Betrayal

The next day. The four of us got up.

– Good morning everyone. – I greeted everyone.

Everyone responded to my good morning, Yukiko looking at me strangely. One of the king's servants knocked on our door, and Yukiko opened the door. This girl definitely loves to be the center of attention. The servant left our breakfast.

"After you finish your coffee, come to the audience room to speak with the king," said the servant.

The king will certainly talk about the adventurers' guild. We finished our breakfast; the palace food is truly wonderful. The four of us left the room and went to the audience chamber where the king was.

"Heroes of the Kingdom of Argarill , today I came to announce that you will be going to the Adventurers' Guild to form a team together," said King Albert.

In fact, Margarida wasn't there, maybe she didn't wake up well after remembering everything that happened yesterday.

– Your Majesty, why isn't the princess here today? – he asked. Yukiko .

This bitch is messing around, right?

– She has a headache, because yesterday was a busy day for her, but she will soon recover – replied King Albert.

I should have tried to control her again today, but I don't see how that's going to change my adventures or not, so I'll only try to control Daisy if she tries to harm me.

"But let's get to the point. I'll assign a servant to take you to the adventurers' guild. There, you'll form a team as agreed," said the king.

We all agree with the decision.

"By the way, have you decided who will be the leader of the group?" asked King Albert.

We really forgot to think about that.

“Is it important that we choose a leader?” I asked the king.

"Yes, because he will be responsible for the group's decisions. Of course, he has to engage in dialogue with the group, but the final decision will always be his," replied King Albert.

Damn, I didn't even think about that, maybe the four of us should discuss this amongst ourselves and think of a better way to define this.

– I'm the strongest here, so of course I should be the leader. – he said Masahiko with a smile on his face.

"Nothing like that, I should be the leader, because I'm quite intelligent, and I was the first to understand how this world worked," she said . Yukiko .

Is it possible that these two idiots don't put their ego and pride aside for a moment and think about what is really important to everyone.

"It seems Araya and Ayano won't be running, so I suggest we hold a vote to decide who between Masahiko and Yukiko should lead the hero group." It was a familiar voice.

Suddenly we saw Princess Margaret walking into the audience room, she went close to the throne where her father is.

"My daughter, are you better?" asked King Albert.

– Yes, I am, – replied Princess Margaret.

The king and the princess were whispering something.

"My daughter's suggestion is excellent, so I will take that vote," said King Albert.

Damn, this damn princess is going to make it so that only these two idiots will fight for command of the hero team.

" Masahiko and Yukiko presented their proposals, then Araya and Ayano argued why they would vote for them. After all this, the princess will analyze and decide who will be the leader of the group of heroes," said King Albert.

What the hell is this, this will only favor the princess's taste, even though the princess must be intelligent.

– First it's your turn, Masahiko . – said King Albert.

– I deserve to be the leader because I am strong and fearless, my group will have nothing to worry about with me by their side, I will do everything to protect my group – said Masahiko smiling.

Man, that was horrible, you're only going to get someone's vote like that if they're dense.

“Next is Yukiko ,” said King Albert.

"If I am the leader of the group, I promise to make all decisions wisely and in consultation with my group. I want to be a leader that my group likes for the decisions I make, not just for my strength," she said . Yukiko .

It almost seems like I'm watching a political debate here.

– Ayano , now it's your turn to say who you would vote for, – said King Albert.

– I vote for Masahiko , because he said he would protect us with his strength, his words touched my heart – said Ayano .

She's lying, the real reason she wants to vote for this guy is that she wants to sleep with him.

– Araya , you are the last one. – said King Albert.

Now it's my turn. I must think carefully about who to vote for. Besides the proposals, I have to consider that some people might hate me for voting, even though the final decision is Princess Margaret's. If I vote for Masahiko , he might think I'm flattering him, and even like him. But Yukiko might think I voted for Masahiko because of our conversation last night . Now, if I vote for Yukiko, I might make her think I voted for her out of fear of our conversation yesterday. Furthermore, I might make Masahiko hate me. This is too complicated. I think I'll vote based on the best speech; at least that puts less strain on my mind.

