Fantasy Instead of Hell, I Ended Up Reborn As Something I Hate

[TanteRegenbogen]

Plot: The protagonists were the bad guys in their past lives. They were anything from bandits to demons and caused lots of suffering in their past lives before dying. Expecting to end up in hell after death, they are greeted by a goddess who has quite the different plan. Thinking that souls can redeem themselves given the right circumstances, the goddess has the protagonists reborn in another world as something they hated in their past lives, whether it be as a dwarf, an elf or even the opposite sex, as long as they are reborn as a sapient being. They are granted a special ability upon reaching adulthood, however the ability changes depending on how it is use. There is a hint that good deeds or intents may make the ability stronger.

Reborn in the world of Eterea, most of the protagonists intend to do no better in this world than the last. However gradually they might become more neutral disposition in the end. Their new bodies, impoverished upbringing and the fact that they will have to learn every ability anew makes it difficult for them to succeed. Additionally, the "new hero" of the demon war came through the village recently. While the protagonist inclined to hate this hero and his party, the hero does come off as pretty arrogant. Any tries at joining the demon army or bandit groups failed as the protagonists are just laughed and taken pity upon.

However there may be a bright future for them if they try to at least not be evil for once. Who knows if they might become famous some day or attain some sort of special status? There are plenty of monsters in the forest and plenty of opportunities to make money and gain reputation. The parents of one of the reborn protagonists say that the adventurers guild is hiring and the next branch of the adventurers guild is in the next town. Maybe that could be a start? Beats working as a wood cutter like your new father or as a gatherer like your new mother.

Setting: The protagonists are reborn into the world of Eterea, specifically in the village of Terpenheim in the forested nation of Nachtschwert. The nation of Nachtschwert is a small kingdom filled with dense forests and surrounded by snow capped mountains. The capital of Fingstheim is located on a lone mountain relatively central in the kingdom. Despite a long war against the demon armies to the far east of the continent, Nachtschwert remains peaceful as it is far away from the frontline. However it still contributes to the war effort by occasionally sending troops, supplies or financial aid.

The main sapient species of Nachtschwert are humans, elves and dwarves. However there are other minority species such as dragonkin, half-dragons, gnomes and goblins.

Dwarves: Dwarves are possibly the most populous group in Nachtschwert, but not by much. Dwarves tend to be less visible as they usually socialize with other dwarves and only head out to town or the land to work or trade. Dwarves in this world are about two-thirds the size of humans and elves. Their areas of expertise are metalworking, smithing (blacksmithing, goldsmithing, weapon/armor smithing), jewel cutting, swordsmanship and stone cutting.

Humans: Humans are the second most populous group are possibly most visible in large settlements. While they prefer socializing with other humans, they are a bit more open to socializing with other species than dwarves and elves. Their areas of expertise are trade, wood cutting, carpentry, building and cooking. Their fighting classes are usually fighter, warrior, berserker or battlemage (not exclusively).

Elves: Elves are just about as populous as humans and are found mostly in forested flatlands and boglands. They used to be about as secluded as dwarves but in recent times they have learned to at least socialize with humans and goblins often. Dwarves and elves dont always get along, even when the king is an elf. Their areas of expertise are bowmaking, archery, textile work (such as tailoring), leatherworking and magics. Common fighting classes are healer, archer, rogue and mage.

Goblins: Goblins are a minority species usually found in cities and fortified settlements. They are about half as tall as humans and elves. They rely on socializing with other species. Their expertise areas are crafting, trade, fine mechanics and roofing. Their fighting classes are usually archer and rogue.

Dragonkin: Dragonkin are scaled humanoids with lizard features. They live in their own settlements usually and are a tiny minority with only a couple dragonkin villages actually native to Nachtschwert. Dragonkin are usually know for the exotic leathers they offer and products from yak milk. Common fighting classes among them are warrior and berserker.

Half-dragons: Half-dragons arent really half dragon but are called so because they look like elves with some dragon features. Usually they have pointed ears like elves but also have scaley tails and horns. Their teeth are noticeably sharper than those of humans or elves. Half-dragons are pretty rare and are adaptable to environments. The areas of expertise are weaponsmithing, building and roofing but tend to also be jacks of all trades. Common classes are any classes that dont require magic.

Gnomes: Gnomes are seen occasionally here and there. No preference in habitation. They are only a third the size of humans and elves. Gnomes are usually goldsmiths and fine mechanic workers. They arent too good in physical combat so they stick to short swords and short bows. Otherwise gnomes use magic.

Classes: You can be basically any class as long as it fits into a medieval fantasy setting. Just ask.

