Some days later, word about Dirk's Coffee Mix had spread like wildfire, much like my other products. Adventurers swore by it, merchants started their mornings with it, and even scholars from the town's magic academy were raving about how it kept them alert during long study sessions. But, as expected, all this attention eventually reached the ears of the town's ruler—Lord Roland.
And so, one morning, a formal letter arrived at my shop, bearing the lord's seal. The message was simple:
"Mr Dirk, you are hereby summoned to Lord Roland's estate for an audience. Please present yourself at noon tomorrow."
It didn't sound like a threat, but it wasn't exactly optional either.
Not wanting to take any chances, I asked Elvie and Igor to accompany me. To my surprise, Miss Agnes, a representative from the Merchant Guild, also agreed to join us.
Miss Agnes was a petite, middle-aged elf with short silver hair and sharp blue eyes. Despite her small stature, she carried herself with a commanding presence, exuding both elegance and authority. She had taken an interest in my business early on and had helped smooth out my merchant registration.
Now, as we sat inside Igor's carriage, bouncing along the cobbled road toward the lord's estate, Miss Agnes turned to me with a knowing smile.
"Mr Dirk", she began, adjusting her elegant green dress. "I want you to be mindful of your words during this meeting."
I tilted my head, curious. "Why? Is he a difficult noble?"
Miss Agnes chuckled. "Lord Roland is composed and strict, but he is also fair and reasonable. Just don't bring up... horses."
I blinked. "Horses?"
From outside the carriage, Igor—who had been listening—let out a chuckle.
Miss Agnes smirked. "Yes, horses. You see... they hate him."
Elvie, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "Hate him? You mean they threw him off?"
Miss Agnes covered her mouth, stifling a giggle. "Oh no, dear. They refuse to even let him ride. The moment he approaches, they snort, stomp their hooves, and run away."
I stared at her, baffled. "What? That makes no sense. Is it magic-related?"
Igor, still chuckling from the driver's seat, called out, "Nope! It's his smell!" The entire carriage burst into laughter. Miss Agnes, wiping a tear from her eye, nodded. "It's true. The poor lord is... well... let's just say personal hygiene isn't one of his strengths."
Elvie leaned forward, smirking. "Are you serious? The lord of the town doesn't bath properly?" Miss Agnes shrugged. "He's wealthy enough to afford the best soaps and perfumes, but for some reason, he refuses to use them. As a result, well... the horses refuse to go near him."
I shook my head in amusement. "That's... unfortunate."
But as the laughter died down, a brilliant idea hit me. I had the perfect product for him. Reaching into my bag, I patted the small pocket-sized liquid deodorant I had brought from Earth. A cheap, drugstore-branded deodorant I had casually tossed into my backpack before getting transported to this world.
"Dirk's Deodorant."
That's it. That's what I'll call it.
Smirking to myself, I muttered under my breath, "Looks like I might be able to solve Lord Roland's 'horse problem' after all."
Then our carriage came to a sudden halt, and before I could react, Igor's voice rang through the air.
"Bandits!"
"What the fuck!" Miss Agnes and Elvie instantly tensed. Without hesitation, they reached for their weapons. Elvie shot me a serious look. "Dirk, stay here. Do not go out, okay?" She murmured.
"But—" I frowned, gripping my sword tightly. "But I saw many bandits. Are you sure you guys don't need help?"
Another Ding
New Quest: Eliminate some bandits
Reward: +2 Level
I rolled my eyes at the GUARDIAN SCREEN.
From the small window of the carriage, I could see them now—seven massive elves, each armed with thick broadswords. Their grins were wicked, their movements confident. They weren't just some random thugs; these were seasoned bandits.
One of them, a burly elf with a long scar running down his cheek, laughed mockingly as he pointed his weapon at Igor. "Old man, hand over the horse and everything you've got and Mr Dirk. If you don't, we'll take it from your cold, dead hands."
"Go to hell!" Igor clenched his jaw, standing his ground. His grip on his sword was firm, his posture unyielding. It was clear he had fought before—perhaps even in his youth.
Miss Agnes turned back to me with a reassuring smile, though I could see a flicker of worry in her eyes.
"Don't worry, Dirk. We can handle this." Her voice carried confidence, but I could hear the underlying tension.
Then she and Elvie rushed out to meet the bandits, swords drawn.
I watched as the fight erupted in a blur of movement. Steel clashed against steel, sparks flying as Elvie and Agnes fought with precision and speed. Igor moved with surprising agility for his age, expertly blocking strikes and countering with swift slashes. But the bandits were strong.
Minutes passed, and despite their skill, only three of the bandits were injured. The rest still fought relentlessly.
Then, I saw it—Elvie staggered slightly, her breathing laboured. Miss Agnes wiped sweat from her forehead, her mana running low.
Igor's movements had slowed, his sword barely deflecting an incoming strike. They were getting exhausted.