– I'm going to vote for Yukiko , because her opinions made me realize that she would be the best person for the job, Masahiko would be a great leader, but Yukiko is the best decision, because she had the best proposal, and she also had the courage to run, something that Ayano and I didn't have the courage to do – I told everyone.

"Very well, both candidates have presented their proposals, and both voters have already voted. Now we move on to the maximum vote, which will be for Princess Margaret," said King Albert.

We were all anxiously awaiting Princess Margaret's decision. The princess then walked toward us, passing each of us, staring at everyone she passed. I didn't understand what she meant by that.

“You all lied in your speeches,” said Princess Margaret.

We were all shocked to hear this from her as we didn't understand what she meant by that.

"But lying is one of the virtues that can be good for helping someone, but it depends on how you use it. If you want to use a lie to help someone, you need to be convincing in what you're saying and make them believe what you're saying," said Princess Margaret.

She's right, a lie can become true for someone else if you tell it convincingly.

"My decision is that Yukiko will be the leader, but you need to improve your speeches, because you were tense to speak, if I could, I wouldn't approve anyone," said Princess Margaret.

She really went hard on us, she didn't need all that.

– Father, now I'm going to go back to my room and finish some paperwork I have to finish – said Princess Margaret.

– All right, – said King Albert.

Princess Margaret was walking, she then passed close to me and whispered in my ear.

“Then come by my room,” whispered Princess Margaret.

I was definitely scared, the princess is dangerous, I hope she didn't find out anything.

"Now I want you to pack your things, the servant will be waiting at the main gate to guide you to the adventurers' guild," said King Albert.

We then left the audience room, I needed to find a way to see Princess Margaret without anyone noticing.

– Guys, you can go ahead, because I need to use the bathroom. – I told everyone.

They agreed and seemed to have no suspicions. I went to the princess's room and knocked on the door. She opened the door. I was afraid of what she wanted to talk about. I went in and she closed it.

“Hello princess, what would you like to talk about?” I asked her.

Her expression was that of someone quite scary.

“Let’s stop fooling around and tell me the truth,” said Princess Margaret.

– What do you mean princess, I need you to be more direct so I can understand – I told her.

– Since you want to pretend you don't know, then let's go, you used the Blue Slime 's power on me. – replied Princess Daisy.

She has no evidence, so I can control the situation.

– I swear I didn't use anything, you must have been mistaken. – I told her.

She suddenly started laughing.

– What's so funny?

– You don't want to confess, I want to have a conversation on equal terms and you keep pretending you don't know what I'm talking about, but don't worry, because your days in this world are in the palm of my hands – said Princess Margaret.

I definitely didn't understand what she meant by that, but it doesn't matter, if she tries to do something I will fight back .

Margarida then opened the door and told me to leave her room, I then left her room and returned to the heroes' room.

– It took a while. – said Yukiko .

I just kept quiet, because I had no patience for arguments, I started to pack my things and put them in my backpack, we went to change in the changing rooms in our room.

To tell the truth, I just put my two swords in my backpack and that was it, since I hadn't bought any fighting clothes for myself, I hope that doesn't get in my way.

We all walked out of our fitting rooms and saw the clothes each of us was wearing.

Yukiko is wearing a long green dress, with a red heart-shaped neckline near her breasts, in addition to the heart there is a red bow, as well as red embroidery and some in yellow, in addition a part of her shoulders are exposed, and on her arms she wears a long yellow sleeve with some red details, in addition she carries a magic scepter in her hand.

Masahiko wears a gray shirt outfit, but with some simple details, the collar of his shirt is high and open in red, in addition to a red sword symbol on his chest, he has a yellow sword in his hands, I bet that even though it is a simple outfit, it must still be an outfit that greatly increases his attributes.

Lastly Ayano , she is wearing a blue shirt, I can't see if there is any detail because it is because of her short cape, the short cape is open and is brown in color, on the short cape there is some red embroidery, in addition to that on the short cape there is a symbol of a bow and arrow, she also has a skirt that is blue in the middle and brown on the sides, in addition behind her short cape she has a bow and arrows stored.

I, however, continued wearing my black jacket with a white center. Their gaze toward me was that of someone who felt pity.

– I think we should go to the king. – he said. Masahiko .

– I agree – said Yukiko .

