New chapter of Nameless Hero is out! (1/3 chapters)
Blue-Haired Fairy
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I decided to take a look around the market, not just the tool shops but also various other stalls.
Since I was broke after buying the Managram, I was just window shopping, but I wanted to get an idea of the value of the Solido currency. In addition to the stores with permanent buildings like the tool shop, there were also people setting up tents as street vendors.
I wandered through the weapon shop, the grocery store, the pharmacy, and the bookstore, and I learned a few things. First, there were six types of coins in Solido currency, including gold coins. One gold coin is worth 1000 Solido, but there were also large silver coins worth 250 Solido, small silver coins worth 100 Solido, large copper coins worth 25 Solido, small copper coins worth 5 Solido, and iron coins worth 1 Solido. It seemed like calculating everything would be a pain until I got used to it.
The first stop at the market was the weapon shop. The prices of weapons varied greatly. A cheap dagger could be bought for one gold coin, or 1000 Solido, but a more expensive greatsword could cost as much as 500,000 Solido. In conclusion, just visiting the weapon shop didn’t give me a clear sense of the monetary value.
Well, I could make swords whenever I want, so I don’t need to buy one. Since Shia had told me to hide my abilities, I’d just buy one if I have the extra money later.
Next was the grocery store. This was the easiest to understand. For example, the boar meat I had just eaten cost 50 Solido per slice. It seemed cheap since it was easily available in the Lucur Great Forest. Other items included apples, which cost 75 Solido each, and cabbage, which cost 250 Solido per head.
Then, there was the pharmacy. The magic potions were remarkably expensive. One potion cost 5000 Solido, or 5 gold coins. Moreover, the talkative shopkeeper told me that the amount of magic recovered by drinking a potion depended on the person. For example, some people could fully restore their magic with one potion, while others might only recover a small portion of it, like 20 out of 100 magic. Apparently, Shia could recover her full magic with one potion. Honestly, this didn’t matter to me since I had no magic at all.
I looked back at my Managram again.
＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝
Race: Human (Demon)
Age: 11 years 7 months
Life: 4096/4096
Magic Power: 0/0
Strength B
Agility A
<Abilities>
Intuition A
Hand-to-Hand B
Swordsmanship B
Mana Release S
Mental Image Extraction S+
Mana Coating S+
Time Control A
Stealth E
Self-Repair C
＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝
It was strange to see Mana Release and Mana Coating in my abilities list when I had 0 mana.
Lastly, I visited the bookstore. Honestly, books were what I wanted the most. The moment I saw the variety of books laid out by the street vendors, I felt an urge to read them all. Part of it was because I loved books, but also because I was desperate for information. I didn’t understand much about myself or about the labyrinth city of Azarigrad.
I also wanted to know about geography. If there was a world map or guidebook, I would love to read it. However, books were all very expensive. Depending on the book, they ranged from 300,000 Solido to 1 million Solido each. On closer inspection, this particular book vendor’s stall was more refined than the others, giving off a sense of luxury. They were clearly doing good business.
—
It had been a productive window-shopping session. I had a vague understanding of the monetary values now. But I couldn’t help but wonder that why was Shia being so helpful to me. As the day wore on and the sun began to set, I looked at the small back of Shia walking in front of me and thought about that. We had spent the whole day together, but I was starting to wonder if it was really safe for such a little girl to be wandering around on her own.
“Hey, why are you being so kind to me?” (Jack/Lost)
“……” (Shia)
Shia stopped walking, quickly turned around, and looked at me. Her long blue hair fluttered as she spun. She was holding a bag with the ingredients we bought earlier, hanging from one hand.
“Aren’t you going to go home? Even if your parents are gone, you must have a guardian, right?” (Lost)
“…” (Shia)
She didn’t answer me. She simply stared at me with her golden eyes.
“… You’re only 11 years old, so you’re still a kid, aren’t you?” (Lost)
“I don’t want to hear that from someone like you, Lost-san.” (Shia)
“I’m half-Demon, so I guess I matured quicker.” (Lost)
“I’m half-Elf.” (Shia)
Her words came in rapid succession. Shia seemed quiet, but in reality, she was quite talkative.
