X
I need time.
To be precise, I need a bit of time for myself.
Not to rebel during puberty, but to prepare for the journey ahead.
This world may seem ordinary, but it’s a fantasy novel where mere ordinariness leads to collapse and death.
It’s a stage filled with people who can wield unreal powers—like the Hero and Saintess on their quest, or the ashen witch.
For someone like me, an extra without a role, just saying “I’ll travel” doesn’t solve the problems.
My body will grow.
It’s frustrating and a bit sad now, but time will fix that.
I’m earning money.
If I keep saving steadily, by adulthood, I’ll afford a carriage, horses, and decent gear to set out.
I’ve got my parents’ permission.
Since I was little, I’ve said I’d travel, so they both agreed I could go when the time comes.
Everything I’ve mentioned, time will resolve.
But one problem remains, one that time alone won’t fix.
If I had to say…
“….”
This pathetic body is genuinely weak.
An extra with no abilities, too young to have strength.
My past life was so ordinary—no martial arts, taekwondo, or self-defense training.
All I have is knowledge from the novel: settings, characters, and the world’s lore.
Looking back, declaring I’d travel as a kid was reckless.
This isn’t Earth, with planes or cars speeding at 200 km/h.
The main transport is horses and carriages, or expensive mage portals—too costly even for the wealthy.
“Ugh…”
Even common beasts could endanger me, let alone the monstrous creatures in this world.
At five, I wanted to see a dragon, blindly enamored with this novel’s world.
So.
The more this world feels real, the more I realize its unreality.
The peaceful flow I’d forgotten in complacency now creeps back.
No talent makes me an extra.
No forced role makes me free.
But freedom was given because I can’t achieve what I want properly.
Maybe it’s the Hero’s gaze in the alley or his departing figure at the ceremony that keeps haunting me.
The realization that there’s no place for me among talented, destined characters hits hard.
“….”
Well.
Fine.
I’ve wallowed in negativity, but the conclusion’s the same.
The goal is to travel.
I firmly believe it’ll give meaning to this restarted life.
If my childhood’s purpose is watching the witch, my adult purpose is wandering the world.
So, let’s prepare for the journey.
“Uncle, what do I need to do to become an adventurer?”
After all that brooding, I ended up at the adventurer’s shop where I bought the robes.
“…What’s this kid spouting out of nowhere?”
“I want to be an adventurer, but I don’t know what to do.”
Jansen’s been an adventurer and runs a shop for them, meeting plenty.
I’m banking on his expertise.
But his reaction’s lukewarm.
My resolve and determination probably sound laughable to an adult.
“Do what? Earn money, kid. Money’s everything, the truth of the world.”
“I’ve been working since I was eight. I bought robes here, remember?”
“You were shaking buying one robe, and now this? Earn enough to buy a hundred without blinking, then talk.”
“….”
Like I can make that much at my age.
Staring at him sulkily, he looks a bit flustered and continues.
“What, you were serious?”
“I’ve never been anything but serious.”
What kid comes to an adventurer’s shop for pretend play?
Honestly, adventurers around here, and Jansen himself, look scary enough that kids my age steer clear.
“Fair point… No kid comes here for fun. My bad, I’ll apologize.”
“Then, while you’re at it, maybe gift me a dagger…”
“You think? Want it? Pay full price like the robes.”
“…Oh. Right.”
Lendo, my dear uncle.
I miss your warmth, the market street’s kindness.
“Fine, a proper answer. What you need isn’t money or permission—it’s training, right? A kid with no talent or ability?”
“That hurts.”
This guy’s wounding a dreamy kid right now.
“My problem? Heal your wounds elsewhere. If that’s an issue, leave my shop, head past the market to the training gym.”
Unfazed by my glare, he answers my question.
“That’s it? Nothing else to do…?”
“What’s there for a talentless kid? Want to get strong? Start training. Go there, try hard, and if it doesn’t work, come back.”
He’s right.
Without talent, you grind like hell to survive.
I knew that, but I hoped there was some secret training method unique to this world.
“That place trained Fris, now the Hero. It’s solid. Though, guy looks like a beast but has a noble’s name, not even noble.”
“….”
“Got it? Stop staring and get out.”
I nod at Jansen’s waving hand and step outside.
Honestly, I thought the Hero’s name, like the novel’s title, was odd, so hearing a character say it feels surreal.
I wasn’t the only one who thought it didn’t fit.
Right.
A muscle-bound giant benching 1500 pounds named Fris?
Anyway.
Following Jansen’s advice, I leave the market for the training gym.
As I near, a pungent sweat smell hits me, even with the entrance far off.
“….”
This is insane.
I watch burly men exit from a distance.
Training there might let me survive as an adult, even without talent or ability.
I don’t want that much muscle, but everyone leaving is jacked, so…
“…Screw it, damn it.”
Bold steps.
Charge.
Entering the gym, I approach what looks like the counter and greet.
“Hello.”
It’s not a place for kids, so the counter’s high, forcing me to crane my neck.
A muscular man at the counter turns to me.
He’s genuinely terrifying.
“How old are you?”
He asks my age outright.
I should’ve sensed the danger and bolted, but his presence overwhelms me, and I blurt the truth.
“…T-Ten.”
“Free till twelve. Kids need to grow strong.”
“Uh, well…”
That’s not how that phrase works, I think.
Before I can finish, a massive hand looms toward me.
“Welcome to the men’s club, boy. May you become a true man.”
“Oh…”
My instincts scream.
This isn’t a choice.
It’s not a crossroads—it’s a single path.
Turn back and run.
I step back instinctively, but…
“Boy, don’t look back. There’s no returning now.”
The muscular man grabs my hesitant hand, pulling me deeper into the gym.
“I-I’ll come back after twelve, pay full price…”
“Welcome to the men’s club, boy!!!!”
No, damn it.
Save me.
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