These two seemed quite excited because they wanted to be the center of attention, while Ayano seemed quite excited to look for wine and beer. I just wanted to be treated with a modicum of respect in this world. These three ended up in this world because they died, while I ended up here because I was sucked into a magical book. We returned to the audience chamber.

"Very well, heroes, this servant will now accompany you to the adventurers' guild," said King Albert.

Then the four of us and the king's servant left the palace.

" Please follow me to the adventurers' guild," said the servant.

So we passed through the kingdom, we saw several people in elegant clothes, after all they were nobles.

– What a lovely place, – he said. Yukiko .

So we arrived at the adventurers' guild, we went inside, it was packed with adventurers in the place.

– Talk to that clerk over there, she'll help you from now on, her name is Frederica , I'll wait outside. – said the servant.

Frederica is a woman who appears to be about 25 years old, she has light blue hair and light pink eyes, she wears a dark red hooded cape with white embroidery that partially covers her head, under the cape she wears a tight dress on the top that highlights her bust well, in addition the neckline of the clothes is relatively deep, we can say that it is a type of clothing that is great and is flashy making any man drool over her, in addition she wears glasses, we can say that this is clearly the typical design of a guild employee in RPG games.

The four of us went to the counter to talk to Frederica . Everyone was looking at us, probably already knowing that we were the ones brought from another world. We got to the counter, and Frederica smiled at us.

– You are the heroes who came from another world to save our world from the demon king, but you are still inexperienced, so I will guide you in whatever you need, by the way, my name is Frederica – said Frederica .

Presentation like those RPG games, I'm even getting sleepy.

"Now I need you to authorize me to place my hand on your heart so I can read you. Do you allow me to place my hand on your heart?" he asked. Frederica .

What a generic speech possible, but it's okay, we allow it to touch our hearts.

– Since I'm the leader, I'll go first – said Yukiko .

Frederica then touched her left hand to Yukiko 's heart . Suddenly, a white light appeared from her hand. The white light disappeared.

"Your name is Yukiko and your surname is Nakamura. You have the ability to completely heal and even regenerate anyone you touch. Furthermore, this scepter you use also allows you to use your ability at long range, but the scepter only allows you to heal minor injuries. " Frederica .

Everyone was shocked when they heard this and started shouting Yukiko 's name .

– Thank you all, I promise to heal anyone who is hurt. – she said Yukiko .

Frederica touched Masahiko 's heart without us noticing, the white light appeared again and then went out.

"Your name is Masahiko and your surname is Ikeda. You have great ability; you can increase both your strength and the strength of your weapons. Furthermore, your stats are those of a splendid warrior." he said. Frederica .

Everyone got excited when they heard this.

– I swear I will protect you with my strength! – he shouted Masahiko .

– Now it's my turn. – he said Ayano .

Frederica touched her left hand to Ayano 's heart , the white light appeared and left.

"Your name is Ayano and your surname is Matsumoto. Your ability is great. It improves your vision and allows you to see things better. You also have the ability to guide something to hit it where you want it to. " Frederica .

– It's really a great skill, I hope men like it. – he said Ayano .

Now it was my turn, Frederica then touched her hand on my heart and I started to feel something, it was then that the white light started to appear, I felt a small shock in my body and the light disappeared.

"From what I saw, your name is Araya and your surname is Hirokumi . Your ability allows you to copy the ability of the user you touch. With this, you can use the copied ability for a maximum of one minute. However, you can only get abilities if you kill the user. However, you can only get four abilities, because after the fifth ability, you will lose control of your body. Furthermore, from what I observed, you have already killed three slimes of different types and taken the power of a minotaur , so you already have four abilities. " Frederica .

But what kind of nonsense is this, I can't believe what I'm hearing, so now I can only keep using this skill to copy other skills for a minute, besides everyone is looking at me with a look of contempt.

– I'm sorry if that wasn't what you wanted to hear – he said . Frederica .

– Let's go. – he said. Yukiko .

– Wait! – he shouted. Frederica .

Frederica then gave Yukiko a B- rank mission to defeat some boars in a nearby field. We left the adventurers' guild. Yukiko asked the servant to guide us to the field containing the boars, and he led us there. Once there, we saw 30 furious boars. Our first team mission begins now.

