Posted: 2025 10 06

A month has already passed since I came to this world. 

Steadily, my adventurer rank climbed from ‘F’ rank to ‘C’ rank. The combination of the Ring of Creation, magic, and my game knowledge, most quests have been a breeze.

“Shou-kun, you’ve already completed another difficult quest?” Elise remarked cheerfully.

Over the past month, Elise and I have become pretty close. She is the first friend I have made in this world. 

“It was an Ogre subjugation. I used magic to create a flashbang, and whilst it was blind, I defeated it.”

“Flashbang?”

“Uhh, it’s a tool that uses a lot of light.”

Of course, that’s knowledge from my previous life. But using the creation magic consumes a lot of my MP.

“You use such mysterious magic as always.”

She tilted her head but seemed convinced by my explanation. This honest side of hers is refreshing. That’s what I like about our friendship. 

“More importantly, Shou-kun, have you thought about hiring a bodyguard? Once you rank up to C rank, it will be dangerous to fight alone. 

“Bodyguard…”

It was beginning to grow more apparently that fighting solo had it’s limits. Especially since more and more people were finding out he was an Omega. 

Alpha adventures had been approaching him with boast to “protect him.” Or he’d get a nasty “You’re just an Omega” comment. Both were annoying. And Shou still had mixed feelings about being protected by an Alpha man. 

“But it’s hard to trust someone.”

“What about slaves?”

I frowned at Elise’s suggestion. “Slaves…”

Coming from a modern world, slavery was just unacceptable. He had a very strong resistance against owning people.

“You wouldn’t have to worry about being betrayed due to the magical contracts, they will obey all orders absolutely. 

“But…”

“Oh, of course, how they are treated varies from person to person. Some get treated like family.”

I stopped to think about Elise’s words. 

I absolutely needed reliable companions. If I were to buy a slave, then I know I would treat them right. By buying one, I would be able to save them from a worse fate. 

“...Okay. I’ll go take a look.”

“Good idea. The market in the royal capital has a big selection.”

The next day, I headed out. It was half a day’s ride from Ordis Town to Arcadia, a large city surrounded by impressive walls. While I had seen it in game, the scenery in person was overwhelming. 

The slave market was located on the outskirts. The facility was surrounded by a high wall, with guards along the entrance. It was intimate to walk up to. 

“Are you here to browse or buy?”

“Looking to buy.”

“Then right this way.”

The atmosphere inside was gloomy.

Both sides of the dimly lit corridor had rows of iron barred cages, each filled with slaves of various races, all with dazed eyes.

“Welcome customer.”

A greedy looking merchant with a greasy face stepped forward, my distaste for him immediate. 

“I am looking for a slave escort.”

“For an escort, I recommend this.”

He was led to a cage filled with strong men.

“They are all former mercenaries or criminals with plenty of combat experience.”

Let’s see what Analytical Eyes says. It might be true that they all have high combat power but…

[Former Mercenary]

Loyalty: 20/100

Reliability: Low

Note: There is a high possibility that he will betray you depending on the amount of money you give him.

No good, this won’t do.

“Is there anything else.”

“We have demi-humans for cheaper…”

The merchant led us to another area filled with beastmen, elves, and dwarves. 

Everyone looked dazed, and was clear the harsh conditions had taken a toll mentally.

This is…

My heart ached. I wanted to save them all, but I didn’t have the financial means to do so. At least to save one of them…

“Anything else?”

The merchant looked thoughtful. “Actually, there is something we were about to dispose of.”

“Disposal?”

What a way to put it. Treating people like hot commodities.

“I bought it six months ago, but it hasn’t sold. Nobody wants to touch them due to their temper.”

The fact that they had been here for six months or longer meant they had been living in such poor conditions for a long time.

“Please show me.”

We headed straight for the back of the market. There, was a cage located separately from the rest. It was truly dark and I couldn’t make out much, but I could feel a powerful presence there. 

“Hey, there’s a customer.”

The merchant kicked the cage, angering whoever was inside. In response was a low growl, a mixture of annoyance and resignation.

This guy would see on looks alone, but has a terrible attitude and wouldn’t last three minutes. 

Analytical Eyes. I accidently gasped.

