of being. "Well, go on ahead. I have to adjust a few things before going down to the sewers."

My friend went for a shower and to change into her uniform in the girls' locker room.

I decided to do the same. As the shower water fell over me, I realized how much I was adapting to this life.

Is this normal? Thinking about it… should I be this calm?

Well…

I remembered Armine's build in the game. Her Brumme armor (a black metal easier to work with than Yseal) hasn't been created yet, so I assume she'll be going with her early-game gear.

"Well, I'll take the rest of the day off."

With my uniform on and an atrocious hunger, I walked toward the Banquet Hall.

Since today will be my first experience with real combat, I should take it easy.

Sitting down, I greeted Aife from her order station. After a few days, I realized I shouldn't lose my cool just because I drank the milk of a person I barely know…

… Self-deception is key to maintaining one's sanity.

That, and after a while, I noticed that the rest of the students already here kept their distance.

I suppose it's inevitable. Many of the nobles present are replacements for replacements or heirs of minor houses; they come here to join a faction of their respective nations and secure a decent position.

There are three groups of these nobles:

First: Those seeking vassalage under a powerful lord or, in the case of women, a halfway decent marriage.

Second: Those seeking business with their future lords or establishing alliances through marriage or assassination.

Third: Those who don't come for any faction but to become independent from their families. Here, a graduate has a future as a soldier, mercenary, or protector.

So, those present here are the least important nobles of all. Hostilities have likely already formed among them, and cards have been laid on the table.

I don't really understand them fully, but I do understand why none would bother trying to form an authentic friendship.

Politics.

"Do you want something special today, cutie?" Without me noticing, Aife appeared in front of me with a kind smile.

Aife is a nice person, second only to Armine.

"Surprise me," I said with a smile. She winked at me complicitly.

Now, while I wait for my food, I take the time to look through Jakob's memories.

'You are a disgrace; I regret giving birth to you.' Jeez, lady, you don't say those things to a 10-year-old.

Jakob's mother is a bitch, no doubt.

'Come on, little brother, squeal like a piglet for me.'

His older brother and heir to the family was also a piece of art.

God.

I checked the boy's memories in search of something that made his life even remotely tolerable.

Mmm… turns out Jakob liked playing the piano.

I guess I could try to play a piece for what's left of him. A Requiem, perhaps.

That reminds me.

Primrose, as a commoner, will have trouble fully understanding what goes on in this Academy.

As a hunter, she'll be in the forest until the start of the school year, honing her skills and somehow leading more than half the fandom to conclude that she became a person lacking common sense there.

The rest of the waifus and other important NPCs haven't arrived yet. It makes sense; this Academy is in the literal center of the continent.

Gwyndon, the nation of the White Dragon.

… I could try to get the White Dragon's blessing now that I think about it.

No.

Better not. That might weaken Aeono too much.

"Can I sit here?"

I looked at the person speaking to me.

Long black hair tied in a ponytail, red eyes, and tanned skin.

The uniform and a serious expression.

Hey, I know you.

"Be my guest."

He sat in front of me with his arms crossed, appearing to analyze me thoroughly.

"You don't look like much," he said after a few seconds.

I smiled. Of course I don't look like much; I'm just a footnote.

"Thanks. You look pretty average too."

He arched an eyebrow at what I said, then looked at me with boredom.

"A hunter with orange hair and a predator's gaze said there was someone interesting in this school full of bootlickers and cowards." This guy gave me a look of disbelief. "I think you're just her type."

God, please no.

"I was just kind to her when she was in trouble," I said with a fresh smile, hoping this would end once and for all.

"... Conlaoch McNessa," he introduced himself with a slightly irritated voice.

[The Hound of Shadows]. One of the most beloved male NPCs in the fandom and one of Aeono's most bitter and respected rivals.

"Jakob Liedschlag," I said in a calm voice.

"Here you go, cutie. Enjoy." The smell alone was enough to die for.

Aife appeared with a plate of chicken curry with rice and a glass of water.

"Thank you." I smiled at the dwarf, and she nodded with a happy expression.

"Can I have the same?"

Aife looked at Conlaoch and nodded before stepping away.

"... Does it bother you if I eat?"

Conlaoch looked at me as if I were crazy.

"What kind of person refuses to eat just because someone is in front of them?"

I couldn't help but smile. Rough on the outside, but honest at heart.

He was the typical stereotype of a delinquent with a good heart…

Where was the studio that made Kings Roads from?

"Enjoy your meal then."

The first bite—my taste buds danced around the meat, and I felt the potency of the curry.

"Hey, is it really that good?" Conlaoch looked at me doubtfully. I smiled while giving him a thumbs up.

The guy watched me for a few seconds before losing interest.

"What do you use?"

"Twin swords," I said between bites.

I remember all my Kings Roads playthroughs, and honestly, the interactions with Conlaoch always seemed the best among the cast of rivals/friends.

"Hey, how did you know I was going to ask?"

Between mouthfuls, I gave a lopsided smile.

"You look like a person of direct questions and simple opinions."

I'm literally stating your most basic description.

"... Are you calling me an idiot?" Fighting inside Eozän was prohibited, but I know well enough that it's a bad idea to cling to school rules.

"I'm calling you direct. How you take it is your business." Taking the last bite and drinking the water, I smiled at him brazenly.

Conlaoch looked at me incredulously, his mouth half-open, and…

"Ahahahahaha!" He burst into loud laughter.

I watched him lose himself in laughter calmly. I can't say the same for the rest of those present, who watched Conlaoch bang on the table laughing.

He stopped after about five minutes.

"... Okay, turns out you have more guts than I imagined." Conlaoch's smile looked like a hound's, no doubt.

"Great, I'll need them in the future," I said half-jokingly, half-seriously.

"Pff…"

Hey, I didn't say anything that funny.

"Well, it was a pleasure, McNessa. We'll see each other another time; I have matters to attend to." I stood up just in time for Aife to serve Conlaoch his order. "It was delicious as always, Aife. Thanks."

