Chapter 5:

Bonds

Death Game. I'm not the protagonist, am I?


(Oh crap, I'm going to pass out. I didn't think this through.)
His vision was getting blurry. His body felt weak and fragile. His legs were almost shaking, ready to drop him down. This was a stupid idea.

Their leader gone, the source of their strength defeated by a stranger, the bandits looked in dismay, hesitant. If he killed the Captain, can any of us even kill him? Is this even worth anymore?
Inspired from this moment, many of the villagers raised whatever they could fit. Shovels, hoes, hammers, axes. Screaming names and rallying nearby where Saito was standing.

Their morale broken, the bandits took the wiser option and opted to leave the village alone, retreating away as Villagers chased them away. As a last ditch effort, Saito walks behind one of the intact walls. His vision turns black, his body dropping to the floor, losing consciousness. 
(I won.)

Unknowingly to him, his achievement blew up in his home world. Clips and videos of his prowess went around. It gained so much traction and popularity that those who didn't know of the streams now got to hear about it. For the first time, there was hope. Maybe he can survive this. Maybe he's the protagonist they were waiting to see. Friends of his notices his appearance online and notified his family. Feeling helpless, they called the cops, asked for ways to get him back. But ultimately, they can do nothing but helplessly keep watching the stream, hoping for their son to be returned alive.

His back feels soft, his body warm. His eyelids felt heavy, but he forced them open. What happened? Saito coughs, turning around. (I'm in a bed). Did the bandits leave? He reaches to feel his right arm. It's there. It actually grew back. A deep sense of relief came over him. Thank god I'm not crippled. This kind of regeneration is literally impossible in his homeworld. Maybe if he could go back home one day, he could bring it back to be analysed? He won't make it that far but it's always nice to dream. His eyes would begin to wander around the room. It's cozy. The door gently pries open, a girl peeking in. Saito stares back at her, feeling awkward. 
"Um, hi."

"Oh.. You're awake. I'll tell them"

She slowly closes the door and disappear.
(Huh. Wait. I've seen her before.)
Her name was.. Chloe? I think it's Chloe. She's been very friendly with people like him. But since they all end up dead, she hasn't been talking to survivors much at all. Not that anyone can blame her for that. Losing people you've grown to like sucks. 
(I think her dad was a blacksmith? Armor could be nice)

The door opens, an older lady, perhaps in her 40s comes in, holding a tray of food and drinks. 

"Goodmorning! I hope you're doing okay. I brought you food."
"Oh, um, yes thank you very much." Responds Saito, embarrassed.

She'd gently approach and leave the food on the nightstand beside him.
"Is it hurting anywhere?"
"No not right now, I just feel tired. I think the potion really fixed everything."
"Potion?"

Oh right. She probably doesn't know about that one.
The dad follows in right after, staring at him, as if in an attempt to gauge his character.
Without a warning, the man bows to him.
"Thank you for what you did. We're all deeply grateful."

Oh this is embarrassing.
"No! It's nothing! I'm happy it turned out well is all."
"If there's anything we can do for you, please ask. For now, take all the time you need to recover."

(Well, time isn't my friend right now.. But I'll take it.)
"Thank you very much! A roof and food for a week is all I need."

The man nods and the woman smiles. Chloe peeks again from the door, curious.

"Are you.. One of those outsiders?" the lady asks, a hand now resting on her husband's shoulder.

Oh. Is it because of my clothes? Of course it is. They've probably heard of so many people die like me that I'm just another one.

"Yeah, I'm sorry."
"There's nothing to be sorry for. We're glad you're capable enough to protect yourself. I'd hate you to see the same fate as them."
"Mhmm.. I'll do my best."
"Please take your time to eat. We'll give you fresh clothes later, then we can talk further. There's a lot of people out in this village that really want to meet you."

(Oh god that sounds horrible.)

Without much else, they'd both walk out. His eyes would wander to the food they left him.
This village is poor, so the food is usually bread, berries and eggs. Rather than the usual, they left him with a stew. A poor man's dish, but it looks fancy and delicious.
(I really hope I'm not abusing of their kindness taking this.) 
Sitting up, he brings the stew to his lips using the spoon, the flavours hitting him.
What spices are in there? There's definitely a couple things he's never had before. Well, surely there's things in this world that aren't in his old one. Regardless, this is delicious.  Without delay, he'd eat to his fill, emptying the bowl.

"Ahhhh... That hits the spot."

