Chapter 2 (1/2)

I remain stunned as I hold my sword.

The suddenness of this situation makes it difficult for me to understand what is happening.

”Level 300... You've got to be kidding me.”

From what I know, being level 100 is practically being a hero.

I can't even imagine what would qualify as level 300.

《Notice: The savings of experience has been corrupted. It will take some time to repair. 》

The texts that appear in front of me are starting to bother me a little.

Better check my stats now.

Skills

I'm really moving up a level.

My head is starting to hurt, it's the first time I've seen these numbers.

I have to calm down a bit.

Even a fool like me should be able to understand all this.

[Saving], this word is used to store something.

Does it mean that this ability has been limiting my experience all this time?

All the experience that I had accumulated all this time has been released.

Plus a bonus for everything you've accumulated.

”So, this means that most of my level and experience had been retained by this skill. I had always been a level 40, like my ex-friends.

Damn, this skill is a parasite.

When you understand it, every point makes sense.

I, in particular, had tried harder than anyone else in the group, fighting to the bitter end.

However, I found it strange that my level had stagnated.

I have done nothing but break my back more than anyone else in the group to try to catch up to them. And now, was it because of this that my rise in level and experience had been hindered?

”AH! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

Now, I don't mind having broken off my friendship with them.

In fact, I'm glad I found out about it now.

Well, I have decided. I am going to travel the world.

Having a level of 300, I have nothing to fear. I can go wherever I want.

From now on, I'm going to do whatever I want and live however I want.

Maybe I'll find something that can fill the huge hole in my chest.

”But first, I must visit the neighboring countries to prepare, if I am going to make such a long trip, I will need supplies.”

I put my sword on my back, and started walking quietly along the road.

I left the country of Balseille, and arrived in the neighbouring country of Armand.

To be more specific, to the border town of Livio.

”As expected, Armand is a very busy place even when you are in such a remote area.”

I was taken aback by the number of people who passed through here.

There were also food stands, and delicious aromas that stimulated my stomach.

Suddenly, there was a sign in a store that caught my attention.

”Livio's slave store.”

Slave stores are not very common

In fact, I even hate them.

It's the kind of place I would normally ignore.

But, I had just been betrayed, and I was drawn to it.

A slave would never betray their master because of the contract.

They are not even capable of telling a lie, even if ordered to do so.

They will always be there for me.

The faces of my former companions came to mind.

Just thinking about them, I could feel my blood start to boil.

I clenched my fists and held back my anger.

”I need a partner I can trust. It would be a good idea to have a right-hand man who could keep this unusual status a secret and never betray me. If I don't, my distrust of people is likely to increase.

After being betrayed by my best friend, my lover and my childhood friends, I have nothing left to lose.

To maintain my peace of mind, I need a trustworthy friend who will always support me.

I don't care how strong they are. I just want to feel safe.

I just want to know deep down that there is still something in this world that I can trust.

I walked to the door, and without hesitation, I opened it.

The doorbell rang, and I walked to the counter.

Behind the counter, there was an old man with a very distinguished look, he seemed to be the owner of the store, he kept smiling at me.

”Welcome. What can I do for you today?”

”I need a slave I can take with me to battle.”

”Any specific race? Do you have other uses in mind?”

”Nothing specific.”

The old man nodded, and guided me to the back of the tent.

In a dimly lit place, we were surrounded by countless cages.

There are probably strong men and women in there, and even elves or lizardmen, even races you can't see around here.

”I recommend this lizard man for combat. His hard skin is capable of repelling blades, and his character is that of someone loyal. He is the perfect slave if you want to have someone watching your back on the battlefield.”

”How much?”

”Thirty million, sir.”