I gritted my teeth. Something was wrong. How did these bandits know we'd be passing through? And why did they target us specifically? I couldn't just sit there anymore. My heart pounded against my chest as I leapt from the safety of the carriage.
The moment my feet hit the ground, one of the bandits—one of the smaller ones—charged at me.
Instinctively, I lifted my sword. I barely knew how to wield it properly, but somehow it felt natural in my hands as I noticed how my name that I wrote on the magical pen was illuminated with a faint purple glow.
With a sharp clang, I blocked his attack. And before I even had time to think, my body moved on its own. With a swift arc, I slashed down—wounding my enemy with ease. What? My mind raced. How did I do that? Another bandit, a tall and bulky one, lunged at me from behind. I spun around, my hands tightening on the hilt of my small sword. And then—something inside me ignited.
What the hell? Was I that strong?
A surge of energy rushed through my body. My vision sharpened, my senses heightened. Flames suddenly erupted around my sword. The bandit's eyes widened in shock. "The guy could use magic!"
Surprise? Yeah, ugly one. Me too. I moved faster than I thought possible—striking with precision and overwhelming power. Each bandit that came at me fell in seconds. My sword, now engulfed in purple flames, sliced through their defences effortlessly.
Elvie, Igor, and Miss Agnes could only stare. In mere moments, I had defeated them all.
Another Ding
Quest Completed
Reward: +2 Level
I frowned, and then darkness consumed me.
The next thing I knew, I was lying on a soft bed, surrounded by unfamiliar decor. I blinked, adjusting my vision. Golden chandeliers, silk curtains, and ornate wooden furniture—it was a noble's home.
"You're awake."
I turned my head to see Miss Agnes sitting beside my bed, her expression a mix of relief and curiosity.
Before I could ask, the door swung open and Elvie stormed in.
"You idiot!" she scolded, crossing her arms. "I told you to stay in the carriage!"
Igor followed behind her, though instead of scolding me, he let out a hearty chuckle.
"I must say, lad... that was some impressive swordsmanship back there."
I sat up, rubbing my temples. "What happened?"
Miss Agnes exhaled. "You saved us, that's what happened. And—" she hesitated, looking at me carefully. "You used magic."
Elvie nodded. "Yeah. And not just any magic—you wielded fire like a damn battle mage. It was amazing. I really thought you couldn't use magic because you said in your country magic is rare."
I stiffened. "But... I don't have magic."
Igor gave me a pointed look. "Then explain what we all saw."
I opened my mouth to argue—but then I remembered.
The flames. The speed. The precision. It wasn't just adrenaline. Something inside me had awakened. I clenched my fists, trying to make sense of it. It wasn't normal. I wasn't normal. But I have a very low status, and even my magic sucks, so did it... Holy fuck! Was I overpowered? I mean, I know I have 10-level magic and power, but, yeah, whatever. I don't have the liberty to worry for now. I've survived; that's all that mattered.
Yet, my mind flashed back to that moment with the bandits—the way my sword moved effortlessly in my hands, the heat that surged through my body, and the way the flames had engulfed my blade as if it had always belonged to me. Was it an ability bestowed upon me by the guardian? A hidden power waiting to be unlocked?
I have watched so much anime that none of this should have surprised me. Maybe my body instinctively activated the magical shield—one that counteracted the spells the bandits had used against me. Or maybe it was something else entirely. I just have to trust the gift the guardian bestowed upon me. He said I would be safe no matter what.
I exhaled slowly, trying to shake off the thoughts. Does it even matter?
I didn't come to this world to be some kind of hero. I wasn't looking for adventure, battles, or enemies with scary magical abilities. No, I came here for one reason only—to live a simple, comfortable, and rich life.
Still... I flexed my fingers. Knowing that something inside me had changed—that I possessed some form of magic—made it impossible to ignore. I will have to look into it someday. But for now, my focus was on my business, my money, and ensuring that my new life stayed as peaceful as possible.
At least, that was the plan.
Before I could respond, a sharp knock echoed through the room.
A young maid stepped inside, her uniform neat and proper. She bowed slightly. "Lord Roland requests your presence in the study, Sir Dirk."
I exchanged glances with Elvie, Igor, and Miss Agnes. "Guess we don't have time for explanations just yet," Igor muttered as he helped me up. I still felt a little lightheaded, but my body was surprisingly fine—no pain, no injuries. Whatever had happened to me during that fight, it had left me physically unscathed.
Elvie sighed. "Come on. Let's meet the Lord."
Another echoed softly in my ears.
New Quest Unlocked: Make the Lord of this Town Like You
Reward: Map of the Divine Tree
I blinked at the floating blue screen, eyebrows raised. I rubbed my chin, considering the implications. The "Divine Tree" sounded important. Magical, even. Maybe a source of rare herbs... or treasure? Either way, it was too tempting to ignore.