Book 1: Chapter : C_The Wandering Inn

Book 1: Chapter : C

 Do you wanna hear a funny joke? Okay. Here it is.

 A fat guy appears in a fantasy world and decides to be a [Clown].

 Im still working on the punch line. Its the only joke Ive got, though. I try to be funny, but really, Im a [Clown]. Im not actually sure were meant to make peopleugh.

 Curious about the parenthesis? It means I have a ss. [Clown], to be exact. Yeah. Its this entire thing which I dont want to go into.

 Suffice it to say that Im in a world where everyone gains levels and sses. Make sense? It doesnt to me either. But lets just call it a videogame where if you get stabbed in the stomach, you still bleed and die horribly.

 Im going to die that way, I just know it. Im a fat idiot who chose/got the wrong ss. Clown. In a world with monsters and magic, who wants to be a clown?

 Me, apparently.

 ording to Edward or Eddy as he likes to be called, I shouldnt even have this ss. He keeps telling me Im like a Bard or a Troubadour from one of the Final Fantasy series games. Number XXIV or something like that.

 I never yed those games as a kid. I wasnt a gamer, and I sort of regret it now. Maybe if I was, Id be able to deal with this.

 Probably not. How could anything prepare you to actually fight and die against creatures twice as terrifying as anything from our world? Nothing could.

 So its no wonder I dont want to fight. Maybe thats why I got the [Clown] ss. Those first few days when we were all summoned to this world, I was just trying to cope by telling jokes and get people tough. Im good at being the funny guy, normally. But then I became a [Clown] and everything got a lot less funny when we realized we were here to stay.

 Oh yeah? Did I mention that? Okay, let me go back and exin. Weand by we, I mean me and around fifty people around my age of 20appeared in this world thanks to a summoning spell. We appeared in front of this old guy on a throne, and suddenly everyone was screaming that we were the prophesied heroes.

 Cut to now. Just over twenty of us are left, and instead of being the heroes of the Blighted Lands, were disgraces sent to garrison a vige on the outskirts, barely acknowledged by the throne or the people.

 Because we suck. You know how the main hero in a movie gets teleported to another world and instantly has some kind of special skill or talent? Thats us, just without anything special.

 The Kingthe Blighted King, hes called, Othius the Fourth greeted us, and told us we would be the heroes who drove the demons out of his kingdom. He gave us weapons, sent us out into battle

 And we got ughtered. The survivors couldnt do anything, and so he gave up on us. He essentially exiled us from the capital city, and sent us out where we couldnt cause any trouble.

 Some of the others, the people from my world, learned to fight. Some even got good enough to hunt monsters and keep the surrounding area safe. But most of us couldnt deal with what was happening.

 Richards a [Knight], Level 26 and the strongest person in our group by far. He leads us and keeps us safe.

 Emilys a Level 21 [Hydromancer]. Shes the idol of our group if you can call anyone that. Shes popr.

 The others six or so guys and one girl who fight all have some kind of fighting or magical ss. The others either have barely one or two levels, or have chosen different jobs, like [Cook] or [Tailor] or [Gatherer].

 The majority help fight and keep people safe, and the others help out or justexist. But thats the group. You can divide it neatly up intobat and nonbat sses, except for one oddball.

 That would be me. The fat guy. A [Clown]. Funny man without anything funny to say about whats happening.

 Toms my name. Its actually Thomas, but Tom is what I prefer to be called. And yeah, Im the ss clown of the group in more ways than one. But the truth is, Im not actually that funny. If you couldnt tell, no one everughs at my jokes.

 I always wanted to do stand up, not pstick. But it turns out Im not good at either. Yeah, Im an unfunny fat guy walking around with white makeup on trying to entertain people. Which is pretty funny when you think about it, and just sad when you actually see it.

 I know, I know, I should have better self-esteem. And Im actually just chubby, not fat. Pleasingly plump. Slightly hefty. Ive got girth to go with my big bones, but I can still get around.

 Its just that I feel like a whalepared to all the people in this vige. They all look like they escaped from some horrible refugee campor prison. Theyve got gaunt faces, skeletal frames, but they still keep going.

 It makes me sick. But not too sick to stuff my face every day. I hate myself, sometimes.

 Most of the time.

 Ive got depression. Clinically proven, not self-diagnosed, thanks. And normally I have a good hold on itwell, I used to. But Im in a ce where the only drugs weve got are different kinds of alcohol. Good luck finding a bottle of antidepressants here, much less a drug store.

 It makes me feel worthless. It doesnt help that other people share that opinion.

 A [Clown]. Im actually Level 19, which might surprise you. But when I got that ss I took it as a sign. I mixed some white face paint, added a bit of red for my mouth and learned how to do things like juggle. I ran around, tried to tumble for people, told bad jokes, and generally made a fool of myself.

 Really, I should have gained two levels from that, at most. But it turns out that me and everyone who was summoned to this world gained the [Hero] ss when we arrived. Were all Level 1 [Heroes], and no ones raised it any higher, but it makes us level in every other ss a lot faster.

 So Im Level 19 right now, and trying to get to Level 20. ording tomon knowledge, you generally get a better-than-average skill at Level 20 and a better array of skills after that.

 Yeah. It is like a game, when alls said and done. But its too real for me. Too real, and too terrible.

 I cant be a warrior, like the others. I dont want to kill things, even horrific things with tons of eyes and ws. Actually, especially not them.

 I just want to level up this ss. I thinkyes, I think it might be worth doing.

 Right now? Right now, Im trying to make peopleugh.

