episode_0004

“Tskchacha…”

I got out of bed. There’s something about working in this body that I’m not used to.

I don’t know why, but I’m more familiar with the alter ego than the main body. Is it because you’ve been in an alter ego for a long time?

“Hmm… I don’t like it either.”

I looked at myself in the mirror in the bathroom. The black hair and red eyes are the same as his clone, but…

I don’t think I’m taller than 160cm! what’s this!

Not even a kid. I think I’m shorter than I was in middle school!

Can’t I just live as an alter ego? The clone is tall, muscular, and full of strength. Even… hmm. no.

“What is this..”

I look down at a soft body with not a single muscle visible. It’s such a drastic difference from when I was in my alter ego.

The reverse feeling when changing from a good thing to a bad thing is felt much more than the feeling when changing from a bad thing to a good thing.

“Ugh. What can I do? This is my body.”

Rattling. Squeak-

I quickly put on my coat and headed out the door.

“Key. Look at the weather. It’s killing me.”

It was completely dark today as well. It seems like there are more stars today than yesterday? Because I like stars.

Oh, I act as an alter ego, and when the alter ego sleeps, I act as my main body, so of course the main body is active only during the early morning hours.

Something is strange. It stays in the alter ego more than the main body. In fact, shouldn’t this body be an alter ego?

Jumble-jump-

rattle-

anyway. I stopped by the library I go to every day. I’m not the type of person who usually reads books, but since I had nothing else to do, I ended up looking for books.

And since this body is in a sleeping state for more than half of the day, I couldn’t sleep at all. I looked for books to pass the time, and finding out about the world was more fun than I thought.

“Hmm… What should I watch today.”

Yesterday, I read a book that explained the food of this world. But… I thought it would be terrible compared to Earth, but it was better than I thought.

Of course, it was not enough to keep up with Earth’s overwhelming technological power, but it was still a decent level. There was beer and lots of snacks.

As I was walking around the shelves filled with countless books, I found a book that caught my eye.

“Magic Dictionary? This might be fun, right?”

Monster. It seemed like monsters existed in this world. A creature that attacks people indiscriminately or something.

Anyway, I heard that there are countless types of monsters and that there are also unique individuals.

good. This is my decision for today! I immediately took out the book and headed to the reception desk.

“Um…Hey… Could you… lend me this…?”

“……..”

Crunchy-

When I handed the book to the librarian, the librarian looked at me expressionlessly, took the book from me, wrote something, and then immediately gave it back.

“Thank you… Thank you… Goodbye…”

“…………”

Nod.

rattle-

Seeing the still expressionless librarian nodding slightly, I walked out of the library with satisfaction.

You may ask why I speak so timidly. I am a hikikomori! It wasn’t easy to talk to people.

Personally, it was not easier than ranking for one game. Because it was really difficult!

“kya. Anyway, I never get tired of looking at the scenery of this village.”

As I walked home, I engraved the scenery of the village I had seen over and over again in my mind.

This place where I am is Trea Village. It is a small town located on the coast.

I looked at the sea from the top of the cliff. The moonlight shines beautifully on the sea surface, illuminating the infinitely wide ocean.

Above the sea, starlight floated densely, as if pouring down.

This whole scene was like a painting and more. Because I never get tired of seeing it every day.

“Tskcha.”

As usual, I sat down on a small bench overlooking the beautiful scenery and read a book.

The sound of waves can be vaguely heard. And the sounds of insects decorating the late night.

And the refreshing sea breeze.

‘….This is Yasuji!’

I felt like I could probably look at this for the rest of my life and never get tired of it.

Sararak-

I turned a page of the book like that and looked at the horizon again. I was so immersed in the book that I didn’t notice the passage of time.

“Ah. Is it time to wake up?”

Soon the sun began to rise over the edge of the sea. Now… it’s time to go back to being the leader of the Scar mercenaries.

I quickly returned home and lay down in bed. My own bed, which is softer and more comfortable than any bed I have ever experienced on Earth.

“Today… was the day to select new mercenary members.”

What will happen? It felt like my heart was already racing at that feeling.

As if I were the leader of a Scar mercenary group. I become immersed.

ah. I was the leader, right? anyway. It was so much fun because it felt like I was directly entering the game and writing the story.

“Haaam…”

Is it time to wake up?

I closed my eyes without resisting the rush of drowsiness.

***

Flashing.

My eyes opened. A cozy home and the feeling of elasticity and strength of the body.

I woke up as Venice, the leader of a mercenary group.

“……”

I immediately got up from my seat and checked the time.

9:20. The time we were supposed to meet Seris at the Scar mercenary base was 10 o’clock, so it would be perfect if we get ready now.

Squeak-clatter.

How much time does a man need to prepare? I quickly got ready, went out of the house, and started heading towards the mercenary base.

Leria Village is as peaceful as ever. There was just one difference.

‘Why are there so many people?’

Leria Village was not a small village. It was a village large enough to be considered a city, but there were only a few people passing by on a regular basis.

But there were a lot of people today. In particular, I saw a lot of non-ordinary people wearing different types of equipment.

“No way.”

The people all walked in one direction. And at the end of that direction… there was a base for the Scar mercenaries.

“…Captain.”

At the base of the Scar mercenaries, where I headed with anxiety, Seris, expressionless as usual, greeted me.

“Vice-captain Seris. Are these all applicants for membership?”

“…Yes. Leader.”

Seris looked at the crowd gathered in front of the mercenary base with a somewhat uncomfortable expression.

