I'm Actually Not Overpowered!

"Haaa…"

A soft, happy breath escaped my lips as I watched the sunrise from the room where I stayed.

It was only for one night, but I got to experience the luxurious hospitality accorded to a hero who saved many Adventurers and slayed a Dragon.

Not only was I promoted to S Class, but I was also given a fantastic lodging in the best spot within Dulum.

'Well, it's not like it's entirely comfortable, but this is far better than the other place…'

Sarah and Byron were in their respective rooms, so I was able to fully express my glee.

"I have a wonderful feeling about today!" My heart was thrumming with excitement as I grinned.

When I first came to this city, I was disappointed beyond words. Afterward, I was nervous and worried about the future.

But now? Things had gone better than my expectations, and I could finally be at ease.

'I just need to drive back to the starter town and conclude the harvest with them.'

After my short stint in the Adventurer's City, there were a few ideas in my head. It would be nice if I could implement them.

>DRRNNNNGGGG!!!<

A loud sound rang through my ear, causing me to cringe in annoyance.

"What the fu—?!"

[SYSTEM ALERT]

<New Quest Notification>

"Oh, shut up!" I yelled, quickly dismissing the bothersome panel.

This was a wonderful day, but the System wanted to ruin it for me yet again.

'I just completed a rather difficult Quest. Slaying a Dragon is no easy task, you know?'

Having dismissed the bothersome System, I got myself a couple of nice goodies, but still… a man needed to rest.

"Should I go on a brief tour of the city before leaving? Na, too much attention will be drawn to me…"

I remembered how everything played out yesterday, and the numerous people that now viewed me as a heroic being.

As much as I loved playing Hero, too much of anything wasn't healthy.

'Ah, I forgot about those Adventurers—Asa and the two others!'

Wasn't our meeting supposed to be by dawn?

Once again, I looked out my window and realized that I was running pretty late.

"Oof, this must have been what the System was reminding me of. I better hurry!"

Sarah and Byron could be here any second, so it was best I freshened up myself.

"A change of outfit and some body spray should do it. They won't notice I didn't bathe, right?"

But… I would!

As much as I was a shut-in, I valued hygiene a great deal. Was it really a time for the Hero to compromise on his beliefs?

'Oof… this is hard…'

The decision had to be made, and the time was now!

'Ah, screw it!'

***********************************************

I ended up cleaning my body with a wet towel—my method of showering in this primitive town.

'Our previous rooms didn't have a bath since it was low quality, so I was actually looking forward to bathing in this one. Too bad, I guess…'

For luxurious residences, like the one I was currently at, there was a bath, but I didn't have the time to go through the process.

Apparently, it was separate from the room—unlike the Hotels back in my world.

Also, you would need to pay a separate fee to gain access to it since water was a rare resource.

Finally, it was a public bath.

'This is their definition of luxury…' I nearly felt bad for them.

Well, enough of that.

I was currently on my way to the rendezvous spot where I was to meet up with Asa, Gu, and what was that last guy's name again? Liebert?

Sarah and Byron were a small distance behind me. They let out happy, reverent expressions as I led the way.

'This isn't necessary,' I thought to myself, but my heroic self had no choice in the matter.

News of my exploits had not spread everywhere yet, so the few people we encountered didn't bother us.

It was also very early in the morning, so that was another stroke of luck.

We exited the City, finally bidding farewell to a life of adventuring, and headed straight for the giant cluster of rocks where I had three people waiting.

'Will they show? Will they not show?' I had found myself asking those questions, but they turned out to be unnecessary.

"You showed up." I smiled, looking at the three Adventurers who seemed to have been waiting for quite some time.

"I apologize for being late. Did you wait long?" My naturally cool Hero voice came out, and with an aura of confidence, I approached the three.

Two out of three of them were garbed their Adventurer's wear, which I imagined to be uncomfortable. Personally, I felt bad for being tardy and keeping them waiting.

However—

"Not at all!"

"We only just arrived."

