For the time being, we decided to deal with the corpse of the Black Grizzly.

This creature’s materials are quite useful.

Especially the fangs and claws; they are said to be of high quality. If used as materials for a sword, significant enhancement is expected.

And then there’s the fur.

While its defensive ability isn’t that remarkable, it is excellent for warmth. For someone like me, who has lost a place to live, maintaining body temperature is extremely important.

“…Huh? What is this?”

While I was skinning it, I found something strange.

A red jewel.

It was inside the Black Grizzly’s body, emitting a dull glow and giving off an indescribable aura.

…Well, whatever.

I don’t fully understand it, but there’s no harm in taking it. It might sell for a high price.

After stripping off all the materials, I reconsidered the future course of action.

–What should we do now?

Should we head to the neighboring town as originally planned?

It doesn’t matter where we go, but if we do go somewhere, I’d prefer far from my home—the imperial capital. Somewhere my bad reputation hasn’t spread yet.

While I was lost in thought, Ray suddenly said something unexpected.

“–Then, how about going to my mother’s hometown?”

“Huh…?”

“You know it, right? Rastal Village!”

–Rastal Village.

Of course, I know it.

Ray isn’t the biological child of the empress but the daughter of a woman from Rastal Village.

Although she isn’t seen as a strong successor, it’s said that the emperor liked Ray’s mother very much.

Because of that, she’s treated more favorably than other half-siblings.

…Having this useless knowledge is because of the Macba family.

“I go there sometimes too, and everyone in Rastal Village is so nice!”

Ray enthusiastically speaks, waving her arms and widening her eyes.

“The food is delicious, the air is fresh! How is it!? Doesn’t sound bad, right?!”

“Alright, alright, calm down.”

How much is she pushing Rastal Village?

I’m astounded, but it’s not a bad option. If we go to Rastal Village, it’s far from my home, and I don’t need to worry about my bad reputation.

Yeah.

As a temporary place to live, it should be fine.

“Alright. Let’s go… to Rastal Village.”

“Yay! Let’s do that!”

Ray beams with a big smile.

“…In that case, we’ll need a carriage. It would be too much to walk.”

However, to rent a carriage, we would need to return to the imperial capital.

What should we do?

“Hmm, yeah… but I really don’t want to go back to the capital.”

Of course, she doesn’t. If they find out, she’ll definitely be sent back to the palace.

I don’t want to go back either. My bad reputation as a ‘failure’ has probably spread already.

…Well, it can’t be helped.

To get to Rastal Village, we have no choice but to grit our teeth and go.

“Ray, do you have any more clothes with you?”

“Huh? Yeah, but…”

“Please disguise yourself better so you won’t be recognized. We’ll go back to the capital for the carriage.”

★

As luck would have it, the carriage shop was ridiculously crowded today.

There was a long line that was incredibly annoying.

When I heard the reason, I couldn’t help but laugh.

Apparently, the reason was that the Black Grizzly had gone berserk and suddenly appeared.

It’s dangerous to travel down the main road now, so the demand for carriages temporarily skyrocketed.

Because of this, adventurers have hurriedly teamed up to prepare countermeasures for the Black Grizzly.

Well, I already defeated it, though.

But as a ‘failure,’ no one would believe me, so I kept quiet.

“Hey, look at that guy…”

“Yeah, he’s a failure of the Sword Saint… “

“I heard he was kicked out of his home…”

In fact, I’ve been hearing whispers behind me this whole time.

I really don’t want to hear it, but they’re speaking loudly enough for me to catch it. It’s incredibly annoying.

“Why do they have to talk about you like that when they don’t know anything about you!!”

“Calm down, calm down.”

I call for Ray to stop as she shakes her fists. Honestly, it feels like she’s angrier than I am.

“We’ll be at the front soon. Just hang in there.”

“Y-yeah…”

After waiting for a long time, we were slowly moving forward. If we waited just a few more minutes, we would be able to board a carriage.

Just then…

“Hey, you there!”

I had a bad feeling as soon as I heard the voice.

“Yes? Is it me?”

“Of course it is! You worthless piece of trash!”

The men who suddenly threw insults were standing right behind us.

They weren’t wearing the finest clothes, but they had weapons and armor on. They were probably adventurers.

“You can tell, right? We’re adventurers.”

One of the men said, putting on a smug face.

“Uh-huh…”

“We’ve got an urgent request, so you all need to move.”

They started laughing with a “Hahaha!” like they were really proud of themselves.

“Think about it. We’re contributing to society more than some failure like you. Move, trash, for the sake of the good citizens!”

–Lies.

I immediately thought that.

They probably do have some request, but it’s not an “urgent” one.

If it were, they would have cut in from the beginning. They could have just rented a guild-specific carriage.

So, this is just a petty excuse. They just want to put me down for not becoming the Sword Saint.

“You all. What do you think you’re doing?”

Suddenly, Ray stepped in front of the adventurers.

“I can’t possibly believe that your conduct shows you’re capable of handling an urgent request.”

“Huh?”

The adventurers widened their eyes in shock.

–This is bad.

Ray will never let this go now.

“Before you talk big, try becoming someone important in the guild first. Bottom-tier adventurers.”

“What did you say…?!”

“You just wait…!”

“Hey, let’s take care of this girl first!!”

This is bad.

The adventurers are definitely angry now.

They’re all drawing their weapons and focusing completely on Ray. No matter how weak they are individually, Ray won’t be able to withstand an attack from so many.

There’s no choice.

–Cheat Code Activated.

――――――

Available Cheat Codes:

• Attack Power Up (Small)
• Full use of Fire Magic

――――――

The fire magic has too much power. I can’t use it here.

I’ll go with Attack Power Up (Small) for now. I know a bit about combat, and this should be enough.

–Cheat Code Activated.

–Attack Power Up (Small)

“Die, you bastard!!”

The adventurer who had been holding back suddenly swung his sword down at Ray.

Now!

“Yaaaaahh!!”

I immediately ran forward and aimed a blow at the adventurer—

Boom!!!

The adventurer was blasted high into the air, far into the sky.

“…Huh?”

I stared, not understanding what just happened.