I Own A Brothel In Another World (Ch. 1-196)

Chapter 5 - The Abyssals and System Details

During the King's speech, we learn some details about this world called Naharren. To my surprise, Humans are the dominant race here, and even hold the title of the most powerful one. It is the other demi-human and monstrous races that are supposedly weaker. Looks like the knowledge of countless novels where Humans were placed on the lowest spot of the race chain won't come helpful to me.

According to his story, all those races weren't always friendly or tolerant of each other. There were countless fights and wars in the past with a lot of bloodshed. During one of them, Humans triumphed over other races, securing their spot at the top and regaining their control over this continent, where they were the majority. From that day, other races didn't dare to stand up to them. That led to the current, peaceful times.

Or perhaps, not so peaceful. The reason why we have been brought to Naharren is nothing but peaceful. Contradicting most stories I know, it's not Demons or a Demon Lord. No, in this world Demons is a term used to describe some of the humanoid races with dark skin and horns or other demonic features. Like Oni or Tieflings for example. I don't want to assume which race is considered demonic here without checking that out properly. And well, at least one of those races' leaders is called the Demon King, but that's just the same title as the Human King.

Anyway. The calamity this world is facing is called Abyssals. They are creatures born from the void and darkness, or perhaps an Abyss. Imagine ghouls from most fantasy stories or RPG games and give them a more shadowy look. Those are the typical grunts. Supposedly, there are various versions of them, with different strengths and some intelligence, but they are not considered a sapient race. Why? Because they are born from this darkness only for one reason—to taint and consume everything. Their only instinct, or perhaps a higher order or something, is to devour everything. The inhabitants of this world still don't know why and how they started appearing. If this is a natural calamity with a magical origin or a deliberate attack of some higher being.

They started popping out fifteen years ago, when the previous Human King, the father of the current one, was still in charge. The issue was neglected. Adventurers and the military took care of the smaller outbreaks that surfaced around the kingdom, but they did spread very quickly. The Abyssals have completely overtaken one of the Demon kingdoms to the south and started moving towards this Human one. They were repelled by the previous King and his army. They charged forward and cleansed a big part of that country, but at the cost of his and most of his generals' lives.

The danger has subsided, but it did not disappear fully. The Goddess decided to do the only thing she could at the given moment to help the world and reached out to her believers sending a revelation saying that she will summon powerful heroes from another world. At least that's what the King said or knew about.

Our mission supposedly is to first, get powerful enough to be able to do something, and second, to possibly gather some clues about the Abyssals while dealing with the outbreaks. But for the most part, it's just protecting the kingdom.

After the given summary, we decide to take a tour around the castle to learn its basic layout. Then, each one of us goes our way to spend the evening in contemplation and perhaps resting. When I'm done with organizing my thoughts, I move out of my new room, which isn't anything special, although looks fancy enough to be of a noble origin. Big double bed with a canopy, a lot of wardrobes, a desk and some cabinets. All masterfully carved from what looks like mahogany.

Anyway, slightly hungry since all I've eaten recently is an apple, I walk to where dining quarters are located. Somewhere midway, I clearly hear footsteps behind me. Clearly, because the floor is made out of stone or other minerals and it creates loud sounds, not even mentioning an echo.

I turn back and see Shino walking out of one of the corridors. She naturally notices me. I wave my hand as a greeting and turn around to resume my stroll. After a moment, the sound of closing and hurried footsteps reaches my ears, so I stop and wait for her to catch up.