“I’m a monster, so I must have become independent early on.” (Lost)
“I’m already independent.” (Shia)
“So, you live by yourself?” (Lost)
“Yes.” (Shia)
Seriously? This frail-looking girl is living alone? But then again, if she can defeat orcs in the forest, she must be skilled in combat. Still, it feels like there is some kind of complicated backstory.
—
As it got darker, Shia led me to a tavern. The sign outside read ‘Simnon Tavern’.
“A tavern…? Are we going to drink some alcohol?” (Lost)
“No, taverns are places where information gathers.” (Shia)
“You think people won’t mock us for being kids at a place like this?” (Lost)
“You seem to have a strong sense of boundaries between children and adults, but here in this city, adventurers who are kids aren’t that rare. Beastmen are treated as adults at 10 years old, and Demons can look like kids even when they’re 100 years old.” (Shia)
She said this in a calm voice, then confidently pushed open the swinging door to the tavern.
Maybe it’s a cultural difference. It’s not like I can compare it to another culture, but I can still sense the difference in the atmosphere even without any memories.
The moment we entered, the warm, thick air of the tavern hit us. The smells of food and the lively chatter of adventurers brought a comfortable warmth.
We sat down at a table in the corner. I glanced at the menu hanging on the wall and realized something.
“Now that I think about it, I don’t have any money.” (Lost)
I had spent all my money on the Managram. Now that I thought about it, my combat clothes were all torn up and looked pretty shabby. But in this labyrinth city, where all sorts of adventurers came and went, no one seemed to care about appearances.
“This time, it’s on me.” (Shia)
Shia said this with a neutral expression.
“Are you sure?!” (Lost)
“After all, the dwarves from the forest gave us money thanks to you.” (Shia)
“That’s a relief! Thanks!” (Lost)
Shia ordered some food and drinks from the waiter. She handed over a few gold and silver coins without even looking at the menu. Her conversation with the waiter was smooth and casual, as if she came here often. Maybe this was one of her regular places.
“…” (Shia)
“…” (Lost)
Shia didn’t say much. After spending the day together, I had learned a few things about her. She was half-elf, our age, had no parents, and was quiet. But I couldn’t think of anything to say either.
Should I introduce myself? I’m a memory-less monster (11) who washed up on the Lucur Beach. She calls me Lost. And I’m broke. Oh, that reminds me. Since I don’t have any money, I guess I don’t have a place to stay tonight. But I shouldn’t expect her to pay for a room too, right?
“I’m helping you because I’m bored.” (Shia)
Shia suddenly broke the silence with a quiet murmur.
What was that? Who was she talking to? What does that mean? She was looking at me, so I guess she said it to me.
“The reason I’m helping you, Lost-san.” (Shia)
“Oh, that’s the answer to the question from earlier.” (Lost)
So, she was helping me out because she was bored? She really is a charitable little one.
“If my memories come back, there might not be anything good for you.” (Lost)
“…” (Shia)
“Maybe I’m a terrifying Demon Lord.” (Lost)
“Stat-wise, that’s about right.” (Shia)
She answered my little joke without a hint of fear, calmly and bluntly. Shia didn’t seem to show much emotion.
“…” (Lost)
“…” (Shia)
The conversation stopped again.
Just then, the food we ordered arrived, and the waiter placed it on our table. It was a mix of meat and vegetables stir-fried together, along with some fruit juice I didn’t recognize. Shia politely said ‘Itadakimasu’, then, tucked her hair behind her ear and began eating with a silver spoon.
Her pointed ears were now fully visible. Her movements were refined, in stark contrast to the rough adventurers around us. Even though she was dressed as an adventurer, her mannerisms and behavior showed that she had been raised with good manners. If someone told me she came from a noble family, I wouldn’t be surprised.
“Can I ask you something now, Shia?” (Lost)
“Sure, go ahead.” (Shia)
She stopped eating and looked at me.