Magics: Healing, Elemental (Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, Lightning), Dark, Summoning, Blue (enhancing abilities of oneself or others)

Skills (combat, not all listed): Hand-to-Hand combat, swordsmanship, greatswords, axes/hammers, archery, spears/war scythes, light armor (cloth/leather), heavy armor (chain/plate), magic, unarmored defense, lifting/throwing)

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

Vaeafyn Appleturner

Prologue

There was a great battlefield with thousands dead. It was the final skirmish between the united armies led by the worlds hero and the 5th demon army led by the general Lognar Spearthrower. Lognar was a tall and very muscular man who cared more about his manliness than anything else. The demon army general was known for going out of his way to kill elves and if there were both humans and elves, Lognar would kill the elves first. This day, the 5th demon army was losing the battle. Soon the final showdown between Lognar and the hero would come.

"Astonishing that you made it this far, but your journey ends here." Lognar said to the hero and charged into battle with his great axe. However he underestimated the hero. The hero was fast and Lognar could barely keep up. Then Lognar made a big mistake. He tried jumping over the hero. The hero took the chance and diced up Lognar. To prevent Lognar from resurrecting, the hero destroyed Lognar's soul crystal.

Lognar, or rather his soul woke up in a vast emptiness. "So I have fallen. I wonder what awaits me. Afterlife or hell or just nothingness?" He thought. All of a sudden, a woman with a celestial aura appeared before him. "Lognar Spearthrower. You are here because you are dead and are to await judgement for your actions in life." The goddess said. "For your crimes, you would normally go to the underworld for eternal damnation. However due to the gravity of your crimes, that wont cut it. You shall be reborn into a new world as that what you hate the most and where your vanity wont spoil you." "No, you wont dare." Lognar said. The goddess smirked and said: "Yes, I shall dare. You will be reborn as an elf. One that is even effeminate for elven standards, Even in adulthood, you will never become masculine." "You bitch! Dont turn me into a flimsy ass elf! I'd rather take eternal damnation than be reborn as an elf." Lognar said. The goddess then replied: "That is why this punishment is perfect for you. Now have fun!"

Suddenly, Lognar woke up as if it was a dream. He seemed to be laying in a bed of sorts. He looked down to his feet. His feet were overproportionate and pudgy. As he tried to get up, he had great difficulty doing it. His hands were pudgy too. He tried to call out for someone, but all that came out was the babbling of a baby. "No, she didn't!" He thought. Then all of a sudden two elves came over to the bed and the female elf picked him up. She said something to him but he didn't understand. One word that stood out was "Vaeafyn". Was this his new name? The woman hugged him and kissed his forehead. "Unbelievable! No one has ever given me a hug or a kiss on the forehead. I don't need those!" He thought. He tried slapping the woman away but all he could muster up is an uncoordinated punch and a cute grimace. Lognar had never felt this powerless before.

After that, Lognar, now Vaeafyn Appleturner, slowly grew into a toddler. As a toddler, he tried to be rebellious but his parents still showered him with love, believing that one should punish a child with harm but rather talk to them to tell them what they did wrong. He and his new mother occasionally went out into the village to meet with other mothers and their children. Originally, Vaeafyn tried to prove his strength among the other toddlers but ended up looking like a fool or being below average.

Going into adolescence, his hair had grown very long and Vaeafyn looked like a girl. Many of his peers even thought he was a girl and when he said he was a boy, they gave him a "yeah sure" kind of look. What made it worse was that his parents dressed him in an effeminate fashion, often dressing him up with an ethnic pattern embroidered chest wrap and rather short shorts and wearing a cloth choker in matching color to his clothes, sometimes even putting a sleeveless short dress on him. In winter, they would have him wear a long, yet cozy dress. Everytime, Vaeafyn cut his long hair sort, it would be back to its original length the very next day. Each time, he would try to put on more masculine clothes, they would feel uncomfortable and awkward on him. By age 12, he would have given up on being rebellious or trying to be manly, however still hoping that puberty would set things straight.

In the meanwhile, he just gave in to his hidden feelings and became rather happy go lucky and somewhat girly. He would join his mother on gathering duties and just hope for the future. Puberty came eventually, but not in the way he had hoped for. His voice became more womanly and he was filled with different emotions. "This can't be right." He said. I got man parts down there, but puberty made me more like a woman. Vaeafyn's chest had grown a little bigger but it was barely noticeable under clothing, maybe an A cup. "Shit, that damn goddess." Vaeafyn said in his female teen voice.

At age 16, Vaeafyn was selected by a village mage to become a blue mage or battlemage and trained in the arts. However at age 18, a miracle happened. He had been blessed with the trait "Strength of a Bear" and grew very strong. However by that time, Vaeafyn had lost nearly all of what made his soul Lognar. The people here gave him love and no one judged him for seeming more like a woman than a man. Compared to being Lognar, being Vaeafyn felt good and he didn't have to deal with the insecurities and emotional burdens Lognar had. So naturally, Vaeafyn accepted who he was and contributed in helping the village. He would begin putting his new trait to good use and start hauling lumber and foodstuffs from the worksites to the village. And even compared to Lognar, as Vaeafyn he would let himself cry from time to time, because afterwards there was always someone there for him and letting the emotions flow felt better afterwads.

