"Wouldn't it be simpler to just choose another road? I mean, you don't have to follow this one. Even more knowing that there's bandits here."

As you can see, Nerinne is surprised by the path I chose to take. Anyone with common sense would share her opinion, so I get where she is coming from. But...I am not like that anymore.

"I believe I said I would live this life according to my feelings, right?"

Or was that something that one of the characters in those novels said? Was it? Oh well, something along those lines.

"Yes, you did."

I am currently walking on the dirt road I saw while surveying the area outside of the cave. One thing I noticed when getting here is that the road is clean. Too clean. And also, well maintained, even though there are bandits here.

How do I know?

Come on.

"You just can't have a reincarnated person in a fantasy world without them facing bandits right after the start of their journey. It’s part of the fun~~."

And establishes that they can kill without batting an eye, even if they had never done so before. Buuuut it’s just like a game, man!

"Auros, are you going to kill bandits to try out your strength?"

"Ouch, that tone of yours just now hurts my feelings Nerinne. How can you suspect that of me? *sniff-sniff*."

I may be a bit strange but, no, I am not like that.

"That's a no, right?"

"Of course, it's a no! Stop it with that suspecting tone!"

Besides, there are more efficient ways to test my abilities and so on. Like attacking a big rock to see my magic power, lifting a big tree for physical strength, and even duking it out with a harmful monster for a mix of that. See? Efficient and reasonable!

"Then what are you going to do to them?"

"Heh. Now, now, just wait. Can't spoil the fun, can I? I promise that it is not something bad and you will have fun too."

"Fufu~~. Then, I look forward to it."

We covered a good distance while we were talking, and we are now in an area where trees and more greenery grow to the side of the road. My comment from before still counts here. The road is too clean for it to be a bandit-controlled road.

It is kind of strange. But well, I can always just ask.

"Since they are already here."

I murmur while looking around. I am completely and utterly surrounded. Ten? No, twenty. Quite the ambush they got here. Just as expected. And yes, I’m totally smiling under my helmet.

"Do not make any sudden movements!"

So shouts a deep male voice from somewhere. That is obviously the bandit leader, but he is not near. I bet he is in the rear.

"..."

I stop moving. I can already hear the archers of the group readying their bows. Because of course, archers are composed of archers!

"State your business in these parts!"

Huh? No 'all your things are belong to us'?

"Hooh~~~? Quite the strange question for those who are bandits."

I say doing my best besto waifu impression. It sounds so good. Well that is to be expected since now I have her voice, but still!!!

"Do not speak unless it is for answering my questions! I'll say it again! State your business in these parts! Answer or...!"

There it is!!

"Or what?"

I say so while letting out a bit of intimidating aura mixed with magical power and applying a bit of force to my lance to make it move, slightly.

""""...!""""

Heh, it worked. Some of the bandits are getting scared! Nice, nice! Now give me the prompt for the next part of the intimidating combo, bandit leader!

"DROP YOUR WEAPON NOW! OR WE WILL KILL YOU!"

He is strangely calm even though he is shouting so strongly. Might be to help his comrades handle the fear. Good move, but thanks for the prompt!!

"Very well."

I thrust my lance through the road beneath it with ease. Cracks appeared all over the earth surrounding it. And I haven't turned off the intimidating aura, so it is working wonders with this.

""""...!""""

"Anything else, oh mysterious bandit leader?"

I say so while looking to where my senses point out to be his position. Heh, even then he doesn’t get startled.

"Come now. Why resort to violence when we can talk as civilized people. Unless you wouldn't mind losing your precious comrades, of course."

That one is me mixed with besto waifu. Not that cool sounding and a cliché, but it gets the job done.

"...let’s talk."

See?

"Stand down everyone."

Just as planned. Although these bandits are really obedient. Talk about breaking stereotypes.

And he is coming out from the place I was looking at. Yay for my new senses!!

"It seems we have reached a deadlock here."