She smiled brightly.

"Always here to help, Jakob."

I nodded before turning around.

"See you later," I said to both. It would likely be the case.

"Whatever. By the way, my weapon is…"

"A spear," I said, cutting Conlaoch off. "Your next line is: 'Hey, you looking for trouble?'"

"Hey, are you looking for trouble?... Whoa, how did you do that?"

At Conlaoch's incredulous voice, I couldn't help but laugh a little.

I walked out of the Banquet Hall. Right at the doorframe, I turned back.

"State secret," I said with a sly smile on my face.

"What the hell does that even mean?"

I didn't answer. I kept walking in peace while enjoying my surroundings.

During this time, I had learned to enjoy the walks and the atmosphere of this castle. One couldn't access the classrooms or labs for security reasons.

Pity; I wanted to try alchemy and forging.

Other places like the forest, the pool, and the great astrology tower were spots many visited for the views.

God, every time I remember this is an eroge, it puts seeing a couple go to any of those places in perspective. 

While looking at a portrait of a golden-haired man in black armor, I remembered my own love life.

'My romantic life is a disaster,' I thought with a serious face. Being in this place that will soon have the scent of love and various fluids in the air makes me feel hopeless.

Jakob's face is decent enough, I guess, but that alone wouldn't get me a girlfriend.

Now that I think about it, do I even want a girlfriend? Come to think of it, I could become one of those eccentric nobles and live off my thoughts…

I imagined myself as a well-known philosopher or writer, selling my unpublished works like "Scarlet Riding Hood," "Master of the Rings," and "Born of Cinders."

I smiled. I already had a plan to get funds if necessary.

I'll need an alias. I looked at the painting and struck an exaggerated pose.

"Ooh painting, give me your wisdom," I said in an exaggerated, theatrical voice. I remembered I used to read players' messages that way during my streams.

"Is it normal for nobles to talk to paintings?" a voice suddenly said at my side. I smiled at that.

I'm already close to becoming an eccentric.

"Not really. It's just that I'm bored," I said to the voice beside me. Honestly, I'm a bit anxious, and this is my way of dealing with it.

"... And what if we train together?" That's a good idea, but it would be counterproductive to my plans. Still…

"Today is my day off and… wait?" I turned around. Beside me was Primrose with her ear-to-ear smile.

She was beautiful even with her face covered in dirt.

"Hi Jakob, long time no see." I could notice the joy in her.

"Hey." I felt my energy suddenly draining. Dealing with a girl this cute and charismatic is a headache. "How's everything?"

The smile she gave was so bright I almost went blind.

"Ehehehe." Don't laugh like that, or have your cheeks flushed. That's shipping material; I flatly refuse to let that happen. "I'm happy to see you."

Stop creating flags!

You're too dangerous!

Primrose is a hunter. Her class, profession, and background are so obvious they leave no room for her to be anything more than an effective killing machine.

That said.

"Primrose." My voice was flat and emotionless, or at least I tried to make it so.

"Yes, Jakob?" She tilted her head adorably. This is getting harder by the second.

I curse you, Eroge World.

She's practically naked next to me.

"Have you been training in the forests these past few days?" My emotionless voice had to be clear enough in my intention not to involve myself with her. "You should go to the infirmary for a check-up, then to your room to take a shower and put on a new uniform."

Please, have some common sense.

"You're so kind!" she said with a smile full of innocence.

I sighed internally. Primrose has immense assets that were a thread away from breaking free from what was left of her white shirt.

Her skirt was in tatters; at this point, it was a scrap of fabric over her underwear.

God, she's standing here where anyone passing by can see her as if it were nothing.

I noticed her cheeks were more hollowed and her hair was a mess.

She must have been hungry and exhausted.

Great, now I feel bad for her.

"... I recommend going for something to eat. I don't think it's healthy to eat things from the forest." I tried to keep my voice indifferent as I said that, but I couldn't help sounding like a father or older brother correcting a problematic relative.

"Hehehe." Primrose laughed with a somewhat silly smile on her face. "Jakob really cares about me."

I do. I look at you and think of a puppy that barely knows how to do anything for itself.

"How did you sneak in here?" I'm fairly certain that even standing in front of her, her presence is quite faint; I must not forget this woman is the perfect predator. "Someone must have said something about how you're dressed and… you fought Conlaoch, didn't you?"

In the game, a reference is made to an encounter between them that lasts three days and three nights, where Primrose ultimately wins.

I'm looking right at the result of that duel.

"Hehehe." She laughed cheerfully again, her face turning slightly red. "Have you met already? I told him about a kind boy who could surely be his friend. He was so nervous after our practice that he ran off toward the castle."

No, he wasn't nervous. He fought a monster beyond reason, and his warrior's pride was wounded.

"He seems like a good guy," I said without much interest. Honestly, in the game, you could summon all sorts of allies to face Bosses, but even in my first run, I never used the help of characters…

"I'm sure you'll become friends in no time; you're both very much alike." Primrose said in an animated tone. I found it curious to be compared to a character like Conlaoch. According to guides and wikis, he was the heroic type.

He was the type to charge into battle with a noble ideal.

An egoist like me has nothing to do with that kind of good person.

"... Maybe," I said, and I couldn't help but look at Primrose's large eyes, emerald green and shining with excitement… "Hey, what happened to your glasses?"

It's not normal for her not to have them on.

"They were damaged during my practice with Conlaoch," she said, looking down sheepishly.

Internally, I sighed. She's like a little child.

"... If you go to the infirmary and speak with a woman named Cornelia about your glasses, they can give you an adequate replacement."

Cornelia is the NPC for rare daily drop items. Usually, they are symbolic things like a medal of honor or a white stone, but she can also drop very useful things like the Greatsword of Bernia or items to advance a heroine's [Royal Road].

According to Armine, who had already spent time living with the Academy staff, Cornelia is in charge of helping the recovery and physical maintenance of the students.

