One thing Arata learned, no matter the race nor the current state of the army, they would gossip. Through rain, separating and even behind enemy lines, there was just time to fill.
In particular, Rachamah, being the anomaly she is, was a popular topic. “How old is she?”, “Isn’t she kinda terrifying?” “A surviving demihuman, poor thing.” and “Arata vs Rachamah, who is stronger?” Arata's eyes widen when he hears the final hypothetical matchup. Oh please, the stomach pain of eating a hundred Aratas would do more damage than any of my attacks if there were an army of me.
Rachamah never took me for the social type. Not sure she appreciates the attention, though, maybe it’ll be best if I tell the men to stop. Despite all the noise, Rachamah walks behind Chive at the front of the group like a robot. She moves as if a shell exists between her and the outside world.
“Arata, before my departure, I learned about this hero. Celine… she's from another world like you, I assume you didn't just spend one month learning to swing around a sword, got any information for me?” Rachamah asks Arata.
Having nothing better to do, Arata explains, “I found plenty of loose ends and holes in her story… I think she's connected to Selena in some way, but I just can't prove it. Not even Morgan can see it, I think it’s just Clemence and me.”
Rachamah let’s out a sigh, “Figures, I got a sixth sense for souls… the guys in charge can patch up the seams to your eyes but I only needed my instinct to tell something was off. Arata… since the rendezvous point is close, we should try to avoid the topic. Save that for later.”
With that, the two of them get a glimpse past a tree, spotting a group of four. The mage quickly snaps his head, a bolt of lightning curves and darts directly between Arata’s eyes. Oh shit! My sword’s still sheath-
Rachamah quickly swats away the bolt before sprinting forward. With her newly acquired Kanabo, she goes straight for the mage when Arata manages to shout out, “Stop! Everyone’s just a little paranoid, Clemence… we’ll check each other, you can sense my intentions, right? I already know you guys aren’t Alraune.”
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Clemence looks like she’s seen a ghost, “Arata! What are you doing here? Also, where are the other knights with you? Who are your companions… Rachael, elves and a fairy?”
Arata successfully diffuses the situation, Morgan and the hero’s party are informed about the position they were forced to hold a doomed position, the trek, Arata’s exile and the rendezvous with Rachamah. Arata explains everything he’s learned about fighting the alraune, druids, the fairy knights and the Erlking’s powers. The four party members watch with shock over the recounting of events.
Celine then decides to step forward, “Arata, I must sincerely apologize for my subordinate’s misbehavior… I’ll try my best to introduce everyone. I am Celine, the hero from another world. Among me are the mage, Ralph, as well as Elias, our paladin. I figured I didn’t need to introduce Clemence. Arata’s a strange name, sounds Japanese?”
Arata keeps his mouth shut for a second, before realizing only two people here don’t know so there’s no need to hide it. “I’m also from another world. I only speak English but I was born after my mom moved to America. It appears we’re from the same universe if you know about Japan, I wasn’t summoned as a hero or anything, though, just got unlucky.”
Celine responds, “Oh man, I’ve always wanted to go, Japanese pasta… upon being Isekaied, it immediately made me think of anime, kinda nerdy but it’s the real deal getting all these powers and this holy sword.”
Pasta? Whatever. Oh my god, she’s from my world. What a coincidence, I am so glad to see someone else here… I wonder how she got isekaied? Am I asking too many questions? Rachamah and the rest of her party are staring at me weirdly. Arata did not realize that his face looked oddly excited compared to his usual demeanor; the contrast from just a few seconds ago was immense.
The hero and Arata then stare at each other in silence; the excitement was just a blip, the next question for either was how you died and ended up here. Neither of them seemed to be inclined to ask. Celine’s brain ends up settling on the train of thought that’s too much information for now.
“Celine, take me to the army camp. I want to negotiate with the general here to propose a plan of attack-” Arata states before being suddenly cut off.
Clemence points out, “You shouldn’t be here. Also, I worry about Rachamah getting involved with the prejudice against demihumans present in some people. If I may propose the idea of you two wearing disguises, it’ll be fine if you two are anonymous as long as the hero vouches for the two of you. Especially since the other soldiers from your group are arriving, they likely won’t want to follow along with your plans.”
A few minutes later, everything the disguise needs is set. No way anyone is going to fall for this, why the hell does it have to be corny too… Rachamah’s probably going to be pissed at having to do this.
