Chapter 9: Tengen`s New Siblings

I had spent two full days licking my wounds inside the ruins of an old stone tower. The place smelled like mildew and regret, but at least no one bothered me. Zero Point had nearly cooked me alive, note to self: maybe next time don’t nuke yourself at point-blank range. Still, my body had healed enough to move.

And I wasn’t about to give up on reaching the Capital.

Slipping on a dark coat I’d “borrowed” from a traveling merchant, it had that perfect dark edgy protagonist vibe. I finally set off. When I saw my reflection in a puddle, I actually nodded in approval. All I needed was dramatic theme music following me around and I’d be complete.

By the time I entered the Capital of Solaria, Valisthal, the streets were alive with merchants shouting and carriages rattling by. I, of course, immediately got lost. Somehow my feet carried me into a narrow alley where the air smelled of damp stone and despair.

That’s where I saw him.

A boy, maybe thirteen. He was huddled against the wall, knees tucked to his chest, eyes red and swollen from crying. His clothes were rags, his shoes looked ready to disintegrate, and his skin was scraped raw from the cobblestones.

Normally, I avoid this kind of mess. People problems are… messy. But for some reason, my legs moved anyway.

When I stepped closer, the boy flinched like a kicked dog. His voice cracked as he stammered, “P-please, I don’t have anything to give you…”

My eyebrow twitched. “Oi. Do I look like someone who would rob you? You’re clearly not even robbery material.”

The kid blinked, sniffled, then slowly nodded. “Y-yeah… you’re right. Sorry.”

I crouched down. “So? Why do you look like you just got kicked out of an adventurer party?”

The boy’s lips trembled. “Because… I did.”

I froze. Wait. Seriously? That was so cliché I wanted to punch the gods who wrote this script.

Through hiccupped breaths, he explained: he’d used the money from adventuring to support his little sister. He had no combat ability, none. His role was carrying supplies, fetching water, basically their pack mule. And today, they decided he was “useless.” They tossed him aside, leaving him with nothing.

Now, with no party, he had no way to take care of his sister.

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. “…Man. Life really just said ‘you’re the tutorial character, bye,’ huh?”

The boy sniffled, confused.

I stretched out my hand. “Alright, kid. Name’s Tengen. Starting today, I’m signing up as an adventurer. And you” I tapped his forehead with my finger, “you’re joining me.”

His eyes widened like I’d just handed him the sun. “Y-you’re serious?”

“Serious serious,” I said, grinning. “With my strength, we’ll hit S-rank in no time.”

The boy’s face lit up with hope for the first time. “I-I’ll do it! My name’s Ren!”

“Ren, huh? Good name. You’re a good kid. I can see talent when I look at someone.”

His cheeks flushed with pride. Then he blurted, “A-Aniki!”

I blinked. “…Aniki?”

“You’re like a big brother now, so… Aniki!” he said, nodding fiercely.

I tried to hold back the grin tugging at my lips. “Heh. Fine. Aniki it is.”

I stood up dramatically, puffing my chest. “You’re in good hands, Ren. Just so you know, I even fought Saint Hinako to a draw!”

Ren clapped his hands like an excited kid. “Woooow, amazing, Aniki!”

But I caught the flicker in his eyes. Yeah right, in your dreams.

I could practically hear his inner voice: Sure, Aniki, and next you’ll tell me you’re the secret heir to the gods. Don’t lie so much.

I laughed, brushing it off. “C’mon, little bro. Lead the way to the Adventurer’s Guild.”

And just like that, I’d somehow picked up a little brother.

Walking through the massive doors of the Adventurer’s Guild was like stepping into every fantasy dream I’d ever had. The building was huge, two stories tall, packed with tables, clinking mugs, loud laughter, and the smell of booze and adventure. The giant quest board in the back was plastered with job postings, and men and women with weapons on their backs walked around looking like they owned the world.

I stopped dead in my tracks, grinning like an idiot.

Finally. Finally, I’ve made it. The Isekai dream of becoming an adventurer.

I turned to Ren, my new little brother. “Wait here a sec. Aniki’s got some business.”

He nodded obediently, though his eyes flickered toward the pouch I carried. He still hadn’t asked what was inside. Good. He didn’t need to know I was lugging around more monster parts than a butcher shop.

