(Y/N): I feel like I'm the only one eating here. Come on, the both of you gotta try some of this.

As of now, you are currently enjoying a hefty meal after literally blowing yourself up. The two people that you have become acquainted with were quite shocked to watch you shrug off the event.

Brown Haired Boy: So we're not going to talk about how your house blew up with you inside... Great.

Kazuma Sato

(Y/N): Yes and no. No as in I want to enjoy a meal first before I start explaining what happened back there which eventually leads into yes. Agreed?

Blue Haired Girl: Agreed.

Aqua

(Y/N): See? She gets it.

Perhaps the main reason as to why the girl agreed so quickly was simply because she accepted your offer and enjoyed a nice meal for once.

Kazuma: Probably because she gets to stuff her face...

(Y/N): I did offer to the both of you.

The teen only sighed before grabbing some food for himself.

Kazuma: At least you ordered a lot.

(Y/N): That's the spirit...! You are paying, right?

Kazuma simply froze in his spot upon hearing your words only for you to snicker in response.

(Y/N): Dude, I'm messing with you. I was lucky that my money didn't get burned away in the explosion.

Just as you spoke, the blonde guild receptionist arrived with your check.

Luna: I'm sorry to tell you this, (Y/N) but the explosion caused some damage to nearby buildings... Again, I'm really sorry but we're including the damage cost with your bill.

You felt your skin crawl upon hearing Luna mention the damage costs as she placed the bill on the table. Your heart sank as the total amount was equal to the amount that you were able to retrieve from the remains of your house.

(Y/N): ... So uh... You were talking about recruiting me?

Kazuma: This still a joke, right?

(Y/N): Well... What I have left should cover all of this buuut... I'd be left with nothing.

Aqua: Just what happened to you?!

(Y/N): *sigh* Fiiine, what do you want to know?

Kazuma: I wanna start from the beginning. How did you end up here?

(Y/N): Same as you did. I frickin died.

Aqua: I mean we know that part... Actually I can't remember how you died... It's been a while now that I think about it.

Kazuma: You're no help at all...!

(Y/N): Oh that's easy, I suffocated under a pile of heavy boxes.

An image of you, in your former work uniform, nearly being crushed by falling boxes flashed briefly your mind.

Kazuma: No way! I heard you were involved in a street racing accident.

(Y/N): Oh, nahhh. That was another guy I met up with not too long ago.

Aqua: Oh? How's he doing?

(Y/N): ... Well he died again... And he didn't have you so he completely kicked the bucket.

The both of them were quite fearful for themselves knowing how easy it is for someone to die in this world.

(Y/N): Believe me, it's a scary place out there once you reach a high enough level. The rewards are amazing but there definitely is the huge risk of losing your life.

Kazuma: Woah... So you were living the kickass adventurers life these past three years?!

(Y/N): You're god damned right! I want from hunting giant toads to fighting demons that even the goddess here wouldn't be able to comprehend! I'm talking about some real scary shit, the toughest of monsters, the nastiest fights you can think of! Well, not really nasty but still!

Kazuma: Oh man! Now I can hardly wait to level up!

Aqua: Hey if you're such a high level, what are you still doing here in Axel?

You completely froze in your spot upon realizing that you have to explain your former relationship. Even Kazuma waved a hand in front of your face in hopes that you would snap out of your trance.

Kazuma: Yup, he's broken.

(Y/N): *sigh* Anyways...

You adjusted yourself and the others watched as your face changed from enthusiastic to a saddened look.

(Y/N): Two and a half years ago, I saved a caravan of merchants from bandits and among that caravan, I met the love of my life. Let me tell ya, this was love at first sight and we eventually got to know each other once we made it back to a nearby town. Eventually, the two of us got together... Hell, I even proposed to her last month. I was almost willing to give up my life as an adventurer just to spend the rest of my time with her, that's why we decided to settle down here. We liked the peace and quiet.

The other two leaned closer to continue hearing your story.

(Y/N): *sigh* She... She was stressed out so much because I was always going out for adventures and I every time, I came back with injuries worse than the last. The last one was so bad that we got into an argument and I ended up coming here for a drink.

Kazuma: Uh oh.