Wait. He killed that one dude right? He should have gained some levels from him.

"Menu open."

The menu opens, displaying his level. "Level 14". Holy crap he's tied with the strongest player that has been here before, and its his second day. A large smile appears in his face, happy. 
(This is amazing.) Then again, deserved. He took a massive gamble with Wesly.
His eyes reaches to his right, looking at the new extended menu meant for magic specifically.
(MAGIC!! Finally!) This is a difficult one. There's a couple choices in the box, showcasing options.
Various elements are displayed, allowing him to choose the element he wants.
He leans back, thinking. This requires considerations.

"Menu open?" Says Chloe, peeking out from the door once more.

Oh. His eyes immediately meet hers, surprised.
(NOO SHE HEARD ME THIS IS EMBARRASSING). His face lightly turns red.

"What menu?" She insists.
"Uhhhh I was just thinking to myself, there's nothing really."
"Oh.. I see."

They both sit there for a moment, in silence. 
This is uncomfortable.

"What's your name?" she asks.

Oh. This is unusual. I don't think she's asked anyone their name since the last couple weeks.

"I'm Saito. Nice to meet you Chloe."
His eyes widen. They didn't tell him her name. He shouldn't know it.
She seems surprised, but smiles.

"My parents told you about me?"
"Hahaha yeah."

She nods, reassured. Phew.

"Where do you come from?"

That's a harder question to answer. He can't tell her of this other world, he'd sound stupid.
"I come from Japan" he replies.
"I've met people that came from there before. Maybe you knew them"
"Yeah.. We travel a lot. I don't know them personally but I've heard of them coming here."
"Is that why you're here?" She ponders.
"I suppose so. I don't want anyone else to risk their lives so.. I want to try to make things better."
"Ah.. I hope you manage to."

He forces a smile a little. "I hope too."
"I'm sure you can do it. You beated that guy. He's been scaring people here since a long time."
"Thank you, I appreciate that."
"I'll go fetch your clothes, okay?"
"Sure."

She turns around and runs off the corridor. 
What a good person.
He drops back into the bed, facing the wall. 
This is the best start he could've had. The villagers are very thankful, so I'm sure they'll land a helping hand if I require it. And it feels like he's starting to make a friend. He smiles at the thought.

(Right... Magic.)
What would work the best? There's probably no right answer, it's about how he uses it.

"Menu open."

The menu opens once more, showcasing different elements. Fire, Wind, Water, Lightning, Earth, Light, Dark, Pure Aura. All of those sound pretty cool. Especially Wind and Lightning. But he should take something based on what he can utilise to its fullest. Pure Aura is basically mana that has no element tied to it no? So that technically shouldn't have any weakness. Because it has no properties, it should, by default, be the most flexible type of magic. Sounds like a sensible choice.

"Pure Aura."
The menu begins to glow, now showcasing Pure Aura as his main type of magic, showcasing additional options. Spell types. 

Attack Creation
Defence Creation
Supplementary Constructs
Curses/Hexes
Healing
Trap
Physical Reinforcement

Okay, that is oddly specific. Not only did I need to choose a spell type, but I also need to choose how I'll use my magic. An icon above requires to select two. Healing would be really sweet with how likely he is to be injured. But wounds are often so fatal that you might die from a single strike. 
Supplementary Constructs.. Are those golems? Like summoning magic? I'll pass. I use to read a lot of mangas and watch a lot of animes before. Physical reinforcement always ends up being broken. If he combines it with attack creation, maybe he could make something really strong. Yeah, that sounds really darn cool. 

"Attack Creation and Physical Reinforcements."

Both options glow as the others dissipate. They then move right beneath his magical element.
The menu changes a little, now showcasing his spells and a spell creation menu.
(Okay, this is freaking cool.)

Chloe runs back in the room, holding the clothes.
"I got them!"
"Oh! Thanks"

She leaves them onto the bed and then runs out, closing the door behind her. 
(Gives me time to think about my spells.)

Something with speed would be really nice. Speed and strength for reinforcement. Then he could.. I don't know. Do blasts? Explosions? Physical reinforcements should be his main thing, but incorporating "Attack Creation" into it is difficult.

Distracted, he keeps thinking about it as he changes of clothes, leaving his hometown clothes folded onto the bed. (I have all day to think about it. I don't need to rush it.)

His eyes goes to the door. He sighs.
(I hope I don't get harassed too much.)

Ohh. He had no idea.