[ERROR]

[Unanalyzable]

[Warning: Non-standard existence]

This is…

Following game logic, this display is usually for hidden bosses and special NPCs. In other words, this slave was definitely no ordinary person. 

“Can I see more?”

“What? Are you serious?” Surprised, but quickly realizing he could get business. “Turn on the lights.” 

When a torch was lit, the figure in the cage became visible. 

He was wearing tattered clothing, face hidden by long hair, limbs in heavy shackles, body covered in wounds. But my eyes sensed that this person was special even covered up and dirty like that.

"Hey, look up."

The merchant kicks the cage again.

"Please stop."

I stopped instinctively.

"Huh?"

"Please stop kicking the cage."

The merchant looked shocked, but I didn't give in.

Slowly, the figure in the cage looked up.

Golden eyes peaked out from underneath his silver hair. He had beautiful features. no, it wasn't just beautiful, but breathtakingly beautiful. Even as a man, I was mesmerized by his beauty. 

But there was only hostility in his eyes.

"...What are you looking at?"

It was a raspy voice, but there was something dignified about it. And for some reason, my heart leaped.

"This guy is like this every time he opens his mouth. No wonder we can't find a buyer."

The merchant gave a wry smile.

I stared intently at the silver-haired man.

My Analytical Eyes can't gather any other information. But my intuition tells me this man is special. And I couldn't just leave him here.

"How much is he?"

"Huh?"

The merchant rolled his eyes.

"I'm buying this slave. How much?"

"Are you sure you want to buy it?"

The merchant looked incredulous.

"I won’t take him back. This guy is really out of control."

"No problem. So, what's the price?"

The merchant looked calculating, then his expression changed to one of delight.

"...10 gold coins would be fine. To be honest, I was having trouble getting rid of it anyway."

Normally, a combat slave would cost 50 gold coins, this was an incredibly low price. In fact, I was angry that he was being sold for such a low price.

The merchant took the gold coins and performed the contract ceremony.

The magic circle glows, and a master-servant contract is sealed. Now, the slave can no longer disobey my orders. Or so I thought…

"Hmph, another foolish human."

The silver-haired man was still glaring at me with hostile eyes.

His gaze made my heart skip a beat again. What was this feeling? Fear? No, it wasn't.

"What's your name?"

"I don't have a name. I was called by my number. 666."

Calling people by number is awful.

"Is that so..."

I unlocked the cage.

"What are you planning to do with me?" He asked warily.

"Let's get out of here for now. We can talk later."

Taking the man with me, I left the slave market.

On the way to the inn, the man didn't say a word, but just glared at everyone around him with hateful eyes.

But I noticed that deep in those eyes there was sadness.

When we arrived at the inn where we would be staying, the first thing I did brought him to my room.

"Now, let's start with the treatment."

"Treatment?" He sounded surprised.

From what I can see, he seems to be quite injured.

Using creation magic, modern medical equipment appeared: disinfectants, bandages, ointments, and…

"This is?"

"Nutritional supplements. You seem pretty weak."

The man looked at me suspiciously, but didn't resist. That must be the contract in effect.

I carefully disinfected the wound and applied medicine. Every time I touched him, the man's body trembled slightly. Was it pain, or…

"Why?"

In the middle of the treatment, the man spoke.

"Why would you do something like this?"

"It is the employer's responsibility to look after the health of their employees."

"Employee? I'm a slave."

"To me, you will become my adventure companion."

The man's eyes widened.

"...Are you crazy?"

"Probably. Are you sure you don’t have a name?"

The man was silent.

"If not, can I put one on? I don't like calling people by numbers."

"...Do what you want."

I thought. Silver hair and golden eyes. A somewhat noble aura. And for some reason, a presence that captured my heart.

"What about Nova?"

The man– no, Nova, whispered it under his breath as if savoring it. 

“It means ‘new star.’ I hope to grant you a new beginning.”

“Ridiculous.”

Nova swore, but didn't refuse. In fact, maybe it was just my imagination, but he looked a little pleased.

Once the treatment was finished, I prepared a meal. I used creation magic to make hot soup and bread.

"Please eat."

Nova eyed the food suspiciously, then hesitantly took a bite.

And he looked surprised.

"This is..."

"Tasty?"

"...No"

Nova continued to eat in silence. There was something elegant about the way he ate. He was definitely no ordinary person.