I might be wasting my chance to take this from Aeono's hands, but… sincerely, it's preferable to be on good terms with a heroine like Primrose.

"You're very kind," Primrose said in a serious tone. She then took my right hand and brought it close to her face. "Your hand is firmer. I noticed your body has gained muscle and your posture has changed."

Suddenly her voice was much more serious.

"You know all that just by taking my hand?" This situation is strange; in this world that doesn't work with the same logic as mine, this must be normal.

"Of course not, silly…" Primrose let go of my hand and took several steps back with a friendly smile. "I've been watching you while you trained with the giant girl."

I felt a shiver run down my spine.

That she could pass unnoticed by me is normal, but Armine should have noticed something.

"Since when?" I tried to make my voice indifferent, but it came out with a slight nervousness. "Since when have you been doing that?"

She laughed sweetly.

I regret not having read her wiki page and not checking guides about her. Right now, she gives me the impression of being very dangerous.

My bad habit of not picking a popular waifu for a route has played against me.

Quick, remember the information about her. Items, theories, and other streamers.

Primrose. Hunter.

Popular. Charismatic…

Think, think.

Shit!

I have nothing.

"From the start, silly." Such a cute face shouldn't make me so afraid. "Well, thanks for your kindness, Jakob… you're a good person."

Note: Never underestimate Primrose.

"It's only normal; basic decency," I said, feigning coldness. She widened her smile and stepped toward me with large strides.

"Thank you." Her face was just centimeters from mine. Her breath hit my lips; her eyes looked up at me with a curious glint.

Captivating.

But

"You're welcome." I can keep my cool. I'm not harboring vain hopes. In this world, someone like Primrose is destined for the best; a background character like me can't aspire to more than a mention from her.

Primrose puffed out her cheeks in a pout.

"You're too serious," she said with her face in that adorable grimace. She took several steps back and…

I took off my uniform jacket and threw it to her. She's good at hiding her presence, but when she has to speak face-to-face with someone, she better keep some decorum.

"Here, take it." Since the school year hasn't started yet, there isn't much problem with me going without the jacket. "Don't go around so uncovered."

I turned around to continue my way. I'd been here too long.

I want to go to a place.

This Academy was a fortress created by the King of Souls himself. For all the inhabitants of this world, it's a sacred place. Originally, no one dared to try to alter anything of the construction, but…

I entered the chapel. The scent of incense and old paper hit my nose. This building has an aesthetic that points toward the Gothic style of Earth's 12th-16th centuries. Being in this place evokes Gregorian chants, and this body reacts to that stimulus.

There were rows of wooden pews arranged in front of the altar where the priest would give the day's sermon.

The idea of religion in a fantasy world is always interesting. As a Gamer, I never gave it much importance; now, as an inhabitant of this world, it's a curious situation.

Jakob was an atheist—a brave decision when magic exists, especially one that is literally the inheritance of the Creator God.

Not to mention there is evidence anyone can find with enough time and interest.

I remember the church had monopolized most of these relics or locations.

Living beings like dragons that survived those times bear witness to the existence of the King of Souls.

Game objects also have explicit descriptions of being from or near the time of the King of Souls.

That's why one of the most used Waifus was Clementine, the Executioner. A nun and warrior of the church.

There's also Helal, who is/was literally the spokesperson of the King of Souls and an omnipresent and almost omnipotent being.

Yes, Jakob was an idiot.

He was capable of ignoring the existence of monsters capable of changing geography with ease, all because of his ego.

I showed my respect for the church by drawing two lines over my heart—very similar to the sign of the Cross, now that I think about it.

The symbol of the church is very reminiscent of the Christian Cross…

I ignored that detail and went toward the altar.

Light entered through the stained-glass windows representing key events of this world's worldview.

I recognize several scenes from the introduction cinematic.

The Great Dragon of the void and chaos, accompanied by his progeny and orphans of light, ascending to the sky.

The King of Souls waited for them in the heavens, his twin swords ready for battle.

His representation had a halo, and with him were the rest of the Gods.

Mmmm.

God of gods.

The Protector of Life.

I don't remember where the development company was from, but I do know it showed a certain respect for religion.

Personally, religion never mattered to me.

I approached the altar. The union of the two swords of the King of Souls formed the sacred symbol of faith.

It's too similar to a Cross.

I knelt. In the game, you normally choose to pray, and in a 1 in 1,000 chance, you might receive a bonus in faith and stamina.

I've never prayed, but my mother used to be devout, always sure that the Creator heard her.

I closed my eyes and kept my mouth shut.

I know no one hears me. The God of this world abandoned his creations.

"I haven't seen you around here before."

A voice in the distance told me. It resonated in the chapel with a certain authority. I didn't move.

Usually, if you manage to obtain the buff, a golden light will rest upon you.

Three minutes passed without any noticeable effect.

I sighed. I stood up while opening my eyes and looked toward where the voice had come from.

An older man—his gray hair bore witness to the years he'd spent in this world; his hair was combed back with a few loose strands.

His tanned skin was quite notable, as were the lines crossing his face.

Golden eyes shone with life and watched me with a certain curiosity.

He was sitting near me, his arms crossed. It was clear the man, both in past times and now, would be capable of killing me with a punch.

He wore the black clothes of a priest with a golden cloth at his waist. Now that I notice, he had a pipe lit, from which smoke was coming out.

"My apologies," I said sincerely. I had ignored him in favor of obtaining a buff; that was very rude. "It wasn't my intention to ignore you."

The man looked at me thoroughly for a few seconds, then removed the pipe from his lips with his middle and index fingers.

"It's bad manners to interrupt someone while they pray, but tell me… are you just discovering religion?" I looked at him for a few seconds. From his perspective, what I did surely looked like an expression of faith. "Whatever, boy. The service is at 6:00 AM every day. If you wanted to receive the sacraments, it was better to come at that time."

It's good to know that. Anyway, I'm not really here for faith, but for convenience.