I swaggered toward the counter, where my eyes instantly froze on the receptionist.

Long wavy blonde hair, emerald eyes, smile as soft as sunlight. She wore the guild uniform, white blouse, black vest and looked like the fantasy poster-girl for every newbie adventurer.

My jaw might have hung open a little too long because she waved, cheeks puffing in amusement.

“Um, sir? Do you… need something?”

I snapped back to reality. “Y-yeah! I’d like to register as an adventurer!”

Her smile faltered. She bit her lip. “I’m terribly sorry. Registrations are currently on hold. The magical registration device has been malfunctioning, so no new adventurers can be processed for at least a month.”

The words stabbed into me. My knees hit the floor dramatically as I clutched my chest.

“Wh… what…?”

Gasps rippled through nearby adventurers. I probably looked like a hero who’d just been betrayed by his best friend.

The receptionist panicked, bowing her head as if she’d killed my family. “S-sir, please! I-I’m so sorry, I promise it won’t be long, maybe even sooner if the mages”

I waved her off, sighing in despair. “No… it’s fine. Truly… it’s fine. I can wait.” I stood up slowly, forcing a smile. “In the meantime, I’ll sell some monster parts.”

Her shoulders dropped in relief. “Of course! Please, hand them over.”

Meanwhile, Ren was standing near the entrance when the worst possible thing happened.

His old party walked in.

Four of them. Three men and one woman. The woman’s face lit up when she saw him, but the captain of the group spotted Ren first and stomped over with a sneer. The other two followed, cracking their knuckles. The woman tried to stop them but was shoved aside.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the useless baggage boy.”

Ren’s face paled.

“Thought you could come crawling back here, huh? Without us, you’re nothing.”

They shoved him against the wall, throwing the usual cheap insults. Classic Isekai bullying template, down to the arrogant laughter.

That’s when I walked out, brushing my hands after finishing up at the counter. I noticed the scene immediately.

“…Ren. Who are these clowns?”

He looked down, ashamed. “M-my old party members.”

I smiled, cold and sharp. “So these are the idiot trio.”

The three men froze mid-laugh. Murmurs rose around us. Did that kid just call B-rank adventurers idiots?

Ren panicked, whispering, “A-Aniki, don’t, please, they’re strong, you’ll”

I cut him a glare so cold it iced the air. “Ren. Are you trying to ruin my fun?”

This was the classic Isekai protagonist embarrases the old party bullies scene moment. I was not going to let Ren ruin it.

His mouth snapped shut.

The leader sneered, puffing his chest. “Do you even know who we are, brat? We’re a B-rank party. People bow to us.”

“Oh?” I leaned forward, inches from his face. “Then tell me. Are you stronger than Saint Hinako?”

The man blinked, then laughed so hard his lackeys joined in. “Hinako? She’s one of humanity’s strongest! Way beyond S-rank. No one compares to her.”

I nodded seriously. “Yeah. She’s terrifying.”

The laughter cut short. The leader frowned. “What the hell are you”

“Ren.” I turned, still calm. “What’s the most important trait for an adventurer?”

Ren stiffened but answered, voice quiet. “…The ability to sense danger.”

A slow grin spread across my face. “Good boy. Ten points.” I gave him a thumbs up, then turned back to the trio.

“Then why,” I said, voice dropping to a frigid whisper, “do these dumb triplets not sense the danger right in front of them?”

The guild went dead silent.

The leader spat. “Danger? You’re just a”

BAM!

My fist slammed into his gut faster than anyone could blink. The man collapsed instantly, eyes rolling back as he hit the floor unconscious.

Gasps erupted around the hall.

I rubbed my head in confusion. “…I definitely held back. Weird.”

The two lackeys roared and lunged at me. I didn’t even move, just tilted my head as they swung and caught them both by the collars, slamming them into the ground with a thud that shook the floor.

The guild was stunned into silence.

I dusted off my coat. “Pathetic. Weaklings like you should stick to carrying bags.”

Ren’s eyes were wide as saucers. I put a hand on his shoulder. “C’mon, little brother. We’re done here.”

He nodded quickly, and as we passed, he turned to the woman from his old party. “Thank you… for always looking out for me.”

She gave a small, sad smile. “It’s nothing, Ren. I just… liked helping you.”

