Kei woke up with a dull ache in his shoulders and back.
The tavern and the humiliation of the encounter in the street were still fresh in his mind. His pride was bruised, but what bothered him most was the crushing sense of helplessness.
"Damn it…" he muttered, rubbing his eyes.
"Not even a borrowed sword could save me. How am I supposed to be the chosen one if this is what happens when I try to show strength?"
The silence of the nocturnal city enveloped him as he walked through damp alleys, smelling of freshly baked bread and burnt wood. Every shadow seemed to shift around him, and the city's sounds reached him like distant echoes.
"No… I can't give up now," he told himself, adjusting his cloak.
"I have to figure out how this world works. I must be strong… even if I have no idea where to start."
A pair of distant lights moved strangely between the streets. Kei barely noticed them, but something inside him reacted—an uncomfortable premonition, as if he were being watched without being truly seen.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to ignore the sensation.
『Well… I guess it's just my imagination.』
Kei continued walking until he noticed a strange figure approaching. He paid no attention—until they accidentally collided.
"My apologies, sir," the man said, analyzing Kei with a sharp gaze.
"You are… interesting."
『Interesting…』
Kei frowned and took half a step back.
"Interesting?" he asked.
"What do you find so interesting?"
"Oh, nothing. My apologies."
The man smiled faintly.
"My name is Daryon Vhaleris. And yours?"
Daryon extended his hand.
Kei hesitated, then shook it.
A shiver ran down his arm—as if something invisible had brushed against him.
"I'm Kei Moriyama…"
After a moment, Kei pulled his hand away. Something about the man made him uneasy.
"Kei Moriyama… yes, that's fine," Daryon said calmly.
"It seems we will meet again soon."
With that, he walked away.
Kei watched him disappear, then turned and walked in the opposite direction.
"Hm… I need money," he whispered.
While wandering the streets, Kei noticed a small sign next to a fruit shop.
『Oh… looks like they're looking for helpers…』
After a moment of hesitation, he approached the owner.
"What is it, kid?" the man asked.
"Looking for something?"
"Um… yes," Kei replied.
"I'm here about the sign. Are you still looking for employees?"
The owner studied him briefly—his clothes, his age.
"…Fine. But only for today," he said.
"You're still a minor."
Kei nodded and began selling apples.
"Come one, come all!" he shouted awkwardly.
"Buy 'The Chosen One' apples! Hahah!"
No one stopped.
An old lady passed by, pretending not to hear him.
"Wait, ma'am!" Kei called, approaching her.
"Please buy an apple—I really need the money!"
She walked away without looking back.
『Ugh… she ignored me.』
『But I won't give up here!』
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A faint shiver ran through his body.
Kei froze for a second… then shook it off and continued working.
"Hey, kid!" the owner called.
"Come here. Here's your pay."
He held out a single Unit.
Kei took it, confused.
"Uh… sir?"
"Is this… it? What is its value?"
The owner raised an eyebrow.
"What is its value?"
"Kid, this is worth more than your life."
"…I see."
Kei walked away slowly, staring at the Unit in his palm.
『What a joke.』
『What am I even supposed to do with this?』
He entered a nearby shop.
"Welcome, sir!" the vendor greeted cheerfully.
"What brings you here?"
"I… want to buy something," Kei said.
"How much does this cost?"
He placed the Unit on the counter.
The vendor's eyes widened—just for a moment.
"Well, well!"
"For this Unit, you can take this bread and these apples."
He placed them on the counter.
『…This guy's reaction feels off.』
『Is he trying to scam me?』
"…Fine. I'll take it."
"Thank you for your purchase!" the vendor said brightly.
Kei left the shop, still confused.
『Should I ask someone about its real value?』
『Meh… later.』
"Hm… I'll try one of these apples," Kei muttered, biting into one.
"At least I won't starve…"
He stopped walking.
『No.』
『I need a place to live. No matter what it takes.』
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That shiver again.
This time, he didn't ignore it.
Hours later, he found himself outside the capital, near a quiet village.
The sun began to set, painting everything in orange.
"This… is unsettling."
He sat beside an abandoned-looking cabin.
"…Tomorrow," Kei said quietly, forcing a smile.
"Tomorrow I'll get a house."
He lay down on the ground.
[0.04%]
A noise made him sit up.
A gray cat crossed in front of him, staring with unnaturally intelligent eyes.
"…What?" Kei muttered.
"Are you judging me for sleeping here?"
The cat meowed once and vanished into the shadows.
Kei sighed.
『Uf… even cats are more serious than I am…』
Darkness enveloped the village.
Kei closed his eyes.
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