"What I need now, I didn't know if I could obtain before." But it didn't work out. I feel slightly disappointed; I hoped to go better prepared for the battle against the Rat King.

I looked at the ceiling. It showed a painting of a man in a long white cloak with sword in hand, shielding a group of people from the crawling darkness.

Truly inspiring.

"... What are you looking for?" After a curious silence, the man asked.

Good question.

"Purpose," I said before extending my hand toward him. "Jakob Liedschlag, just an ordinary student."

He stared at my hand before answering the greeting.

"Edward." His grip was firm; he seemed to have the strength of a bull in his muscles. "I am the humble priest of this chapel. By the way, it's bad to lie to priests."

Edward said in a playful tone, then put his pipe back to take a puff.

"Lie?" I said in a doubtful tone. Hopefully, it isn't another case like Zofia's. It's already enough of a headache having someone know I'm a transmigrated person.

The man let out the smoke he'd been holding along with a chuckle.

"Liedschlag…" he said in a reflective tone, as if tasting the name. "Ancient family. Powerful in its time. Now… well, time is cruel to everyone except dragons and idiots."

I gave a lopsided smile. Jakob would have jumped to defend his honor.

I nodded.

"I guess I'm neither of the two," I said, aware that by "idiots" he refers to those who make history. Like Jakob, I know I'm not one of those two.

Edward let out a raspy laugh that echoed among the empty pews.

"Good answer. I like you, boy." He leaned forward a bit, his golden eyes shining with genuine curiosity. "Are you a believer or have you received the Sacrament?"

I searched Jakob's memories. In fact, he had received the Sacrament—the equivalent of baptism in my world of origin.

"I have received the Sacrament, but I am not active in the church." Nor do I intend to be. Forgive me, priest, but I don't come here for faith.

"That I can notice. You seem like the type who comes to pray for high grades or a beneficial marriage." There must be many who came for those reasons, judging by Edward's tired tone as he fixed his gaze on the altar.

I looked at the symbol of faith of this world with intensity.

The two fused swords that looked like a Cross shone weakly under the light from the stained-glass windows.

"If I told you that God has abandoned this world, what would you do? Hypothetically speaking."

I am one of the few people who know of the God's absence. Perhaps the opinion of someone who is both of the clergy and a native of this world would be helpful.

"I'd give you a good punch." I turned toward Edward when he said that with a friendly and playful tone. "Maybe I'd call the Inquisition to have you tried for blasphemy."

Edward said that with a lot of amusement and calm while I only thought of the kind of horrors that would happen to me if I fell into the hands of the Inquisition.

"... Hypothetically speaking?" Come on, I don't need another problem on top of me.

The man stared at me with his golden eyes. Seconds later, he burst into loud laughter.

Hey, it's not funny. What kind of priest makes those jokes?

"But of course!" he said with a smile after calming down. "But answering more seriously… I'd still believe in Him."

"Eh?" The seriousness with which he said that and his answer left me speechless for a few moments.

"That Cross isn't just a symbol of Him." The priest, with a sober voice, pointed at the Cross seriously. "It's a reminder. That someone once believed this world was worth being saved."

"..." I didn't know what to think or say. This is a stance I didn't expect to find here.

I stayed looking at the priest.

Such conviction and faith reminded me of…

For a few seconds, in front of me, a woman with long black hair stood with her back turned.

"I don't think I have that strength," I admitted without shame. Now I'm grateful I'm not Aeono. On his young shoulders the fate of all will rest. Such pressure is… "Compared to you, I'm a much less strong guy."

I say this as myself, not as Jakob. Thinking about it, this world is full of extraordinary people; maybe that's why I'm Jakob.

I'm simply one of the crowd and that's it.

I looked toward Edward. He seems to be analyzing me thoroughly.

He took another long puff from his pipe.

"Come tomorrow at dawn. There's a short service. No mindless chatter; just singing and lessons." He let the smoke out and stood up. "If you ever want to talk about whatever is going through your head… this door will always be open."

Edward said as he walked toward the exit. I followed him with my eyes until he left the chapel.

I couldn't obtain the buff, but I guess having a priest as an ally can be advantageous in some way.

But…

"What am I supposed to do with the free time I have left?"

...

...

...

The metal doors make a heavy sound as the mechanism moving them activates.

They separate slowly, as the relief images of a Lion and an Armored Knight locked in combat give way to the realm of the Rat King.

I looked at the hallway before me with a certain fascination—a path of white tiles that looked pristine, with liquid flowing on either side.

On the walls of both sides, lit lamps illuminated the path with a faint white light.

No nauseating smell reaches me, no noise disturbs me, nor is there any sense of danger.

And yet.

I can hear the drumming of my heart. The knot forming in my throat from nerves makes me swallow instinctively. I grip the hilts of my swords to calm the trembling of my hands.

My anxiety is killing me.

"Are you okay, Jakob?" someone's voice snaps me out of my concentration.

I looked to my right.

In most Eroge, they make female characters wear excessively revealing clothes, regardless of whether it's armor or practically useless in combat.

Kings Roads is not the case. Apparently, while the developers are weird, they aren't irrational.

Armine wore full plate armor: breastplate, gauntlets, chainmail, faulds—the complete Build. The cloth at her waist and the blue scarf gave her a heroic touch.

In her hand, she held her greatsword; the edge reflected the light dangerously, looking eager to drink blood.

Damn, the visorless helm somehow cast a shadow over her face that hid her from others.

All of that, combined with Armine's sheer size, intimidated any potential enemies.

"It's nothing," I said, letting out a tired sigh. "You look incredible, Armine."

It's hard to look at her; she is a heroic and legendary image, worthy of being immortalized.

"Nyohhh!?" The warrior stepped back from me a bit while letting out a funny sound. "What are you saying now?"

I couldn't help but laugh at that. Armine is a pure-hearted maiden, after all.