The boars surged like a wild wave from the undergrowth. Their hooves pounded against the ground like war drums, and the dust stirred up making it difficult to tell exactly how many there were. But there were at least thirty, all with red eyes and sharp fangs.

Masahiko stepped forward, raising his sword with exaggerated confidence.

– Leave it to me! – he said. Masahiko activating his ability.

His body glowed gold, muscles pulsing with power.

– Idiot , don't attack alone! – he warned. Yukiko , raising the scepter to prepare cures.

Ayano was already a few meters back, on a small hill, bow in hand. Her eyes shone as she activated the skill. Every detail of the field, every movement of the boars, became crystal clear. She drew the string and released. The arrow flew, spun in the air, and deflected on its own, striking one of the monsters in the eye. It fell instantly.

Meanwhile, I observed the situation. The numerical advantage was absurd, and if we didn't do something soon, we would be overwhelmed. I raised my hand and used the power of the Slow Slime . A blue aura spread across the ground, like creeping mist, enveloping part of the herd. The boars within the mystical field slowed their pace, as if racing against an invisible tide.

– Good , Araya ! – he shouted. Yukiko , noticing the momentary relief.

Masahiko seized the opportunity, advanced, and unleashed an arcing blow that felled three boars at once. Blood spattered the field, but soon more advanced. Ayano fired arrows in succession, each finding its mark, but for every boar she felled, two more appeared to take its place.

Two animals managed to escape the slowed area I'd created and charged straight at Yukiko . I leaped in front of her, swinging my swords. A slash pierced the first boar's snout. On the second strike, I activated Slime Poison . The blade glowed purple, and as it pierced the monster's flank, the toxin billowed out like smoke. The boar screamed, staggered, and fell a few seconds later.

– You … protected me. – he murmured. Yukiko , surprise.

– Don't get used to it. – I replied, breathless.

But the real challenge was yet to come. From the middle of the herd emerged a colossal boar, twice the size of the others, with tusks as long as spears. It bellowed, coordinating the others, who became even more aggressive.

The monster charged at Masahiko . The warrior raised his golden sword and tried to resist, but was thrown backward by the impact, rolling across the ground. Yukiko rushed to him, touching the scepter to his chest and releasing a wave of healing. The green energy healed some of his wounds, but he was still stunned.

Meanwhile, three boars escaped from the side and surrounded Ayano . She shot an arrow, then another, but the monsters advanced too quickly. One of them leaped toward her.

– Not here! – I shouted.

I activated the Slow Slime power again near the boars. The animals grew heavier, their movements sluggish. Ayano seized the opportunity and fired three quick arrows, taking down the enemies one by one.

The giant boar, however, continued to advance relentlessly. I took a deep breath and activated both slime abilities simultaneously. Its aura fluctuated between blue and purple. As the giant boar struck, I crossed my two swords, blocking the blow. The ground shook. My sword blades began to vibrate, absorbing some of the force with the power copied from Masahiko .

– I'll hold this monster! – I shouted.

Ayano fired arrows that aimed for the beast's neck. Two stuck, but didn't bring it down. Yukiko constantly reinforced her allies, but her energy was already running low. Masahiko , recovered, stood up again.

– That animal is mine! – he shouted. Masahiko running towards the giant boar.

– No , you idiot! If you attack head-on, you'll die! – he shouted. Yukiko .

Masahiko ignored it, leaped over the monster, and swung down with his shining sword. The blow opened a deep gash in the boar's back, but it was shaken like a rag doll, thrown to the ground. Yukiko , desperate, rushed to heal it again.

I then seized this moment and plunged both swords into the giant boar's chest, releasing concentrated venom. The creature's body trembled, foam pouring from its mouth. Ayano fired one last arrow, which pierced its eye and exited through the back of its neck. The monster roared once and collapsed, kicking up dust.

The other boars, leaderless, retreated in panic and scattered across the field. Silence returned.

Everyone was exhausted, covered in sweat, blood, and dust. Yukiko sank to her knees, leaning on the scepter.

“We did it… Our first mission… completed.” I said with a heavy sigh.