 Picture the scene, if you will. Theres a grassy spot in the center of the small vige, a ce where the dirt road turns to soil. Its a small vige theyve put us in. But there are kids here, and people even this far out in the wilderness.

 They cant stray far from the vige. There are several [Hunters] and more than one low-level [Warrior] or [Hedgemage] in the vige, but the real protectiones from patrols and the small garrison of [Soldiers] stationed a few miles down the road.

 Thanks to us, that garrison is tripled in size, and the vigers feel it in the increased levies on their goods and supplies. Were even upying the townhouse, a big buildingrge enough to hold all of us together. Weve got beds, daily meals, and even basic amenities courtesy of the crown.

 The vige people dont have any of that. So they hate us.

 But the kidsah, the kids still enjoy our presence. Unlike the adults, we dont have set jobs so we can interact with them. We used to more, but now most of the others wont even y with the kids.

 So it falls to me.

 Look, look at the clown! See how he waddles around in the grass? I smile, feeling the dried paint crackling on my face. I toss three carved wooden pins up in the air, and juggle them around for the audience of eight or so children who stop ying tag to watch me.

 Its not the first time Ive put on a performance, and so the tired housewife across the street just looks once at me and then shakes her head and keeps walking. But the kids are more willing to give me another shot, so they watch as I juggle the pins.

 Theyre horribly rough and awkward in my hands, but I did manage to color them bright red, blue, and yellow. Some of the paint wore off, but it still looks impressive as they sh over my head.

 Okay, not impressive. But good. And its a miracle I can juggle at all, you know. It wasnt a skill I had back home, but I learned it as I leveled up in the [Clown] ss.

 Ive got several skills that allow me to do clownish things juggle, do prat falls, etc. Ive got one horribly annoying skill that isnt active right now, thank god, and one weird skill.

 [Loud Voice]. It does exactly what it sounds like. But its odd. Its not a skill that a [Clown] would really need, right?

 Normally, clowns arent even supposed to talk. Ive seen a few in circuses, and theyre like mimes. They might make funny sounds, but they dont speak.

 But if I understand how this ss works, then maybe

 Oops. Im so caught up in thought that I drop one of the pins. The other two thump on the ground, and I search for a recovery as the kids mutter and scratch themselves, bored.

 Right, how about this?

 I pause, and raise my hands and pucker my lips. Then I point to my empty hand. The children watch my pantomime, knowing the punch line but still interested enough to watch.

 I close my fist, and then do the trick where I pretend to pull something out. The only difference is that I do pull something out. I flip the bright blue pin up into the air, and then pull another one out from behind my back. The yellow pin joins it, and Im juggling again, despite the fact that I never reached down to pick the pins back up off the ground.

 The childrenugh and point, and I smile for real behind the paint. That wasnt half bad. And its all thanks to my Skill.

 My only cool trick is that I can pull objects seemingly out of nowhere. I have to have them on me of course, but within a 5 ft radius of me I can pretty much grab anything and make it appear out of thin air.

 But soon enough, even my juggling and hat trick gets boring. Especially since I dont have any more props besides the pins. A real clown would have balloons, confetti, tes to bnce on sticks

 Ive got nothing else. So I stop juggling as the kids start to stand up and clear my voice.

 Does anyone want to hear a joke?

 They look back at me. One of the older kids groans and shakes his head, but they stick around. Kids are gullible that way.

 Okay.

 Ive got this. I cough into my gloved hand.

 Um. Knock knock.

 They blink at me. Atst, Wilen gives me a hand.

 Whos there?

 Goblin.

 Goblin who?

 Me. Im gobblin up your food.

 They stare at me, and then at each other. Then the older boy shakes his head.

 I told you that he isnt funny.

 I cant tell jokes. Im not wired that way in my head. I can onlybe funny in a group. You know, say something funny when people are having a good time. I cant make stuff up.

 It took me ten minutes toe up with that one. All I get are silent stares.

 One of the younger girls still sitting on the ground stares at me. Or more urately, my b. Its covered by my colorful clothes, but the contrast between me and them makes me feel even worse than I already do.

 Are you going to help build another Wall? Or fight monsters?

 What a question out of such a young face. I falter.

 Imnot a fighter. Im a [Clown]. I do tricks. See?

 I reach towards her ear and pull out a flower. Lucky there was one nearby. She giggles, takes it, and runs off, and Im saved. I straighten, and feel sweat running down my back. That was more intense than the juggling.

 The Wall. Its one of the features of this continent, not that I know much about this world in general. But this kingdomthis ceIve learned enough to survive.

 Were at the very edge of what people call the Blighted Lands. Here, the Kingdom holds back the Demons. Its a basic story, because theres not much more than that.

 Go twenty miles north, and the ground will start to change. The grass will turn ck; the wildlife will change. Monsters roam thendscape, fighting each other, moving west to snack on humans. The only thing that stops them are patrolling groups of [Soldiers], adventurers constantly hired to eradicate as many monsters as possible, and the few towns and viges of people brave enough to build out this far.

 And of course, the Wall. The Fourth Wall if you want to get specific.

 Its a giant stone wall. Yeah. The only thing thats special about it is that its stone, its a wall, and its about twice as high as the Great Wall of China.

 Thats 50 feet, by the way. I know that because one of the people with us Marian visited the Great Wall in China, once. She died the first time we went past it.

 The four walls are the ultimate defense for the Kingdom. Theyre not just walls; theres magical traps and artillery built into the wall, and theyre always manned by the best soldiers in the army. All monster attacks end at the wall, and the Kingdom behind it is rtively stable.

 Sometimes things get through. In times of war, the Fourth, Third, and Second walls have been breached. But the First Wall has never fallen. Even the Demon Kings army never got past it.