"Thanks for letting me come with you," I said honestly. Armine's support is key to this. Looking at her, I noticed she became a bit tense.

"Try not to stray too far from me." Even with her face covered in shadows, her concern was clearly visible.

I smiled.

"That's the plan," I told her confidently. Perhaps it's not wise to place so much trust in someone, but Armine is my first friend; I'm sure I can count on her. "I'm in your care, Armine."

I can't see her golden eyes, but I focused on where they should be anyway. She surely doesn't fully understand how important this is to me.

"..."

She stared at me fixedly.

"... How long are you two going to flirt?" a man's voice pulled me out of my stupor.

I looked at the middle-aged man wearing gray overalls over a white shirt and brown leather boots.

He had blonde hair combed back, a gray overall over a black t-shirt; his elongated face and sly smile seemed quite carefree to me.

He was holding a broom that he leaned on, and on his back was a large white sword.

The janitor and…

"We aren't flirting," I said calmly to the man who snorted with an expression of disbelief. "Seriously, can't a guy just have a friendship with a girl without everyone jumping to assume we're interested in each other?"

Wait, what I just said is a dialogue in the game and a cliché wrapped in another cliché.

"Whatever you say, kid." The man turned around and ignored me with total tranquility. "Since you're going down, I'll be here for when you find the source of the problem."

The man walked to the open doors and pointed to the hallway with some boredom.

"... I understand," Armine said firmly. She grabbed me by the collar of my shirt and lifted me up to her face. "Don't stray too far and keep your mind focused at all times."

"Yes." I smiled, being just inches from her. I felt tempted to tell her that what's down there is nothing more than a big rat, but… "I'm counting on you."

I can't see her face, but my friend remained silent.

"... Jakob." There was something in Armine's tone I couldn't identify.

"Get in there already!" the blonde man shouted with exasperation.

"Sir, yes sir!" Armine put me on her shoulder and ran toward the hallway.

From here, I saw how we moved further and further away from the entrance. Only when the blonde man was no longer recognizable did Armine set me down.

"Well, that was comfortable." I stretched a bit and did small hops to prepare myself for what was coming. "This place is very clean."

I can hear the water running. The tiled floor was pristine, and the faint white light covering us created an almost mystical atmosphere.

Good. If I manage to defeat the boss quickly, I'll be able to explore the rest of the area. There should be a good amount of items around.

"The fire that is periodically used to cleans the whole place," Armine said behind me. I thought for a second about the sea of flames that would form through these paths. "Let's not waste time."

Armine passed by me with authority and elegance; her full-body armor made a slight metallic sound as she moved.

No one could tell at first glance that she's a girl.

"Right," I said, following her closely.

Come to think of it, the path to find the Rat King is the one Armine is following.

"So… what exactly are we looking for?" I decided to feign ignorance. While smiling, I made sure my twin swords could be drawn easily.

"Rats." While I was unsheathing and sheathing my swords, I heard Armine say that. Good, at least the objective is the same. "The director told me it's very possible a mutation has suddenly appeared among them in the last few days."

The director—a clever man, possibly one of the five beings who know the secret of this world.

I should avoid him.

"And how are we going to find this rat?" We reached a wide circular area. There were eight paths, including the one we came from, that we could take.

Lights illuminated each path, but after a certain distance, it seemed as if everything turned to darkness.

"We won't," Armine said with a serious voice. She pulled out a black Ocarina from somewhere and brought it to her lips.

Wait…

"Hey, isn't that…?"

The sound that came out of the black Ocarina was like the scream of horror and suffering of a woman. That hellish noise traveled through the entire drain; for a few moments, it was a catacomb full of spirits.

My blood turned cold. The hair on my body stood on end. I swallowed hard and, by instinct, drew my twin swords.

"Get ready," Armine said with a frigid, serious tone, completely contrary to her normal way of speaking. "Try not to scream or run away."

She took her sword with both hands and stepped into position, pointing forward.

I have neither the desire nor the option to do what she said. I swallowed my nerves again. My hands are sweating, my grip is shaky and…

The floor began to tremble slightly. I frantically searched for the source with my eyes. All the hallways remained the same, but… the darkness in the background looked deeper for some reason.

I stared fixedly. I can feel the trembling increasing. I bit my lower lip.

'Don't blink,' I told myself, eyes fixed on the darkness.

I feel sweat concentrated on my forehead. My heart feels like it wants to shoot out of my chest. I can hear the multitude of those things coming, for me—every paw, every screech.

Closer, they are getting closer.

I didn't look away from the dark end of the hallway. I swallowed with fear. My eyes burn, but I don't want to lose sight of the darkness.

I blinked.

'Dammit.' Cursing, I quickly opened my eyes again. In literally a blink, everything changed.

Small red dots appeared in the middle of the darkness—millions of eyes staring at me.

There they are. The color of their teeth was also visible; I can notice their hunger.

I felt the imminent disaster approaching me. It is literally a sea of rats.

I know they are in the rest of the hallways, but I looked toward them anyway. I held my breath.

Shit.

I lost my warmth. I felt the vibration increase. I looked up, fearing the ceiling would fall.

And the sound. Good God, the sound.

It's a hellish cacophony. It sounds as if they are stepping on and devouring each other just to get here.

The closer they are, the more I notice what a deformed mass they are. Their eyes glow intensely and…

"Holy shit…" I whispered with horror.

All at once, in a black sea with red lights, they burst through the hallways.

I stood paralyzed in my spot. For some reason, I began to smile as hundreds of rats with open mouths ready to devour me fell upon us.

How naive I was.

I underestimated how horrible this could be. This world… I thought of my mother as a rat's mouth approached.

I…

In a flash, Armine was in front of me, swinging her sword vertically.

The rats were cut cleanly. The edge was covered in blood. She was facing away from me, and yet I could notice the firmness with which she stood her ground.

I followed her movements as best as I could: Horizontal cut, Vertical cut, footwork—all accompanied by enough strength to eliminate as many rats as possible.