I slowly cleaned my swords, watching the purple smoke of poison rise from the giant boar's body. For a moment, I felt useful. Then a metallic sound cut through the air. Firm, heavy footsteps approached. From atop the nearby hill, a figure emerged, shrouded in an aura of authority. The winds lifted her long blond hair and golden gown.

It was Princess Margaret.

“But what is she doing here?” I asked myself.

The four heroes froze. Yukiko was the first to react.

– Your Highness… what are you doing here? – he said Yukiko surprised

Margarida descended calmly, her cold, calculating gaze fixed on Araya .

Slime ’s power on me,” said Princess Daisy.

Wait, don't tell me this is an ambush.

My heart began to race. The whispered words in the room echoed in his mind. He took a step back, startled.

– I don’t know what you’re talking about… – I told her.

The princess smiled cruelly.

"Lie again? Frederica confirmed to me the information that you can use the Red Slime 's ability ," said Princess Daisy.

Without another word, she raised her hand. A red magic circle formed in the air, unleashing a volley of fireballs toward me. I hurriedly raised both my swords, blocking the impact. The force was so brutal that my feet dragged along the ground, leaving marks in the earth.

"Princess! What are you doing? He's our ally!" he shouted. Yukiko in shock.

“Ally?” Margarida’s voice dripped with contempt.

"He's a risk. A monster disguised as a hero. Don't you see? His ability is treacherous. Sooner or later, he'll use it against you. I'm just anticipating the inevitable," Margarida said with disgust and contempt.

This bitch is trying to manipulate these three, I hope they don't get carried away by her speech.

The other three's eyes flickered. Masahiko gritted his teeth. Ayano looked away. Yukiko remained silent, hesitant.

“You can’t believe her!” I shouted desperately.

I felt the ice crawl up his spine.

"You don't believe this, do you? We fought together just now! I saved you all!" I continued to tell them desperately.

Masahiko lowered his head, but his words were sharp.

"Maybe the princess is right. Someone with that kind of power... could be dangerous," he said . Masahiko

Ayano sighed, avoiding looking at me.

– I… I always thought it was strange how you got that information from the princess, but I see you used disgusting methods to do it. – he said Ayano with her head down.

Yukiko closed her eyes, clutching the scepter.

– Araya … you're rotten. – he said Yukiko looking at me with a look of contempt.

“No… you can’t be serious.” I said in a trembling voice, somewhere between anger and disbelief.

"After everything I've done, you're going to turn your back on me?" I asked irritably.

Masahiko advanced towards me first with his golden sword in hand.

– Accept it, Araya ! You should never have come to this world! – he said Masahiko

The clash of swords echoed as I blocked the blow. My arms trembled from the force of the impact. I counterattacked, aiming for the warrior's flank, but Ayano loosed two quick arrows that forced me back. One grazed his face, another tore through his leg.

– Damn… – I growled as I felt my blood drain.

Masahiko roared and attacked again. I activated the Slow Slime 's power , trying to slow the three of them. The blue field spread, slowing their movements. For a moment, it seemed I might even the odds.

I seized the opportunity and ran toward Ayano . With a quick spin, I activated Slime Poison and made a shallow cut on her arm. The archer screamed, recoiling as the toxin coursed through her veins.

– Ayano ! – he shouted. Yukiko .

Yukiko immediately extended the scepter and purified the poison with her healing.

I gasped, exhausted. My body no longer responded as it had before, and the timer on Masahiko 's ability had run out. Now I was alone, limited, while the three of them regrouped.

Masahiko wasted no time. With a leap, he came down with his shining sword. I blocked it, but the blow was so powerful that it knocked me to the ground. Before I could get up, three of Ayano 's arrows embedded themselves in the ground around me, forcing me to remain motionless.

I fell to my knees, blood streaming from my mouth. Panting, I looked up to see my three former comrades surrounding me.

– Traitors… damned traitors… – I muttered in a broken voice.

Masahiko raised his sword one last time and brought it down on me. My world went dark.

When I regained consciousness, the first thing I felt was a chill. I was in a damp cell, with chains binding my wrists and ankles. The smell of mold and rust filled the air. Every movement made the chains jingle, and I couldn't use my abilities. It felt like a magical cell, and I was powerless.

Outside the bars, a familiar figure watched me with a cruel smile. It was Princess Margaret.