 Monsters. Demons. Theres a difference, apparently. Monsters are justmonsters. Theyre anything from Goblins to Trolls to Manticores and Dragons. Theyre mindless, vicious killers. But Demons are different. Theyre mutated humans and other species that have their own civilization, their own army. Theyre one of three powers in the Blighted Lands, and theyre trying to eradicate the Kingdom once and for all.

 Three powers. The Kingdom; the ce where sentient species (mainly humans) band together to fight against monsters and Demons. The Demonnds, the other half of the continent where another King rules, and then the ce where no one goes.

 The origin or perhaps the center of the curse on this continent. The ce where monsters keep spewing from.

 Unlike other continents, monsters here dont just breed to survive. New species keep popping up over here. Something keeps producing different kinds of monsters. People say its an ancient monster from the time of Gods, or some terrible spell that went wrong. Whatever it is, its too powerful to kill. The Kingdoms sent countless armies to destroy it over the centuries, and not one hase back.

 The Demon King as people call him is just as much of a mystery. Lets just say that a group of monsters is organized. They raid the Kingdom, and the Kingdom fights back. Each side gives ground and harries the other, sending raiding parties at times, massive armies at others.

 Ive never seen a Demon. Some of the others have; Eddy says he saw one that looked like a Quanari from Dragon Age, it just looked like a person with goat horns. Which is what Eddy says Quanari look like.

 Thats the thing. Demons are just mutated versions of whatever species they were. Humans who got exposed towhatever lives in the Blighted Lands, affected by the magic or whatever. Some Demons have wings and talons and beaks; others look almost normal except for a few differences. The main thing youd really want to know though is that although they have humanoid forms they have nopunctions against killing humans, even kids.

 And the same applies for humans. The war between Humans and Demons has been going on for a thousand years or more, and even if now isnt a particrly active moment in the conflict, small skirmishes and raids take ce every week at least.

 But heres peaceful. Despite it being in front of the Wall, this vige hasnt seen conflict yet. Aside from monster attacks, its practically safe here, aside from the poverty and everything. You can live in a vige like this quite peacefully for years, given the right circumstances. The nearby outpost keeps away the worst of monsters and enemy attacks, and theres far more space here than in the cramped confines of the Kingdom behind the Walls.

 The Kingdom keeps growing; thats why humans move out past the Walls. But its not safe out here, where you can be attacked by monsters and Demons. Thats why the King wants to build another wall. A Fifth Wall. For that, he summoned us.

 With a bunch of powerful [Heroes], the Kingdom would have enough power to build another Wall and seriously constrict the enemysnd. The Kingdom would, in a single masterstroke, nearly double their avablend and cripple the tide of monsters that harassed their exposed settlements.

 And it was all going to work until it turned out that his magicians didnt summon legendary heroes from another time, but a bunch of kids. Us. He still had hopes though; we were all summoned with a ss no one had ever heard of [Hero]. No one in living memory has ever gained that ss, and people were treating us like legends.

 So the king gave us armor, weapons, and a bunch of soldiers and sent us out to fight on the frontlines. He thought wed level up quickly, so he arranged an expedition to a lightly-contested area so wed gain experience.

 We went out on one of those forays. Just once.

 -

 I trudge through the marshes, trying not to slip and fall in the muck. My legs are burning, but I dont want toin. The men and women around me have swords and armor, and they keep telling us to be quiet in case the enemy is near.

 I stare around at the darkndscape. Its just past evening, and were trying to make it to the outpost built near here. The only problem is that since we summoned people are moving so slow, were still miles away from our destination.

 Wet soil squelches underfoot. I push away a dark blue nt worming its way out of the ground and shudder. Flies and other insects buzz around our heads, trying to bite us ory eggs in our ears or something. Its miserable, but this spot is apparently important enough to fight a war over.

 This is where the next Wall is supposed to be built. But the ground is ck and twisted, and magic and fighting has created a swamp where solid ground should be. Its not like this all the way down the continent; the ground changes after a few miles, the [Soldiers] tell us. 

 The problem with this Fifth Wall is that it has to be long enough to stretch across the entire continent. Its insanely hard to build one, and it takes decades. The kings made a good start thoughhes build fortresses and castles along where the Wall needs to be built, and theyre trying to fight off attacks while building the wall.

 And were being sent to help. I might not have any real idea whats happening, but Im not sure I can fight.

 We should have argued more.

 Ahead of me, Richard turns back and shrugs. He blends into the night a lot better than I do, which makes me worried Im going to be a target if were attacked. He grins, and holds up his sword.

 Weve got weapons, and this rare ss, right? And a ton of soldiers protecting us. Well be fine!

 Next to me, Katie ps at a bug on her skin and catches it. She cries out in disgust, and the armed man walking ahead of us turns back, raising his spear. He sees nothing wrong and shakes his head.

 Oh my god! I cant handle this. Why do we have to do this?

 Were [Heroes]. This is a gaming world. Its our job.

 Eddy says that. Hes trying to lug a massive greatsword behind him, and hes sweating horribly. But he wanted to be that kind of warrior. I think he regrets it now; it was easy enough to carry on the wagon ride this far, but weve barely gone two miles and he looks ready to stop.

 Katie shudders, but she doesnt protest. She still thinks were in a virtual reality world, or dreaming. Over half of us have that opinion, but I dont. This all feels way too real. And being told that well be fighting

 Most of the guys seem really into it. They chose weapons and talked about what ss they want. ButIm not a fighter. I dont think I could stab anyone. I have a sword I barely know how to use. Ive kept it sheathed because Im afraid Ill hurt myself if I try to pull it out. How are we supposed to fight? Will it be automatic?

