My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 2

“That’s enough recording for now.”

It’s uncertain whether these events will truly unfold, but I made a note on the parchment regarding the trials the Heroes will face and the location of the artifacts.

Just in case, I wrote it in Hangul, not the language of the Pretéum Empire. It seems that Hangul isn’t used in this world, so it might appear as an ancient tongue to others.

“Ugh… my hands are covered in ink.”

I lamented the fact that this world isn’t modern as I placed the feather pen back in the inkwell.

I sighed as I read over the words I had painstakingly written on the parchment one by one.

“Is this really inside a game?”

The more the information from my gameplay memory aligned with Praus’s memories in this world, the more I recognized that this world was indeed that of the Three Heroes game of Pretéum.

“Is there really so much I have to endure from now on?”

Things I never even thought about during the game. I could just go along with the flow then.

But in reality, unless I take the initiative, I would simply get swept up in events without any means to respond.

Of course, the best-case scenario would be if none of this occurred, but if this world is indeed the game world of Pretéum’s Three Heroes, these events are bound to happen.

So, I should prepare, but let’s not get too confident.

I gathered my belongings. Primarily money, a change of clothes, emergency food that could be eaten anytime, and the Self-Defense Sword.

I drew the sword and checked its blade. This world lacked laws like modern times, where life could easily be lost. One had to protect their own life.

But unfortunately, Praus had been a human who had not even trained for 19 years.

In other words, he couldn’t even protect himself alone.

The “Killing Intent” skill was practically just for show, and if the opponent ignored it and charged, it could lead to death.

As for this part, I planned to come up with countermeasures after rescuing the Three Heroes. Whatever happens, if I can’t gather the Heroes, we’re doomed.

After sheathing the sword, I strapped it to my waist. I slung a bag over my shoulder.

My body swayed slightly. I was feeling exhausted from spending an entire day writing on parchment.

But I couldn’t sleep now.

I had something crucial to do today.

I shook my head vigorously and left my house.

Locking the door securely, I stepped outside.

As I walked, I took in my surroundings.

After seeing the grand buildings and countless cars every day, it felt very strange to view a landscape with nothing but nature.

“Praus? Where are you going?”

A farmer in the Wheat Farm on the outskirts of town, harvesting wheat, called out to me. I turned to look at him.

[“Killing Intent” is activated.]

Oh no. A holographic text popped up before me, just like during gameplay.

The farmer flinched. It seemed my skill was causing trouble again.

What am I supposed to do if just looking at someone activates the skill?

“D-Dear Praus! Don’t look at me like that…”

“Ah, sorry.”

What is this casual tone?

Clearly, I’m older than you. What kind of speech is that…?

“I’m going to Pretéum. Don’t ask why.”

You crazy…

“Is that so?”

That ended the conversation. The farmer rushed off somewhere in a panic, so we couldn’t continue talking.

It seemed he initially wanted to engage with me, but my conduct didn’t allow for it.

I’m really sorry.

*

“…Is that you, Praus?”

“That’s right.”

I spoke while watching the coachman cleaning the carriage in the stable. Did he throw away his respect?

“Y-You arrogant brat. You’re pretty strong, yet you lack manners toward your elders?”

“Respect, huh…? Do you expect it from me?”

“Uh… no, it’s fine.”

“Is that so.”

I nodded. Is respect for elders lenient in this world? Thinking back, the protagonist’s dialogue in the game was half-casual too.

“So, what brings you here?”

“I’m heading to the Capital.”

I spoke while turning my head. It seems the Killing Intent only applies to living beings in view, so I took this measure for a more comfortable conversation.

“What about money?”

“I have enough.”

As I jingled my coin purse, the coachman’s tense face broke into a smile. It was a delightful sight.

“It costs sixty Donghwa to get to the Capital. If you have complaints, I won’t take you.”

“I’ll give you one Silver Coin. But, speed is of the essence. We might need to stop once on the way, and we could have a passenger. Is that okay?”

“…Fine.”

Considering that one Silver Coin equals a hundred Donghwa, any conditions I present would be acceptable to him.

I handed him a Silver Coin.

“Get on. We’re leaving now.”

I nodded.

Climbing atop the carriage with the canopy.

“By the way, what are you going for?”

Sorry, but that’s a difficult question to answer.

Good. Just have to think it through and say it.

“None of your business.”

…Damn.

“What a rude brat.”

The coachman let out a snort and didn’t try to engage me in conversation anymore.

Clack!

Did the carriage wheel get caught on a rock? It shook violently inside.

Ah, I miss cars. I miss the asphalt laid on the roads.

As I reminisced about the world I used to live in, I began to contemplate the problems I would face two days from now.

The first Hero was living as a slave beneath a construction worker.