(Y/N): Long story short, some girl I never met decided to sit with me, she got crazy drunk and nearly tried to make out with me ONLY for my ex to stumble inside at the worst time... And of course my passion of adventuring made her worry too much...

Aqua: Oh you poor thing....

(Y/N): It gets worse! There was this guy that was with that random girl and thought ME of all people, was taking advantage of someone that was "vulnerable".

A new image flashed in your mind except this time you were in the middle of a bar fight between you and a man with light brown hair. Once the image was done flashing, you only took a few deep breaths before falling back into your slump.

(Y/N): *lightly muffled* So to sum it up... The rest of my party is dead, my fiancé left me, and now I lost my house because I was depressed... There, you happy?!

Kazuma: Geez, sorry I brought it up... I didn't think it was this bad.

Aqua felt bad since she was also prying into your life and decided to sit beside you and lightly pat your back.

Aqua: There, there (Y/N). If anything we can help each other get back on our feet. With someone at your level, we can do it with no problem! *nervous laugh* Right?

You simply responded by slamming your guild card on your table for Kazuma and Aqua to see.

Aqua: EEEHHHH?!?!

Kazuma: I thought you were a high level!!! WHAT HAPPENED?!?!

Upon closer inspection, it is revealed the your guild card was brand new as well as the fact that your level had been reset.

Flashback

Eris: A-are you sure about this?!

Eris

(Y/N): Yeah, go ahead. Lay it on me!

Eris: But why would you want to return with such a thing?

(Y/N): ... Because I lost a lot of things the past few days... If anything, maybe a fresh start is what I need. So please, reset my level... Hurry, before this resurrection is complete!

Your body was practically floating in the darkened void as you felt someone pulling you back to life.

Eris: V-very well, as you wish but please be careful this time!

You only let a soft smile purse your lips as her words reached your ears.

(Y/N): Thank you...!

End of Flashback

Aqua was mentally panicking knowing that she was going to continue to be stuck in her current situation with Kazuma. Said brown haired teen was violently shaking you in your spot.

Kazuma: Why would you ask for such a thing?!?! We could have gotten ourselves an easy head start!

(Y/N): You wouldn't get it!

Kazuma: Maybe if it were a video game!

He eventually ceased his antics while the three of you were sitting on a nearby bench inside of the guild. Your debt has been paid off however, the only things that were in your possession where the weapons that you gained over the years, your brand new guild card, and the engagement rings that rested in your pockets.

Aqua: ... So now what?

(Y/N): Isn't it obvious? We take on a quest.

Kazuma: Dude...

(Y/N): Beats hanging out here.

Kazuma: And get eaten alive?! Can you even deal anymore damage now that you're level 1 again?!

(Y/N): I can still pack a mean punch.

Aqua: Oh! We should make another posting about our party! That way we can some serious firepower!

(Y/N): Come on, you haven't even seen what I've done, ya know, I still have my skills... Although I need to level them up again... What kind of quests are you even trying to go for anyway? Because from the sound of it, you're trying to nab the ones that are way out of your league.

Kazuma: No. There is now way I want to take the smaller jobs, not after I spent a lot of my time here doing labor work! I need something exciting! Something....

By the time he was going to continue his rant, you have already returned with a hand full of requests that were neatly stscked.

(Y/N): Pick one. Now.

The brown haired teen shivered as he quickly skimmed through the list of postings while Aqua returned.

Aqua: Alright, we should have someone joining our ranks in no time!
After all, who wouldn't want to team with a goddess who also happens to be an arch-priest!

(Y/N): Oh good, a healer. I could really use someone like you just in case things get messy.

Aqua: *gulp* M-messy?

You simply brought fourth a small, well designed dagger and inspected it's sharpness.

(Y/N): Oh yeah, rounded up a few kill quests since Kazuma wanted an "adventure".

Meanwhile, Kazuma was shaking in his tracksuit as he carefully read through the list of quests.

(Y/N): If you wanna make it out here then you gotta face your fear in the wild frontier. What do you say? If we take on this giant toad quest then I can at least stay the night at an inn.

Kazuma: You're right! Then we'll take on this giant toads quest!

Aqua: But I don't want to get covered in slime again!

Kazuma: Damn it Aqua, think of the warm bed we can sleep in!

