I’m an Appraiser, But What the Heck is a [Divine Eye]? ~I Want to Live Freely as the World’s Best Beginner Class~ - Episode 135: An Unexpected Survival Life 6

Episode 135: An Unexpected Survival Life 6

“—Huh? I thought someone teleported here, and it turns out to be a bunch of kids?”

“Prepare for battle!”

“Whaaat!? Wait, hold on!”

The figure that appeared was clearly a skeleton.

Though it was speaking human language, it was definitely a magical beast. It seemed my Appraisal was wrong.

“Haah!”

“Wait a minute!”

“Wind Cutter!”

“Hold on!”

“Take this!”

“Huh, you’re pretty weak, aren’t you?”

“S-shut up!”

Even though it had some harsh words only for me, I didn’t mind.

Arata’s sword strikes were getting sharper, and Madoka’s magic focused on volume as she bombarded the skeleton. I joined in, weaving in attacks between their strikes. But the skeleton seemed to dodge them effortlessly.

“Hey, can you just listen to me for a second?”

“We’re not here to listen to a magical beast!”

“Exactly!”

“An [Unknown] could never be an ally!”

“Huh? Seriously? But just for a moment… wait, [Unknown]?”

“We’re talking about you!”

If this thing couldn’t even grasp its own identity, it was clearly something strange! And if it was a magical beast with intelligence, that made it even more dangerous!

With that thought in mind, I swung my weapon with all my strength at the skeleton.

—Clang!

“Ugh!?”

“Mihiro!”

“Maki-kun!”

“…Oh, I see now. You guys are the heroes of this era, aren’t you?”

…Huh? What did it just say? Did it just call us heroes?

“Let me be clear. I’m not your enemy.”

“Liar!”

“Let go of Maki-kun!”

“Well, if you promise not to attack me, I could let go.”

I couldn’t believe how much strength this thing had in its white bones. But I couldn’t break free from its grip. At this rate, neither Madoka nor Arata would be able to attack. 

Even though we had attacked first, I couldn’t sense any hostility from the skeleton. Maybe… it was worth listening to.

“…Alright.”

“Mihiro!”

“Arata, put away your sword. Madoka, don’t attack either.”

“But, Maki-kun!”

“Oh! So you’re the leader, huh?”

“I’m not the leader, but I’ve got a hunch about what you are.”

This thing had clearly called us the heroes of this era.

“If we’re the heroes of this era, then what are you? Are you trying to say you’re a hero from the past?”

“Huh? Yeah, that’s right.”

I knew it.

I didn’t know why it had become a skeleton, but this thing was a former hero. It recognized itself as one in the past.

“Also, I’m from another world too, just like you. Your name is Mihiro Maki, right?”

“…Y-yeah.”

“My name’s Moriya Taiku.”

““…….Whaaat!?””

Madoka and Arata both shouted in surprise. I wasn’t shocked because I had more or less expected this. And instead, I felt a bit relieved that my suspicions were confirmed.

He wasn’t necessarily an ally. But at the very least, this guy seemed to understand our situation.

“Alright, I’ll let go now… but don’t attack me, okay?”

“I understand.”

When I gave my response, the skeleton—no, Moriya—released me without hesitation.

I flexed my hand a few times, swinging it lightly to get the feeling back. I then turned my gaze to Moriya.

“So, who exactly are you?”

“Like I said, I’m Moriya Taiku, a hero from the past.”

“You already told us that!”

“Well, you asked who I am!”

……Is this guy messing with me?

“Ahaha, don’t glare at me like that. I was just joking.”

“Then don’t joke around. We’ve stopped attacking, but that doesn’t mean we trust you completely.”

“Yeah, I get it. I mean, look at me.”

His bones clattered together as he moved, the sound eerie and unnatural. But there was still no sense of hostility from him.

“I was once tasked with conquering the Forest of Demons with my companions. But—my companions betrayed me, and I ended up stuck in this place. I’m an unfortunate former hero with a divine-class profession.”

…What? A divine-class profession?