I smiled too. “Then thank you, for taking care of my little brother.”

Her face went crimson, fumbling for words as I waved casually and walked out with Ren at my side.

The guild hall buzzed behind us, but I didn’t care. For the first time since arriving in this world, I felt it.

The real adventure was just beginning.

As we left the guild, I stretched my arms behind my head, trying to look nonchalant. Ren, however, looked uneasy, still glancing back at the commotion we’d left behind.

“Well, that was fun,” I said with a grin. “Oh and by the way, Ren. Couldn’t register today. Something about the artifact being broken. Gotta wait a month.”

Ren’s face immediately soured, his shoulders slumping. “…Then… what am I supposed to do? My sister… she hasn’t eaten properly in days. And now”

I cut him off with a chuckle, patting his back. “Oi, don’t make that face. Your Aniki’s loaded.”

He blinked at me. “…Loaded?”

I waved my coin pouch in front of him with a smug grin. “We’re buying food. Meat. Bread. The works. If you’re my little brother, then your sister’s my sister. Of course I’ll look after her.”

Ren froze, wide-eyed, before smiling so brightly I thought his face might split. “A-Aniki…!”

“Yeah, yeah, don’t cry. First stop, weapons shop.”

Ren led me through the streets until we reached a squat, stone-walled building with a massive anvil sign above the door. The scent of iron and oil hit me the second we stepped inside. Racks of swords, axes, spears, and shields lined the walls, gleaming in the firelight.

I stopped dead in my tracks. “Holy crap… It’s the classic Isekai weapon shop! Complete with the smell, the atmosphere… Ohhh this is perfect.”

A gruff voice called out from behind the counter. “Well now. What do we have here? Customers?”

A stout dwarf with a barrel chest, braided beard, and soot-stained hands approached us, smiling warmly. “Name’s Borik Ironhide. Weaponsmith. What can I do for ya, lad?”

I grinned back. “Amakusa Tengen. And yeah, I’m looking for something… not on display.”

He raised a brow. “Not on display? Hah. What’re ya after then?”

I leaned on the counter. “A katana.”

The dwarf’s eyes widened a fraction, then he smirked knowingly. “Hoh… So that’s what you’re after, eh? Been a long while since I heard that request. Tell me, are you from Tenkai?”

I blinked. “…Tenkai? What the hell is Tenkai?”

Borik burst into booming laughter, slapping the counter. “Hah! Then you’re not. Forget it, boy, forget it. Doesn’t matter to you.”

I frowned, but his grin was too damn jolly for me to press further. Great. Another mysterious term I don’t understand. Classic foreshadowing bait.

“So… can you make it?”

“Aye. But custom forging like that costs a fortune. Months of work.”

“Money’s not a problem.” I tossed a heavy pouch of gold on the counter, earning a raised brow from him and a shocked gasp from Ren.

Borik opened it, coins glinting inside. He nodded, expression turning serious. “You’ll have it. When do ya need it by?”

“Two weeks. I’m leaving then.”

“Two weeks?” He rubbed his beard thoughtfully. “Tight… but I’ll manage. No promises it’ll be perfect. But it’ll cut.”

“That’s all I need.” I gave him a grin. “I’ll trust your work.”

Borik chuckled. “A bold customer. I like that. I’ll get started right away.”

When we stepped out, the streets were alive with vendors shouting, spices wafting through the air, and the golden afternoon sun painting the Capital in warmth.

I clapped Ren on the shoulder. “Alright. Time to spoil our sister.”

We dove into the stalls, sampling skewered meats, warm bread stuffed with cheese, roasted nuts, and even a honey-glazed pastry Ren swore his sister would love. I bought clothes for him too, real clothes, not rags and shoes that didn’t look like they’d fall apart after two steps. When he protested, I silenced him with a glare.

“Little brothers don’t get to argue. Just take it.”

He smiled so wide it nearly brought a tear to my eye. Then I bought matching dresses for his sister, one soft blue and one deep red, and some proper shoes to go with them.

By the time our arms were full with bags, Ren was practically glowing with happiness.

“Aniki… you didn’t have to do all this…”

I just grinned, hoisting a sack of meat over my shoulder. “Course I did. A man who can’t spoil his family isn’t a man worth trusting.”