 Its so dark. And wet.

 Katies stillining, even though she knows we should be quiet. She tries to step higher to keep her feet out of the mud.

 Marian nods. She shudders as she steps in something that bursts underfoot.

 Dank.

 Ron turns and grins.

 Dank memes.

 Half of us chuckles or groan. Katie giggles uncontrobly. Thats when the first arrow shrieks through the air and takes Ron in the chest. A giant, scaled monster with more teeth than face rises out of the muck. He raises a spear and

 -

 I twitch, and my skin breaks out in a cold sweat. I wipe at my forehead before it can ruin the paint on my face, but it just smears the colors.

 God. I still remember the sound the Demons made as they attacked. They were waiting for us, hiding with some monsters in the swampy waters. When they attacked, they caught everyone off guard.

 Over a third of us died on that first bad night. The only thing that saved us were the soldiers; the king had given us a huge escort, and they died trying to protect us.

 We got to safety, but no one was ready to fight after that. Half of us had some kind of breakdown, and when we returned to the capital, we didnt look at all like heroes. I think that was when the King realized hed made a mistake.

 He had a few of his knights capture some monsters so we could learn to fight. I can still remember standing in the throne room as we were given a sword and told to cut a Goblins head off.

 I didnt have to even try. They gave up before they reached me. Only three people managed to behead a Goblin, and the rest of us were throwing up or crying.

 So, after a few days of sitting in the capital doing nothing, the King sent us out to the vige. Since then some of us have actually leveled up like he hopedlightning fast ording to the localsbut most of us still arent ready to fight.

 After Im done clowning around I walk back home, or rather, the ce where we all sleep in the vige. Its the townhouse, and the only building big enough to hold all of us. Even so, as I push open one of the side doors Im still struck by how cramped it is.

 Beds fill the entire room. Small rolls of cloth, actual beds with wood frames, and in one spot a hammockthe vigers gave everything they had to give us enough ces to sleep.

 Over ten people are still inside, some sleeping, others talking quietly or trying to y card games. Its like this at pretty much any time of the day. True, some people like Richard and Eddy go out on patrols and hunt monsters, but the rest just sit around. Theres not much to do in the vige.

 Awkwardly, I slip through the room and find my bed. Some of the guys and girls nce up, but they dont say anything to me. Im not exactly really popr, and Im also dressed like a clown. Sort of weird, right?

 I sink into the rough fabric sheets of my bed and look around. The only person nearby is Vincenton the other side of the room I can see most people hanging out. Thats the girls side. We dont have any walls, but we made a cloth curtain for privacys sake.

 I sigh and lean back against the wall of the townhouse. Well, I did something. Not much, but Im already tired. I feel despondent; depressed. Like I cant do anything. I need my medication, but

 Doo doo doodle do do doo doo doot~

 Oh god. Not now. A few beds over Vincent sits up. Hed been dozing, but he looks at me as I cover my face in my hands. Its happening again.

 Its a cheerful little carnival tune, the kind youd imagine hearing at any circus you visit. Its clown music, its loud, and itsing from me. I dont want to make the sound, but its a Skill.

 Everyone in the room pauses as they hear the sound. They re at me and I shrug helplessly. Most try to ignore it, but after a few minutes the tune gets on peoples nerves. For some people, its thest straw.

 Stop it!

 I hear the voice, and then Cynthias in front of me. She screams at me, face red as she points at my face with a shaking finger.

 Stop it! Stop making that sound!

 Im sorry! I cant control it!

 I raise my hands, but she doesnt care. She hurls somethinga pillow at my head.

 Stop it! Just stop!

 She doesnt like clowns. She was afraid of them as a child, I think. And shes stressed out. Like the rest of us, but shes been crying more than most. And she just cant stand the tone.

 God damn it, Tom! Cant you turn that off?

 Someone else shouts at me across the room. I think its Kevin. He stands up, fists clenched.

 Im sorry!

 Cynthia screams at memore wordless than anything coherent. Cholees over and pulls Cynthia away while giving me the stink-eye. Cynthia goes with her, crying now.

 I want to go home!

 Vincent follows Cynthia with his gaze and looks at me. The stupid little clown music is still ying in the background.

 Tom

 I got it. Ill go. Sorry.

 I raise my hands and retreat. So much for a rest. Whenever the music starts ying, I annoy everyone around me. I cant switch it off.

 I go outside until the music stops. It only takes five minutes. Its never long. But it always seems to happen at the wrong timewhenever theres a group around, which I suppose is the trigger. Thank god it never happens when I sleep.

 When its finally quiet again, I hear voices arguing. In the time Ive been gone, it looks like an arguments started. My fault.

 Well call them back. Why cant you?

 Chole is arguing as she points to Vincents phone. Hes one of the only people in the group who had anything useful with them when they were caught by the spell. It was running out of batteries, but we found out that a [Mage] can cast [Repair] to recharge it.

 It doesnt work like that! It was a spell that did the call, not the phone itself!

 Vincent holds his iPhone protectively as he argues with her. Its been nearly two weeks since we got the call where we realized we werent the only people in this world, and we havent heard anything since. All the euphoria we got from realizing we might be saved is long gone, and were even more worried since it seems someones gunning for us.

 Faces turn red, and they begin an old argument again. I listen as I go back to my bed, trying not to attract attention.

 Why cant we use a spell? Whats wrong?

 The guy who made the call ckDragon he said it took a lot of magic! Im not a [Mage], and I dont think even Emily can cast the right spells.