This was probably a situation that Seris had experienced many times before. Nevertheless, only thugs were recruited into the mercenary group.

It seemed like he was worried that the same thing would happen again.

“Vice-captain Seris. Could you write down the numbers on a small piece of paper?”

“For what reason..?”

“Wouldn’t it be cumbersome to control all this crowd one by one and take the entrance exam? So, the idea is to take a number and take the test quickly and concisely.”

When people gather so randomly and without order, the most efficient way is to create numbered tickets.

It was also the most equal and surest method.

“Here it is. Leader.”

“Thank you.”

“…….”

Seris quickly created hundreds of numbered tickets. How can your hands be this fast?

anyway. I started injecting magical energy one by one in the order of the numbers.

“Chief. May I ask why you inject magic power into paper?”

“Ah. Wouldn’t it be extremely inefficient for all these people to just stand still and wait? If you let everyone disperse freely throughout the village and then burn their magic according to their number, you will be notified that that person’s turn has come.”

“Ah..! That way…!”

Ceris’s expressionless expression broke slightly, and she made an expression that seemed somewhat admiring.

You couldn’t even imagine that in this world? You take a numbered ticket, check the numbered ticket on your phone, and go accordingly when your turn comes. Latecomers can cancel after a few minutes of delay.

What an efficient and good method that is! There is no need to even waste time.

“Then Vice-Captain Seris. Hand out these numbered tickets to those who arrive quickly.”

“Okay. Leader.”

Cerise took the numbered tickets from me and began handing them out quickly and concisely.

The people who received the number tickets were puzzled at first, but after listening to Cerise’s explanation, they were convinced and impressed, and began to leave one by one.

“Vice-captain Seris. Are you ready?”

“Yes. I was always ready.”

“Good. Then let’s get started.”

After burning number 1 with magic power, soon participant number 1 entered the parade ground.

“…What should I do?”

“Just stay still.”

Number 1 heard that and laughed as if it were absurd.

what. Because I have the fastest way.

‘…spotting talent.’

[Potential: ☆☆☆☆☆ (worse than even a bug!)]

“Disqualified. Just leave as is.”

“What? No…”

Gooo-

“Is there a problem?”

“….Tch.”

Number 1 tried to say something, but when I turned on my magic and looked at him, he left the parade ground without even saying a word.

“Chief. Is it really okay if you just look at the face?”

“At ease. I have a plan.”

No potential at all? It’s just straight up elimination.

Unless you have a minimum potential of 2 or more and additional unique abilities, you can never join.

Because I planned to continue the Scar mercenary group as an elite few.

What is scarier than a capable enemy is an incompetent ally. I have no intention of bringing in incompetent allies.

“….Are you really still?”

“Yes.”

[Potential: ☆☆☆☆☆ (Not even worse than a bug!)]

“Eliminated.”

Unfortunately, you cannot join us!

After that, countless elimination feasts unfolded. Seeing me like that, Seris seemed like she was going to say something at first, but then she just stared with a helpless expression on her face.

“….eliminated.”

***

“…Passed. This is all over.”

“I don’t know if this is correct. Leader…”

Phew. The elimination parade show that lasted several hours finally came to an end. Seris. Not sure if this is right? Of course this is right!

I looked at the successful applicants who stood at attention with nervous expressions.

‘….average potential of 3, with more than 2 unique abilities in total. excellent.’

Even though they all looked so foolish, they were all people with great potential. This is enough.

“Trust me. Vice-captain Seris. The revival of the Scar mercenaries has only just begun.”

“Ha. yes. Okay.”

Please don’t look like you’ve given up. I’m hurting.

Because there will definitely be good results. The results will prove it!

“Everyone focus.”

“”…Focus!””

good. I like the quick action. This is how it tastes good to grow it.

“As of today, you are part of the ‘Scar Mercenaries’. Make you proud.”

After those words were finished, everyone was happy and enjoying the joy. Looking at the situation, most people were really desperate for money, so they were so happy just because they could make money.

good. Well then, let’s get started.

“The joy ends there. I will tell you what to do from now on.”

“”Yep!””

Everyone looked at me with bright eyes, half nervous and half excited.

What should I do? Of course…

“Everyone run 300 laps around the parade ground. At a full sprint.”

Since ancient times, there has been a saying that physical strength is the power of a nation. As such, physical strength serves as a strong foundation in any situation.

“”…………???””

“Didn’t you hear? I’ll say it again. Run 300 laps around the parade ground at full speed.”

Why are you looking at me so confused? Run?

“Me. Captain… this is a little…”

A courageous mercenary member spoke to me. Well, suddenly 300 laps around the parade ground doesn’t seem like a lot?

“Is there a problem? If you are dissatisfied, leave the mercenary group. There is no need for members who do not listen to orders.”

As soon as I said that, the members started running at full speed with expressions of exhaustion, as if something had finally gone wrong.

what. If you tease me, I’ll leave. What can you do?

This all forms the foundation for you. huh?

***

“……Huh.”

Seris smiled helplessly as she looked at the sand dust rising up on the parade ground.

leader. Of all the people I have ever seen, he is the most unique and strange person.

‘I can’t possibly predict it.’

What will this person do in the future? I really couldn’t predict what was ahead.

Without noticing the anticipation growing in a corner of her heart, Seris stood next to the leader and silently watched the members.

“Look at the speed! Don’t you run straight?!”

Of course, Ceris was enjoying it a little too.