In no time, the plate was empty.

"Do you want seconds?"

"...Don’t bother."

Even as he spoke, his eyes never left the plate. How cute. No, why do I think this guy was cute?

With a smirk, I conjured up more food.

In the end, Nova finished off three servings.

"How was your meal?"

"...Well, it wasn't bad."

He's still as stubborn as ever. But that awkwardness is somehow endearing. Ah, where did "endearing" come from?

"By the way, Nova-san."

"There's no need to be so formal."

"So, Nova. Can you tell me who you are?"

Nova's expression hardened.

"What do you mean?"

"It's not normal for something to be unreadable even with Analytical Eyes."

"Analytical Eyes...?"

"I know a spell that shows a person’s information. However, your information is displayed as 'ERROR'."

Nova looked thoughtful, then sighed in resignation.

"...I don't remember"

“Eh?”

“I don’t remember who I am or how I ended up there.”

A pained look flashed across his face, and seeing it made my heart clench.

“But  sometimes, I have dreams of flying high in the sky. And I can see the shadow of big wings on the clouds below.”

Flying in the sky with wings… that’s…

“A dragon?”

His sharp eyes focused on me. “What makes you say that?”

“Well, maybe…”

This was just because I had knowledge about this world. In “Dragon Chronicle,” there were dragons that could transform into humans.

"Well, whatever you are, it doesn't matter."

"Eh?"

"You’re my companion now so that’s good enough for me."

Nova looked at him in shock.

"Are you crazy? You don't even know who I am."

"If you don't know either, we can find out together." I said with a smile.

"Plus, you look strong. Perfect for being my guard."

"I might betray you."

"You don’t seem like the type of person to betray me."

"...What's the basis for that?"

"It's intuition."

Nova seemed at a loss for words.

"You're different."

"I’ve heard that a lot."

"Any normal person would be afraid of me."

"There's no reason to be afraid. Besides, we have work tomorrow."

"Work?"

"I'm an adventurer. I'd like you to come with me on adventures."

Nova frowned, but the contract meant he couldn't refuse.

"...Understood"

"Well, please get plenty of rest today. Oh, I've already heated up the bath for you."

"Bath...?"

Nova's eyes lit up, no mistaking it.

"It's been a while..."

That murmur was somehow sad.

"Enjoy as much as you’d like."

That night, Nove took a bath for over an hour while I sat reflecting on the day’s events.

It was a good thing I brought Nova. I’m not sure what led me to him, but there was no regret.

It was a peculiar feeling.

My heart was tested when I woke up the next morning.

Yesterday’s battered and bruised Nova had looked like he had been replaced by a different person. 

His silver hair now shone, and golden eyes were as clear as jewels. His beautiful features were like a breathtaking work of art.

Beautiful was the only thought in my head. Maybe it was strange for me to call a man this but it was the honest truth.

When I look at Nova, I feel like gender doesn’t matter.

“Ah, Nova?”

“Huh, what’s with that face?”

“No, it’s just that you look so different…”

Nova snorted in annoyance.

“I just took a bath, ate food and went to bed.”

Could only that make such a difference? Or perhaps it was that his appearance was just dazzling from the start.

“For now, let’s buy you some clothes.”

It wouldn’t be good to leave him in those tattered rags.

At the weapons shop, I also got Nova black leather armor and a long sword.

Nova looked more handsome dressed in his new gear. I’m completely in love. No, why would I be utterly captivated with a man?

“Can you use this sword?”

“... Probably.”

I wondered what he  meant by that, but it wouldn’t hurt to give it to him anyway.

People we passed on our way back to the guild turned to look at Nova, his appearance causing him to stick out in the crowd.

“What is that beautiful man?”

“A newbie? His aura is serious…”

The gazes of women were particularly intense. For some reason, that made me feel uneasy. No, why?

Nova didn’t seem to mind but all the attention made a little uncomfortable.

Elise’s eyes widened in shock when we arrived at the guild. 

“Shou-kun, who is this?”

“This is the slave I bought yesterday, Nova.”

“Slave…”

Elise looked at Nova in disbelief. It was hard to imagine him as a slave when he looked more like a prince.

“Since he’s my escort, do I need to register him?”

“It’s okay since as your slave, it’s up to your discretion. But…” Elise stared at Nova, then blushed. “You’re so… pretty.”