Says the bandit leader while joining me on the road. He looks quite different to my idea of a bandit leader, but with these bandits, I was expecting that to happen. His hair is a solid black, enough to make a Japanese Isekai'd blush, and his face is a rough but well-kept one. That roughness is mainly because of the permanent glare he has, which reminds me of a certain Knight of the Round Table in the universe of my waifu.

"My name is Erevain, to whom I owe the...pleasure?"

Oooh!! His name is even similar!! Wait. Calm down.

Even his etiquette is not something I would expect of a bandit leader, even if he is a bit angry. I think I have an idea about this whole unexpected form of the typical events.

"You may call me Auros, or not. Matters not."

He is a bit smaller than me in terms of height, so it ended up as if I'm talking down on him. He glares at me without blinking, I can see in his eyes that he is trying to place my name somewhere within his memories.

I am sorry. I don't think you have heard of me, since I just arrived in this world yesterday.

"Would you consider taking off your helmet as a sign of good intentions?"

The question seems meek by its own, but his tone is firm even being this close to me. This man...

Heh, what an interesting fellow.

"I shall grant your request, but I warn you that your men should stay put. I will end whoever attacks, yes?"

I look at one of the bandits that still had his hand hovering its dagger's handle. He gets spooked and then Erevain glares at him until he drops the belt where the dagger hang.

I nod and start taking off my helmet. I wonder how they will react. Should I change my horns with my [Shapeshifting touch] skill? Oh well, it seems it is too late. Erevain just saw part of my pointy ears and part of the horns that are behind them.

He isn't moving an inch. I don't know if he has nerves of steel or he is just reckless, but kudos man!

I finish taking off my helmet. The wind blows, and my bangs move accordingly. I hear some surprised reactions here and there; others are just cursing their luck and one...just fainted.

Erevain looks at me, faces down and sighs. And it is one heck of a resignation filled sigh.

"So, this is it, huh?"

He murmurs to himself, and me since I can hear him. Sorry.

"If I may ask, what business does a Dragon Lord has in the outskirts of the Kingdom?"

It’s obvious that everyone here knows of the Dragon Lords and their power. And he still has the guts to look me in the eye and ask me that. I can't help but smile at this guy.

"Heh. I find your valor quite interesting and curious. You are unlike many bandits I have known. They always tend to be cowards and that does not extend to your group. I'm surprised that none of them have tried to either attack me or escape. Is it fear or loyalty? Both?"

"..."

No response. Ok.

"I shall answer your question. My business is to travel this world, see its wonders and end the threat of the other Dragon Lords in the name of the Goddess."

I say with a serious expression. I can hear some them say that I am lying. Nope, I am not. The Dragon Lords mean harm to the Goddess for whatever their reason and I won't let them.

Erevain looks a bit surprised, so let's make him completely surprised.

"And for that, I chose this curiously clean and well-maintained road looking for those who will help me achieve that goal. Like a certain band of bandits that seem to be more like knights playing the role of a bandit instead of the real product."

"...!"

At last some reaction. Oh, but there's more!

"As of today, all of you, will serve me."

"..."

Erevain is still surprised but at the same time he seems to be pondering.

"As if I would choose to serve a fucking Dragon Lord!"

There it is. Another good prompt. Thanks ‘Bandit’ #4. It is time for me unleash that which makes many submit and others awaken to a new fetish before submitting. The Alter Glare.

"You don't have a choice."

I say so while glaring at him. I release even more intimidating aura, creating an almost physical pressure and Bandit #4 falls to his knees out of fear, with the others following suit immediately.

Look at that, some are blushing. Enjoy your new fetish heh.

"Stop. Forgive him for his transgression. If you are speaking the truth, then I have some terms."

Erevain, man, your guts rating should be EX. To be able to speak and be standing after this much pressure...you have my respect.

And my undivided attention.

"I'm listening."

To be continued...(cue ad for the Auros figure that is totally not a modded you-know-who figure with a paint job for only $999.99!)

Glossary Entry #8:

Isekai: It means "Another World" and it has turned into a pretty niche genre of anime and manga. There are barely any anime of it. You can consider this story as a pioneer! Just kidding. It has become quite popular and it does not seem to be slowing down.