Ren lowered his head, whispering something like “Thank you…” before straightening up again, eyes brighter than ever.

And so, with food in hand, clothes over our shoulders, and the evening sun dipping behind the walls of Valisthal, we finally made our way home.

Ren guided me deeper into the city, past the bustling plazas, past the merchant streets, until the cobblestones grew cracked and the lanterns fewer. The air turned stale, alleys darker, and the crowd changed from eager buyers to people who stared blankly at the ground.

The slums.

I kept my usual grin plastered on, but inside my chest, something twisted. Two kids, barely teenagers, living in a place like this. Damn.

We finally stopped before what Ren called his “home.” It was less of a home and more of a half-collapsed shack. The roof sagged, the wooden walls were cracked and patched with mismatched boards, and instead of windows there were gaping holes stuffed with rags. A single, pitiful candle flickered on the inside.

My heart sank.

Ren opened the door, calling softly. “Sari, I’m back.”

Almost instantly, a girl darted out and threw her arms around him. She was maybe twelve, thin from malnourishment, with the same dark hair as Ren but tied back loosely. Despite her condition, her eyes still held a spark of life.

“You’re late,” she said, voice muffled into his chest, then pulled back to look him over. “I was worried.”

Only then did she notice me standing behind him. Her eyes narrowed, suspicion sharp as a blade. She didn’t say anything, but I caught it instantly. Oh, I see how it is… she’s already marked me as “suspicious stranger who lured her brother home.”

I forced a smile. “Yo.”

Her stomach growled before she could say anything else. The smell of roasted meat and bread slipped through the air, and her gaze darted to the bags we carried.

“…Ren. Who’s this food for?” she asked warily.

Ren smiled, rubbing her head. “For us. Tonight we feast, thanks to Aniki here.”

Her eyes widened. “You mean… all this is for us? But… where did you get the money?”

Ren shifted, awkward, then finally admitted, “It wasn’t me. Tengen bought it. He even got you new clothes.”

Her gaze snapped back to me. Suspicious glare: level up.

I broke into a nervous sweat, scratching the back of my head. Why do I feel like I’m on trial?

“Uh. Name’s Amakusa Tengen. Nice to meet you.”

“…Sari,” she replied flatly, crossing her arms.

Yep. Zero points scored.

She finally huffed and walked to the small rickety table in the corner. “I’ll prepare the plates.”

Ren and I sat while she worked, chatting idly about random things, like how I should totally get an adventurer nickname. By the time the food was laid out, the candlelight flickering against the spread of steaming bread, roasted meat, and warm soup, the whole shack smelled like heaven.

We dug in.

The moment Sari took her first bite, she froze. Then her eyes welled up, and tears spilled down her cheeks.

I panicked, shooting to my feet. “Wha-wait! Did I mess something up? Are you hurt? Is it poisoned? Oh god, don’t tell me I poisoned a twelve-year-old on accident!”

Ren nearly choked on his bread. “Aniki, calm down!”

Sari wiped her tears quickly, shaking her head. “…It’s not bad. It’s just… it’s so good. I haven’t eaten like this in… in days.”

I blinked. Then sank back into my chair with a sheepish sigh. “Don’t scare me like that…”

Ren’s face turned guilty at her words, his hand tightening around his fork. He opened his mouth, but Sari noticed immediately.

“Don’t you dare make that face again,” she snapped at him. “You’re only a year older than me, Ren. Stop acting like the whole world rests on your shoulders. You’re not Dad. You don’t have to be.”

Ren flinched, trying to protest. “But I”

Before he could finish, I placed a firm hand on his shoulder. My pitying expression said it all. Arguing with a woman? Hopeless. Don’t even try.

Ren groaned, defeated, sinking into his chair.

Sari smirked triumphantly and stuffed another bite into her mouth. For the first time since I’d walked into this shack, her eyes softened.

And so the three of us shared our meal. For once, the crumbling house was filled not with silence, but with laughter, clinking plates, and the warmth of family.

Dinner ended with empty plates and warm bellies, a rarity in this broken shack. Ren insisted Sari try out her new clothes and shoes, and when she slipped them on, her face lit up like it was her birthday. She twirled awkwardly, the oversized sleeves flopping around as she giggled.