End of Prologue

Now age 26, Vaeafyn had heard rumors that the hero that was going to fight the demon army in the furthest regions away was going to travel through the village. Like the other villagers, Vaeafyn, short Vaea, went to the central village plaza to check out the hero and his party. Vaea made sure to look nice for the hero. He wore a short green pleated skirt, a laced long bell-sleeved white top, a white choker and high boots.

In the village plaza stood a blonde human man with shiny armor and a greatsword. He was surrounded by a harem of female fighters and mages. The women of his party were mostly humans and elves but there was also a half-dragon among them. The hero then spoke: "Good citizens of Terpenheim. I come to visit your village on my way to combat the demon army as part of enhancing my motivation to see all that I need to protect." Vaea kind of chuckled. The guy seemed a tad smug. "Are there any beautiful maidens in your village? Who is the most beautiful one here?" The hero said. Vaea could see where this was going.

"Well..." The village elder said. "If you mean breast side, it would be Alra here, but she's already married and a bit older. If you mean the most beautiful person regardless of chest size, it would probably be Vaea." Vaea then stepped forward. The hero approached him. "Very beautiful..." The hero's gaze wandered down to the chest area. "However kind of flat. She will do though." Vaea's face turned red. He felt like tearing this arrogant hero a new one. Not only didn't the hero make a polite introduction, but he also just view Vaea more as an object than a person. "Do for what?" Vaea said trying to hide his anger. The hero smirked with punchable face: "Well to get laid of course. Who wouldn't want to have children from this piece of meat?" "Is that so?" Vaea said with disdain in his eyes. "How about I offer you a taste first?" The hero grinned and was getting visibly antsy. Vaea grabbed his hand and led it to him. The hero pulled back in shock.

"Y... you are a man? But I asked for the most beautiful maiden." The hero said. Vaea then answered: "No, you asked for the most beautiful person. And I am only sort of a man. Turns out that I have both male and female traits down there." Then the hero came out of his shock and said: "You have both parts? Exotic. I havent done it with someone like you before, but there is always a first time." "At this point what makes you think I am going to do it with an arrogant pervert and womanizer?" Vaea said. The hero frowned but then said: "Someday, I will make you mine. So consider this, I will be fighting for you on that battlefield. You will be in my thoughts then."

The thought made Vaea shudder. Even if Vaea would consider a male lover, he would definitely not consider that damn hero. His master was already seeing Vaea reading a punch enhancement spell and managed to divert the punch before it could hit the hero. The force of the punch created enough pressure in the air for the wind to pick up and for a shockwave that felt like a mild thump to occur. "Vaea, don't be stupid. It isn't worth picking a fight. Attacking the hero could get you killed." The master said. Vaea then replied: "I dont fucking care. This guy is scum." Behind them, the hero was laughing. "Boy, I like my partners strong and full of temperament." The hero said. Vaea cracking his fingers then said: "Master, is there a way to get stronger and maybe earn a living through fighting?"

"Well, that would be the adventurers guild. You dont think you could reach the heros level, do you?" The master said. Vaea turned around and said while smiling: "I could at least try." He left the scene and at down at an oak tree. Maybe someone would join him after seeing what scum the hero was.

(Can come for interaction to the oak tree to meet up with Vaea.)

 

[ScatheAriiasqDrayceon]

Cold. It's cold. That was the only thing in Seven's mind. Their limbs were frozen to their sides, pinning them to their sides. In and out of awareness they faded, waking to focus on the blood-soaked snow.

Eventually, the snow didn't come back, the stabbing, painful cold fading. And a voice floated up through their mind, blurry and indistinct while carrying a very certain tone. Something that dripped with unpleasantness. "Where am I?" Seven questioned, blindly reaching out in uncertainty.

"Dead."

Seven chirped questioningly. It was less a voice and more a vibe. An interesting vibe. "Huh. And why am I here?"

"To be judged."

A snort. "May as well send me to hell, now."

"No."

"No?"

"No. That is not severe enough. Instead, I will reincarnate you."

"And that's worse?" Seven asked, clicking their tongue.

"Much."

And then they were awake, again.

Confusion washed over them as they looked up, a ball attached to a string hanging above their face. Something felt off, but they couldn't bring themself to care as they reached up and swiped at the yarn ball, chirping excitedly Their tail swished from side to side with abrupt twitches. They didn't care for the hands that brought them from the cradle, though, as they snapped at them, mentally cheering as they went back to swiping at the ball.

