Starman

Nebula: "Brother, are you sure about the contract...?"

I look at Slinger, who is standing in front of the guild association's door.

Sun: "She hasn't attacked us yet."

Nebula: "Because I was watching her... and she might be in league with the adventurers inside."

Sun: "She's in front of us. We keep an eye on her, and she can't block our way out."

Nebula: "But the contract... it's not too late to do it now."

Sun: "She won't try to hurt us. And if she does, well... I have an ace up my sleeve..."

...or I believe so. I don't know if I can die again or not, but whoever brought me here doesn't want me to fail.

Nebula tilts her head, curious about my plan.

Nebula: "Are you just going to forget what she did to Shizuru...?"

Sun: "Everybody makes mistakes... I've made a lot, but I'm still standing. And I can't explain it exactly, but there might be a way to bring her back."

Nebula: "Huh...?"

Sun: "The answer will come to us eventually."

She frowns at me, trying to decipher my riddle. I go to meet Slinger again.

Sun: "Sorry for the wait."

Slinger: "It's alright..."

Sun: "Are you nervous?"

Slinger: "Of course I am... I work better alone..."

Sun: "Not anymore. We're here for you, okay?"

She holds her other arm and stares at the ground. I open the door and we enter. Several suspicious glances land especially on Slinger.

Sun: "I would like to register a new member for our guild, Red Moon."

— Understood. What's the name?

Sun: "Slinger."

— She's... a high level adventurer already. She's not part of any guild, however.

Sun: "Any objections, Slinger?"

Slinger: "No..."

— Understood. Slinger is now part of Red Moon.

Sun: "Ah, before I forget it again, can you upgrade our Stockers?"

We hand her our leather bags.

— Since your guild rank is D, your Stockers are now bronze level.

She hands us back the bags, now covered in bronze.

We hear the door open and someone enter. I turn to look at them, as usual. He has short golden hair and blue eyes, and is wearing worn clothes. He looks a little sad, but when we meet, he smiles at me.

— Hey... are you guys from a guild?

Sun: "Yeah. Do you want to join?"

Slinger: "Huh...? I thought you let me in because you trusted me..."

— I'm looking for a guild to join, but if it's full, I'll find another.

Sun: "No, come on, tell us your name."

Nebula stares at me.

— Miguel...

Sun: "I'm Sun, my sister here is Nebula and this scary woman is Slinger."

Slinger: "Scary...?"

Miguel: "It's nice to meet you all."

Sun: "Hey, uh... receptionist? Can you register him with our guild?"

— Understood. You can call me Shiina if you want.

Sun: "Right, uh... Shiina."

Shiina: "He's a beginner. However, since your guild is D-rank, he'll get some bonuses."

Miguel: "Oh, really? That's a great start."

Shiina: "Here is your Stocker, Miguel."

She hands him his brozen bag.

Miguel: "Oh, it's shiny!"

Sun: "Miguel, how about we eat somewhere nearby?"

We go to a fancy restaurant in town. The menu has several expensive but tempting options.

Sun: "What do you all want to eat? I'll pay."

Slinger: "No, let me pay..."

Nebula smirks at me.

Did you threaten her or something?

Slinger: "It's a way of paying you back... for accepting me..."

Miguel: "I don't think I'll want anything..."

Sun: "Huh? You look hungry."

Miguel: "Don't worry about me."

Sun: "No way. Choose anything, you're not the one paying."

Miguel: "That's exactly why..."

Sun: "So your concern is money? Man, those dishes are nothing compared to what we have right now."

Miguel: "I don't want to be a parasite..."

Sun: "Parasites benefit at the expense of others. You're not stealing anything from us. You're part of the guild now, part of the family. It's not like you're going to sit back and let us do all the work."

Miguel: "I know, but... it doesn't seem fair."

Sun: "Why not? Starting with money and help is nothing to be ashamed of. It's the least any human being deserves. Just because some don't have this privilege doesn't mean you don't deserve it."