For some reason these words bothered my heart.

“Well, I’m glad I now have a reliable guard.”

“Yes, that’s good.”

I checked the quest board for C rank quests.

[Wyvern subjugation]

Reward: 50 gold coins

Risk level: High

“Let’s go with this one.”

“Huh, a Wyvern all of a sudden?!”

Elise looked panicked.

“It’s okay, I have Nova now.”

It was strange, but I felt like he was trustworthy.

“But his skills are still…”

Nova picked this time to speak up. “Wyverns are no problem.”

His confidence caused a murmur among the nearby adventurers. 

“What’s up with the new guy?”

“Don’t underestimate a Wyvern.”

A muscular male adventurer stepped forward, with a ‘B’ rank mark. “Hey rookie. It seems like you don’t know how dangerous a Wyvern is.”

“That’s none of your business.”

The man’s face turned a little red at Nova’s brush off.

“Then, let’s see whose strong in a mock battle?”

“Kyle, stop it.” Elise tried to stop him, but the man called Kyle wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“How about it, rookie?”

Nova looked at me, eyes asking for permission.

“Do whatever you want.” Nova’s eyes turned warmer at my words.

“...Got it.”

--

A crowd began to gather at the training grounds behind the guild, all curious to see this handsome newbie.

"Well then, let's get started."

Kyle held his sword steady.

Nova held the sword he was just given in one hand, without any particular stance.

"Don't underestimate me!"

Kyle lunged forward.

It's fast. As expected of a B rank.

But–

Clang!

In an instant, Kyle's sword was deflected.

"Eh?"

Kyle is stunned.

Nova was still standing in the same place, no one could see when he had swung his sword.

“Slow.”

The next moment, a sword was pointed at Kyle's neck.

"Is this the end?"

The training ground was silent.

A B-rank adventurer was subdued in an instant. And by a rookie, no less.

"Y-You monster..."

Kyle said in a trembling voice.

Nova put his sword down with uninterest and walked over to me.

"Is this okay?"

"Yes, that's enough."

I nodded in satisfaction. His abilities were beyond my expectations. And for some reason, I felt proud.

Amidst the commotion, Leonardo appeared.

"I thought it was noisy again...oh, I've got something for you."

The Guild Master appears, and the adventurers make way for him.

Leonardo stared at Nova, his eyes searching for something.

"Are you Shou's bodyguard?"

"...That's right."

Nova looked back at Leonardo with a wary look.

"Hmm..."

Leonardo thought about something and then turned to me.

"Shou-kun, I need to talk to you about something. Let's go upstairs."

Nova and I were ushered into the guild master's room. Leonardo closed the door and his expression became serious.

"Let me get straight to the point. Who is he?"

"A slave I bought to be my escort."

"Slave...huh?"

Leonardo looked at Nova.

"The magic I sense from you isn't human. No, it's not even close to a  demi-human. It's something else..."

Nova's expression became grim.

"So what?"

"I don't mean to accuse you or anything. I was just curious."

Leonardo sat back in his chair.

"Shou-kun, it seems you've found an interesting talent. Make sure you treasure it."

"Yes."

"And this."

Leonardo took out a small bag.

"It's an enhanced version of the estrus suppressant. It's more effective than the regular one."

"Thank you"

Hearing the word ‘estrus’, I felt Nova react with a faint twitch.

As we left the room, Nova spoke up.

"That man is no ordinary man."

"He’s the guild master for a reason."

"That's not all. He's also... well, nothing." Nova started to say something, but ended up just closing his mouth.

--

We set off on our quest to defeat a Wyvern. I couldn’t help but sneak glances at Nova on our way there. 

Even though we’re just travel companions, I can’t help but be more curious about him. 

Maybe I was starting to see him more as a friend than an employee. 

That's all.

…Is that really all there is to it?

The Wyvern’s habitat was a mountain range a half-day’s journey from the capital. We walked in silence, but it didn’t feel awkward.

“We should be close…”

Nova suddenly looked up.

“Here it comes.”

“Eh?”

A huge shadow flew by overhead, covering the sun. A giant flying Wyvern, with a wingspan of ten meters (or ~33 feet). 