The wrongness multiplied, but they didn't care, purring up at the little ball of yarn with a fanged grin.

"Oh, Ariiasq, come here."

"Ariiasq", as they were apparently called, turned their attention from the ball and to the figure lifting them out of the crib. They were placed against something warm, which they snuggled into contentedly. The wrongness was screaming, but they ignored it with a hum.

By the time Arii started paying attention to the wrongness, they were a teen, meandering around the woods with the reckless abandon only a child could have. They weren't fifteen paces in before darkness rushed up and they abruptly lost the ability to see.

There was a moment to pause and then it cleared.

The wrongness screamed, thrashing against the chains that kept it in deep. It slammed against its restraints, and something cracked.

Ariiasq turned tail and ran, claws digging into the ground to stabilize them as they tripped and nearly fell over themself, running like hell from whatever cast that spell. They ran all the way back home and hid on the roof beside the chimney, panting hard.

The wrongness was free and it had a name.

Seven.

Seven was Ariiasq, however chained. Seven was angry and spiteful and liked to make fun of people, but also, useful. And slowly, Ariiasq leaned into it. They learned to stay silent in the dark. They learned to strike only where and when needed...

But most of all, they learned how to kill. They could stand over a body in cold blood, crimson dripping from their claws and feel nothing at all. It was a target. It was always just a target.

