BraveHitter！

ep4: Quest Trade

"All events have come to an end. All members, including myself, gathered together.

'The entrance test is over!'

Nishiki-san declared with a commanding stance. The event quest concluded in this manner. Somehow, the sun had set, and we found ourselves bathed in the light of the evening sun.

'How was it?'

Chrono asked me. Since he was in a different party, he wouldn't know what kind of event we went through.

"We managed to clear it safely."

"I see. I showed all the power I could. Now, we just have to wait for the draft results."

Draft? I engraved the important keyword in my mind while observing the others around me. Everyone was getting ready to leave. The party was disbanding.

'Well then... if luck is on our side, let's meet again.'

With just those words, Chrono left. His expression seemed to have exhausted some mental strength. I looked at the faces of the other members, including Kawai. Some had serious expressions, some had smiles, and some were filled with confidence. Regardless of the outcome, it seemed like everyone had given their all.

"It was Heki Alan, right?"

As the party members dispersed, Nishiki approached me. What could it be?

"Did you learn baseball from a proper coach?"

"Huh?"

"Your grip on the ball, the swing of the bat, and the use of the glove were all a mess."

I was suddenly criticized. It was troublesome to be told such things out of the blue. I, using my experience as a hero, did my best. As I looked bewildered, Nishiki stared at me and then his eyes gleamed.

"But skills can be learned later."

His stubborn-looking pursed lips seemed to have slightly loosened. With just that statement, Nishiki left the coliseum, accompanied by the staff who had helped with the event. I was the only one left in the coliseum.

"No... wait a minute!"

I was swept away by the sudden turn of events but forgot an important thing. What kind of world is this? Unfamiliar buildings, people's attire, and words I've never heard before filled this place.

I understood that this coliseum was in a different world from the moment I saw it. So, what kind of world specifically is this? I'm aware that it's not the afterlife because of the sensation under my feet. Is it a divine realm then? It can't be something so grand.

"As expected of Hero-sama, you brilliantly achieved results from such an unreasonable request."

A mysterious voice echoed from somewhere. Although I wanted to say the commonly used line, I sensed a presence. When I turned around suddenly, he was there—the man in the black hat who had brought me to the coliseum.

"Oh, it's you!"

As I turned back, the man was there. I grabbed his shoulder and shook him. As I did, he grinned and chanted a spell.

—Teleport!

My body floated in the air. It was a teleportation spell. While I stared at the bewildering situation, the man, still grinning, spoke with a smirk.

"Now, let me guide you to the 'Quest Exchange.'"

Quest Exchange? Perhaps the name of some shop... The man led me somewhere, leaving me at the mercy of his whims.

☆★☆

"What... where is this?"

When I noticed, I was standing in front of a suspicious-looking shop. It was an old building, reminiscent of the architecture in the country of Japones in my world.

"Come, enter inside."

The man in the black hat entered the shop. I hesitated for a moment but followed him inside. Shelves were filled with bottles and pots. The smell of medicine permeated the air; it seemed to be some kind of tool shop.

"Odiris-sama, you're quite late."

"Sorry."

A young girl with leaf-colored hair, pointed ears, and wearing a beige hunting cap and dark brown apron appeared. Cute appearance, but one shouldn't let their guard down—this was a fairy race monster called "Arseis," capable of manipulating opponents with status-altering spells.

"What's this guy, gonna fight?"

"As if!"

Preparing for a fight, I squared off against her. I had experience battling during my adventure, but this was the first time encountering one that spoke human language. The way she talked was a bit strange, though.

"Odiris-sama, I've prepared the Tea of Life. Also, Thunderbird's Egg Tart."

"Thanks."

Maria, as she called herself, glanced at me and then disappeared into the back of the shop. Odiris, who had placed his black hat on the table, looked at me and introduced himself again.

"Hero Alan, my name is Odiris. I am the god who brought you to this world."

A god! This sudden introduction left me perplexed. Everything was too abrupt. I didn't want to be called a god.

"I see you're confused by the sudden turn of events. For now, sit in that chair."

I sat down as Odiris instructed, feeling lost. A god... even if he said so, it's troublesome.

"Now then... do you remember the last part?"

Odiris put his hands on the table and rested his chin on them. With translucent white skin and mysterious water-colored hair, he had more than enough looks to be called a god.

"Last part? "

"The final battle against the Demon Lord Ibritos."

I felt uneasy. I had suffered a complete defeat. Despite having excellent comrades, top-notch equipment, powerful spells, techniques, and skills, I still...

"Do you understand the cause of your defeat?"

"...Yes."

I answered weakly. The lack of teamwork was the reason. Despite being a hero, I didn't have the courage to truly believe in others. Odiris nodded as if he understood.

"In that case, very well!"

Odiris pointed at me with enthusiasm, contorting his body into a strange pose.

"People grow through failure!"

He continued passionately.

"Though it's just baseball, it's still baseball! First, awaken as a true hero through baseball! To defeat Demon Lord Ibritos!!"

"Wait a minute."

Caught up in Odiris's passionate speech, I finally grasped a part of my situation. It seemed I had been resurrected with the power of a god and transferred to a different world.