I, Izumi Yuuri let out a sigh of relief upon confirming that the slime had completely disappeared.

It seems that the first battle with a monster was successfully won.

I look back, and Walter had a blank expression on his face.

"Walter?"

"...Hah!"

When I called out to him, Walter immediately returned to his usual expression.

Just as I thought that, he grabbed my shoulder with a desperate look on his face.

"Hey Yuuri, what was that just now!? Why do you have such power... haven't you ever fought monsters before!?"

"Ah, that, but..."

"...So, this is your current strength."

Walter shows a reaction as if he has been shocked.

...Based on this reaction, could it be that I might be one of the stronger newcomers?

If that's the case, then it was worth the effort of training desperately for a thousand years.

Nevertheless, I can't keep basking in joy forever.

I tighten my helmet strap after winning.

It's nonsense to let my guard down or become complacent just because I managed to defeat a low-level monster.

That, more importantly―

"More importantly, Walter, if you defeat a monster without having accepted a request, can you still get a reward?"

"More importantly... Does this guy really understand what he's done? Well, whatever. We will see his reaction when we report it to the guild, and that will tell us everything."

Walter looked down as he muttered something under his breath in a voice I couldn't hear, then turned his gaze towards me.

"It was about the bounty for subjugation, right? Depending on the type of monster defeated, but with the current opponent, we should be able to receive the reward without any issues."

"Is that so? I'm glad."

I was relieved, but Walter's next words didn't allow me to feel at ease.

"You received the adventurer's card, right? If you take it back to the guild, they should be able to reference the subjugation records with their special magical tools."

"Referencing the subjugation records... Ah."

Then, I suddenly remembered.

It was a few hours ago when I registered as an adventurer. The receptionist, Raisa, said this.

"Therefore, in Yuuri-san's case, when you defeat a monster, you will need to carry a proof of subjugation part, and due to identification issues, your activity will be limited to this town... Is that alright?"

My adventurer card, which doesn't have any magical power, has limitations, and the subjugation records are not saved. That's why I was told I needed a subjugation proof part.

However, I completely obliterated the slime without a trace.

―In other words, there's no proof that I defeated the slime!

"What's wrong, Yuuri? You suddenly went silent."

"Actually..."

When I explained the situation, Walter put his head in his hands like me.

"Wha—, so that's what happened!? Still, the fact remains that you defeated it. I could try to persuade them on your behalf, but..."

"Do you think they'll be satisfied with just that?"

"I don't know. Given the circumstances this time, it will probably involve measuring Yuuri's abilities in a mock battle or something similar."

"...Hmm."

A mock battle, huh?

I imagine what it would be like if it actually happened.

There will probably be a lot of spectators around, and I will have to fight against a skilled examiner.

So I showcase my finely honed swordsmanship, but it doesn't reach the examiner at all.

Maybe, by observing that process, they might acknowledge that I have at least the minimum level of skill, but―

Examiner: "L-Let's stop here. I can see your abilities. Y-Yeah, I definitely think you can handle low-level monsters."

Onlooker 1: "Huh, is it over already? I mean, you were having a mock battle just to prove you defeated a slime? Aren't you desperate? (laughs)"

Onlooker 2: "I thought it was an exam for ranking up, so I came to see it, but the level was so low that it was a waste. Let's go home."

―It'll definitely create an awkward atmosphere!

Even without that, I'm already an irregular without any magical power.

I want to avoid causing any more trouble for the guild as much as possible.

So, with that...

"Then, it's fine if there's no reward this time. After all, the one at fault is me for forgetting the precautions and fighting."

"Are you serious!? Do you really understand just how powerful that slime you defeated was―"

"Besides, if it's to that extent, there will be plenty of opportunities to defeat it from now on."

"―Huh?"

As long as I continue to work as an adventurer, I will inevitably have to fight countless low-level monsters from now on.

No, on the contrary, there should even be times when we fight against intermediate and advanced opponents.

After a thousand years of training, it would be an unimaginably tough opponent for someone like me, who is still at a low level.

Even so, it doesn't matter.

Unlike the [Time-Space Interval], this world offers the invaluable experience of real combat.

If I eat that, I can get stronger faster than ever before.

That's precisely why―

"I can't get cocky just because I defeated an enemy of that level. I still have to work hard to be able to beat even stronger opponents."

"―Eh!"

Here, I declared that once again.

After hearing that, Walter thought for a while and then slowly nodded.

"...Yeah, you're right. What you said is indeed true."

From Walter's perspective as a C-rank and a capable person, my statement might have sounded naive and clumsy.

Even so, he responded with a serious expression.

After that.

As the sun had set and the surroundings were getting darker, we decided to leave the forest and return to the town—

"Ah, I'm sorry. It's tough with a magical power of zero, so can I just pick up some herbs on the way back?"

"Ah, aah."

―Before that, after gathering only the medicinal herbs, I returned to the guild once more.

And so, my first day in the other world came to an end.

Chapter 13: First Day of Life in Another World, End