They were forced into a job not long after their training slowed, and the wrongness writhed in them, spitting venom and shrieking like a wild beast. But of course, there was no getting out of it. So, Arii learned to repress the wrongness with the rest of them.

~~~

It was a day not unlike the rest of the days in the shitty village Ariiasq lived in that an armored man and his weirdass harem strolled in, chest puffed out like he was someone important. With a snort, Ariiasq followed them from the rooftops, abandoning their building tools to watch.

Of course, like all hotblooded adventurers, he requested the prettiest person there. The village called on the Appleturner's child, which was, in Ariias' opinion, was a good choice... and yet.

Arii snorted at the conversation that followed, leaping to a new roof with a harsh click in the back of their throat.

Decidedly, they followed Appleturner with a rumbling hum, noting their drive to—seemingly—kick that pretentious hero's ass in combat. A grin spread across Ariiasq's features as they leaped from the building they stood on and landed on the oak tree Appleturner had sat down near. They curled their tail around the branch and flipped upside-down, upper body popping out of the branches quite abruptly with a rustle.

"So, he was a fucking asshole," Ariiasq stated in lieu of a greeting.

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

The hero was still at the plaza, boasting in front of the village folk and conversing with them. Some of the women were disgusted by the hero at this point and left, but still most of the men stayed. Vaea's parent only stood in the background. Vaea's mother looked a little worried while his father stood there with his arms crossed and a neutral expression on his face.

After a couple minutes, the half dragon Ariiasq joined Vaea, hanging by their tail from the tree. The rustling briefly put Vaea on alert since it was too big to be a bird or squirrel. "Ah, Ariiasq. You made my heart jump for a moment." Vaea said. "Yes, that hero is not just an asshole. He is bottom of the barrel scum. And I have decided that he is my rival, but not in the friendly sense. I will pack and head to the adventurer's guild tomorrow to begin getting stronger and take trophies from the hero. If that doesn't work out, I will have to see how I need to deal with him."

Vaea turned to Ariiasq. "I heard adventurer's travel in parties. Do you seek to escape this boring village life? Would you mind partying up with me? We can go for fame, money, reputation or maybe just help people. And along the way we can hone our skills to rival the power of heroes and demons. I know it sounds optimistic. But I was reborn for a reason. And I am to do better this life." Vaea said to Ariiasq.

The Vaea noticed he blurted out the entire rebirth thing to someone who could see him as crazy or as someone with a wild imagination for it. "Uhh, don't mind the rebirth thing. It's... uh... a type of metaphor. Yeah." Vaea said.

 

[ScatheAriiasqDrayceon]

Arii listened idly to the hero, ears twitching irritably. The pointed receptors flicked forward toward Appleturner as he spoke, a grin breaking across their face. "Expect nothing less, sir. 'S practically my job to give people a fright." They twisted around, curving their spine to get upright-ish. "Please, do call me Flame. Ariiasq is hard to pronounce, after all." They offered a fanged smile, dropping down to land lightly on their feet.

Their tail curled around their legs neatly, and the "scarf" coiled across their shoulders made an odd thump as they landed. Odd.

"I would love to join your party, Appleturner." They paused with a click of their tongue. "Anything but staying here."

A curious brow rose—and continued rising—as Appleturner spoke of rebirth, Ariiasq letting him ramble for a bit before speaking. "Oh, so you met the weirdo god, too."

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

Ariiasq told Vaea to call them Flame instead. Then Vaea replied: "Then just call me Vaea instead of Appleturner. Appleturner is my family name. You can refer to me as whatever gender though. I have grown used to being referred as a female by people in the village and as male by some others. It doesn't bug me anymore. It's great that you will come along though." Finally they would be able to escape the boring village life and maybe head to a city and get stronger.

But then Ariiasq said something that surprised Vaea. It appeared that they were also reborn into this world. "Yes. I was a demon army general who was defeated by the worlds hero. The goddess thought it was fitting to make me be reborn as that what I hated the most, an elf. Additionally, in my past life I was pretty vain about my appearance. I was a muscular man who cared much about his muscle and masculinity. So the goddess made it so that I was unmuscular and effeminate to the point that the only masculine part of me is what I have between my legs. Otherwise I have a womanly chest, albeit small. At first, I truly hated it. But sometime I just embraced it. I think I was given something here that I didn't have in my past life. That is love. No matter how much I rebelled, my parents in this world still loved me. I may not be a fan of that damn hero, but I will someday defeat both him and the demon king, just as a goal. Who knows whether it is achieveable." Vaea said.

"Should we meet tomorrow morning at this tree? Then we can set off to adventure or die trying." Vaea asked.

 

[Noodle Time]

Prologue
A sharp pain wracked Jasper's body. The entire job had been one failure after another. They should have left the town after their contact never showed up. But pride had brought them to this point and now pride had been their downfall. Jasper swung their knife wildly but failed to hit anything. As they looked up they saw their attacker raise their blade and bring it down with one fluid movement. And then there was darkness. Jasper had always expected to be sent to Hell when they died but instead they came face to face with a beautiful woman who introduced herself as The Goddess. "Wh-where am I? This doesn't look like eternal damnation" Jasper remarked, the looked around but beyond the light from The Goddess everything was dark. "You are in between life and death right now." The Goddess spoke "normally you would be sent to Hell to face eternal torment for the actions you have committed during your life but you expect to be placed there meaning you have accepted this fate." Jasper laughed "so what? you're going to keep me here and talk me into boredom for all of eternity? Because that's not much of a punishment eith-" The Goddess raised her hand to silence Jasper and they complied "your punishment will be much more fitting. You took pride in your bloodline in your previous life, believing you were better than everyone else because you worked hard to become such a skilled individual. You believed that you didn't need the bonuses and advantages afforded to those of other races. So you will be reborn as a half-breed." Jasper froze as the Goddess finished her sentence, panic flooded their system and they found words didn't come as easily. "You can't do this! Let me just go to Hell! I'd rather face eternal damnation than be reborn as a half breed! You can't do this!" The Goddess raised her hand once more and that was that. She faded away leaving Jasper in the brief darkness before a white light enveloped them.