 Well then what do we do?

 Vincent shrugs. He gestures helplessly at the dagger on his belt. Hes got a [Thief] ssalthough it was from learning to set and disable traps and sneaking around, not from stealing things.

 We just need to keep leveling up. Its how the games work. We grind and then we get stronger. Once we all get to a higher level and buy enchanted gear

 Bullshit. You think thats gonna help? Were going to die out here. Everyones abandoned us.

 Kevin gets right up in Vincents face as he says that. I try to hide as Vincent gets mad.

 Well what do you think we should do? At least I go out and fight. All you do is sit around all day andin!

 Thats true. Vincents normally with the hunting party and Kevins not. But that just makes Kevin angrier. His face goes really red and he shoves Vincent.

 Fuck you!

 Fuck you, asshole!

 Stop it! Stop fighting!

 Chole and one of the other girls gets between the two of them before it cane to fists again. Behind them, Cynthia raises her voice as Vincent and Kevin let themselves be dragged back by the others.

 Someones going to save us. Someones going toe any day now

 She rocks back and forth, mumbling to herself. She says it loud enough that the rest of us can hearbut not so loud that we can really tell her to shut up.

 When shes not upset, Cynthia keeps telling us that well be rescued. She ims that the army will find a way to save us, or someone will open a portal to this world orwell wake up or something. She wants to believe. And some of the others do, but I think the rest are starting to think like I do.

 Even if people notice were gone, how would they get here? We can barely get to others, let alone to other dimensions. And even if by some miracle people build aa Stargate or something, how would they know to look for us here? In a remote vige in probably the worst part of the entire world?

 Cynthia keeps repeating the words as she rocks back and forth. Stacy puts a hand on her knee, but the rocking doesnt stop.

 At least its only muttering and crying and shouting at me. It could be a lot worse.

 Thest time Cynthia freaked, she broke half of the tes and cups the vigers gave us, and the only ss window in the townhouse and the vige itself for that matter.

 Is it any wonder why the people here hate us? Im not surprised at all. All this time, they were hoping desperately for someone to save them. Their King told them heroes wereing, and they believed.

 They prayed for heroes.

 Instead, they got us.

 The argument isnt over. Vincent and Kevin are giving each other the evil-eye, and Chole still wants the iPhone, which Vincent doesnt want to hand over. He only gave it to Richard because everyone agreed he should be the one to talk, but aside from that Vincent wont let anyone touch it.

 That came after a few bad incidents where people kept the iPhone and pretended they didnt have itas voices raise again I decide Im not going to get any sleep after all.

 I leave the townhouse and wander around. Ive eaten enough. Wellnot enough since Im hungry, but enough to survive. I can handle the hunger. And I still have one of the fruity buns in my pocket from breakfast.

 One good thing about dressing like a [Clown] is that you get baggy pockets. Add that to my Skill to pull objects seemingly out of nowhere, and I can do one good trick. And eat food when no ones watching.

 Good thing Vincent didnt get into a fight with Kevin. Because if they had, he would have won. Its the thing about sses and this world.

 The thing is, Kevins a big guy. Also African American, which I know is really racist, but he looks scarier than Vincent, who lookslike an overfed white guy, if Im honest. Sort of like me, although hes in a bit better shape.

 But Kevin has muscles. Vincent has muscles, but not nearly as many. But if it came to a fight, Vincent would win hands down.

 Hes a Level 14 [Thief] with several skills that let him set traps, move around stealthily, and so on, but the levels have also made him stronger. We actually tested it; despite him not having any skills, hes a bit stronger than another guy whos as fit as he is. But hes faster too; a lot faster. It seems theres some passive benefit to leveling, but maybe its just the Level 1 [Hero] ss he has.

 Because that would be the big difference between Kevin and Vincent. A lot of the people in our groupall of the people who sit around in the townhouse all day but me, reallytheyve lost their [Hero] ss.

 It started happening a few days after we got to the vige. One day Cynthia woke up and told us that she heard a voice saying shed lost her [Hero] ss. No one could exin it, and we didnt dare tell the vigers or the soldiers.

 Slowly, it happened to the others. Everyone who wasnt fighting monsters.

 Not me, though. And thats the thing. I think I get why its happening, but I havent told anyone what I think but Richard. And even he doesnt know the whole of my theory.

 Were all Level 1 [Heroes], the people who still have the ss. But none of us have leveled, even though Richards a Level 26 [Knight] and Emilys a Level 21 [Hydromancer]. But none of us have leveled the [Hero] ss.

 Some of us think thats because theres only one level for that ss. Eddy thinks its a special ss, and most people agree with that. After all, why wouldnt Richard level up? Hes the leader and the best fighter out of all of us. If anyones a hero, its him.

 Because thats what they dont get, the others. A hero isnt someone whos brave or courageous. A hero doesnt y monsters or rescue princesses (or princes). If you look up the word hero in a dictionary, you get a different answer.

 A hero is someone admired or idealized. A hero is a person others look up to.

 A [Hero] is only a hero if other people think hes a hero. Which exins how we got the ss when we were summoned.

 Trouble is, Im no hero. And I dont think anyone else in our group is, either. And the more these vigers and the rest of the kingdom gets a look at us, the less they think were heroes as well.

 So we start losing the ss. The vigers might have some hopes for Richard and the other fighters, but when you look at a bunch of whining, crying teenagers and young adults who argue all the time and do nothing

 Were useless. Im the most useless, but were just a drain on the vige. God. I just want to not be here. But if Im not in the townhouse, Id better try to level up again. I just need one more level.

