Why level up in isekai, when you can hack your way through

Chapter 16 - The Journey Ahead

There was a brief silence, but Isabelle's gaze lingered on him a moment longer than usual. Then, her eyes flashed with mischief as she stood up slowly, leaning down close to his ear, her breath warm against his skin.

"And Kazuki," she whispered.

Her tone was suddenly sultry, "Next time you decide to get a little... bold, maybe try it when I'm not asleep."

(Huh!?...)

She leaned back, winking at him, her smile now playful.

Then she said, "Who knows? I might enjoy it more when I'm fully awake."

...

Kazuki's heart nearly stopped, his face burning red as his mind raced to process her words. He sat there, frozen, as Isabelle turned to leave, the door closing softly behind her.

As she walked out, her voice floated back through the door. "Goodnight, Kazuki~"

Kazuki collapsed back onto his bed, his thoughts a complete whirlwind.

He didn't know whether to feel excited or terrified or perhaps both but one thing was certain nothing gonna be the same from now on.

...

[The Next Day]

( ( "Kazuki-sama... wa.. Kazuki-sama... ke... Kazuki-sama... wake up..." ) )

Ugh...

I sat up rubbing my eyes as they opened

"What's up with Athena so early in this morning? She has never been like this..."

(Athena what is it?)

( ( "Kazuki-sama... I've found the information about the war... there is going to be an attack on a Town named Emeraldorr in the next 17 days followed by the invasion of Livenia." ) )

(Huh!? 17 days? There isn't much time then?)

( ( "Yes, according to Gehrwin... Muza'rn is one of the current demon lords who is now the current head of Gudza'rn family." ) )

("Then what about Gudza'rn?")

( ( "According to Gehrwin, Gudza'rn has been missing since 400 years..." ) )

("So what about the war? "Will Muza'rn be partaking in it?")

( ( "No, the one who'll be leading in this war would be the General Helfernia, Troop Command Sigrum, Vice Command Nebrodd." ) )

("So the coward demon lord won't show himself so early...")

( ( "Yes Kazuki-sama" ) )

("Also... what's up with calling me Kazuki-sama? I heard you even once talking like that...? You sure ain't sick or got bugs in that system?")

( ( "No, I simply felt like it..." ) )

("Alright Athena you do you, but if there's any problem or request you want to ask... don't hesitate.")

( ( "Yes Kazuki-sama, Understood." ) )

...

Jeez, man I sure jinxed myself when I said, "(It's not like I'm gonna be in some hell after my arrival.)"

First was a dungeon and now war...

"What am I gonna do..."

Sigh...

I should tell Belle about it...

Belle...

Thinking of what she said last night...