One second they were a full grown adult and the next their body was small and fragile. They couldn't speak or stand. They were an infant to a single mother, where their father was they didn't know. Ren, as they were now known as, slowly grew up. Their new mother gave them all the love and affection she possibly could throughout the years which felt strange, in their previous life they hadn't cared for such emotions but now they resonated deep within themselves. After turning 16 Ren had found out their father had died before they were born and that they were now a half elf. Anger burned through them as they remembered their beliefs from their old life. On their 18th birthday Ren had been forced to flee their new home as bandits had burst into their house and murdered his mother while looking for valuables. All they had of their mother to remember her by was the piece of red ribbon she had used to tie back their hair from time to time. A few months later they had found out they had a strange power that allowed them to regenerate near fatal wounds but it required many hours of sleep and a lot of while it worked.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ren snaked their way through the streets looking for an easy target. Today they wore a simple skirt and a low cut shirt to give themselves a more feminine look. They stole an apple from a small stand and blended back into the crowd. They cut a small coin purse from a man's waist and moved once more into the crowd before he could notice. When the streets were this busy it was easy to get away with small amounts of thievery. As they walked they heard the commotion of their target realising their purse was gone and picked up the pace. Ren was known to the guards and if they were spotted in the area they were sure to be arrested. They began to make their way to the plaza in the village, they had heard the Hero was supposed to be in town today so they hoped they might be able to swipe something valuable.

As they arrived in the plaza they saw a crowd of people surrounding someone and Ren knew they were in the right place. They pushed their way through the crowd and stopped at the front row. They listened to people talking hoping they would hear some interesting rumours but all they heard were people gushing over the Hero. Ren bit into their apple and tucked their new found coin pouch into their shirt and continued listening. After a while once the crowd thinned out a bit Ren noticed 2 people talking under a tree and decided to sneak around the back hoping to listen in on them in the hopes they might hear something interesting. Instead one of them mentioned something about rebirth which perked their ears up. But then the pair began speaking about adventuring and Ren grew bored. Just as they were about to leave they sneezed and froze did they hear that? Ren thought to themselves.

 

[ScatheAriiasqDrayceon]

"A pleasure," they replied with a grin, fangs on full display. "Ah, a fine past life," they drawled, tail flicking. "If you would like to know, I was apparently a top assassin. Bloody fun job, by the way... though for the wrong reasons." They offered a smirk. "Apparently, I'm supposed to find a 'just' reason to do my murders or some shit like that." Flame shrugged, but froze not a moment later.

Both of their ears twisted, flicking this way and that only to stop while both ears were pointed directly behind them. A sneeze followed not long after. "I can hear your coinpurse," the half-dragon sang, sticking out their tongue. They turned around lazily with a fake smile, slit-pupiled eyes honing in on the person in front of them. "Not quite polite, stalking up to a kid, yeah?" They continued, drawling out the words.

"Got something you want to say?"

 

[Noodle Time]

Ren stepped out from behind the tree and raised their hands, they had been caught and there was no way to get out of it without talking. They patted down their skirts and tried their best innocent act against the half-dragon, trying to act as feminine as possible. Their androgynous frame helped with this "Oh I was just sitting underneath this tree, I was so tired after waiting for the Hero all day! Sorry if I disturbed you two!" they smiled and curtsied a bit and as they did the coin pouch fell from their shirt and clattered to the floor. They stared at it and slowly looked up "whoops, sorry about that, can't really tie it to my waist because of my skirt" they slowly reached down to pick it up and as they did they spoke again "did I hear someone mention something about a rebirth? That sounds rather interesting, if not rather farfetched" they chuckled slightly.

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

In response to Ariiasq, Vaea replied: "I underestimated the hero and got diced up into little tiny bits for it. He even cut my head into pieces to destroy my plan B which was a soul crystal in my head that would ensure my resurrection. I sort of get why I am reborn here and it has opened my eyes that outcomes can be completely different. I doubt I will be a goody two shoes but I dont desire killing people for the fun of it anymore."

Ariiasq then sniffed out someone who was eavesdropping and ultimately sneezed giving away their location.

The person who was eavesdropping turned out to be a half elf. They acted all innocent but Vaea wasn't buying it. "Well it seems you wasted your day since that hero is absolute scum, but I feel you were doing more than just sitting under the other side of the tree." Vaea said.

When the half elf mentioned the rebirth part and said it was rather farfetched, Vaea said: "If you heard so much, it seems almost like you were eavesdropping. But yes, being reborn because a goddess said hell wasnt worth it for us sounds pretty crazy. But it seems I wasn't the only one."

 

[Noodle Time]

Ren tried their best to look offended "me? eavesdropping? no way" when they realised they didn't sound convincing at all Ren shrugged "maybe it is farfetched but I didn't say I didn't believe you" they took another bite of their apple and threw the rest away "in fact I'm thinking I may have experienced something similar" they looked at the elf and smiled before offering out their hand "the name's Calithorne! Thief and bodyguard for hire for the right price! And something tells me you won't be telling the guards I admitted to being a thief based on your previous life" they grinned again.