The sight of that smile, pure, unguarded joy, hit me like a knife straight to the chest. I’d seen people cry, beg, rage, but that? That was different. It warmed me in a way I didn’t expect.

Sari finally looked back at me, cheeks a little red. “…Thanks. But don’t think I trust you yet.”

I froze mid-sip of water, then laughed awkwardly, scratching my cheek. “Fair enough. Honestly, that’s the smart move. Your idiot brother, on the other hand, trusted me the second I said ‘hi.’”

Ren puffed his chest out. “That’s because I’m a good judge of character!”

Both Sari and I turned to him in unison with the same deadpan look. Idiot.

Ren deflated instantly. “…What?”

Sari shook her head, then looked back at me, serious again. “So why are you helping us? People don’t just… give food and clothes for nothing. What do you want?”

I leaned back, crossing my arms. Good question. She wasn’t dumb. I grinned faintly. “Honestly? I don’t even fully know. Maybe because I hate seeing people thrown away. Maybe because I was thrown away once too. But the short version? You two don’t deserve this life. That’s all.”

Sari blinked at me, chewing on his words. Something shifted in her eyes. Not trust, at least not yet but the first crack in the wall.

I leaned forward, finally saying the thing I’d been holding since I walked them through the slums. “So here’s my offer. Come live with me.”

Both Ren and Sari’s jaws dropped.

“W-what are you talking about?!” Ren stammered.

“Yeah, are you crazy? We can’t just-” Sari began.

I held up a hand, grinning. “Listen. I came from the Dark Elf village. Somehow, don’t ask me how, I ended up as their village chief. And trust me, living there beats rotting away in this dump. You’ll have a roof, food, safety. More than you could ever wish for.”

Ren’s eyes flickered with hope, but then he hesitated. “But… the Forest of Calm… It’s dangerous. Monsters… most people who go there never come back.”

I burst out laughing so loud the candle nearly flickered out. “Oi! Did you just doubt your Aniki?”

Ren panicked, bowing his head. “S-sorry, Aniki! Forgive me!”

“Good. Because I can kill any monster in that forest in one shot.” I thumped my chest proudly.

Ren’s eyes sparkled like I’d just declared myself the hero of a children’s story. “Amazing! I knew you were strong, Aniki!”

I smirked. Number one fan secured.

But then I noticed Sari, trembling slightly, tears threatening to spill again. I groaned. “Seriously, how many tears does this girl have in reserve?”

She stepped closer, voice shaking. “…You’re serious, right?”

I softened my grin, giving her a nod. “Dead serious.”

She hesitated, then suddenly hugged me. Her small frame pressed into my chest, her voice tiny as she whispered, “…Thank you… Tengen-nii.”

My heart nearly exploded.

She called me Nii.

Not Chief. Not Demon. Not Stranger. Nii.

I wanted to freeze time right there. I’d never had a sister before, never knew how damn satisfying that word could be. Right then and there, I swore to myself: I’m doting on this girl until the end of the world.

I straightened, putting on my “big brother face.” “Alright! First order of business as your new Aniki, this house? Gone. Too cold, too broken. We’re moving to an inn. Tonight.”

Both siblings looked at me like I was insane. “Now?! Right now?!”

“Grab your most prized possessions. The rest isn’t worth keeping,” I said firmly.

They blinked, then nodded. Within minutes, the three of us stepped out into the slums for the last time.

The inn we chose was in the Inner Capital, warm light spilling from its windows, the air rich with the smell of stew and wood polish. At the counter, I tried booking three separate rooms like a responsible guardian.

Ren tilted his head. “Eh? Why separate?”

But before I could explain, Sari puffed her cheeks and crossed her arms. “We’re staying with you.”

My heart cracked. So… cute…

I folded instantly. “Fine. Same room it is.”

When we opened the door, three beds awaited us, neatly made, the room glowing with lantern light.

Ren and Sari froze. Then, as if their bodies couldn’t hold back anymore, they bolted inside.

“Soft! It’s so soft!” Sari cried, jumping onto a bed like a child.

Ren joined her, laughing as he bounced on the mattress, years of hardship melting away in that one moment.

I leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a faint smile tugging at my lips.

They deserved this. At the very least, they deserved this.

Within minutes, Sari was still giggling and rolling around while Ren had collapsed straight into his bed, already half-asleep.