The more I watch them, the more I notice Armine increasing her speed. She didn't stop for a single second.

Little by little, a red river began to form; the air became impregnated with a turbid scent.

And yet, at no point did the black wave stop. The screeches continued.

Armine didn't stop for a single moment. With every cut made, she formed a spray of red.

It took me a while to realize, but I understood that every movement the semi-giantess made was precise and efficient.

Rats tried to jump toward her in the middle of each attack, only to end up dead from a punch or without even making a dent in her armor.

The speed. My God, the speed. In the middle of the tide of rats, I'm sure if Armine wanted to, I would only see a silver trail.

At one point, it was raining red.

I stayed right here in my spot, unable to fully process the power before me and…

She is protecting me.

Observing the rest of the area, Armine had set a notable perimeter between them and me.

My friend hasn't yielded a single inch.

'I'm a fool.' My heart was beating so hard I thought it would break my ribs; now it had calmed down. 'But…'

My hands were still trembling, but I increased the grip on my sword hilts anyway.

I had never harmed an animal before. Jakob had—usually rabbits, cats, or dogs.

My stomach churned from those memories.

"Leave that nonsense behind…" I told myself. I don't have time for this.

Armine was slightly forming a wall of corpses.

I took a step forward, staining my boots with scarlet.

Among Armine's movements, there was room for rats to pass between her attacks.

I saw one of them running toward me. It jumped while opening its mouth and extending its paws.

I took a breath, firmed my feet, and extended my right arm toward the animal's mouth.

The sword pierced its skull, going through its mouth with the edge protruding.

I let out my breath as I pulled my sword out of the rat. I felt its blood on my right hand, but I decided to ignore it.

I stared at my hand for a few seconds. it was trembling, but I didn't have time for this.

I swallowed.

"AAAAHHH!" I threw myself forward with force. I passed between one of Armine's thrusts and stabbed two rats the size of dogs in the belly.

I quickly pulled out my weapons and finished them by piercing their skulls.

I grunted. I stepped hard on a small rat passing by. I pierced one with a thrust and threw it aside with a sharp movement.

I looked toward Armine, who was still clearing the place with impressive efficiency.

It doesn't matter. I saw the stragglers coming toward me.

Three jumped toward my face. I put more strength into my grip and cut all three into pieces.

… It seems almost impossible that I have this strength now.

I had no time to think. A rat latched onto my shoulder. Without thinking, I gave a thrust that pierced its neck. The vermin fell to the ground letting out a screech.

I turned around and stepped hard on the rat's neck; my boot filled with blood. I grunted again.

I noticed the sound of thousands of footsteps. I smiled savagely as I concentrated on what was in front of me.

A tide of rats was coming. I let out a scream as I knifed a rat just as the sea of beasts covered me. I began to swing wild slashes all around me. I stepped, threw punches, and bit everything on me.

"Griiiii!"

Something rammed into me like an American football player and dragged me forward. I grunted, feeling a bite on my left shoulder.

Whatever it is, it looks like a black bear.

I didn't even think. I began to stab at whatever was holding me and pierced the beast's thick neck, forcing it to let go.

I landed on my feet with pain in my shoulder. I didn't lose my grip on my swords and saw the giant rat that stood on its hind legs.

More than two meters.

I smiled, tightened my muscles, and retracted my right arm.

I threw the right sword with all my strength, and it embedded itself in the monster's belly.

I let out a click of my tongue. I was aiming for the heart, but oh well.

I ran toward the rat. I need my sword.

The rat tried to hit me with its claws, but I ducked in time. I grabbed my sword and instead of pulling it out, I decided to move it across the rat's belly.

Red. Red.

A sea of blood and intestines covered the floor. The beast fell forward, and smaller rats coming toward me walked over it.

I smiled again. Even with my hands full of blood, I pointed at those vermin.

I threw slashes, gave thrusts, and stabbed everything that came at me.

My heart beats like crazy with every attack. I felt my body hot, as if liquid fire ran in my blood. I no longer heard any other sound that wasn't my own labored breathing as I kept attacking.

At some point, my mind stopped registering what was happening around me. It took me a few minutes to regain my calm.

What an incredible image…

There was only red wherever I looked. Three rat corpses were stuck on my right sword. I used the left one to stab a pig-sized rat over and over again.

At some point, there were only corpses and a river of blood around me.

I looked forward. A wall of bodies stood between me and the sound of another tide of rats.

I pulled the corpses off my left sword. I began to search with my eyes for more enemies.

More. I need more…

Experience…

"Jakob!" Armine stepped in front of me, her bastard sword pointing forward. "Don't move from my side."

I had forgotten she was here…

"What's happening?" I said stupidly, my attention diffuse. I scanned the entire room. 

Black walls of flesh, the turbid smell in the air, blood along with other fluids staining the white of the floor.

The white light reflected in the liquid, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

Then I noticed it.

The silence.

I felt my mouth go dry suddenly.

"... Here it comes," I heard Armine say.

My friend was in position. Then I remembered why we were here.

Then it resonated.

It was a guttural, hollow, and sinister sound.

I got into position, completely focused on a point in the wall of dead rats.

I'm not sure what I expected. In the game, you normally went to the boss room and passed through a blue light threshold.

I felt the shoulder pain, the blood on my hands, and the trembling of my body.

I let out a breath of hot air.

This is real.

I laughed a little at that.

"Armine…" I turned to see her. Beneath that helm was one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. I couldn't help but smile; after all this, she is the first bond I've been able to form with someone. "Thanks."

I said, just before feeling an impact on my chest. The vertigo of being propelled backward and a painful slam against the wall made me lose my breath.

"Jakob!" I heard Armine shout the name of this body. I grunted in pain as I fell to my knees.

That left me without oxygen in my lungs. I raised my head to see where the blow had come from.

A long appendage covered in black scales snaked among the rat corpses before retracting again through the opening that had formed.

Then.

