Kabanata 3: Engy
Oh my, how should I put this—
Who said those words?
If asked who, it's something anyone might say, or be told.
Ah...I remember now. Those words weren't directed at anyone to begin with. It was an evaluation of my software work.
The department head who said it, whether for good work or bad work, always used the same phrase. Come to think of it, it was his catchphrase.
And now, those words were aimed at me.
"That's right! I forgot to ask something important! You, uh—"
I had answered. Yes, I'd answered. Answered what? The question, of course.
What awaited me, after getting summoned from Earth and deciding to live as a hero, was a barrage of questioning from the princess.
I thought she seemed demure and polite, listening silently to me and the old man talk. Apparently not.
Starting with family structure, interests, skills, even relationship history.
I endured the torrent of questions.—Your Highness, how many more times will you forget and re-ask?
"You're an En-gi-neer?"
"Yes, Engineer. Call me Engy for short."
She hadn't asked my occupation, but name. Whatever, close enough to a Japanese sounding name.
And so, circumstances led me to go by Engy.
"I see, Engy. Well then, let me confirm your abilities. Your power as the hero."
My abilities, huh. Honestly, I don't feel any different from when I was on Earth.
It'll be fine, right? Treated specially now, but I won't be abandoned for lacking power, right?
Though for a carefree life in another world, having power would be ideal.
They mentioned magic and all earlier, so power is surely useful in such a fantasy world.
"It's alright, just a small prick."
What's this old man planning to do!? I brace myself to run.
"Simply drawing a bit of blood. No need to be so scared. There, there, leave it to me."
"Old man...!"
Reassured by the old man's gentle voice, I readily offer my hand. Then comes the slight prick into my index finger.—Hey...isn't that deep?
"Ah, messed up."
Owww! Don't say it so casually! Of course that'd hurt, you idiot! Try stabbing from an angle or something!
An unnecessarily large amount of blood drips onto the paper below called Proof Paper.
After a faint light, words and numbers appear on the previously blank paper.
"Hmm?"
The princess peers at the paper with great interest.
For a moment, she seemed to make a sad face.
"Well? What's it say?"
"Physical ability is decent. Magical power also decent. The only unique skill is linguistic comprehension, but all summoned people get that...so..."
"Meaning?"
"Mediocre, I guess? You can become a general with training and learning magic. Maybe."
I'm really the hero? And what's with the 'maybe' after trying? I don't mean effort is unnecessary, but still.
Can I go home now? I'm glad to know I have this magical power, but at this rate, I'll die before saving the world.
"Oh my, how should I put this—"
Manager, you mean it negatively this time, right?
Becoming a general sounds amazing normally, but I'm supposed to be the hero!
"It was short, but thanks for everything. Welp, I'm off then."
With that, I take my leave. My business here is done.
For my peaceful life in this world, summon another guy.
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