"It's no issue…"

—I realized that these peopled preferred a strong and unfazed persona for their Hero.

'I guess that's what you expect when you're in a world full of hardship. The people respected strength, so I had to be strong, both physically and mentally.'

"Great." I smiled at them.

Asa

Gu

Liebert—yeah, that was definitely his name.

The first two had their little bags ready to go. I assumed it was their luggage, so that meant they were ready to come with me… wherever I was going.

As for Liebert, he barely had anything on, so I assumed he didn't have any luggage—that, or he wasn't interested in coming with.

'I doubt that, though. That hungry expression in his eyes, and the fact that his name was in the Character List… that shows that he is indeed willing.'

"Alright. It seems we are all set." I smiled, ready to perform my trick once again.

"When should we depart? Since the sun has yet to fully rise, I advise we do so quickly. If we make haste, we can get to a shelter before nightfall." Asa spoke quickly, pragmatic as always.

I noticed Sarah and Byron exchanging knowing smiles.

I would have also snickered at Asa, but it wasn't her fault that she was ignorant. In fact, her suggestion would have been perfect if there wasn't a better option.

"There is no need for that," I spoke, exuding an inordinate amount of charisma.

I wasn't entirely certain, but I was sure my voice deepened too.

"W-what do you—?"

"Prepare yourselves, for I am about to summon a legendary beast that will take us to our destination. A creature far more mysterious and ferocious than the Earth Dragon."

Asa's eyes bulged when I spoke, and the remaining two shuddered at the same time.

"I-is that such a good idea?"

"Such a dangerous thing… if something like that appears, then—!'

"I don't like this feeling…"

As expected, they were wary. Having suffered a near-death experience at the hands of the Earth Dragon, it wasn't strange that the Adventurers would be afraid of a mightier beast.

"There's no need to worry. The He—I mean, Sam has the beast under his control." Byron spoke calmly.

He stuttered when saying my name, but I guess that was simply because of how excited he was to be a passenger in my car.

"Yes. It doesn't hurt anyone. It's pretty tame and allows us to ride it without voicing discomfort." Sarah's voice was soothing, and I could also tell that she longed to be in the vehicle again.

"A-ah, I see…" The Adventurers still appeared unsure, but after gazing at my confident smile, their hesitation melted.

"Okay then. I trust in you, Sam!"

"Yeah! Our lives are in your hands."

"I… I'm hungry…" I rolled my eyes at this.

Taking their words of approval as consent, I decided to bring my car out of the Inventory.

"Legendary Black Beast… I summon thee."

Gulps and shudders of excitement filled the air, but I poured all my focus into my acting skills.

'Timing… I must get the right timing!'

And so, just as I flashed a bright surge of blue light, my car appeared out of my special space.

"U-uooohhhhh!!!"

"T-that is… just what is that thing?!"

"This is… impossible!!!"

Ah, their reactions never got old to me.

Once again, my pretty average black car, which was now a superstar in its own right, glimmered under the rising sun.

The blue Mana I emitted added to its aesthetic, making it appear cooler than it really was.

'Haaa! This is the best!' I thought happily, as I looked in the direction of everyone.

They were all enamored by the car's appearance—even Sarah and Byron.

"We have no time to waste—"

>DRRNNNNGGGG!!!<

The System once again informed me of a Quest Alert, but I waved it off.

'Don't interrupt my monologue!' I gave an internal glare.

"—Let us begin our journey."

***********************************************

[SYSTEM ALERT]

<Emergency Quest Has Been Issued!>

[Your territory is being invaded by Demons. Fend them off and reclaim your territory.]

<Parameters>

Success: Cause the Demons to flee, die, or surrender.

Failure: Your allies are eliminated and the Demons take over your territory.

—Reward: 100 Stat Points. 1 Skill (Active/Passive). 1,000 Karmic Value

—Failure: Loss Of Allies and Territory

~Do You Accept This Quest?~

[Yes] [No]

<Pending> <Pending> <Pending>