Ch.60Memory Loss (8)

I initially suggested we should just hang out, but nothing particularly appealed to me. And going for a walk wasn’t an option since my body was reaching its physical limit.

So I needed to find an activity that wouldn’t drain my energy too much. Something like watching a movie or going to an internet café.

But neither was a great choice. Finding a decent movie would be difficult, and if I went to an internet café, I’d probably spend the whole day just doing tutorials.

“Isn’t there something we can do while sitting down?”

“Well… how about a board game café?”

“Looking at the state of this world, I doubt board games would be any good either.”

If movies weren’t normal, why would board games be? They definitely wouldn’t be.

“Then how about a regular café?”

“That’s not bad, but it feels a bit lacking.”

We’d already chatted plenty. Of course, we still had lots to talk about, but that wasn’t the point of meeting up.

We could chat over the phone or text anytime. I wanted to do something we could only do in person.

“Karaoke… wouldn’t work either.”

That’s rejected for the same reason as the internet café. Even if we went to a karaoke place, I wouldn’t know any songs to sing.

While we were still pondering, Ju-an suggested something.

“How about a dog café?”

“That’s a good idea.”

Cute things are universally loved, regardless of age or gender. A space filled with adorable creatures would definitely be satisfying.

Plus, I had a feeling I might actually be able to pet dogs this time. Animals used to run away from me before, but with my current body, they might actually approach me.

“Is there a dog café nearby?”

“I spotted one earlier when we were heading to the movies. Let’s go there.”

So I followed Ju-an toward the dog café with a light step.

Finally, I’ll get to pet dogs! They must be so soft, right?

***

When we arrived at the dog café, there were adorable puppies everywhere. I nervously approached one to pet it.

I’m not a muscular guy anymore but a cute girl, so surely they won’t run away this time? That would be truly heartbreaking.

Contrary to my worries, the dog wagged its tail vigorously and ran toward me. Then it sat obediently in front of me.

“Does this mean you want me to pet you?! Is it really okay to pet you?!”

I would have been content if they just didn’t run away, but having one approach me on its own was almost too much happiness to handle.

Ju-an watched with a warm smile and said:

“That dog seems to like you.”

“So I can pet it?”

“Yes, the dog would like that too.”

Alright, time to pet it. Finally fulfilling one of my long-held wishes!

I crouched down and reached out to start petting the dog.

It’s soft and fluffy. I don’t know how to describe this feeling. It’s just somehow healing.

And for the first time, I actually liked this body. If I went back to my old self, I’d never get to experience this.

Still, I’m not about to remain a woman just because of one dog. When I make my wish, I’ll definitely ask to return as a man.

But petting like this is truly mentally therapeutic. If I get the chance, I’ll definitely raise a dog someday.

“Lite? Could you look around for a moment?”

Suddenly Ju-an spoke to me with a fatherly smile. But why should I look around…?

I’d been so focused on petting one dog that I hadn’t noticed several other dogs had gathered around me.

“…I’m so happy right now.”

“That much?”

“Do you understand this pain? Do you know how it feels to go to dog or cat cafés only to have animals run away, leaving you to just drink your beverage and leave?”

Some dogs would even bark fiercely at me as if protecting their owners. Because of that, I’d even had my drinks refunded and been banned from places.

I never thought they’d prevent me from even looking. It was truly unfair back then, and no one would understand.

Anyway, I happily continued petting the dogs… no, I was surrounded by dogs. Some were even licking my face and hands.

“Stop it~ That tickles~”

If someone asked me when I was happiest since being reincarnated, I’d say it was right now.

For this moment at least, I was completely satisfied with having become a woman.

“…Cute.”

Suddenly, a word slipped from Ju-an’s mouth. These dogs are indeed very cute.

“Right? Aren’t they super adorable?”

“…Yes. Super adorable.”

“But aren’t you going to pet them?”

“Just watching is enough for me.”

Ju-an said with a slightly flushed face. Why would he refuse something this wonderful?

Whatever the case, I was going to enjoy this time to the fullest. After all, if I returned to being a man, I’d never experience this again.

***

After being surrounded by dogs and healing to my heart’s content, we left the dog café.

“You were really popular with the dogs.”

“Yeah. Now I’m covered in saliva and fur…”

My clothes were covered in fur, and my face and hands were sticky with saliva. Still, I had no regrets.

I wanted to do more fun things, but there wasn’t much else to do. Should we just call it a day?

Besides, it was already 10 o’clock. Unlike earlier, it was the perfect time to part ways. But I felt reluctant to say goodbye.