Miguel: "I've had this privilege until now... it's time for a change."

Sun: "Huh? What do you mean by that?"

Miguel: "I come from a wealthy family. I really wanted to become an adventurer for a living, but my parents never let me. When I said I would become one no matter what, they kicked me out of the house."

Sun: "Wait, really...? Man, I'm sorry to hear that..."

Miguel: "It was my decision. Being here with you is my choice."

Sun: "Then paying for you is my choice. Well, Slinger's choice..."

Miguel: "But..."

Sun: "No need to feel guilty about anything. If you don't regret your choices, we don't regret ours."

I smile at him. His eyes widen in surprise.

Miguel: "Are you sure...?"

Sun: "Of course. But I'm curious about one thing. When you asked to be part of our guild, how did you know we wouldn't try to scam you or something?"

Miguel: "Simple. You seemed trustworthy enough to me."

Sun: "It was just... your gut feeling? You should be more careful. The guild association is full of pricks."

Miguel: "I can defend myself to a certain extent."

Sun: "Not without a weapon. After we're done here, I want to take you somewhere."

We finish eating and head to the village. Nebula flies Miguel with us, and I hold Slinger's body.

I didn't want to feel uncomfortable holding another man, but this is even more embarassing...

She holds still, unfazed by the fact that we're in the sky. Miguel, on the other hand, is startled but amused.

We see a villager and land next to him. It's the painter.

Daniel: "Holy fuck! Can't you guys be more careful?! What if you landed on top of me?"

Sun: "Sorry about that. Uh... Daniel, was it? Do you know anyone here who sells weapons?"

Daniel: "Depends... what kind of weapons?"

Sun: "Um, let me see..."

I glance at Slinger.

Slinger: "I already have a gun."

Nebula: "Um, anything related to magic...?"

Daniel: "The wizard sells magic weapons. There's also a witch, but she's a bit... hard to deal with."

Sun: "Sounds great! Got anything for a brawler?"

Daniel: "Nothing sold directly, but we have a blacksmith."

Sun: "Can you take us there?"

Daniel: "Seriously...?"

He sighs and turns, waving for us to follow. Nebula and I smile at each other. We stop in front of the smithy. The air inside is hot from all the molten metal. It's just a breeze to me, but Slinger feels a little uncomfortable.

Sun: "You can wait outside if you want. I won't be here long."

Daniel: "You're on your own."

He leaves. The others stay. I smile at Slinger for making an effort to stay close to us. We enter the building.

— So you guys are the heroes everyone was talking about...

A muscular, bearded man stands up, asserting his dominance.

— My name is Barik. I'd have thanked you earlier if I had the time.

He holds his large hand out in front of me. I squeeze it, a little uncomfortably.

Sun: "I-It was nothing, just what any adventurer would have done."

Barik: "I'm not sure we're talking about the same adventurers. Most would steal our goods while the orcs destroyed the village."

Sun: "We're not like that, I swear."

Barik: "You could have killed every villager here if you wanted to cause harm. That's why everyone respects you. I'm no different."

Sun: "Thanks for that, Barik. Well, I came here because I wanted to know what kind of weapons you can craft."

Barik: "Anything that's not too complicated. What are you looking for? Swords, gloves, spears? I can craft magical items too, but I would need the help of a wizard or witch."

Nebula: "We heard you have both... I'd like to take a look at their items, if you don't mind, brother."

Sun: "Sure, I'm just looking around here in case he has some really powerful item that can't be found anywhere else."

Barik: "That's relative. If you find some rare material, I can craft some good stuff. However, common metals like copper and iron are cheap for me. I can give you a free item for saving our village."

Sun: "Really?! I don't have a main weapon, so that would give me a huge advantage! What would you suggest for someone who uses their fists and legs?"

He walks over to his desk full of weapons and picks up some metal gloves.

Barik: "If you like punching, these will fit like a glove."

Sun: "What is their melting point? Can I heat them up to increase power?"

Barik: "They're durable and don't melt easily. Go for it."