Ren played with the piece of red ribbon tied around their throat and looked around "so what's this I hear about becoming adventurers? Sure that's a wise idea what with that boring dullard of a hero getting ready to go to war with the demons?" Ren asked, they knew people loved to seek out fame, especially with that walking gasbag of a hero spouting his nonsense but they knew most people wouldn't cut it, especially when the demon army ran rampant about the place.

 

[ScatheAriiasqDrayceon]

Flame narrowed their eyes, tail flicking back and forth. "What makes you so sure I wouldn't?" They asked the half elf, voice dipping to an extended drawl that dripped with what could graciously be described as 'annoyance'. "I don't quite like people who eaves-drop... at least, not for a job. That's just plain annoying." They clicked their tongue, ears flicking. Loud. Too enthusiastic.

"Hero, adventure, or not, I'm going to get out of this little town. Daylight work doesn't suit me," Ariiasq replied. "Fame can shrivel and disintegrate for all I care, it's more work than it's worth. Not in it to kill demons."

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

Vaea crossed his arms when the person played dumb. But then the person mentioned that they may have been reborn too and introduced themself as Calithorne. "I am Vaeafyn Appleturner. In my past life, I was a demon army general in the world of Exartia named Lognar Spearthrower. That is behind me now and honestly I have no desire to go back to that. Nonetheless, I have just grown to hate this world's hero but for other reasons." Vaea said.

When Ren asked about becoming adventurers and mentioned the hero, Vaea said: "Yeah I was going to become an adventurer to ruin the hero's job or at least try to. I can be against the hero and the demons you know? I just asked Flame here if they wanted to join my party and since they also view village life as dull, they agreed. Don't tell me you want to join the party too? I wouldn't mind it. The more the merrier. I am a battlemage. I have mastered blue magic and specialize in hand-to-hand combat and unarmored defense. I can use blue magic to make my skin as tough as plate mail or dragonscale."

"Anyways, I'd say whoever is interested on adventuring, meet me here at the oaktree tomorrow morning with your things and we will set off for the town of Velkaenfall where the next adventurer's guild branch is and from there we can rise the ranks and grow wealthy." Vaea said.

 

[Noodle Time]

Ren shook their head as Vaea introduced themselves "I just go by Calithorne, don't like using first names if I don't know some...Only the guards are on a first name basis with me since I'm the biggest thorn in their sides" Ren chuckled "as for adventuring, it sounds like an interesting idea but I'm really only in it for money, fame can kiss my ass, I'm already famous enough in this village for thievery as is." Ren chuckled again "however money is just a bonus compared to fucking up the Hero's little escapades...he's a braggard at best and as pompous prick at worst" Ren started playing with the ribbon round their throat and shrugged "I don't have anything better to do anyway, if I stay here I'll get locked up again and the guards will just batter me black and blue"

 

[ScatheAriiasqDrayceon]

Flame watched idly, not speaking. They'd seen Appleturner around the village many times and had a certain degree of trust in them. Granted, not enough to reveal their abilities, but enough that they'd talk.

But this new one had already proved themself to be untrustworthy. So, they reverted back to the stance they did with their "boss", tilting their head with vaguely pursed lips. "Being famous for thievery means you're a shitty thief, you know that, yeah?"

They half turned to Vaea with a click of their tongue. "I will be here sunrise tomorrow." They put a hindclaw on the tree, eyeing it up... then they paused. "If you're going for stealth, pad your coinpurse, would you?"

And with the awful scrape of claws on tree bark and a few leaps, they were out of sight, the last thing visible their scaled tail.

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

Flame had left after exchanging a few words with Ren and saying that they will be here at sunrise in the morning.

"Alright Calithorne. Delighted to meet you." Vaea said. Vaea was sort of cautious about the thievery part, but he could fend for himself if necessary. He picked up a rock. Vaea's look turned serious for a moment as he said: "Just a warning. Don't you ever try to steal from me or cross me in any way, because I have enough strength to probably rip an ogre's head off and I wouldn't have an issue with there being one thief less in the world." He then crushed the rock in his hand. Afterwards, Vaea's demeanor turned nice and cutesy and he said with a smile: "I guess you got the message. Anyways, as I said tomorrow morning with your stuff under this tree."

Before going home, Vaea then said: "Oh, by the way, you can refer to me as a guy or a woman or in between. I am rather in between though. Most of the villagers refer to me as a woman out of ease and my parents refer to me as a guy." He then turned away and headed home.

Back at home, Vaea began to pack his stuff. It was mostly clothes though. His parents gave him some coin and food to take along. "We wish you luck and don't get yourself killed." His father said to him. "Write us a letter ever no and then and if you earn enough, maybe send some money so that we can keep your three younger siblings well fed and clothed." "Will do. I will wake you in the morning before I leave. Goodnight." Vaea said to his parents.

Finally after changing to a babydoll like nightgown, Vaea went to bed to sleep.

 

[Noodle Time]

Ren watched the half dragon bounce away and shook their head "I have a feeling I was supposed to be intimidated but then they bounced away like a giant bunny". They turned back to Vaea as he spoke. Ren's eyes widened as Vaea crushed the rock, even with their regenerative powers a crushed bone would take an entire day of sleep to heal "I won't steal from you don't worry" they shouted as Vaea walked although I'm pretty sure my little regeneration trick would surprise you just as much they thought to themselves "oh and as far as referring me, I just go by they or them. Neither a man nor a woman" they smiled and waved off their freakishly strong new friend. As they made their way back to the run down house they called home, Ren used the money they had taken to buy food from smaller stalls and even gave the rest of the pouch to a beggar.

