Journey to Godhood Begins in Frieren

The "newbie-killer," as the name suggests, is a monster infamous for preying on first-time adventurers. Axel is a starter town, full of greenhorns who all too often meet their end on its claws—hence the nickname.

The creature lives in the forest beyond the town.

Shichen warped himself and Yunyun to the gate, then—still holding her hand—started the walk.

Yunyun's cheeks flushed at the warm grasp. "Um, Shichen…" She lowered her eyes, words stalling.

"What is it?" he asked softly.

"N-nothing…"

"Then let's keep going."

Her face reddened further, but she let him lead her on.

They strolled at an easy pace—across the meadow, past herds of Giant Toads, even by the huge smoking crater Megumin's Explosion had left—until they reached the forest.

Toads were everywhere in breeding season; good news for low-level adventurers and for anyone who liked the meat (parasites apparently weren't a concern in this world).

At the forest edge the morning's battle scars remained: Host was gone without a trace, but the scorched cavity from Megumin's spell looked as if a small nuke had landed—minus the radiation.

"Where do we look for this newbie-killer?" Yunyun asked.

"Luna said it lurks in the woods," Shichen replied. "After all the noise earlier it's probably hiding. We'll have to flush it out."

"What if it never shows?"

"It will. We look like fresh meat—if it spots us it won't resist."

"Shichen, you're hardly a newbie; you nullified a high-rank demon's fire with a flick."

"That was just a flame trick, and I've only been an adventurer a few days. Doesn't that make me new?"

"No rookie slays a high-rank demon," she laughed.

"Megumin did the slaying, remember?" he winked.

"You're hopeless," she giggled.

"Come on—let's find our quarry."

"Even slowly is fine—" She bit her lip.

"Hmm?"

"Nothing! Let's go."

This time she tugged him into the trees.

She walked cautiously, peering about, but perhaps because of the earlier commotion no monsters appeared.

Shichen stopped her near the deeper brush. "Don't go farther."

"Why? We haven't found anything."

"The newbie-killer never ventures that deep. Let's circle around."

"Okay."

Now he took the lead. With no danger looming, Yunyun's thoughts drifted back to their interlaced fingers. She'd never held hands with anyone before, let alone a boy. His palm swallowed hers, warm and steady—somehow it felt like he was holding not just her hand but her heart.

"Shichen…" she ventured.

"Yes?"

"D-do you… like Megumin?"

"Why ask?" He halted and faced her.

Gathering courage, she met his gaze. "Y-you tease her a lot, but I can tell you spoil her too."

"Oh?"

"She's cute. And powerful."

"You're cute too," he said lightly.

Yunyun's face went crimson. "M-me?"

"Of course. You're adorable, talented, and your figure is, well, better than hers. Your mid-tier magic packs a punch."

"Really?"

"Don't believe me?" he teased.

"I—I do."

"Good. Be confident; you're not inferior to anyone. Bet you're nearly ready for high-level spells."

"H-how did you know?"

"Because you have the skill."

"Th-thank you."

"No thanking teammates," he scolded playfully.

"S-sorry—"

"Stop! A teammate shows thanks or apology with a hug."

"A… hug?" She blinked.

"What, don't believe that either?"

"I believe!"

"Then you know what to do."

Yunyun screwed her eyes shut and dove into his chest. Shichen braced easily and wrapped his arms around her slender frame—soft, delicate, and, most importantly, willing.

Still clinging to him she whispered, "C-can I ask… that night, why did you hug me so suddenly?"

"I told you—just a joke, to teach you it's risky sneaking into a guy's room."

"Is… that all?" Her voice wavered.

"Don't believe me?"

"A little…"

"Then guess," he chuckled.

"That's not fair!"

"Here's a hint: this kind of hug—save it just for me, okay?"

"Why?"

"Think about it. When you're happy or sad you can come to me for one, anytime."

"…Okay."

"Good girl—here's a reward." He bent and kissed her forehead.

She froze, wide-eyed.

At that instant Shichen's brow knit. "Looks like we have unwanted company."

"What?"

Holding her close he leapt onto a branch.

Whoosh!

A dark blur sliced the spot where they'd stood and halted below.

"That…?" Yunyun gasped.

"The newbie-killer," Shichen said. Below them a wolf-lion hybrid—midnight black—bared its fangs, eyes gleaming with hunger.

"What do we do?"

"Same as Toads—only easier. We may be 'newbies' in name, but not in power."

"True."

"Hold tight—I'm jumping."

"Why?"

"It interrupted us. I owe it a couple kicks."

"Wh—"

"Sleep!" Yunyun hurriedly cast. Violet aether wrapped the beast; its eyelids drooped just as Shichen landed atop its skull.

"Justice Kick!"

Still cradling Yunyun, he stomped its head and sprang away. The creature roared, dazed.

"Justice Kick'?" she echoed.

"Never mind. Finish it—Fireball!"

"R-right! Lightning!"

Golden flame and crackling bolts struck. The monster shrieked, convulsed, and within seconds lay a smoldering, blackened lump—very much dead.

~~~

Newbie-killer is Beginner's Bane

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