 This time the kids ignore me just like the adults as I start my juggling act. They ignore me as they y, except as an obstacle. Tomorrow they probably wont even stop to watch, and how will I level then?

 Dont think of that. Keep smiling. Keep waddling around. I spin the three pins higher in the air.

 A [Tumbler] can juggle six balls.

 I drop a pin and re at the boy who addresses me. Its the same one whomented on my joke.

 Wilen. Hes too young to have a job besides help his parents, but hes a bit too old to y with the other kids. He scratches at his ubed hair as he stares at my fat belly covered by ill-fitting clown clothes.

 Are you going to leave?

 No. I dont think so, I mean. Not unless the kingI mean, your King sends for us.

 Okay.

 Should I keep juggling? I really dont want to. Im sweaty, my arms are tired, and Im not feeling funny. Wilen stands with me as I look around awkwardly.

 Are you trying to level up?

 Yep.

 Its weird to have a conversation like this, but Wilen is native to this world, and he seems perfectly at ease.

 How do [Clowns] level up? Is it from how long you juggle pins? [Tumblers] level up if they get arge crowd.

 I think it works the same way with [Clowns]. I dont know.

 Dont they have more [Clowns] where youe from, then?

 They do butI dont know. Sorry.

 I shrug awkwardly, just as unsatisfied as Wilen with my exnation. I frown and bend to pick up one of my pins.

 Its about making peopleugh. I think.

 But no one everughs at you. Your jokes are terrible.

 Yeah.

 Wilens one of my regrs, so hed know. Ive tried nearly a hundred jokes in the time Ive been here, but Im really just not that funny.

 Well, Im Level 19, so I should be doing something right.

 How much of that is due to the [Hero] ss?

 If no onesughing at you, that cant be the way [Clowns] level up.

 Wilen says this as if its obvious and Im an idiot for not realizing it. I nod, and he scratches at his head.

 Is it about attracting attention?

 No[Clowns] are meant to be funny.

 Really? But

 I know. But not really funny. Its

 How can I exin clowns to someone whos never seen one? I mean, how do you even exin the funny guys who scare just as many people as you entertain? In the first ce, clowns arent nearly the funniest bit of the circus act. Theyrewere the sideshows at best.

 Clownsare more like the jokers. Theyre like the butt of the joke.

 Joke? You mean, telling jokes?

 Wilen looks at me skeptically, and I shake my head. Then I have it.

 Noits about distracting people. Being a clown is about setting up the joke.

 What joke?

 Im not sure.

 But it was right, what I said. Wilen frowns and opens his mouth to ask me another question. Gah.

 I fish at my pocket, and then remember Im a [Clown] and pull the fruit bun out of Wilens ear instead. He doesnt look impressed, but he does look hungry. I hold the slightly-squished bun out to him.

 Here. Its not very funny, but its edible.

 He looks at me suspiciously, but I keep my face straight. Wilen hesitates as he stares at the baked fruit bun in my hands. Then he takes it, awkwardly.

 Thanks.

 He shouldnt be thanking me. I should be thanking him. Were the viges responsibility; even if we asionally get supplies from the capital, the vigers are forced to feed us from their stores.

 So. Um, hows it going?

 Wilen shrugs as he devours the bun.

 Good. Im trying to learn how to use a sword so I can get a [Warrior] ss. My mom wants me to be a [Merchant] instead.

 He makes a face. I guess its sort of like wanting to be a policeman and being told to study economics instead. But after seeing monsters up close myself, I cant argue with his mothers opinion.

 You know, being a [Warrior] isnt all its cracked up to be. A [Merchant] probably makes more money.

 Wilen looks at me scornfully.

 And how would I protect myself when the Demons attack? Theyre gonnae again someday. The Demon Kings going to attack the Wall soon, everyone knows.

 Ive got nothing to say to that. Hes right. This isnt a safe ce like America. Hell, Americas not even that safe, but at least only a few people get shot every day. But here you could get eaten by a giantsnail or something.

 Well, good luck. Im going to uh, well, I guess Ill see youter.

 Okay.

 Wilen runs off to y with his friends. I waddle off to visit the horses.

 The vige has arge stable and about sixteen horses inside it. Its very barnyard in terms of smell and appearance, but at least the horses dont judge me like people. They just sniff at me and blow air.

 I dont like horses, and I doubt they like carrying me. But no one bothers me there, and I dont bother anyone else.

 It might be odd to have so many horses in a vige, but theyre there in case a message needs to be sent to an outpost or a [Soldier] needs one. Besides, keeping the stable earns the vigers some badly needed coin.

 I sit in some straw, praying the squishy thing underneath my butt isnt something that came out of a horses rear end and take a nap until I hear a voice and sense someone standing over me.

 Tom.

 I look up at the sound of the voice, and try to smile. Its Richard. The leader of our wonderful little group.

 Hes returned with the others. They came in on horseback, eight people three girls and five guys. Before, theyd have an escort of soldiers, but Richard is considered to be enough protection to lead the group on his own.

 Around me, people dismount, most still awkwardly. Theres not a lot of natural riders in the group. I see one tall, pretty girl dismounting and brushing at her robes.

 Emily. You could say shes the second leader of the group aside from Richard. Most of the guys like her, and shes got the highest level besides Richard. She sniffs at me, but doesnt say anything.

 Richard dismounts and tends to his horse while the others leave theirs still saddled and walk out. Hes a considerate guy, and he actually knows how to ride a horse. He grew up down south, in Mississippi, on a ranch of all things.

 Tom. Hows it been down here?

 I shrug as I stand up and dust straw off my pants.