[Wyvern] 

Level: 35 

HP: 3000 

Weak spots: abdomen, base of wings

“It’s huge…”

Seeing it in person was a completely different experience than the game. To be honest, my legs were shaking.

The wyvern swooped down, its sharp claws aimed at me.

This is bad, it's coming closer–

"Watch out!"

Nova pushed me away, blocking the claw with his sword.

Clang!

There was a metallic clang and sparks flew.

"Nova!"

"Don't worry."

Nova stated coolly. But his arms were trembling slightly. The wyvern's strength was formidable.

"Hmm, is that all?"

Nova pushed the wyvern back, pretending to be strong.

The wyvern rose again, this time spitting fire from its mouth.

"Earth Wall!"

I quickly created a wall with magic, but it begins to crumble under the force of the flames.

"Stand back."

Nova stepped forward.

And then something strange happened, a silver light began to gather around Nova. The light flickered like a flame. 

It was beautiful. But this was no time to think about such things.

"Silver flame..."

The moment Nova muttered, a silver flame was shot towards the Wyvern.

The Wyvern's flames and silver flames collided.

However, the silver flames were overwhelmingly stronger and swallowed up the wyvern's flames.

The wyvern shrieked in pain.

It was enveloped in silver flames and crashed to the ground.

It stopped moving. With one fell swoop, the wyvern was defeated.

"Amazing..."

I looked at Nova in shock.

Strong. Too strong. And the way he fought was so elegant.

"What was that just now?"

"...I don't know."

Nova himself seemed confused, sweat forming on his forehead.

"My body moved on its own. For some reason, I was able to use this power as well."

Silver flames. That was clearly no ordinary magic. Could it be that Nova really was…

"Are you okay? Are you tired?"

Worried, I approached him as I saw Nova stumble a little.

"Nova!"

I quickly supported him. Nova's body leaned against me.

Close. So close. Nova's hair smelled so wonderful, like a crisp winter morning.

"S-sorry..."

Nova tried to hurry away, but he was still staggering.

"Don't push yourself. Please sit down."

I sat him down on a nearby rock, and Nova obediently remained still.

"Would you like some water?"

He uses creation magic to create a bottle of water and handed it over.

"...Thank you"

As I watched Nova drink water, I thought to myself.

In the game, the Silver Flame is the power of the Silver Dragon. In other words, Nova is likely a Silver Dragon. But why is he in human form and lost his memory?

"Nova."

"What is it?"

"Don't push yourself. If anything happens to you, I'll..."

I started to speak but stopped. What was I trying to say?

Nova looked at me, and there was something warm glimmering in his golden eyes.

"Don't worry. I won't die that easily."

"But..."

“We also need to collect the quest items.”

Nova stood up, still a little unsteady, but seemingly okay.

We collected the wyvern fangs as evidence and decided to return to the guild.

On the way back, Nova suddenly spoke up.

"Why did you buy me?"

"Eh?"

"The merchant said I was difficult to deal with. So why?"

I thought for a bit and answered honestly.

"It was a hunch. I felt like I could get along well with you."

"...I don't understand you."

"Also…"

"What is it?"

"I couldn't just leave you there alone."

Nova stopped in her tracks.

"You couldn’t just leave me?"

"Seeing you in that cage just... made my heart ache." I know this was an embarrassing thing to admit, but it's the truth.

"I wanted to get you out of that place."

Nova didn't say anything, but her expression seemed to soften a little.

When we returned to the guild, there was another uproar.

"I can't believe they actually defeated a Wyvern..."

"And unharmed."

Elise also seemed unable to hide her surprise.

"Shou-kun, how on earth did you..."

"Thanks to Nova."

At those words, all eyes towards Nova.

Awe, amazement, and fear. The gaze was a mixture of emotions.

"Hey, that silver hair..."

"Could it be the legendary..."

Whispers can be heard. It seems that some people have an idea about Nova's true identity.

Kyle approached.

"I'm sorry about earlier."

"Huh?"

Nova gave him a quizzical look.

“The mock battle earlier, I got carried away.”

Kyle bowed his head. “Your abilities are the real deal, that’s for sure.”

Nova looked like he wasn’t used to people apologizing to him. 

“...No big deal.”

“I see. I’m glad then.”

Kyle smiled at that. "Would you like to have a drink with me sometime?"

"Huh?"

