Alright, next up is Silica's party… Huh? What's that? You're asking if I'm gonna keep droning on about other people's stories?! Other people, who? You mean them (Fena, Jena, Tena)? Or her (Milk)? Or this one (Verorinka)? Oh, wait, that's not what you meant?!
Hmmm, if you're all wondering how long I'll keep yapping about these other isekai folks, I'll need a bit of time to ease into it, alright? Gotta weave in their stories slowly to set up what my real goal is here…
…
Present day…
Outside the guild in Sera City.
"W-Woaaah!!"
"Hahaha! You love this, don't you, Grace? Up high like this!"
"Yes, Mr. Ian! And it's super thrilling too…"
"Heh. Alright, alright, I'm free today. Let's go level up a bit, yeah?"
"Wha—! For real, Mr. Ian?! I've been waiting forever to go adventuring and level up with you!!"
"Heh, you sure love grinding levels, Grace."
"It's the best, sir! And I love you the most too, Mr. Ian!"
"Gulp… Ahem, let's go grind then. Since you're such a sweet-talker, I'll carry you up high all the way there!"
"Yessir!!"
"Aww, this father-son duo!"
"So adorable together!"
"They didn't even click at first, you know."
"Giggle"
A boy with such a girly face you'd need to check his pants to confirm he's a guy, dressed in a wildly off-theme pink adventurer outfit, was hoisted onto the shoulders of a burly, still-ripped old man. They chatted with such lively chemistry that no one could tell they were just adoptive father and son.
The guild's female staff watched, gossiping with delight as they saw the father-son bond grow stronger by the day.
Grace and Mr. Ian strolled along, chatting nonstop. Normally, Ian's the quiet type, but with Grace? He's a total chatterbox, answering every question with enthusiasm.
"Remember this, Grace… If you want to boost your attack range while keeping efficiency, hold it like this."
"Like this, sir?"
Grab
"No, no, like this."
"Got it!"
Out in the ultra-safe Rank G-F zone outside the city, Ian kept a close eye on Grace, teaching him how to hunt, channel skill power, wield a dagger, aim for high-damage spots, and dodge—all without straying an inch from his side.
Man… how do I put this? My real life back home didn't have any family left, you know. Sure, I can steal others' memories and knowledge, but having a bond like this, spending time with someone I can fully call "Dad" even for a short while—it's stupidly precious to me.
…
Huh?! Oh, right!
Ahem Alright, alright, I admit it. That bit at the start? I was just covering my embarrassment. Truth is, Grace—my "real" body (well, fake but I'm claiming it as real)—is still too young to go full adventurer mode. And the folks in Sera City? They adore me, fuss over me like crazy. Everywhere I go, someone's calling out or spotting me. Trying to cheat and grind levels with this body? The fairy overseers keep tabs on my behavior, popping in to check. Plus, living these fun, happy moments ain't half bad, right, everyone?!
Elite Wild Picho defeated!
[Trice gained 120 EXP, 100 SkillXP] (Total farmed today: 1748/1544 EXP)
[Trice LV UP: LV.36 > LV.37]
Crunch! Clang!
"Mom, I'm back! I got Picho meat and even Elite Wild Picho today—it's gonna be delicious!!"
"Good heavens, Elite Picho?! Are you hurt anywhere, sweetie?"
"Nope!!"
"You went that deep again, didn't you?!"
"Uh, no, ma'am, not that deep!"
Hug…
"Oh… Mom…"
"I know you want to go farther, sweetheart. I'm sorry your dad and I are so overprotective, making you feel caged like this."
"…It's fine, Mom. I'm really happy living like this."
Grinding levels, earning pocket change from trading, hunting for food to get by—it's a simple life in a low-to-mid-tier city. Filling the hearts of old folks doesn't need any flashy drama.
The Trice persona? I set her up to live like a normal person in this world, to see how far I could push it using my RPG-gamer brain to navigate this life. It's a whole different kind of fun, you know.
…
So, you all get me, right?! If I'm not rambling about my wacky hybrid bodies or bragging about my current powers, all that's left is weaving in side stories to paint the world's state and steer the plot back to my powers! (Unless some of you want me to ramble about my awesome skills, huh?)
Following heroes and supporting them? That's one of my side goals, sure. (Main goal? Testing this world's system without getting caught and keeping Melt from dropping her fairy rank.)
Another reason I want to help those heroes? Seeing Takuto, Rick, or May, I get it. Some folks get powers and live out their dream life, all comfy and happy. But others? Not so much. Some didn't even want to come to this world. They're just pawns in the goddesses' competition, maybe even in another game I haven't figured out yet. Yeah, I'm saying it—are there other players besides the goddesses? Is it just us summoned folks as their chess pieces?
The other goddesses seem to be having a blast with their games, except Melt, who's stressing out. Why's she the only one freaking out? My guess—she's the only one whose score is close to dropping her rank.
So, all in all, no matter how rotten I am, I'm gonna support everyone to clear this crazy game in this world. Whether they go back to their old world or keep living here, I've got their backs!
End of Chapter 27
How Long Will I Keep Talking About Other Isekai Folks?