 Quiet. I uh, I made Cynthia cry when the music started ying. Kevin and Vince nearly got into a fight.

 Richard sighs as he hangs up the saddle and rubs at his shoulders. Hes wearing chainmail, a shield, and sword, but carries it all as if it weighs nothing.

 Cant you stop it?

 I hunch my shoulders, and my voice gets defensive.

 I cant help it.

 He pats my shoulder.

 I know. Sorry. Cynthias barking up the wrong tree when she gets mad at you, anyways. She needs to get out some, or shell go crazy.

 Well all go crazy soon if we cant go somewhere else.

 You still doing your juggling act for the kids?

 A bit.

 People have no idea what I am. They stare at the white paint on my face and ask me what kind of ss a [Clown] is. They dontugh, and they just watch me until they have something to do. I cant make themugh and take away their worries.

 Richard picks at his fingernails as he leans against a stall. The horse he rode in on blinks at me.

 You know, Tom, you coulde with us next time we go out. Youcould fight. Were going to go out hunting again tomorrow. You could join us.

 Idont think I can. Im not a fighter.

 I get sick at the sight of blood. When I thought Id have to behead that screaming GoblinI still have nightmares about Ron and Marian.

 But why a [Clown]? Clowns arent

 He trails off before he can say the rest, but I get it. Clowns arent funny. Yeah, thats true. But theres a reason I decided to keep pursuing this ss. Its just a hunch. Just a gamble, but maybe

 Im saved from having to answer by a familiar sound.

 Doo doo doodle do do doo doo doot~

 We both listen to the obnoxious music in silence. Richard clears his throat.

 Can you at least change the music?

 If I could man, believe me, I would. Anything but this.

 Well, I guess its good youre noting with us when were patrolling. Imagine that going off when were sneaking up on a monster.

 Both of usugh. Now why cant I be funny like that?

 Chole wants to use Vincents phone to call the others again.

 Thats probably not a good idea. Remember what happened?

 Yeah. But she said

 Ill talk with her. But weve got bigger news. I just talked with an officer on the road, and he says we might be getting reinforcements.

 I perk up.

 You mean, more soldiers?

 Richard shakes his head. He looks grim.

 No. I mean more people like us.

 That takes a moment to sink in.

 What?

 The King thinks we were a mistake. He wants to perform the summoning ritual again and call more heroes to this world.

 How can they do that again? Isnt there a huge cost or something?

 I think they can keep doing it so long as theyve got enough [Mages]. They were saying that it took a lot of manaand something elsebut they want to give it another shot.

 I cant really me them. Can you?

 Richardughs, and looks at the hay on the stable floor.

 No. I cant either. But its a mistake.

 It is. More people. I try to imagine that. I dont want to see more people our age dying. Richard grasps the hilt of his sword reflexively and stares towards the doors.

 Ill try talking to the soldiers again; try to get an audience with him.

 He doesnt listen to us. He never did.

 But Ive got to try. Its the right thing to do.

 The right thing to do. No wonder Richard got the [Knight] ss. Hes always looking out for the rest of us, and hes got that famous Southern courtesy. He ponders as I watch him out of the corner of my eye.

 If I could convince him that some of us can be the heroes he wants, then maybe hed listen.

 You think you can?

 Well, Emilys over Level 20 and Reds nearly there as well. Thats a lot faster than anyone in this world levels. If I can hit Level 30, Id be the equivalent of a Gold-rank adventurer.

 Maybe you should be adventurers. Vincent was saying thats what we need. Magical items.

 Eddy says the same thing. Maybe. If we could get an escort back behind the wall and into the capital, we could try one of the dungeons. It would be a lot safer behind the wall.

 Yeah.

 Richard falls silent, and I cant add anything. We stand together for a while, until Richard clears his throat.

 Lets get some sleep.

 Funny. I mean, not really funny, but its odd. When did we all start taking orders so easily? I mean, I havent had anyone tell me when to go to sleep since I was a kid. But Richard says it and so we get back to the townhouse.

 Cynthias done crying, and with the others, the minor squabbles of the morning are forgotten. For a while we eat some nd stew with bits of meat soaking in the gravy, and then we all blow out thenterns and roll into the hard mattresses.

 I sit in the darkness for a while, listening to people talking quietly as more and more drop off to sleep. Someone begins snoring, and I put my head back in the pillow.

 My eyes close, and I begin drifting off. But I dont hear any voice in my head

 No level up again. Darn.

 Somethings going to happen at Level 20, I just know. If what I think is going to happen can happen, maybe

 Got to make peopleugh. Do clown things. I need a red nose. A tomato? Do they have those in the market?

 Cant think. Got to sleep. I try to make the pillow slightly morefortable as my breathing eases. Another day down. My thoughts dwindle as I close my eyes.

 I reallyneedbetter jokes

 -

 Tom. Tom!

 Someone shakes me back into wakefulness. I look around, and see Richards face. Theres no light in the townhouse, but I can still see his face, lit by the orange light. He looks as close to panic as Ive ever seen himjust like the first time we went past the wall.

 He hauls me to my feet.

 Get up. And stay quiet.

 W-whats happening?

 Were under attack. Its a Demon raiding party.

 Around me, I hear others waking up and spreading the news. I hear someone moaning loudly Cynthia and then shes instantly silenced. Only now do I hear the crackling mes, the screams, and in the distance, the ringing of metal on metal.

 War hase to the vige. And its about toe to us.

 Once everyones on their feet, awake and scared, Richard stands up on a chair in the center of the building. He raises his voice loud enough to be heard.

 A group of Demon archers is killing anything that moves in the square. If we go out on horseback theyll shoot us down. We have to sneak out.