Aqua: A warm bed does sound nice actually... Okay fine!

Small Timeskip

It was a little difficult for you to believe but it felt as if you belonged with this new group of friends. A kid that was nearing the end of his teens but liked to shut himself away from the rest of the world to thrive from his own pleasures. A goddess who once overlooked the poor souls that have passed in a certain world to offer them different choices in the after life. Lastly there is you, another one of the poor souls that was offered a chance to continue his life in a new world tasked to defeat a demon king. However, you cast aside that mission because you enjoyed the thrill of battle.

At this very moment, the trio walked across a grassy field with the motivation to defeat the first obstacles their adventure.

Aqua: *whisper* ... Where is that music coming from?

Kazuma: *whisper* Shhhh! We look totally badass right now!

The goddess only shrugged as she made an attempt to put on a mean face as a group of toads made themselves visible in the hilltop. You counted them in order to plan out your first move so you decided to spit out the toothpick from your mouth and continued to approach. Your companions were confused as you never slowed down your pace to approach your enemy.

Unfortunately, a giant toad emerged from behind and quickly snatched Aqua with its tongue. Kazuma instantly panicked as he quickly noticed the blue haired girl being swallowed by the overgrown amphibian.

Kazuma: (Y/N)!! Now would be a good time to show off some of your badass skills!

(Y/N): ... Is it me or did these things always move this fast?

Kazuma: What are you eve-

You never heard him finish his sentence as another toad quickly swallowed you whole.

End Music

Kazuma: COME ON, NOT LIKE THIS!!!

The adventurer only panicked and charged towards the ones that have swalled you and Aqua in a desperate attempt to save the both of you.

One Hour Later

Aqua: *sobs* I'm all covered in slime again!!

Kazuma: (Y/N)! What the hell was that?!

(Y/N): You really like yelling, don't you?

The brown haired teen only groaned as he paced back and fourth while Aqua continued to comically sob.

(Y/N): *chuckle* Sorry, guess I got a little ahead of myself back there. Didn't think starting back at level 1 would take that much of a toll on me... Hey at least we got paid for taking down a few of them.

You were currently holding your share of Eris in your hand as the three of you were walking towards a spot to take a quick bath.

(Y/N): Not exactly enough for night in an inn but it's a start.

Small Timeskip

After finishing dinner at the guild, you were currently lying on a pile of hay, along with a sleeping Aqua and Kazuma. You have made many attempts to sleep however you were still thinking about your previous relationship.

(Y/N): *in thought* I still miss her...

Whack!

Your thoughts interrupted when Aqua's hand practically hit your head as if she were pushing you away. This only made you sigh so you decided to get out of the makeshift bed and put on a coat to step outside.

Outside

You decided to take a small walk outside of the stable in order to get a breath of fresh air.

???: I heard about what happened.

You instantly froze at the sound of the familiar voice and turned around to find a girl with long white hair that was also tied into two braids.

(Y/N): *in thought* What timing...

You only sighed to yourself as you approached the girl.

(Y/N): How'd you find me?

???: The guild receptionist told me you were with a couple of new adventurers and pointed me in this direction.

(Y/N): Huh...

???: It definitely isn't unlike you to pull such a stunt but what were you thinking?

(Y/N): To be honest, I'm not sure myself... Everything happened too fast. Wasn't exactly thinking clearly, obviously...

???: *sigh* Things never change, huh?

(Y/N): ... Why did you even come out here?

???: Only to make sure you were fine... I went back home once I heard the rumors and immediately found the house gone.

The both of you eventually grew quiet after a while and allowed the wind to fill in the silence.

(Y/N): ... Look I'm really sorry about what happened... About everything. If there was a way for me to take it all back then I would.

???: ... I'm sorry too but... I don't know if I can handle all of the stress from worrying about you too much.

(Y/N): And I feel really bad about it but... I don't think I ever want to stop being an adventurer.

Once again, the both of you fell silent for a while until the both eventually came to a conclusion.

???: Truth be told... I don't know how I would be able to continue without you but I don't want to force you to stay.

You continued to stay silent as she spoke, tears rolled from your eyes knowing the outcome of this conversation.

(Y/N): ... So this it, huh?

She looked down to hide her crying face and gave you a warm embrace, which you glady returned.