"You're finally awake, fallen hero. Or should I say... slave ? " Her voice was sweet, but filled with venom.

I raised my head with effort, my eyes half closed in pain.

“What… did you do?” I asked her.

Margarida approached the bars, leaning slightly.

"I only did what was best for the kingdom. You're too dangerous to be left free." Margarida's lips curved into a cold smile.

“So, I decided to profit from your existence,” she said while laughing.

My heart raced.

– What are you talking about?

“ You have been sold,” the princess said matter-of-factly, as if talking about the sale of a horse.

"A slave trader will come for you soon. For someone like you, with unique and rare powers, the price was very high," she said with a happy tone.

I tried to get up, but the chains kept me on the ground.

– You wretch…! – I shouted angrily.

– Be careful with your words. – Margarida laughed softly.

"You no longer have the power to impose yourself. Your fate is sealed," she said mockingly.

She turned, walking toward the exit. Before she left, she gave me one last look.

"Goodbye, 'hero.' I hope you serve your new master well," Princess Margaret said with a smile.

The iron doors creaked shut behind her, leaving Araya alone in the darkness of the prison, with nothing but the pain of betrayal and the weight of an uncertain future.

The sound of footsteps echoed through the stone corridors of the prison. With each thud of boots against the damp floor, Araya 's heart raced. Soon a figure appeared before the cell, a tall man with broad shoulders and strong arms. His dark eyes reflected coldness, and in his right hand he carried a coiled whip.

“You must be that discarded hero.” The man’s voice was deep, full of disdain.

This must be the slave trader.

"My name is Oliver, slave trader. From this day forward, you belong to me," said the slave trader.

He entered the cell without hesitation, the chains clanking as I tried to flinch. Oliver reached out and pressed two fingers against my forehead. A magic circle glowed blue, spreading like liquid fire across my skin. A brand appeared on my forehead, burning like a hot iron.

I screamed, falling to my knees. The pain disappeared in seconds, but the feeling of being pinned to something invisible remained.

"Now it's done. This ability is called Enslave. With it, you can't attack me or disobey my direct orders. But don't worry…" Oliver said, smiling.

He raised the whip, letting the leather crack in the air.

" I don't like to force anyone. I prefer my slaves to learn the most... educational way," Oliver said sarcastically.

I gritted my teeth, fighting back anger.

– I will never obey you. – I told him.

Oliver laughed.

"That's what everyone says at the beginning. Let's test your endurance," Oliver said as he whipped me.

Suddenly, the whip cut through my air and struck Araya 's shoulder . Pain exploded like fire beneath his skin, making him scream. Blood ran in a thin stream down his torn clothes.

"You're a good screamer. That was just a warning," Oliver commented sarcastically.

I trembled, the chains clanking as I tried to stand. But my legs gave out, my body still in shock from the pain.

Oliver leaned in and looked me in the eyes.

"Remember, you work for me now. Whether as a combat slave, a porter, or whatever role I decide. Your wishes no longer matter," Oliver said, staring at me.

I was kneeling, breathing heavily. The face, once hardened by pain, began to distort. Tears welled up in his eyes, streaming down his face. But behind the tears, a new glow appeared, the glow of hatred.

He thought of Yukiko , Ayano , Masahiko . He thought of Princess Daisy's cold smile. And now, Oliver's cruel laughter echoing in his mind.

“I… will get revenge… on all of you,” I whispered through gritted teeth.

Oliver raised his eyebrow curiously.

– What did you say? – asked Oliver.

I slowly raised my face, revealing an expression contorted with hatred.

– First… from you. – I answered him.

The merchant just smiled, pleased with the spark of fury he had ignited in the new slave.

"Great. Slaves who hate live longer." Oliver said sarcastically.

He turned, tucking the whip into his belt, carried me on his back, and left the cell. He rode with me in a wagon, and we went to a place that appeared to be a slave quarters. Very close to this quarters is a farm that must have belonged to Oliver. He stopped the wagon, got out, and carried me on his back. He opened the quarters door with a key, and then threw me to the ground.

“This is your new place,” said Oliver.

From now on I will think of a revenge plan to get revenge on everyone who put me in this situation.