"I want to be friends. Is that okay?"

Kyle's suggestion made me feel uneasy for some reason. Want to become friends with Nova? 

That's…

"I don't drink alcohol."

Nova flatly refused.

"I see, that's unfortunate."

Kyle shrugged and walked away.

For some reason, I found myself feeling relieved. Why was that?

That night, when we returned to the inn, I asked Nova.

“"Do you remember anything else related to the Silver Flame?"

"...Barely."

Nova replied, looking out the window.

"I'm not human, that's for sure."

"A dragon?"

Nova turned around.

"Why do you think so?"

"I've heard that the Silver Flame is the power of the Silver Dragons."

It's not a lie. In the game's settings, it says that the Silver Dragon uses purifying silver flames.

"Silver Dragon..."

Nova muttered, savoring the words.

"Maybe."

"So, you’re stuck in human form?"

"Looks like it. But I don't understand why I’m human and have no memories."

Nova clenched his fist in frustration.

"And these shackles won't come off either."

Black shackles were fastened to his wrists and ankles. They were a sign of slavery, but they didn’t seem ordinary.

Even when I look at it with Analytical Eyes, no information popped up.

"These don't seem to be just shackles."

"Yeah. It's probably sealing my powers."

If that was Nova's true identity, why was he in the slave market?

The mystery only deepened.

"Well, there's no need to rush." I tried to reassure him with a smile. “You can just take your time to remember.”

"You're...really strange."

Nova looked a little anxious, but now somehow relieved.

"Normally, if people found out I was a dragon, you would be afraid."

"There's no reason to be afraid. Nova is Nova."

"...I don't understand you."

Nova shook hishead.

"But..."

"But?"

"That’s ok."

Nova smiled, a tiny smile, a really tiny smile.

Seeing his expression, my heart leaped.

This is the first time I've seen Nova smile. It's beautiful. So beautiful.

"What's wrong? Your face is red."

"Huh?! N-no, it's nothing!"

I hastily turned my face away.

What is this? Why is my heart beating so fast just from a man's smile?

No, this must be because I'm tired. Yes, I'm just tired.

"S-speaking of which, are you hungry?"

I desperately tried to change the topic.

"...A little."

"Then I'll make something."

I used creation magic to make curry rice.

It's my favorite food, from my memories of my previous life.

“This is?"

“Curry rice. It’s a dish from my hometown…”

Well, that wasn’t a lie. Japan was my home. 

Nova hesitantly put it in his mouth. His eyes widened in shock.

"Good."

"You like it?"

"Yes. This is the first time I've had food like this."

Nova began to eat with gusto. It was kind of cute...

Oh man. I'm thinking weird things again.

But when I see Nova eating so enthusiastically, I also feel happy. This is probably because our friendship has grown stronger.

Yes, I'm sure that's it.

– 

Over the next few days, Nova and I completed various quests.

Nova's power was overwhelming, and no monster was a match for him.

And with each battle, our teamwork improved.

"Right!"

"I know!"

We were able read each other's movements without exchanging words.

It feels as though we've been fighting together for a long time.

Nova muttered on the way home after completing the quest.

"It's strange."

"What?"

"Don’t feel so on edge when I'm with you"

Those words made my heart warm.

“Me too.”

“Eh?”

“I feel safe when I’m with Nova as well.”

Nova looked surprised, then gave me a small smile. 

“I think you’re a strange guy.”

“It’s mutual.”

The two of us laughed.

When I returned to the guild, Elise handed me a letter.

"Leonardo asked you to come see him tomorrow." 

“Got it." 

What could it be? Could it be something about Nova? It made me anxious, but Nova remained calm. 

"Don't worry. No matter what, I'm here." 

Those words were very reassuring. And for some reason, I was happy. 

That night I was thinking. Since I met Nova, every day had been fun. Being with him filled my heart and days with joy. 

What kind of emotion is this? Camaraderie? Trust? Or... No, I'm overthinking it. 

Nova is a precious companion. That's all. 

But when I remember Nova's smile, my heart skips a beat. Hearing Nova's reassurance made me feel safe. For some reason, when Nova talks to other people, it's not a good feeling. Is this really friendship? 

I don't know. 

But there is one thing that is certain. 

I want to be with Nova. I want to be with you forever. 

That feeling was certain.