NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 4: 4 - Safe Landing
Read ahead of the available translations: [patreon.com/IbringupontheeTL]
---
Sebas trailed behind the bartender, his nerves fraying with every step.
Why did I agree to follow a stranger? His mind raced. What if this guy's a serial killer? Or worse—a recruiter for some shady MLM scheme?!
He tugged at his boxers (now thankfully concealed by pants) and eyed the man's broad back. A shiver ran down his spine.
*Too late to back out now...*
Sebas whispered to the void: "Hey Angel, you'd better have my back here. I'm your damn 'chosen adventurer,' remember?"
Silence. Typical.
After a few blocks, the bartender stopped abruptly. Sebas nearly face-planted into him.
"We're here, Sebas."
The man gestured to a cozy, hole-in-the-wall bar.
Sebas froze. "How'd he know my name?!"
The bartender turned, puzzled. "It's on your admission letter...?"
*"Oh. Right."* Sebas coughed. "But actually, my real name is—****BEEEEEP****—"
His true name dissolved into static.
The bartender blinked. "Ah... foreign names these days. So... creative."
"Goddamn it, Angel!!" Sebas' face burned as he cursed the goddess internally.
The bartender pushed open the door. Inside, a booming voice called out:
"Boss? You're back late!"
"Ah, Buki! Shouldn't you be prepping for school?" The bartender chuckled.
"Nah, you've done too much for me. Least I can do is help close up."
Sebas lingered at the entrance, roses still in hand. That voice—rough, loud—could only belong to someone massive.
That voice—deep, booming, oozing testosterone—wasn't something a normal person could fake.
"Speaking of new students," the bartender said, "I found a freshman here who seems to be in a bit of trouble. Might even be your junior!"
"Oh? What's his major?" The voice perked up with interest.
Realizing it'd be rude to linger outside, Sebas cleared his throat, adjusted his single piece of clothing, and strode in—roses in hand, dignity in shambles.
The bar's interior was cozy but stylish, with a classic pub vibe. Then Sebas saw him.
He'd expected a beefy guy.
He hadn't expected a mountain in a vest.
"Sebas, meet Kotobuki Ryuujirou—we call him Buki. He's a third-year, so 'senpai' will do!" The bartender chuckled.
Sebas craned his neck upward. And upward.
Ryuujirou—a tower of muscle with golden surfer hair—loomed over him, grinning like a sunbeam.
"Yo! 'Sebas,' huh? Weird name. Foreign exchange?"
"Y-yeah. From the, uh... Kingdom of Angel." Sebas replied robotically.
His shock was justified. Ryuujirou looked exactly like the protagonist from an NTR-themed eroge he'd once played.
"This guy 100% steals girlfriends," Sebas internally screamed. "Maintain safe distance!!"
Ryuujirou's grin widened. "So, what's your major, little bro?"
"STOP SMILING! YOU'RE LITERALLY THE ANTAGONIST NOW!"
"Ah, his letter said Mechanical Engineering—same as you, Buki!" The bartender clapped. "Look after him, yeah? I'm off!"
"W-wait—!" Sebas reached out, but the door swung shut.
A shadow fell over him.
"Heh. Same major, huh?" Ryuujirou's hand—the size of a dinner plate—landed on Sebas' shoulder, crushing him like a soda can. "Don't worry, kouhai. Senpai's got you~"
His smile now glowed with the radiance of a thousand suns.
Or maybe just predatory intent.
---