When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a dim room. I wondered if this was someone’s home or if I had simply materialized in an empty house, but the structure felt more like a humble hut. As I shifted, I realized I was indeed lying on a bed—a straw bed, to be precise, and it was incredibly itchy.
“Hahaha! It was not a dream, right? This is certainly not my home,” I said excitedly, a jagged laugh escaping my throat.
I didn't know how I could be so certain because, as my handicap described, I couldn't remember anything from before my time in the dream world. I couldn't recall the specific layout of my old home, yet a profound, internal sense told me this itchy straw mattress and wooden room were entirely foreign. The certainty made my heart flutter with anticipation.
I felt a rush of happiness knowing that what I had wanted was actually happening, even if the reasons behind my desire were now lost to me. Strangely, I didn't feel any confusion or distress over my missing memories.
After confirming that I was in a new place, I began to survey my surroundings. To the left of the bed was a simple wooden window, but it seemed glass was not used in this house. On the opposite side of the room stood a battered wooden door, which notably lacked a knob. To the right of the door sat a wooden table and chair, and a wooden closet occupied the space to the right of the bed.
The condition of the room and furniture suggested this wasn't a modern setting. Every structure had the slight unevenness of something handcrafted; I suspected that if this world’s technology were more advanced, even a village home wouldn't look this primitive. It was more of a gut feeling than a reasoned conclusion.
I truly couldn't remember anything from before the Player Window screen had first appeared. However, my memories of the dream world remained intact—I remembered Aluciend, Alice, and Sherry clearly, as well as my conversation with that mysterious voice. Aside from those recent events, my mind held only foggy images and strange "instincts"—facts I knew but couldn't explain how I knew. It seemed the handicap had worked exactly as intended.
I should get going now. I can’t just lie here, I told myself. First, I need to confirm my equipment and scout the surroundings of this house. Then, I should find a way to a nearby settlement.
I quickly analyzed my immediate goals. I had a skill called Identify, and if I could trigger it, I’d get the information I needed. Uttering the skill's name seemed like the best way to activate it.
“Identify,” I whispered.
The skill did not disappoint; it worked perfectly. Translucent windows flickered into existence over the window, door, desk, chair, bed, and closet. When I looked down at my own body, information for my gear popped up: Leather Footwear, Leather Gloves, and Leather Breastplate. Finally, I focused on my core, and a larger window expanded before me.
When I looked closer at my body, some of my equipment information popped up as well. *Leather Footwear, *Leather Gloves, and *Leather Breastplate are shown, but when I look directly at my body, a bigger window is seen.
***
Han
Race: Human
Sex: Male
Status: Normal
Equipment:
*Leather Breastplate
*Leather Helmet
*Leather Gloves
*Leather Footwear
Job: Villager Lvl 1
***
“Hahaha, it is real! It wasn't a dream. I really am in a fantasy world right now,” I laughed, feeling a profound sense of relief. “Wait—where are my sword and shield?”
My initial joy was cut short as I realized my most vital equipment was missing. Just then, the sound of footsteps reached my ears. My first guess had been right: this was someone’s home. I felt a sudden surge of vulnerability; without my weapons, how could I defend myself if the newcomers were hostile? Considering they had left me with most of my gear on a bed, they might be good people, but I couldn't be certain.
“Creeeaaak!”
The door swung open with a loud groan, and an elderly man entered while I was still perched on the edge of the bed. Several other figures lingered in the shadows behind him. As he approached, I quickly used Identify on him.
***
Tariq
Race: Human
Sex: Male
Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Status: Old
Equipment:
Leather Footwear
Job: Village Chief Lvl 20
***
“ù?òúú?òò∏?∏ò??,” the old man said, uttering something I didn't understand at all.
It seems he's using a different language. This is going to be a problem, I thought. Is there any chance he knows my language? I suppose I have no choice but to try.
“Sorry, but I can’t understand what you are saying,” I said, speaking slowly.
“Oh. Pardon my ignorance. I just thought you knew the local language,” he replied, shifting into a tongue I surprisingly understood. “There are not many who can speak the common language in our village. Only me, our village merchant, and a few of the watchmen and villagers”.
He called this language the "common language".
“I am glad I found someone I can talk with,” I said, exhaling with relief. “Can I ask you to tell me where I am?”
“So, you don’t know? This village is called Hajzenfels,” Tariq explained. “We found you unconscious nearby, so I assumed you would know the area. We thought you were an adventurer, based on your equipment, so we brought you to my house. It is a relief to see you are okay”.
“Thank you very much,” I said as humbly as possible. “Even though you didn't know me, you helped me regardless. I don’t even know how to repay you. If there is any favor I can do for you, please let me know”.
