Chapter 4

After blowing the Imperial Capital to bits, I moved through the forest and returned to the main road. However, I was traveling on foot, not on the bike. The motorcycle had stopped working, so I’d abandoned it in the woods. The engine had suddenly died on me.

It was probably a breakdown. The chassis had been riddled with bullet holes and various damages, after all. If anything, it had lasted longer than I expected.

(Now then. What should I do next?)

The first thing that came to mind was returning to my original world. This world was entertaining enough, but not so much that I wanted to settle down here permanently. My retaliation against the bastards who kidnapped me was complete; my honest wish was to head back home as soon as possible.

However, I had no clue how to actually return. The people at the castle mentioned they were researching “return magic” or whatever, but I’d gone and blown the place up. Even if I went back now, there’d be nothing left.

I felt a tiny pang of regret for my actions. It was an old, bad habit of mine. Once my rage was ignited, my murderous impulses became unstoppable. This time, too, letting my emotions take the lead had resulted in a troublesome situation.

That said, my pride wouldn’t have allowed me to simply run away without blowing up the capital. Anyone who mocks me or looks down on me gets crushed, no matter what. That is an absolute rule I’ve carved into my heart. One way or another, the destruction of the Imperial Capital was an inevitable outcome.

…My thoughts were drifting. For now, my primary objective was to find a means of returning to my original world. I’d successfully pulled off a million-dollar job, after all. I wanted to live it up and spend that reward to my heart’s content.

I didn’t know the state of affairs in this world, but I wanted to believe that returning wasn’t impossible. To find out, I’d have to look for someone knowledgeable in magic. Unfortunately, magic was outside my field of expertise. The best-case scenario would be finding someone capable of using return magic. I was essentially fumbling in the dark, but I’d have to give it my best shot.

(Come to think of it, I wonder how my Status is looking?)

I’d thrown quite a flashy party leading up to this point. It wouldn’t be strange if something had changed. With a bit of anticipation, I focused on the image unfolding in my mind.

The display was so unexpected that I stopped dead in my tracks. What the hell happened? The numerical values had shifted drastically. Other things had subtly changed, too. I couldn’t exactly ignore this.

First, there was the Level. I was certain it was Level 4 the last time I checked, and now it had suddenly shot into the triple digits. I recalled games usually having a cap at 99. Well, maybe modern games were different. Regardless, it had clearly reached an absurd value.

On the other hand, my Karma had plummeted. I didn’t quite know what this represented. Being pushed so far into the negatives probably wasn’t a good thing. Still, it wasn’t causing me any immediate trouble. I’d ask someone about it if I ran into them.

And then there was my Class, which had officially become “Bomber.” It seemed the Status had finally recognized me for what I was. Well, it was a bit late for that. I didn’t disagree with it; if anything, I thought it was a perfect fit.

“Quite a profound change, really.”

I laughed, feeling good. Every one of these changes was likely caused by blowing up the Imperial Capital. I couldn’t think of any other reason. An explosion of that scale must have claimed a staggering number of victims. In gaming terms, I’d basically farmed a massive amount of experience points. Even so, Level 385 was a total jump, but since it was displayed right there, there was no denying it.

Perhaps it was my imagination, but I felt power surging through me. My body felt in better condition than usual. Despite having moved almost non-stop since my mission in the original world, I felt hardly any fatigue.

“…Could it be?”

Struck by a sudden theory, I tried a light jog as a test. Immediately, I reached a speed that could be mistaken for an automobile. Panic-stricken, I dug my heels in to brake.

“Whoa, that’s dangerous.”

I nearly tipped over but managed to come to a stop. I’d only intended to do a quick dash, but I’d covered a significant distance. At this rate, I could probably race a cheetah. I might even be able to overtake one.

This was great. It seemed my physical abilities were scaling up along with my Level. This was a major discovery.

Next, I picked up a pebble from the side of the road. I gripped it tightly and gradually applied pressure. With a sharp crack, the pebble shattered. This was getting interesting. In addition to speed, my raw strength had been reinforced. If I punched with full effort, I might even be able to pulverize a boulder. I had the distinct feeling that wasn’t far from the truth.

“Haha, the birth of a superhero. Maybe I’ll ask for a custom suit this Christmas.”

It would be perfect if I could fly, too. I gave it a try with some hope, but unfortunately, I didn’t have the ability to fly. I could only manage a jump of about sixty feet. That was still plenty miraculous, but it was definitely a leap, not flight.

Well, whatever. The increase in physical ability was a welcome surprise.

