Guts was still exploring the city when he suddenly entered a strange saloon. Inside, there wasn't a single human—only animal-like creatures.
Guts (thinking):I'm too tired to even try understanding what's going on.
He sat on a chair, ready to order some booze.
Guts: "Get me some boo—"
Suddenly, a lizard-like giant man grabbed his shoulder.
Lizard Man: "Hey! This place isn't for shitty humans like you."
Guts: "Huh? It'd be safer for you if you let me go."
Lizard Man: "Pfft! Hahaha! Did you hear what he just said?"
Everyone in the bar burst into laughter.
Guts: "Well, I warned you, motherfucker…"
With a light push, Guts sent the lizard man flying out of the saloon at unbelievable speed. Everyone went silent, staring at the spot where the man had just been.
Guts: "Anyway… Hey, owner, gimme some beer."
Bartender: "S-sure…"
He handed Guts a mug, which he quickly downed.
"The taste's different. But the bitterness... that never changes. No matter the world, it clings to your throat like blood to a blade."
Guts: "Phaa… Nothing beats a good old beer. Or maybe some cigarettes? By the way, Chief, how much do I owe you?"
Bartender: "Z-zero… Just go, please."
Guts: "For fuck's sake… I'm tired. Walked around all day and got nothing. Where even am I? Why are all these weird species living here? How do I get back to the others? Haa… and this aura…? It doesn't feel like my world. Almost like… I'm in another one."
He sat quietly, lost in thought—but not for long.
Thug 1: "Hey, shithead!"
Guts (thinking):Why the fuck does everyone in this place want to mess with me?
He got up immediately, facing three thugs.
Guts (sighing): "I don't know what I did to piss you off, but I'll give you a chance to fuck off… Starting now."
Thug 2: "Th-this guy looks like a mountain…"
Thug 3: "M-maybe he's right. We should bail."
Thug 1: "Don't be stupid! If we beat someone like him, we'll be legends!"
Guts (sighing): "I warned you…"
Thug 1: "Sh-shut up!"
He pulled out a knife.
Guts: "Cute weapon, kid. But…"
He grabbed the blade and snapped it instantly.
Guts: "You wouldn't even kill a rat with that."
Thug 1: "S-sorry! I'm sorry!"
Thug 2: "L-let's run!"
They were about to flee when a blonde-haired girl in a tight suit ran toward them.
Girl: "Out of the way!"
She bounced off the walls and used the thugs as trampolines.
Guts (thinking):This girl's got skills. Agile enough for parkour… Probably a thief or something.
The thugs didn't wait around and took off. Guts let out a deep sigh.
Guts: "Cocky bastards… Anyway, time to find shelter for the night. I doubt my money works here—even if it's silver, the markings are weird. Haa… let's see…"
???: "Hey! You there—stop!"
Guts: "Huh?"
He turned to see the blonde girl stopping him.
Girl: "Give me my emblem!"
Guts: "Pardon?"
Girl: "The emblem! You stole it!"
Guts stared at her, wondering who this girl was accusing him out of nowhere—until he realized.
Guts: "You've got me mixed up with that brat who ran off."
Girl: "You know where he went?"
Guts: "That way."
Girl: "Thanks!"
She sped off—then suddenly stopped again.
Girl: "Wait! You really expect me to believe you?"
Guts: "Nah. But you should."
She hesitated, clearly still worried about her emblem—but Guts didn't care.
Girl: "Alright then… Puck!"
Guts turned his head sharply when he heard that name—a name he hadn't heard in a while. But the "Puck" she called wasn't the fairy he knew. It was… a flying cat.
Guts: "Huh? Flying pipsqueak… reminds me of a certain fairy with the same name."
Girl: "I don't get what you're saying, but for your own health, you'd better give back what you stole."
Guts: "Agh… my head aches from all this crap. Anyway, I see you can use magic… but it's different from the kind that old woman used…"
Girl: "Ice!"
Ice spears formed and shot toward Guts.
Guts: "No manners at all, huh?"
"This power... it's like that of the witches. But there's a difference. Less hatred. More doubt."
Without hesitation, he drew his massive sword—bandaged handle, black rusted metal, and still stained with dried blood from countless foes.