It passed through the wall of corpses. Huge. Four meters of pure muscle covered in black fur. Its front legs were strangely long, with long yellow claws that gleamed at the edge.

Its head was similar to a greyhound's. Sharp yellowish teeth protruded from its lips. Its eyes were bulging and glowed faintly in gold against the light.

Behind that thing extended a long and serpentine tail of black scales that moved fluidly.

The Rat King.

The joke boss of Kings Roads.

Having it in front of me makes me aware of how horrible it is. When all of this was still a game, I never paid much attention to the design.

What a disgusting thing. It definitely meets expectations for a mutant.

"You bastard." I stood up with difficulty. My hands were still firmly holding my swords.

That thing focused on me when I said that. Bad idea.

Armine appeared in a flash beside that monster, swinging her sword horizontally.

I smiled. Just like that, this monster will fall.

"GRAAAAAHHHH!" the Rat King let out a demonic roar.

Like a spell, the rats still alive among the corpses formed a black wall between their king and Armine.

The wall turned into a wave that dragged Armine down one of the hallways. I could only notice as my friend extended her arm toward me.

"Jakob!" I heard her scream in the middle of the tide of vermin.

I stood paralyzed. My brain took time to process that.

Slowly, I fixed my gaze on the Boss, who concentrated its attention on me.

The weight of this situation fell on my shoulders suddenly.

I can't run. I grit my teeth, rising from the floor. This is what I came here for.

I prepared myself. I raised both swords and pointed at that beast.

There was a distance between the Boss and me. If I used the ring, I could deliver a certain slash to that monster's belly.

It is literally the easiest Boss to defeat. I have prepared for this.

I must not hesitate. I cannot lose.

"Let's go," I said confidently and…

I heard the sound of an edge piercing something and the sound of liquid falling.

I felt an intense pain in my abdomen. I looked down and with horror saw that the Rat King's tail was impaled there.

I fell to my knees. Something ran up my throat, and I spat blood.

I still have my hands clutching the twin swords, but I need to take a moment to…

I felt a pulsing pain throughout my body and a spontaneous weakness.

I noticed that my pale skin had black spots.

Shit.

I am {Poisoned}.

Dammit.

The third most annoying status effect in the game, and my end if I don't move fast.

I'm losing clear vision. It's getting hard to breathe… I… Jesus… I'm dying…

No. Not like this.

...

...

...

Snow was falling; the pristine white stretched as far as my eyes could see, and the sky was a shade of gray.

How I love winter. It's my favorite season; I feel a sense of peace when I see the snow.

I am sitting on my favorite red swing.

I could feel the cold seeping into my entire body; I would kill for a good hot chocolate.

I looked at my hand, covered by a thick glove.

My mind felt strange, as if I were forgetting something important.

"Nah," I said, swinging. I stood up on the swing and laughed while holding onto the metal chains.

I jumped from the swing and landed in the snow with a smile on my face.

"Hey." I was surprised to hear a voice beside me. When I turned around, I noticed a boy with white hair and red eyes looking at where I was standing, tears forming in his eyes. "You stepped on my friend."

The boy wore an expensive-looking white coat over his clothes and a red scarf around his neck.

Hey, what is a child doing all alone in this place? I leaned toward him and looked into his watery eyes.

"Kid, what are you doing here all alone?" I saw him lower his head. He clenched his tiny hands and looked like he was about to cry.

"I wasn't alone…" I barely heard what he said, so I moved closer to him. "You took my friend away from me."

"Eh?" I looked at my feet. There were the remains of a half-finished snowman. Oh, shit. "I'm sorry, kid. I didn't mean to."

I stepped off the remains of the snowman and reached down to gather the snow.

"... Mister." I didn't look up from the snow I was collecting. The boy's voice made me look up at him. "Why are you here?"

His red eyes stared at me fixedly. There was sadness and fear in those orbs.

I suddenly felt disoriented.

What am I doing here?

I remembered the time I stood before my mother's coffin; the feeling of disconnection from the world continued long after.

It's so cold…

I thought about when I fled home after arguing with my… progenitor.

In my mind, the scene played out of when I spent three months being attacked, and no one came to see me.

I felt the urge to just sit here and let myself be covered by the snow.

Then, for no apparent reason, I remembered the time my girlfriend of eight years decided she wanted to go on a trip through Europe.

"I don't know," I said, looking into the boy's eyes. My voice was cracked; I felt tears falling. "I don't know…"

He looked at me and sat by my side.

"Do you have a mom and dad?"

"No." My mother had passed away years ago, and my father became a stranger to me.

"Oh." The poor boy sounded very disappointed. "Me neither."

I sighed, put my hand on his head, and ruffled his hair.

"It's okay, kid." I tried to sound as confident as possible. "Sometimes the place where we belong isn't where we are born."

I know that well.

"... Do you have a place where you belong?"

I closed my eyes. He's an innocent child; he's probably only asking out of honest empathy.

"No," I said, opening my eyes and looking at the gray sky. "Not yet."

To be honest, I don't think I can find one at this point in my life… I've searched for a long time and, sincerely, I'm tired.

I felt strange. Why am I talking so honestly with this child? Perhaps it was a strange sense of similarity between the two of us.

I don't know.

"I… can I have a place to return to?" The boy's voice sounded anxious, even desperate.

"Of course." I'm not lying. I might have given up on finding a home, but this child can still find his place in this world. "I'm sure that one day you will find a place where you are welcomed."

The boy's laughter gave me irrational hope. I closed my eyes with a smile on my lips.

Between the winter cold and the horrible feeling of loneliness, I had faith in a future because of this boy.

"... It's time to go." A third voice came from behind me. I turned around sharply.

In the middle of the snow stood a man in a suit. For some reason, I couldn't distinguish his face clearly.

I could see the features separately, but something in my mind wouldn't let me piece them together to see his face in full.

Brown eyes, black hair, a notable beard. He had an imposing body—broad shoulders, sturdy arms. His posture was straight and commanding; he looked like someone accustomed to heavy labor, or perhaps a King.