“What are you doing tomorrow?”

“Training as usual.”

“You’re really dedicated.”

“We’re about halfway to the Demon King’s arrival.”

“It’s already been that long?”

It feels like just yesterday that I arrived in this world and discovered my changed body, but two weeks had already passed. Time flies.

“But is training even meaningful?”

A month is too short to accomplish much. Especially for building muscle, it’s woefully inadequate.

“Thanks to the Goddess’s blessing, my growth rate is incredible.”

“How incredible?”

“I’m probably several times stronger than when we fought that demon.”

“…Then was I wrong to ask you to hang out?”

I didn’t realize his growth rate was that amazing. If each day is so precious, he’s wasted two days hanging out with me.

“It’s okay to rest once a week. Forcing yourself can actually reduce efficiency.”

“…I see.”

I definitely can’t suggest hanging out tomorrow. It seems we won’t be able to meet again until next Saturday.

As we walked toward home, a question suddenly occurred to me.

“Isn’t something strange?”

“What?”

“This world clearly has advanced technology, even nuclear missiles. So why not just launch missiles at the Demon King and be done with it?”

Ju-an thought for a moment before explaining.

“You know most demons can’t die without divine power, right?”

“…Don’t tell me most of the Demon King’s army consists of demons?”

“Unfortunately, yes. That’s why shooting them with guns or missiles is meaningless—they just regenerate quickly.”

“Then how do you deal with demons without divine power?”

“You just have to hold out until someone with divine power arrives.”

“Like we did last time?”

Ju-an nodded in response. The world really is unfair.

“But how will you fight the Demon King’s army? You don’t have divine power either.”

“I’ve heard that a Hero’s very existence can inflict critical damage on demons.”

“What exactly does that mean?”

“In terms of compatibility, Heroes are at the top. They take reduced damage from any attribute and deal increased damage with any attribute.”

Isn’t that too overpowered? Or is that level of power necessary to defeat the Demon King? At least it doesn’t concern me.

Now I understand why we could defeat the high-ranking demon with magic last time. It was possible because the magic was created by Leo, the Hero.

But suddenly I noticed a contradiction in Ju-an’s words.

“Then why couldn’t we kill the demon last time?”

“Because I’m still just a Hero candidate.”

“So how does one become a Hero?”

“I don’t know the details. I’ve heard you need to pass some trial in the Holy Nation, but the Guild Master will tell me more next week.”

A trial, huh? Sounds incredibly difficult. But since Leo is currently a Hero, he must have already passed this trial. Maybe we could get information about it from him.

“Should I ask Leo about the trial for you?”

“I tried asking before, but he said it was top secret and wouldn’t tell me.”

He already tried, I see. Then there’s not much help I can offer… I’ll just cheer him on.

“Good luck. Someone like you should pass easily.”

“I hope so.”

Ju-an said with a bitter smile. I wish I could have been more helpful…

As we continued walking with somewhat heavy steps, we reached a fork in the road. If we part here, we won’t see each other until next Saturday.

Should I suggest hanging out a bit longer? But it’s too late, and I don’t have the energy to do more. It’s really time to say goodbye.

“I had fun today. See you later.”

“…Yeah, take care.”

I could only start walking after Ju-an had completely disappeared from sight.

I hope nothing happens between him and that orange-haired girl while I’m not around. I really need to prevent that… but how?

As I was seriously pondering this while walking home, I heard an unwelcome voice.

“Finally alone?”

Suddenly, that guy from earlier appeared from a corner. The one who had tried to assault me.

Bang!

“Aaaaargh!”

“Hello there.”

As a greeting, I summoned my gun and put a bullet in his right leg.

“Let’s start with introductions, shall we?”

Bang!

“Aaaaaaaargh!”

“This bullet’s name is Revenge. What’s yours?”

“Urrrgh…”

No answer. Is he in too much pain to speak? I hope so.

“So why did you come here?”

“Urgh… ugh…”

He was still just groaning in pain. But I needed answers, so I decided to heal him first.

I shot him with a divine power bullet to heal him and asked again.

“Why did you come here, you bastard?”

“I’m, I’m sorry!”

But instead of answering, he frantically ran away in terror. So I prepared to give him a parting gift.

I aimed at his testicles and was about to pull the trigger…

…No, that’s going too far. No matter how much I dislike him, as a man, I know the pain of being hit there. Let’s just let him go.

So I turned away from the frantically fleeing man and headed home.

Now I’ll go home, just kill Agath, and get some good rest.