Chapter 6

Chapter 6: So-called, the Despicable Outsider

On a tranquil night, Ize faintly heard familiar voices giving instructions.

He could roughly guess what was going on.

In his heart, Ize silently mourned for Lanti and another girl named Chloe for half a second.

Listening to the crackling sound of burning firewood, Ize slowly calmed down. In this silent environment, a small red exclamation mark in the lower left corner of his vision became particularly noticeable.

There was an urge to click on it…

So, Ize clicked on it, using his thoughts to do so.

Instantly, a virtual screen visible only to Ize unfolded, displaying several lines of text clearly.

[Host: Ize Alward]

[Skills Possessed: Celestial Favor (Half-activated)]

[Current Mission: Join a Familial Group/Faction (Incomplete)]

[Reward: Obtain Skill: Heart of the Earth]

[…]

Yes, as a穿越者(transmigrator) and a despicable outsider, Ize Alward naturally couldn’t be without the characteristic system of transmigrators.

But this system is more like the game menu from old online games rather than an actual system.

Currently, there are three modules: personal information, mission panel, and achievement list. Just understand them based on their corresponding gaming terms.

It usually hides in the lower left corner of Ize’s vision, existing as a small arrow symbol.

It won’t appear unless deliberately sought out.

That small red exclamation mark indicates the incomplete state of the mission.

Missions appear randomly, and they offer high freedom.

The missions that pop up don’t need to be forcibly completed; just no reward if you don’t complete them.

The skill named ‘Celestial Favor’ was the reward Ize received after completing the achievement of ‘First Arrival in Another World’, though it hasn’t been fully activated yet…

Ize guessed that this might be due to the special nature of the world of “Sword Oratoria”.

Because ‘skills’ in the world of “Sword Oratoria” seem to be the crystallization of one’s will, the potential within adventurers’ bodies, and the hopes in their hearts.

The ‘Divine Grace’ developed by deities is the key to unlocking the potential within adventurers’ bodies.

Due to this special existence and connection, his skill remains only half-activated.

Currently, it can slightly enhance his physical abilities, with even more strength buried deep within his body, serving as his latent potential.

To fully activate and awaken this power, he probably needs the key called ‘Divine Grace’.

At that time, Ize’s strength will experience a rapid increase.

However, the achievement ‘First Arrival in Another World’ once made Ize ponder whether he had the system before or after his transmigration, much like thinking about which came first, the chicken or the egg.

But it was only during the initial period that he wrestled with this question. He understands the principle of ‘since we are here, let’s settle down’; overthinking leads to dead ends, and it’s unnecessary to burden oneself with extra worries.

So Ize very decisively lay flat like a dried fish and chose to abandon his thoughts.

“Speaking of which, I have a deity right beside me now…”

Looking at the familiar mission panel, Ize suddenly spoke softly to himself.

“But Artemis… I feel there’s no need to ask her…”

Goddess Artemis, also known as Cynthia, is the goddess of hunting in Greek mythology, known as the Mistress of Animals and the Lord of the Wilderness.

She is considered one of the three virgin goddesses of Olympus, along with Hestia and Athena.

She values freedom and independence, loves outdoor life, opposes marriage between men and women, and dislikes impure relationships with the opposite sex.

She prefers chaste virgins and youths who disdain Aphrodite (the Greek goddess of beauty).

Such is Artemis in mythology.

Even in Orario, despite years of faction life changing her somewhat and making her more humane, the faction still adheres to the rule of prohibiting romance.

Changing her stance is not an easy task.

Unless she meets the legendary Orion destined for her.

By the way, according to Ize’s reliable sources, regardless of how big森藤ノ originally wrote it, at least in this real world, Artemis’s Orion absolutely cannot be Bell Cranel.

Ize swore by his future divine lifespan that it’s absolutely impossible…

Considering all the above, the idea of joining Artemis’s faction is unrealistic.

At least for now.

After gazing at the stars on the rock for half the night, Ize eventually rolled back into his tent to sleep.

After all, Artemis’s faction rarely stays in one place for long, it’s already a habit.

Tomorrow, they will set off on their return journey to Orario.

As the current “weakest” among the group, Ize felt it would be better to go to bed early.

By the way, where did the Black Iron Long Spear he originally equipped go?

Ize: “Eh, where’s my spear?”

……

Nothing happened overnight. In the morning, when the dawn washed away the blush, the early-rising girls had already enjoyed breakfast, packed up, and were ready to depart with great anticipation.

Ize was the same. At this moment, he had a large leather backpack on his back, playing the role of a supporter.

Leader Letsha was by his side, telling him some things to pay attention to.

Through Letsha, Ize learned that

his Black Iron Long Spear had heroically perished while he was battling the two-legged flying dragon…

But after using it for a few months, the spear’s life could be considered worthwhile.

Hmm, should be.

For this reason, Letsha specially gave him a spare longsword.

“…… Well, these are the things to note. By the way, how are you feeling now? Do you feel the backpack is heavy? If it is, say so promptly. Don’t stay silent; getting left behind would be fatal.”

After finishing the precautions, Letsha pointed at the backpack taller than Ize behind him and asked with concern.

“Feels okay, not tired at all. Maybe I have good natural physique.”

Ize lifted the huge backpack but didn’t feel any discomfort.

It looked big, but actually contained blankets and folded tents inside, not really heavy.

Anyway, not heavy for Ize.

“Is that so? That’s good then.”

Seeing his relaxed expression that didn’t seem forced, Letsha nodded and moved on from the topic.

“Relax, Ize! From now on, even if danger arises, don’t worry. Along the way, I’ll protect you. You can always trust Lanti!”

At this moment, the lively blue-haired half-elf ran over to join in, standing on tiptoe and patting Ize’s shoulder like a little adult.

In the long-lived elf race, thirteen-year-old Lanti was undoubtedly still a child. After all, whether half-elves or pure-blood elves, compared to humans, they live much longer.

And Lanti’s personality carried a hint of childishness. Yesterday, she was still complaining about the monsters brought by Ize, but now, she could easily say she would protect Ize.

Maybe revenge never waits till tomorrow…

After all, she forgot yesterday…

“…”

Not, where did you see fear in me?

Not knowing how to respond, or not knowing where to start criticizing, facing the hyperactive half-elf girl, Ize could only force a smile with a corner of his mouth.

His gaze was very gentle.

The young girls of the faction saw this scene and couldn’t help but smile.

In this warm and lively atmosphere, the Artemis faction began its journey toward the Labyrinth City of Orario.