Chapter 20:

My future going forward

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


The last thing I remember was using the ring I stole from Velres as soon as I lost my arm. 
Then everything went black. I passed out, no doubt.

He wakes up, a familiar scent reaching his nose. He takes note of his surroundings, realising he's back at his usual bed in Glowvia. 
(So I did crush him.)

Feels amazing to think about. That guy had everything coming for me. I'm glad I was the one to deal a finishing blow. I hope the others are fine. 

He inspects his body, looking and feeling for any injuries. But no, there's none. The ring really worked. He looks at his hand, the ring still resting on his finger. Two charges left.

He smiles. I finally got one for myself. Feels great to have cheats. He sits up. Usually by now, people would've woken him up. Maybe something happened. He dresses himself up in the fresh clothes left aside for him, stepping out of his room. Chloe, Via and Trevor are all seated at the table with someone he's never seen before. Heavily equipped with an heavy armour, the man's face looks tense. The atmosphere feels heavy and he's not even near it. 

He sighs to himself and walks up to the table. Their eyes turn to him.
In those difficult times, their eyes light up. Happy to see him alive and well.

"You must be Saito." Speaks the armoured man.

Oh. He's from the military. He's wearing the same patches they were wearing.
"Yes, I'm Saito."
"Please, take a seat."

He sits down. Their eyes turned to him.
Something is up, he just doesn't know what it is.

"First things first. I'm Grenn, one of the three commanders of the military. We've been told about how dire the situation here was, so I came here as well."

I don't recall him fighting alongside them. Where the hell was he?
"We can talk about you after. But right now, we're running out of time."
"What about?"
"Krist is dying. He's one of the man you fought alongside of. He's also the son of these two here."
"HUH?"
HUH? THAT'S CHLOE'S BROTHER?

"We do have potions, but his wounds go much deeper than a broken bone. His spinal cord was cut and he lost a limb. We stopped the bleeding, but he might never able to do anything ever again."

Silence. 
(Now I understand why they were so tense.)

"We believe the only thing that can restore him at this point is the ring you bear. I'd like to personally ask of you t-"

With no hesitating, Saito pulls it out from his finger, handing it out to him.
Grenn stares at him, surprised at how quickly he gave in.
"Please officer. Save him."
He nods and takes it. He then stands up and opens the door, looking out.
"SOLDIER! COME HERE. BRING THIS TO KRIST."

One of their man comes running over, grabbing the artefact. He leaves as fast as he came, in a rush. The Commander then closes the door and returns to his seat. Tears to her eyes, Chloe stands up and runs out. Our hero smiles a little to himself. (I'm glad I could make that difference.)

"Thank you. Krist is invaluable to us as well. Now, as for you Saito."
Ah yes. The interrogation begins.

"Where do you come from?"
Yeah, there it is. He leans back on his chair.

"If you don't want to tell me, it's fine. But you've taken down a notorious bandit leader, his reputation known for being merciless. You killed a Goblin King, dismissing an entire goblin population. You've killed a mythical creature that has been difficult for the military to handle. You then proceeded to kill Yeris and Velres. These two are one of the most dangerous criminals anywhere in this Kingdom, with bounties exceeding thousands. The amount of damage they've done isn't something I can explain a small conversation. Glarion owes you debt. I was hoping you'd let me pay it back. If you have any request, please ask away."

Oh. OH. This is huge. He's made a positive reputation in Glarion. That's the best starting point he could've asked for. His next checkpoint is to take down the Demon King, a quest that will, no doubt, take years to achieve. It requires consideration. 

He brings his hand to his chin, thinking about it deeply for a moment.

"I have more than one request" He finally answers.
"Let me hear them."
"I want Glarion citizenship."

There's a pause. Both Via and Trevor glance at him in silence. They both look pleased with this request. Well, that's no surprise. They want him around.

"I'll see it done. But I'd still like to know where you come from. Don't worry. You can trust me."
Yeah I'd never fully trust that. You can trust people until you say something they didn't want to hear is what it is. I'll give it a shot.

"I come from Japan."
The Commander shakes his head, confused.
"Where?"
"Japan."
"And... In which directions's that from Glarion?"

Uhh. You see. It doesn't exist in this world. Is he going to believe that?
Before he makes something up, Trevor speaks on his behalf.
"It's from another world."
"Oh. Okay."

That's it? You're not going to look at me weird for that? Is it common here?
"Is that common or something?"
"It is not. It is an awfully rare thing, but it's known that people from other worlds have came here before. Not everyone believes in it. But we're well informed."

THERE'S OTHER WORLDS? How many!? How bored can one god be to create that many different worlds. That being said, he'd love to explore them out someday.
Grenn clears his throat.
"I'll forward your citizenship myself. Your second request?"

He's been thinking about it. He does want to live here. Via, Trevor and Chloe are like family to him at this point. Krist seems pretty cool too. But should he stop progressing, there's a chance god begins creating new problems just to force him to move. That's not something he can do to them.
At the same time, his sword fighting skills, while satisfactory, are nothing special. He can become stronger. He needs active skills. He needs to learn. He needs the opportunity to see the world and meet people.

"I want to enroll in the military."
Both Trevor and Via stare at him, surprised. This topic never came up.
Impressed, the Commander tries to read him through his eyes.
"Why is that?"
"I want to become stronger. Enough to clear this kingdom of its threats. Nobody should be left to suffer the way this village has suffered. One day, surely enough, I want to defeat the Demon King."

His eyes widen. That is a pretty ballsy goal he spouted there. 
"A noble goal. Very well. You showed talent, strength, dedication and perseverance. There is no reason for us to refuse you. You're welcomed. We will remain at this village for a week. Once everyone is patched up and ready for travel, you can head back with us."

Saito nods. This is for the best. 
The large man slowly stands up, satisfied with the conversation.
"I wish you three a good day."

They wish the same upon him. The man walks toward the door, heading out.
The moment he leaves, their eyes turn to him.

Trevor: "You want to enroll? I thought you agreed to stay."

I did. But then god gave me a stupid goal.
"This will be my forever home. I intend to come back whenever I can. I want to learn and reach my full potential."

Via: "As long as you won't regret it.."

Oh Via. I probably will.
Trevor gets up and rests his hand on Saito's shoulder, giving him a respectful nod.
"Once you're done with your career, come back and settle down with Chloe. You have my blessings."

His face turns red. "What, no, there's nothing going on. I really appreciate the thought but I-"
Via: "You thought we wouldn't notice you guys glancing at each other"

WE'RE GLANCING EACH OTHER? I HAVEN'T DONE THAT!
"What!!"

They laugh, amused. His reactions are kind of funny.
However, truly. If a man like him could settle down with her, they wouldn't have to worry about their daughter being safe and settling down with a respectable man. He's proved himself many times over.