My supply of weapons was nearly exhausted. I was down to my last few rounds of spare ammunition, and my only remaining explosive was a single grenade.

With my current physical capabilities, however, I didn’t have to worry even if the knights came at me in droves. I could simply crush them with brute force.

Having finished my check, I began sprinting down the road as if I were out for a light jog. The scenery blurred past me in an instant. I’d thought it would be a hassle when the bike died, but I’d stumbled upon an unexpected means of transportation.

I kept moving at a breakneck pace. I wanted to find a town where I could stay for the night; sleeping outdoors was something I wanted to avoid. I didn’t even have a single piece of camping gear.

‘I pulled off a big job, so I’d like to actually relax for once,’ I grumbled internally while running at a speed that would put a sports car to shame. I could only pray I’d find a town by nightfall.

Around evening, I spotted a town in the distance. It was enclosed by outer walls, with rooftops peeking out from above. It wasn’t on the scale of the Imperial Capital, but it was a decent size nonetheless.

Finally, a town. I’d stay there tonight. Unfortunately, the only money I had was banknotes and coins from my original world, but I figured I’d manage. I had plenty of confidence in my negotiation skills.

I slowed down at a reasonable distance and eventually switched to walking. If I approached at high speed, they might mistake me for an attacker. I had to show I had no hostile intent. I’d act like a law-abiding citizen.

The gates were wide open. Gatekeepers stood on either side, holding spears in a rigid, upright posture. They were likely monitoring the people entering the city. Even as I watched, carriages and people passed in and out. No one seemed to be undergoing a special check. Security didn’t appear to be that strict.

Following the lead of the others, I walked toward the gate with an innocent expression. I wasn’t nervous at all. I had the same presence of mind as someone heading to a local burger shop on a lazy day off. It was better to be bold in these situations; acting suspicious only invited trouble.

The gatekeepers didn’t know what I’d done in the Imperial Capital. If word had gotten out, security would be much tighter. It wouldn’t even have been strange if the place were under lockdown.

I moved to pass through the gate. Just as I was a few steps away, two spears crossed in front of me. Needless to say, it was the gatekeepers’ doing. They moved their spears to block my path.

One of the gatekeepers furrowed his brow. “Stop right there. You’re a new face. And your clothes are strange.”

“Whoa, what’s this all of a sudden? Sorry, but applications for a boyfriend are closed. If you’re trying to hit on me, look elsewhere.”

I chuckled as I stepped back. The gatekeeper didn’t even acknowledge my joke, keeping his sharp gaze fixed on me.

“I possess the [Condemnation C] skill. It allows me to intuitively identify those who have committed crimes. I sense a malevolent aura coming from you…”

After his polite explanation, the gatekeeper pulled out a pair of goggles from a pouch at his waist. The moment he looked at me through them, he recoiled and shrieked.

“K-Karma -600!? That’s a level even the greatest sinners don’t reach! And his Level is 385! T-This is impossible! You’re falsifying your status, aren’t you!? Either way, there’s no doubt you’re a dangerous person!”

“What!? Damn, it’s an enemy attack!”

As the other gatekeeper called out, soldiers came swarming out from inside the gate. In an instant, nearly twenty of them had gathered. they took up stances, radiating murderous intent.

Confronted with this predictable scene, I shrugged. “Quite the welcome party. My birthday isn’t for a while yet, though.”

I hadn’t expected there to be tools that could easily view another person’s status. Then again, Chancellor Vilarze had been able to see them. I should have considered the existence of similar abilities before approaching the gatekeepers. It was a clear lapse in judgment on my part. I must have been riding too high on the success of blowing up the capital.

The atmosphere was no longer conducive to talking. Even if I gave up on entering the town, they looked ready to attack regardless. What a pain. And here I wanted to resolve this peacefully through dialogue.

It would be a bit rough, but if necessary, I’d have to force my way through. If they intended to stop me with violence, I’d just have to suppress them with superior violence. Above all, I wouldn’t be satisfied if I let them look down on me. I’d show these soldiers, who mistakenly believed they were the strong ones, a dose of reality.

I took a single step forward. The sharp-eyed gatekeeper immediately leveled the tip of his spear at me.

“Don’t move! We are placing you under arrest. If you resist, we will attack. You must have falsified your level to look strong, but too bad for you. There’s no way such a nonsensical number exists. We won’t be fooled!”

“I haven’t falsified anything, and I’m not a dangerous person. I just want you to let me into town. I just want to take a little break.”