"Yes!" The boy stood up and went toward the man with the kind of smile a son would give his father.

I stood up by instinct. I felt tempted to stop the child from running toward the man.

The boy took the man's hand; he was smiling and looked very happy.

That man was not his father—the boy had told me so himself—and yet he looked at peace beside the stranger.

There was something about the Man that radiated peace and warmth. A strange longing washed over me. I don't know him, but…

For some reason, I felt envious of the boy.

"... Where are you taking him?" I asked without thinking. The man smiled, and I felt at peace.

"To the place where he belongs." Behind the man, a pillar of golden light extended—no, fire… fire and light mixed in a tower that split reality. "His home awaits him."

Both the man and the boy, as if they were father and son, turned toward the golden pillar. Without knowing why, I extended my hand toward them.

"Wait!" I shouted with fear and desperation. I ran toward them, but it seemed as if I wasn't moving from my spot. "Me too! I want to go to my home too!"

My vision blurred with tears. I fell to my knees, knowing I couldn't reach them. For some reason, I feel more alone than ever.

I see the snow—so white, pure, and devoid of warmth.

"Your story has not yet ended, my son." I didn't look up. The man's voice resonated from everywhere. "Be brave and persevere."

There were so many emotions behind his voice that I couldn't help but look up.

"Who are you?" The boy and the man were covered by the golden light, which continued to advance until it covered almost everything.

Even as the light approached me and the man had vanished, I could hear his voice.

"I am the King."

…

…

…

I snapped my eyes open, gasping for oxygen in desperation; my body screamed with pain and exhaustion.

I looked up.

The Rat King had retracted its tail to its mouth and gave a lick to the blood dripping from it. Its eyes glowed with hunger.

Maybe it was my imagination, but it seemed to me that the rat smiled.

I felt an uncontrollable rage surge from the deepest part of my soul.

"I'm going to kill you!" I shouted with all the hatred I didn't know I had accumulated.

I let go of my right sword, reached into my right pocket, and took what I had saved for this moment.

I swallowed the Rûaj candy.

My entire body was suddenly filled with energy; the wounds I had sustained healed instantly.

I grit my teeth while applying {Valior}.

What does magic feel like?

Right now, it's like acid coursing through my nerves. I don't know what my face looks like now, but I know I'm smiling to mitigate the pain.

The Rat King seemed to notice the change in me, as it retracted its tail and prepared the tip, aiming it at me.

I widened my smile.

Then came the attack, as fast as a bullet.

But this time, I could see it clearly. I stepped to the side; the tail stabbed right where I had been standing.

I noticed the Rat trying to pull its tail out of the ground. Perfect.

I looked directly into the monster's eyes. I raised my right arm with a firm grip on my sword and, with a quick movement, I delivered a slash.

Normally, it would be difficult to cut something like a Boss's tail, but this time, the {Valior} along with the Rûaj pushed my body to the limit, and with that…

"GRAAAAAHHH!" The Boss's scream of pain gave me immeasurable satisfaction.

I took off and activated the ring's effect.

I closed the distance between the Rat King and me, increasing the pressure on my swords.

"AAAHHH!" I shouted with all my might.

I plunged my swords into the rat's belly. I felt them pierce the skin, and blood sprayed over me.

"GRAAAAH!" The beast let out another cry of pain. I smiled.

I pulled out my swords. The Rat King tried to swipe at me, which I avoided by a hair. If I had been a minute slower to dodge, I would have lost my right eye.

I ducked, just in time. I raised my right sword as I moved behind the Boss.

It's time for the most well-known move in Souls games.

Backstab.

"KRIIIKK!"

The Rat fell onto its stomach on the floor while letting out a screech of pain. I didn't waste time.

I ran over it and pierced both eyes with my swords.

"GRAAHHH!" The rat let out a scream of pain. It didn't stop me there; I put everything I had into piercing its skull. "GRAAHHH!"

The monster's body began to have muscle spasms the more I tried to drive the swords in.

I have to kill it fast. I can feel it struggling to recover and shake me off.

My hands are trembling. I grunted, putting all my strength into this single purpose.

I cursed.

My hands—numb and sticky with thick, black blood—were still gripped tight to the handles of my swords.

I couldn't let go. My fingers were cramped, locked by the adrenaline and the residual effect of {Valior}.

"Die... for once… just die…" My throat hurts; I felt my voice rasping.

Just die, stupid Boss.

"GRAAH!" The Rat King let out one last screech—a sound that didn't seem of this world—before its body stopped moving.

"Uhg?" It took me a moment to process my victory. Seconds later, I was able to let go of my swords… "I won?"

Standing over the corpse of the Rat King, the silence around me caused something strange in me.

I looked at my hands. They are… quite normal, really. Covered in blood, dirt, and full of calluses, but…

They are mine.

"Jakob!" Armine's shout resonated in the tunnel.

I saw her running toward me, her armor covered from head to toe in red, her sword on her back.

In a way, the darkened crimson on her silver armor and the way she ran gave her the image of a Bloody Valkyrie.

Somehow, she is aesthetically immune to everything.

I'm jealous; protagonist status has its perks.

I jumped down from the Rat King's corpse.

My vision was beginning to darken at the edges.

Shit…

"Hey, Armine…" I said with a sided smile. I have to take advantage and try to look good.

I saw her take off her helm. Her face was still beautiful despite the tears and expression of fear.

It's not fair for someone to look so good even in this situation…

"Jakob!" What a thing. I see her approaching, and I can only focus on her golden eyes while my mind feels more diffuse.

When she was barely three steps from me, she stopped.

Her gaze conveyed so many emotions. Relief, happiness, fear, and gratitude.

"I won." It was the only thing I could say before she hugged me tightly.

"Thank God… thank God you're okay."

For a moment, I doubted I was conscious. While my vision darkens and she holds me, I feel warm inside.