(Y/N): Snow...

You were unable to let go however, she felt the same way until you decided to release your hold and the two of you kissed for one last time...

The Next Morning

Kazuma: *yawns* Mornin....

Aqua: Just five more minutes...

Kazuma was the first to notice that you weren't present, as well as the fact that your belongings were missing.

Kazuma: Where'd (Y/N) go?

Aqua: ... huh?

The goddess slowly opened her eyes and looked to find that you were missing.

Aqua: I thought he was just here.

(Y/N): Well I am now.

You surprised your new friends by walking back inside of the stable.

(Y/N): Hope you too are hungry because I really want some breakfast right now.

Kazuma: Where were you?

(Y/N): Erm... Turns out that even with my house completely gone, I still owned the property so I ended up selling the land... It wasn't a lot since there's *laughs* practically nothing left. That's why I stand before you now, offering to pay for breakfast for... hopefully my new friends.

The both of them were stunned by your words since they felt as if something was different about you.

Aqua: ... You're not going to kill yourself again, are you?

(Y/N): Nope.

Aqua: But why are you suddenly in a better mood? Just yesterday you were practically crying because of your breakup.

(Y/N): Because there is no point moping around. I'm not going to get anywhere if I sit around and do nothing but cry. So get up already, I'm hungry and I want to beat the morning rush!

Aqua: *groans* Alright, alright!

(Y/N): Hey do you guys like rock?

Aqua: What are you talking about?

Kazuma might have taken notice of the fact that you brought along a certain device for your journey.

Kazuma: No way, you brought that with you as your one item?!

You only smiled as you brought fourth a smart phone, altered to be powered through magic of course, and began to play music. Unbeknownst to then, you now carry two new weapons that were gifted to you last night.

Later That Day

Kazuma: Still nothing, huh?

The three of you were currently sitting in the guild, awaiting for the arrival of anyone interested in joining your party. Unfortunately, the ones that have seen the notice immediately turn away laughing.

(Y/N): Could have at least let me make the ad.

Aqua: I just don't get it... Surely everyone would be lining up to be in the same team as an arch-priest.

(Y/N): Not with your wording... You really think highly of yourself, huh? I get your a goddess and all but really?

Aqua: What? I thought it was a great idea!

(Y/N): *snicker* "Getting over my terminal illness".

You earned a small glare from the goddess as you laughed, recalling the words on her notice.

Kazuma: Maybe you should lower your standards a little.

(Y/N): Probably, I'm getting a drink while we wait, any of you want anything?

Aqua: I'll hav-

(Y/N): Booze, got it.

Kazuma: Only thing I really want is for someone to consider our notice.

You only shrugged as you were about to walk away to order drinks until a certain voice called for your group.

???: I saw your notice calling for adventurers!

All three of you looked at the source of the voice to find a red clad girl wearing a witch's hat making a dramatic entrance.

???: At last, my search for compatible companions to quest with has come to an end!

You lightly smiled at the girl's enthusiasm.

(Y/N): Heh, got a name?

And that's how this story really begins! Probably not what you'd expect because of the break buuuut I eventually found someone later on down the line...

Eris: Of course I've been watching, after all.

Once again, you were in the dark void with Eris. Except this time was different, you were slightly older as well as the fact that your gear seemed different than before. In fact, this current version of yourself is set in a much later date.

(Y/N): I know you're busy and all but thanks for letting me hang out here while I am.. Ya know.

Eris: It was kind of expected... I had someone help me for the time being but remember that we are taking a huge risk.

(Y/N): Well, I'm sure they'd understand that we're in a bit of a situation... Everything will be fine once Aqua brings me back to life!

Aqua: LOOK OUT BELOW!!!!

Said blue haired goddess landed directly next to you, face first, which practically sent a shock through your body.

(Y/N): .... Aqua?

Eris: Oh no...! This is terrible!

Afterwards, Kazuma fell inside the void alongside a girl in a red outfit as well as a blonde girl in armor.

(Y/N): .... Oh fu-

That is a story for another time...! If this one came out a bit sooner then that's because I was already in the middle of this one when I published the previous part!

To be continued...

Spread Your Wings (Konosuba X Male Reader!)

By UndesiredLeftovers