At this time, workers had been mobilized to build windmills outside the walls of Pretéum Castle, forcing the ten-year-old Hero to work, which led to an accident that resulted in his master losing a fortune.

The angry worker then beat the Hero, and during the process, a broken rib punctured an organ, resulting in death.

That was the first Hero’s death episode.

So, I couldn’t afford to be foolish from the start if I wanted to save that kid.

On precisely October 1, 990 in the empire, before sunset, an incident takes place at the construction site, so I had to reach Pretéum before then.

Thinking about the time or timing, it wasn’t too urgent.

But given the possibility that the incident might occur beforehand, it wouldn’t hurt to be prepared.

*

“Oof. My waist hurts…”

Sleeping on the carriage for two full days had made it impossible to rest properly, and my neck and back were in agony.

Traveling at high speed over unpaved roads was not going to be gentle on the body.

“Are you awake?”

I nodded my head.

“Are you not going to tell me when to stop? You need to say it so I know when to pull over. Damn bastard.”

“I think they’ll be building windmills near Pretéum. Just stop there.”

“Great. Rude brat. What’s the purpose of going to a construction site?”

“None of your business. Drive the carriage.”

Seriously…

I decided to just accept it now.

Sticking to this way of speaking would only increase my enemies, but what could I do? My skill is in such a state.

It was very likely that Praus had died after being beaten by the villagers before meeting the protagonist.

Just being alive until now could be considered a miracle.

And that’s how I arrived at the Capital of the Empire, where the city walls of Pretéum came into view. The sun was still setting, and I could see workers hauling stones near the city walls.

It didn’t seem too late.

“Stop here.”

“Sure.”

With the coachman’s answer, the carriage came to a halt.

I placed ten Donghwa next to where he was sitting. Even if I hadn’t done it on purpose, it was still an action to express my apologies for what I said.

“What’s the meaning of this?”

“It’s to convey my gratitude for your hard work.”

“But I’ve already received the promised money?”

“It’s a tip. You’re quite oblivious.”

Oblivious is certainly the case for me.

“Heh… You have plenty of money thanks to your father, yet you’re so free with it, you’ll lose it all quickly.”

“That’s none of your business. I’ll manage it.”

“You rude brat. Money’s not a crime, though.”

He chuckled. I was relieved to see that he seemed to be in a good mood.

“Stay here. I’ll be back soon.”

I got down from the carriage and walked toward the construction site.

Since several windmills were being installed simultaneously, I needed to check which windmill the first Hero was attached to.

As I walked, I quickly realized that there wasn’t just one or two construction sites for the windmills. At this rate, it would take too much time.

The first Hero might already be getting beaten up, so I decided to hurry.

Upon entering the construction site, I noticed a figure that looked like the manager instructing the workers approached me.

“Hmm? Who are you?”

“I’m looking for someone. Is there a man named Polde among the workers?”

I spoke while staring at the ground.

Polde. The worker who had enslaved the first Hero.

“He’s a young guy, it seems. His speech isn’t very pleasant.”

“…Cut the nonsense and just tell me.”

I felt like my sanity would break if this went on any longer with his convoluted way of speaking.

“Well… young—”

I lifted my gaze from the ground.

“Ugh!”

“Don’t make me say it twice.”

“W-What…!”

“Where can I find the man named Polde?”

As I glared at him, his jaw snapped tight. He seemed too frightened to even speak. I let out a sigh and turned my eyes back to the ground.

“Gah! W-Who are you…?”

“You’re quite talkative. Just tell me where Polde is.”

“…If you go past that corner of the city wall, there’s windmill number three. Polde should be there.”

“Is that so. Got it.”

As soon as I heard the answer, I turned my body. I was already tired of the misunderstandings piling up with every word spoken.

“Whatever the reason may be, don’t cause any accidents.”

“Don’t worry.”

Without looking back at the concerned voice from behind me, I continued on toward the windmill he had pointed out.

When I approached windmill number three, I caught sight of a guy dragging a little kid with striking white fox ears.

“I found you.”

I rushed over.

What could I say that would persuade them? Is it even possible?

How much money would I have to hand over to get them to give the kid back?

While pondering how to resolve the situation, I stepped into the forest without hesitation.

“Hey, you bastard!!”

Thud!

With the man’s shout, I heard a dull thud.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry— Ugh!”

“Do you even know how much I lost because of you?! You weakling who can’t even carry materials!”

Bang!

“You slave! You made your master lose money! You should just die! Damn it!”

“I’m sorry… please… s-save me…”

Thud! Thud!

As I got closer, the sound of the beating grew clearer. I quickened my pace, but never ran.

Gotta keep my distance. I can’t fight.

Rustle. My clothes brushed against the leaves.

The man turned to look in my direction.

“Stop that.”

“And who the hell are you—”

“Unless you want to die.”

Swish. I drew my Self-Defense Sword, glaring at him.