“Why were you at the Lucur Beach?” (Lost)
“The sea was beautiful.” (Shia)
“You went all the way there just to see the sea?” (Lost)
“Just stopped by while hunting orcs.” (Shia)
“So that means… you were over there because of Chief Dodoroto’s quest?” (Taurus)
“Yes.” (Shia)
I see. But the strange part is, why was she alone?
“Don’t you usually form a party?” (Lost)
“I’ll join a random party if necessary.” (Shia)
“Random party?” (Lost)
“It’s a party formed temporarily for the purpose of completing a quest.” (Shia)
“I see…” (Lost)
So, a random party is where solo adventurers gather for a quest. She doesn’t seem to like sticking with a group of companions much. But asking her any more about it would feel like prying.
Shia took a sip of her juice and then spoke again.
“I recommend that you also try making money with random parties.” (Shia)
I understand what she means. My goal is to regain my memories, and to do that, I need to gather information. So, rather than forming a party with specific companions, it’s more efficient to interact with many different people.
“Hey, you guys! Do you want to form a random party?” (Taurus)
I looked toward the source of the voice.
From across the table, a young man raised his voice and called out to us.
“Yes, we generally operate in random parties.” (Shia)
Shia replied as she turned around. Upon hearing her response, the young man swiftly pulled his chair back and stood up, walking over to our table.
“My name’s Taurus.” (Taurus)
“I’m Shia Randall.” (Shia)
“…Lost.” (Lost)
Taurus extended his right hand, so Shia and I each shook his hand and introduced ourselves.
Though he looked to be in his teens, his hands were rough. He wore a shabby cloak, and two swords were strapped to his waist. He looked like a swordsman. His hair was spiky and stood up, giving him a refreshing appearance, but there was a deep scar on his forehead that hinted at experience. Taurus glanced at the bow on Shia’s back.
“Are you an archer? I’ve been looking for someone who can use a bow.” (Taurus)
“Is that so? What kind of quest is it?” (Shia)
“Do you know about the skeletal subtypes that have been appearing near the 6th floor of the dungeon?” (Taurus)
“No.” (Shia)
“The quest for collecting their bones is apparently pretty rewarding. Want to help?” (Taurus)
“Sure.” (Shia)
“Thanks! What about you? Are you a swordsman?” (Taurus)
Taurus turned his gaze toward me.
“Ah, I’m…” (Lost)
“Lost-san is a pugilist. He’s good with close combat.” (Shia)
Shia stepped in to clarify.
“I see! Well, we need all the help we can get. Will you come with us?” (Taurus)
“Of course.” (Lost)
It seemed like I wouldn’t be discriminated against just because I was young.
—
Taurus moved over to our table, and we ate together while chatting. Taurus claimed he had been an adventurer for about two years but said he wasn’t very skilled. He said the scar on his forehead came from when he was a rookie and was attacked by a goblin (which was generally considered a weak monster).
His personality was gentle, and he entertained us with self-deprecating stories. During the conversation, Shia also helped me with gathering information about myself.
“Taurus-san, by the way, do you know of any adventurer parties around here that lost a member?” (Shia)
“Lost a member? There are tons of those, and since I’m in a random party, I don’t know much about other parties’ affairs.” (Taurus)
Well, this is just the first step. I don’t expect to get valuable information right away.
“I see. How about any major battles nearby recently?” (Shia)
“Well, as far as I know, there haven’t been any big conflicts between adventurers in the past year. Monster hunting has been pretty calm too. Oh, actually, there was a big event about six months ago on the neighboring Rauda Continent.” (Taurus)
Taurus tapped his chin, as if recalling something.
“What kind of event was it?” (Shia)
“It seems that a group of bards were involved in kidnapping a lot of children in collaboration with a town. The bards were apparently quite skilled, but in the end, it became such a big uproar that it destroyed an entire town.” (Taurus)
He continued eating his food as he talked.