I was genuinely dumbfounded that they would take a complete stranger into their home. I felt so indebted to them that I knew I would feel guilty if I didn't help them in return.
“Hoho, you are very humble for a young man,” Tariq chuckled, appearing pleased by my words. “An elderly man like me has no worth but to be useful to the next generation. We would appreciate your help eventually, but right now, I can’t think of a specific way for you to assist us. Aside from that, if it is not a problem, I want to know your name and affiliation”.
As he asked for my affiliation, his demeanor became notably tense.
“My name is Han,” I replied. “But by affiliation… what do you mean?”
“I mean your current job,” Tariq said, clarifying that he equated affiliation with one's profession. “It would be helpful to know other people's jobs in certain situations”.
Knowing my job, huh? I thought. The group seemed on edge; it was a reminder that no one would bring a stranger into their home without suspecting their identity. Perhaps knowing my job was their way of confirming I wasn't a threat.
I was glad my primary job was Villager, but a practical problem remained: I knew my job because I had Identify, but I doubted they would simply take my word for it. There had to be a standard way to verify it.
“My job? How can I know what my job is? Also, is there a way for me to show it to you?” I asked, wanting to see how they verified such information.
“Huh? Young man, it is not good manners to joke with elders,” Tariq said, his voice sharpening with suspicion. “I thought you were sincere when you thanked us”.
His reaction told me everything: displaying one's job was likely an incredibly basic task in this world. By acting ignorant, I had inadvertently made myself look untrustworthy. I needed to explain my situation immediately.
“No, no! Not at all,” I said quickly. “You are my benefactors, and I am truly thankful. It’s just that I don’t remember anything before waking up here. It feels like I’ve lost all my memories. I know it sounds suspicious, but if you don’t believe me, just tell me how I can show you my job. I will comply immediately”.
Tariq’s suspicion began to fade into surprise. “Hmm. It doesn't sound very convincing, but I will do as you say. You just need to say ‘Intelligence card open,’ and your card will be shown”.
I was skeptical, but given the circumstances, I complied.
“Intelligence card open!” I commanded.
A translucent rectangular card shot out from my chest and hovered in the air. It was a blue screen similar to the Identify window, though it contained less detailed information.
***
Han
Race: Human
Age: 20
Sex: Male
Job: Villager
Citizenship: Targonia Kingdom
Status: Freeman
***
“Oh! So it's like this,” I muttered, genuinely curious.
“Weird. Do you really not know this?” Tariq asked, his suspicion finally evaporating.
“As I said, I know it sounds weird, but please believe me,” I insisted. “I don’t know anything at all. I’ve lost all my memories”.
“Hmm. Interesting,” the chief said, stroking his chin. “Whatever the case, you don’t seem to be lying. We thought you were an adventurer, but you’re just a villager. And since you have no memory, you have nowhere to go, do you? What do you want to do from now on?”
I should be careful here, I thought. I had no knowledge of this world and no place to live. I needed to convince him to let me stay while I learned the ropes.
“I’m not sure,” I said shyly. “But could you please allow me to stay for the time being? I promise I will do anything I’m capable of to help. I may be a villager, but I have some experience with fighting”.
Tariq’s eyes narrowed again. “Huh? Didn't you say you lost your memories? How do you remember that you have experience fighting?”
Shit. I’m thinking of the dream experiences again, I cursed internally. I had to explain myself before his suspicion returned in full.
“Of course, I don’t remember the specifics,” I blurted out. “I can’t remember how I know, but I just feel like I can fight. It’s like... muscle memory”.
“Muscle memory? What is that?” Tariq asked, looking even more confused.
“I... I don’t exactly know either,” I admitted. “But it’s like your arms will remember how to use a sword before your brain does. Like how an artisan can do their job with their eyes closed because their hands just know the movements. Something like that”.
Tariq looked at me as if I were a strange creature. I lamented my situation, hoping he wouldn't throw a memory-less young man out into the wild. Fortunately, the situation didn't escalate. He let out a long sigh, and his face softened into a fatherly, genuine smile.
“Sigh. Anyway, I can’t kick out a young man in your condition. It is our duty as elders,” Tariq said. “Come. Let me take you around the village”.
“Thank you very much. I won’t forget your kindness,” I said.
“You better not forget ‘again’! HAHAHA!” Tariq barked out a laugh.
I joined him in his laughter, even though the joke was a bit awkward. It was important to be as friendly as possible. Outside the door, the villagers who had been waiting looked much less tense as the sound of our laughter drifted out to them.
[Edited]