 What about the soldiers? Where are they?

 Emily answers for Richard.

 Theyre fighting at the outpost. Theyll send help, but we have to leave. Grab anything valuable and wait for my signal.

 She casts a spell, and I see some kind of magical shield forming around her. She pushes a side door open cautiously, and a few of our fighters follow her out. After a second, the door opens and Emily pokes her head back in.

 No ones around. Follow me. Stay low and move fast!

 Guys and girls start to funnel out the doors. No one else is speaking, but I look around and the words pop out of my mouth before I can stop them.

 What about the vigers?

 Everyone pauses. Emily scowls at me, and points out the window in the direction the fighting sounds areing from.

 Theyre fighting with the soldiers. We cant risk going to help them. Theres a group of Demons out there, not just monsters!

 But

 Tom. Theres nothing we can do.

 Richard looks tired as he unsheathes his sword. Hes going to bring up the rear. He motions me towards the door, but I hesitate.

 There are kids out there. Cant we?

 No one else meets my eyes. Richard hesitates, but Emily stares at him and something silent passes between them.

 Theres nothing we can do. We have to leave now.

 Then Ill go.

 What?

 Im shaking. But I cant stop myself. I think of Wilen and the girl I gave a flower to this morning. I cant not go.

 Ill go. Ill find youter ifIll go.

 Richard stares at me. To my great relief, he doesnt try to stop me; he just pulls a sk out of his belt.

 Take this.

 He presses the yellow healing potion into my hands. Its high-quality stuff and I know its saved his life more than once when fighting. I take it and nod at him. What can I say?

 The others look at me, but no one says anything. After a few seconds, Emily pulls someone towards the door and they start moving again.

 Youd think one of them would try to stop me, try to tell me not to do anything stupid. But theyre already leaving. This isnt a time for stupid heroic lines like a movie.

 So why am I doing the stupid, heroic thing?

 I dont know. I certainly dont feel like a hero as I scuttle down the street, trying to stay in the shadows. But maybe its just because I cant stand us running away. Not now. Notwithout trying to do something.

 Im just a [Clown]. I thought it would be a good idea, that there was something in there. But right now I dont think of sses or skills or anything else. Im just a frightened guy. Trying to do something right.

 I hear someone screaming ahead of me and my heart stops in my chest. But its not a human sound. Ahead of me, the stable is sitting right next to a burning house. The mes havent touched the stable yet, but the horses are inside and they can smell the smoke.

 I dont have time to free them. If I rode a horsebut I cant.

 Im sorry.

 I say it quietly and move on. I cant stop. Every instinct in me is telling me Im in danger. I just need to find Wilen and the kids. They know to make for the outpost if theyre in danger, but if the soldiers there are under attack, where would they go?

 If I can bring them to the others, Richard and Emily could protect them. If

 Something darts out of an alley ahead of me. I freeze, but its no Goblin. A small form runs through the street. I shout out, forgetting caution.

 Wilen!

 He turns towards me, face written with desperation. He starts towards me, but then I hear a crash, and something bursts through a wall of a house behind Wilen.

 A huge hand punches through the stone, and a club thats just a beam of wood sends burning wood flying through the air as it roars and charges towards me. I freeze.

 A Troll. A massive, gray-green hulk of a monster, squat face grinning as he lumbers down the street after Wilen. The boy runs towards me, and I freeze up again. What should I?

 Run! Ill stop it!

 Wilen stares at me, but I shove him behind me. The Troll pauses as I run towards his left side, trying to draw him away. He turns towards methe bigger target by far, and grins as he raises the broken piece of timber.

 Ive got to buy Wilen some time. I shout and wave my arms as I run left. I can get into an alleyway, lose him that way.

 But the Troll lumbers to cut me off, and I realize hes moving faster than I am. He cuts me off and raises his club. I slow and try to backpedal, but toote.

 He swings the broken piece of timber. So fast! Too quick to dodge. I raise my arm

 And wake up on the ground. I raise my head and puke as my everything spins. I have to turn over to empty my stomach, but Im on my feet even before I fully think.

 Wilen. Got to find him. The Troll must have thought I was dead. Where is?

 Somethings lying in the street twenty feet further down. I stare at it.

 No.

 Its still moving. I stumble forwards, feeling my body screaming in agony. But its a distant scream; no louder than the one in my head. I run, and then the small shapees into view.

 Wilen. He turns his head towards me as I halt in the street. Despite the mes around me, my skin is cold. And my heart

 Is that you, Mister [Clown]?

 Hes in one piece. Mostly. But his spine is twisted the wrong way, and his skin

 The young boy gasps up at me, face pale. Hes just a kid. Just a kid. Tears streaks down his face as I lurch towards him and fall to my knees.

 I tried to run like you said, but he was too fast. He caught me.

 Wilen

 I reach for him, but stop. What can I do? Theres nothing to do. Wilen gasps, his face pale.

 I think he hurt me. Am I okay?

 I

 My head is spinning. Wilen doesnt need an answer. He bites his lip so hard it bleeds. Hes trying not to scream.

 Mister [Clown]hesing back.

 I look over my shoulder. Maybe the Troll found something else to kill. Maybe he thought we were dead. Maybe he just got bored.

 He lumbers back down the street, dragging his club along the ground. He squints at me and Wilen, and then grins again.

 He takes a few step forwards and I feel the thumping in my bones. Wilen whimpers on the ground as the Trolls grin widens. His chest heaves as the massive creature opens his mouth. Hes <emughing.

 I dont get the joke.

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Book 1: Chapter : C