“And you know… it turns out that the group that defeated them…” (Taurus)
Taurus opened his eyes wide as he spoke, chewing away at his food. His table manners were bad but just watching him was entertaining.
“Apparently, it was the members of… Chevalier de Liberta.” (Taurus)
“Liberta!?” (Shia)
Shia suddenly raised her voice in surprise.
“Yeah, that Liberta. I admired them so much that I became an adventurer two years ago. I haven’t heard much about them since they moved to another continent, but it seems like they’re still active. They’re truly amazing.” (Taurus)
“What is this ‘Liberta’ thing?” (Lost)
“Lost, are you a rookie? You don’t know about that legendary party?” (Taurus)
It’s not surprising I don’t know. Since I have no memories, I wouldn’t know.
“If you cross a river and pass through one desert, there’s a volcano called Vira Volcano. It’s a super difficult dungeon now, but the party that first completed it was Liberta.” (Taurus)
“Really?” (Lost)
There are always powerful people around, it seems. But for a rookie like me, it isn’t particularly relevant.
—
Night had fallen, and after agreeing to meet again tomorrow, we parted ways with Taurus. I was determined to ask Shia for some money.
“Sorry, but could you lend me some money?” (Lost)
I bowed deeply. Deeply. As deep as I could. I felt pathetic asking this after she had already paid for the meal. But it was inevitable. I had to lower my head to survive. It wasn’t something shameful.
“Sure, but what are you going to use it for?” (Shia)
“Use it for a place to stay. I don’t want to sleep outside in a place I’ve never been before.” (Lost)
“Huh… well, I can let you stay in my room.” (Shia)
“Your room?” (Lost)
“My house.” (Shia)
“Ha…” (Lost)
I was surprised that she would go that far. I wondered if it was really okay. After all, we had just met today, and I was an unfamiliar, suspicious person. But then again, we were both still kids.
“However, just for one night. You’re going to start earning money tomorrow, so after that, I don’t want to hear anything about it.” (Shia)
“Of course! Really, thank you for everything!” (Lost)
I shook both of Shia’s hands up and down to show my gratitude. Even though she was just passing the time, she was so kind to me. She was like an angel, not just in appearance, but in her actions.
“…” (Shia)
“Huh? Did something happen?” (Lost)
Shia suddenly lowered her face.
“It’s nothing. This way.” (Shia)
She turned on her heel and walked briskly ahead.
I really couldn’t understand what she was thinking.
—
As fitting for a maze city, the streets were complex, and it was hard to figure out where I had walked. The fact that it was nighttime made it even worse. Shia’s house was a few blocks away from the tavern. The area around it was deserted, filled with dilapidated ruins of one-story houses. Shia’s home was one of those ruins.
“Excuse me.” (Shia)
Once inside, Shia lit the lamps around the house to provide light. She took her bow off the wall and stored the items she had bought earlier in her shopping bag. The house was simple. When she opened the door, the living room was immediately visible. There were two more doors in the back, meaning there were probably two other rooms. It was enough space for one person to live in.
“I’ll sleep in my room.” (Shia)
“Ah.” (Lost)
“You can sleep on this sofa.” (Shia)
“Of course. I don’t mind sleeping anywhere.” (Lost)
As long as there’s a roof over my head and walls around me, I don’t need anything more.
“By the way, you’re not allowed to enter my room.” (Shia)
“I know that.” (Lost)
“If you do…” (Shia)
“If I do?” (Lost)
“…” (Shia)
She didn’t continue that sentence. Shia seemed to have imagined something and gave me a disgusted look. Her golden eyes seemed to see right through me.
No, no, please don’t make me the bad guy here.
“Good night.” (Shia)
“Good night.” (Lost)
The door slammed shut.
After that, there was not a sound. It had been a long time since I’d slept in a house, but I decided to lie down on the stiff sofa. Shia probably had something she was hiding. It seemed like there were complicated circumstances in her life. I didn’t want to force her to tell me, but if it was something troubling her, I’d like to help. She had been so kind to me after all. And somehow, I had a feeling we might have a long relationship ahead of us.
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