Once they reached their home they packed up their clothes and reached for a small under the floorboards. From this chest they produced a pair of serrated knives which they carefully wrapped up in a small cloth and placed it them in their bag. Adventuring seemed like it was going to be fun but Ren had barely left the village upon arriving here and now they were going to leave? Wherever they were going they hoped there was money involved. Ren didn't get much sleep that night, the excitement of doing something besides steal and guard people kept them awake. They nodded off just a couple of hours before dawn.

 

[ScatheAriiasqDrayceon]

Flame didn't really need to pack anything, since they didn't have anything, and as soon as the tree had cleared off, they stalked back to it, hopping down to one of the branches and perching there. They remained awake for a few more hours, making sure the spot they chose wasn't going to be disturbed before settling, not seven unwrapping the scarf from their neck as they did so.

They were all-but invisible there, hidden by leaves and branches. They had long-since learned they shouldn't make sound when they sleep, too, so it would take people standing under the tree to hear the faint wisps of breath.

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

It was morning the next day and Vaea woke up on his own. He quickly got washed down and after drying off, got dressed. Vaea put on tight green shorts that were embroidered around the end of the legs, a green ethnic pattern chestwrap/bandeau and a green cloth choker that seemed to be seamless after putting it on. He then put on a hooded cape and some thigh high boots. His pack was already packed.

Vaea's parents woke up to see off their eldest child and said their farewells. He then left with some food in hand and headed towards the oak tree. Once there Vaea sat down and waited. "Are you already here?" Vaea said already noticing Flame.

 

[Noodle Time]

Ren watched as the sun rose and stood up, stretching and letting out a breath. They changed their old clothes out for a low necked shirt and a shorter skirt before putting their boots back on. They tied back their hair with their red ribbon and picked up their bags. As they walked through town they were careful to avoid the guards patrolling the area. Ren reached into a small pocket in their back and pulled out a small roll of bread and began eating it as they made their way to the tree. They thought about trying to lift a little more food from a stall but decided against it, they had enough for now and surely they would win up at a new town in no time.

Ren approached the tree, and waved, their hair catching the morning sun "I'm here, sorry about being late, had to avoid some familiar faces" they stuffed the final bit of bread roll in their mouth and continued speaking "so then, where are we headed?"

 

[ScatheAriiasqDrayceon]

Flame woke up in a bleary daze of "God fucking damnit, I hate the world and I don't know why".

Oh right.

Despite getting what probably amounted to several REM cycles of sleep, they were still tired. This haze of utter disgust and general annoyance, however, was increased as a voice called out from below them. Flame curled their tail around the branch they were sitting on and flipped upside-down, coming face to face with Vaea.

"'Been here for a while," they replied, yawning.

Right.

That was another one of the Goddess' curses. No matter how much they slept, they were always at least somewhat tired.

They dimly registered... the other one. C.. something. Eh, fuck it, they're just calling them "Thief", but was honestly too lazy to turn around to them, more interested in burrowing their face into their scarf.

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

Soon after Vaea arrived, Calithorne joined them. All three were there. Ready to go and start a new life adventuring. Ren asked where they were heading. "I guess we are heading to the adventurer's guild branch in Feilenweiler since Fingstheim is still a pretty long way away. In the town of Feilenweiler we should at least find entry level quests and be able to switch to the Fingstheim branch when we get stronger. Between here and Feilenweiler there is just a forest. Creatures I have seen so far there are slimes, white raccoons and dire foxes. All should be relatively easy to deal with, at least for me. I am unfamiliar with how strong you two are though, so I can't judge your strength." Vaea said.

Feilenweiler was less than half a days journey though. So the three could probably get there, eat lunch and then go on their first quest. Vaea pointed towards the northwest of the village. "We need to head that way to get to Feilenweiler." He said.

 

[Noodle Time]

Ren nodded "okay, to the Adventurer's guild then!" they took their knives carefully from their pack and attached them to their hip, they didn't want to get to this forest and be left unarmed, as much as they bragged about being good with their fists, Ren felt like punching a slime would be about as effective as putting a fire out with firewood. They looked at Vaea and then the half-dragon and cracked their knucles "by the time we return to this village I'm going to be richer than everyone here!" they grinned at the thought of having money, it would mean they wouldn't have to steal as much from the market stalls every morning which would in turn mean less beatings from the guards.

"So then, shall we head off to Feilenweiler? I'm ready to kick some ass" they shouted as they turned on their heels to face the North-West gate.

 

[ScatheAriiasqDrayceon]

"Loud," Flame all-but snarled, cracking an eye open to regard the two others with a snake-like pinned pupil. "If we go through the forest, we best be quiet, anyway. Being cautious never hurt anyone." They dropped out of the tree, landing lightly on their feet. "What was it they used to say...? Injury festers death?"

They hummed in consideration, voice low and quiet.

"Sound plan, Vaea." They dipped their head in acknowledgement, following the Thief at a more sedate pace.

 

[TanteRegenbogen]

(Sorry for the wait. Was wasted last night.)

The other two agreed to Vaea's play in going to the adventurer's guild in Feilenweiler. "Great. I got all my stuff with me. So let's head northwest to Feilenweiler. I have been there once and it isn't far away." Vaea said. He then went off into the direction of the forest in the direction of Feilenweiler.

It didn't take long for them to reach the first opponents. It was a pack of five slimes. Three slimes were blue and two were yellow. Slimes usually were territorial and usually attacked anything that entered their territory even if they stood zero chance against their opponents. At the same time, slimes were probably the weakest encounter in a forest and even a child could defeat a slime. "Let's just kick these jellies and continue." Vaea said kicking the nearest slime to him, obliterating it. "I believe the gods just created these things to annoy the populace by wasting their time and also providing a base to creating sweet jellies."