After the whole scandal of people overreacting to a simple crime, I stopped. Honestly, I would not have minded the attention if I was not trying to be cautious and secretive.
"I am not a hero," I sighed, gently pushing someone off who tried to shake my hand, pat my shoulder, or possibly hug me. I slipped into the inn before anyone else could latch onto me.
Inside, the quiet was a blessing. I walked up to my room, shut the door, and dropped onto the bed like someone who had just saved the world instead of a single wallet.
"The people of this town are really weird," I said to myself. I stretched out and let out a long, unenthusiastic yawn.
Since my name was already spreading like wildfire for helping one person, it was time to rethink things. A whole new plan. Honestly though, if I really thought about it, this situation kind of worked to my advantage. Reputation was a dangerous thing, but also a useful tool.
If the world believed Satoru Gojo was some noble figure, then navigating would become much easier. Free information, open doors, maybe free meals. Heroes usually got free food. That would be nice.
Still, beneath the small amusement was an annoying truth. The thought that demons were being spotted more frequently was a hassle. A big one. Strong demons, weak demons, ugly demons, smart demons, it did not matter. I would defeat all of them and maybe have a good laugh while doing it. Nothing wrong with enjoying the journey.
I sat up on the bed, cracked my knuckles.
"Now then. Time to see what Strahl is all about."
I could already imagine the chaos. A city filled with churches, priests, and examiners. A place where magic was studied like a religion and worshipped like gold. If there was ever a perfect place to grow stronger and gather information, it was there.
I stood, brushed the dust from my clothes, and tightened my blindfold.
"Alright. New world, new plan. Try not to break anything this time."
I opened the window just a little to watch the city lights below. People laughing, drinking, walking home.
I woke up, did the normal morning stuff, greeted the innkeeper, and she smiled and waved me off. It was the type of smile that said you definitely got scammed. Then again, maybe I was overthinking it. A city like Strahl probably had a high demand for tourists and tourists needed beds. Expensive beds. Beds that magically cost more every time you asked.
As soon as I stepped outside, the fresh morning air slapped me in the face, and so did the people.
"Satoru Gojo!" someone shouted.
"Satoru Gojo! Hello!" another said.
There was cheering, waving, a couple of dramatic gasps. It was like walking through a parade that was dedicated to someone who had done absolutely nothing.
I had originally thought the people here were just weird. Turns out the man I saved was a bishop. A popular one at that. Great. I accidentally saved church royalty.
So now every priest, nun, and random overly enthusiastic worshipper was staring at me like I descended from the heavens riding a unicorn made of holy light.
A group of old ladies even clasped their hands and said, "Blessings on your soul." I think one tried to touch my hair.
I really should be more careful from now on.
"Good morning!" a man said, jogging up to me.
"Satoru, hello!" a woman waved.
Maybe not so bad, but if they kept on sucking up to me like this, I might actually die from secondhand embarrassment. Forget demons, these people were the real threat.
Then a girl stepped forward, smiling too brightly for someone who definitely woke up before sunrise.
"Where are you going to?" she asked, waving at me like we were long-lost friends.
"For breakfast. Looking for a popular restaurant, preferably with someone nice," I replied. In my mind, the words free food were flashing in neon lights. Free food was justice. Free food was life.
Her eyes sparkled. "I know the perfect place."
I nodded like a noble gentleman. "Lead the way then."
She practically skipped ahead, and I followed, thinking to myself that maybe this fame thing had perks after all. If Strahl wanted to treat me like a hero, who was I to decline free meals and special treatment?
As we walked, townspeople continued to greet me. Some bowed, some waved, some whispered like I was a legendary creature they had discovered in the wild.
Not a hero, but apparently everyone forgot that part.
Still, breakfast was breakfast, and if people wanted to feed me like a king, I was not complaining. I had bigger problems to worry about anyway, like demons, exams, and not blowing my cover.
But for now, food came first.
"Please have something tasty," I prayed silently. "I refuse to be famous and hungry at the same time."
The girl pointed toward a big building with banners, crowds, and the delicious smell of food drifting out.
Perfect. The day was already starting well.
I ordered the food and the strange assortments. The usual western dishes, but each dish felt like somebody had tried to recreate them from vague memory. Hamburgers with bread that was a little too sweet. Sausages shaped like spirals. Omelettes that tasted suspiciously like dessert.
"Soo uhhh, how much will it be?" I asked the girl.
She put her hands behind her back, blushed lightly, and smiled as if the gods themselves had whispered a secret into her ear.
"I can't make someone like you pay!" she replied.
And there it was. The sweet sound of financial victory.
Manipulation successful. Free food acquired.
In my mind, a mission report appeared.
Stage one: I acted kind and paid special attention to her, making her feel special and needed.
Stage two: I maintained gentleman mode, added light smiles and thoughtful nods.
Stage three: I pretended to act like I would pay, increasing her goodwill and pity meter.
Stage four: She paid. Perfect execution.
Somewhere, an angel was weeping at my behavior. Somewhere else, my stomach was cheering in triumph.
"Thanks so much, I owe you one," I said, putting on the most grateful, kindhearted smile I could manage.
"No no no, it's fine really," she replied, flustered, waving her hands like she was trying to swat away butterflies.
The food arrived, steaming and looking dangerously edible. I took a bite. The flavor exploded like a festival in my mouth.
"Wow. This is actually good," I said, genuinely impressed.
She giggled. "Mhmm,"
As we ate, the restaurant staff kept peeking over from the counter. Some of them whispered. One cook bowed to me. Another one prayed. A child tried to touch my hand like it was some kind of holy relic. I gently moved my plate away before the kid contaminated my breakfast.
Right now, I shoved another piece of food into my mouth and sighed in satisfaction.
---
Power Stone Goals:
450 - 1 bonus Chapter
700 - 2 Bonus Chapters
Join my discord for early chapters: discord.gg/QRSjC6pNF4
This chapter was based after my girlfriend bought me some food. I never laughed harder at her jokes.