I was being honest. I didn’t mind if we could settle this without a fight. The soldiers’ attitude was irritating, but I could endure it. …I might punch them back as a little payback, but that would be within the margin of error.

The soldiers didn’t lower their weapons, ignoring my earnest plea. It was obvious I wasn’t trusted in the slightest. Being distrusted so blatantly made me feel a bit sad. I felt like I might cry.

Letting out a sigh, I stopped smiling and addressed the gatekeepers. “Final warning. Any chance you’ll change your minds? If you do it now, I’ll let you off with just a broken bone or two.”

“Don’t make me repeat myself. It is a soldier’s duty to protect the town. We cannot let a great sinner like you inside.”

“I see… That’s a shame.”

Slumping my shoulders, I reached into my pocket. I pulled the pin on my grenade and tossed it behind the soldiers. “That was my last one. Make sure you enjoy it.”

Following the dull thud of it hitting the ground, an explosion erupted. The soldiers caught in the immediate blast were torn apart by flying shrapnel. A spray of blood filled the air. They collapsed without a fight.

I, on the other hand, was unscathed. The soldiers had shielded me from the blast and shrapnel. Nothing reached me.

“Alright, let’s finish this with this.”

I picked up a sword that had rolled to my feet. A way to save on weapons—I’d used too many of my own back at the Imperial Capital. That was fun in its own way, but I couldn’t neglect my inventory management.

“Now then. Whose head should I take first? It’s a bit barbaric, but I hope you’ll forgive me—”

In the middle of speaking, I felt an intense surge of murderous intent. I reflexively tilted my head just as a gunshot rang out. Something grazed my hair.

“Guh, damn it…”

One of the soldiers, lying flat on the ground, was aiming a rifle at me. His face was contorted in frustration. It seemed he’d managed to counterattack despite being heavily wounded. Impressive tenacity.

“Man, that was close. If the trajectory had been off by even a hair, you might have killed me.”

I walked over to the gutsy soldier and swung the sword down onto his face. The blade split his skull, sending brain matter flying. Quite a splatter. I felt like my strength was getting harder to control now that I was such a high level. I’d have to be careful.

Most of the other soldiers were unable to move. Some had been killed instantly by the blast or shrapnel. A few who were still conscious were trying their best to stand. No matter how positively you looked at it, they were decimated.

I ran toward them and swung the sword. The soldiers caught by the slashes were sent flying, spraying fresh blood. I repeated the process, whistling as I went.

I had no formal training in swordsmanship. I’d been interested in Japanese katana swords, but unfortunately, I’d never had the chance to handle one. Since I mostly used firearms or bombs on missions, this was the first time I’d seriously used a sword.

Even so, thanks to my high-level correction, I could swing the sword to my heart’s content. Whether I was using the edge correctly or not didn’t matter in the slightest. I proceeded to cut down every last soldier lying on the ground.

Three minutes after throwing my final grenade, the soldiers gathered at the gate were wiped out. I tossed aside the blood-stained sword. The blade was badly chipped from my rough handling. Toward the end, it was more like I was bludgeoning them than cutting. I imagine a master swordsman could have done it a bit more elegantly.

I rummaged through the soldiers’ corpses and borrowed a rifle and some spare ammunition. I’d wanted these for a while. Finally, I’d gotten my hands on them. I’d memorized how to handle them from watching the soldiers. The rifle was a break-action type. You had to actuate the barrel to eject the shell and reload after every shot. It was a bit inconvenient compared to the modern rapid-fire weapons I was used to. Well, I wasn’t in a position to be picky. I’d take it gratefully.

Even better, several soldiers were carrying bombs. They were the same specifications as the ones I’d made under Chancellor Vilarze’s instructions. Explosive materials were precious; they were directly linked to my [Bomb Manufacturing EX++] skill. As for their low power, I could just apply the necessary modifications.

I also helped myself to the goggle-type tool. If these allowed me to see others’ statuses, they were worth having. There was no harm in owning them.

Now then, my weapons were restocked. The noisy gatekeepers had been silenced, and I could finally enter the town. I walked through the gate with a light step.

Beyond the gate, a crowd of onlookers had gathered, and the area was in a state of commotion. They were peering at me, whispering and talking among themselves. It was extremely annoying and in the way. They were blocking the street.

“It’s not a show. Get lost.”

I aimed the rifle above my head and fired. The gunshot thundered, and the townspeople shrieked, scattering in all directions. In about thirty seconds, the street was empty and silent. It was much easier to get around now.

I began walking while reloading the rifle. I’d look for a place to stay right away. It was nearly sunset. I wanted to secure a bed before night fell.