E - Rank Hero In Another World
Chapter 16 - Substitution

More than 8 weeks have passed since Dimas was forcibly cast to work in this mine.

Or rather, a mine that has dried up and no longer has much, even iron ore.

It was in such a place that dozens of people were forcibly employed. Scavenging the remnants of gold that may still be left behind to enrich the figure of a noble, Baron Gilbert.

Dimas who had the ability of the Goddess had little chance of finding some golden grains.

But for those who are not able....

"No! I'll work even better! Please give me a chance!"

They will be forcibly pulled by some soldiers somewhere. But one thing is certain. That they never came back.

Not only that, those who never find anything valuable, will get food rations that are getting fewer and fewer days.

It was as if trash was too precious to them.

As a result, death continues to occur every day. Some people will suddenly fall while working. Died of hunger.

A sight that has now become commonplace for Dimas.

Lucky for him because he was able to find some gold grains. Making it able to obtain a slightly more decent meal, namely the leftovers of the banished nobles.

Least.... That's enough to keep him from starving. Although it feels alone.... Actually equivalent to garbage because it is an outcast.

Every once a week, there will be a shipment of new people here called as 'workers' by the Soldiers and also nobles.

Just like today....

"Everything! Baron Gilbert has added manpower to you! This time, 12 new workers will join you! Teach them how to work and treat them well!" Shouted one of the soldiers while forcing the 12 men into the mine.

His feet were bound by iron chains that had ballast. Prevent them from escaping from this place.

The same is done for the old 'worker. Includes Dimas.

"Welcome. Get used to saving your energy and working well, so you might be able to survive for a few months." Said one of the old 'workers.

On the other hand, Dimas only looked at those new people with blank eyes.

He had gotten too used to seeing cruelty and death at this time.

Be it the punishment of whipping, punching, or even outright killing by the soldiers if anyone tries to escape or rebel.

By now, Dimas had lost most of his humanity. Makes thinking.

'Aahs.... New people. This time how long will they last?'

Dimas doesn't care anymore. All he thought about was his own safety.

And so, their work continues. A job to exchange lives for a few gold coins for the sake of the nobleman.

......***......

...-Canary Village -...

Since the robbery, Reina has escaped and returned to Canary Village. His greatest hope is to wait for Dimas to return after his escape.

But that day did not come.

He continued to spend his days training in the sword, hoping to be useful to Dimas when he returned.

Reina continued to wait for the return of Dimas in the outer part of the Village.

But nevertheless....

"Reina's.... I think you should accept the truth immediately. Didn't you yourself say that you saw Dimas being hit hard on the back of his head just before you escaped? I'm sure that this time...." Said the Village Chief to the girl.

Not a word. But only tears were capable of being given by Reina in return.

"No way.... He's a smart guy. There's no way he's gonna.... Why would.... Why did I leave him at that time?"

Seeing the same response for the umpteenth time, the Village Chief simply shook his head before leaving Reina alone.

Hugged his great sword which he always used to practice it.

"Goddess.... Why are you keeping quiet? What the hell are you doing? Why don't you help us?"

Reina cried until midnight. Regretting his own weakness at the time.

But unlike before, this time he had found the answer to his question all along.

Thas right. The answer is very simple. But for that, Reina needed great strength. Big enough to at least protect yourself. And someday.... Protecting others.

Unbeknownst to anyone in the village....

Reina has left Canary Village to restart her life story.

With the ultimate goal of finding the existence of the only fellow who comes from the same world, Dimas.

The second goal is to strengthen itself.

This time....

He will try hard not to make the same mistakes as before.

And so....

Reina disappeared without a trace. No one knows of his existence.

......***......

The day has changed to Sunday.

Sunday has changed to the Moon.

And now, Dimas is facing his worst spell after working as a forced bad for more than a few months.

Not because he had problems at work. No. gabe.... That's not the problem.

Dimas is now much smarter, even deliberately leaving the gold grains he found in the depths of the mine for the next day if he does not find a new one.

In other words, his own work and food were already assured thanks to his skills.

Nor was it because he feared possible punishment.

As one of the best gold producers, Dimas obtained quite good treatment from the Soldiers and nobles. Now at least, he has got more decent food leftovers and more.

He no longer received punishment of any kind.

Not only that, he was also very accustomed to the terrible scenery he had seen so far.

Death, torture, and other miseries.

It was as if his heart had died and no longer held any emotion in it.

But nevertheless....

The biggest problem right now is....

Come the winter.

Temperatures drop dramatically, even below the freezing point of water. If a person does not immediately spend the drink, then the water in the glass will immediately freeze after a few minutes left.

Not only that, but food has also become much rarer.

The trash that the soldiers used to throw as food for the 'workers' is no longer coming. It was as if the nobles and soldiers were no longer left with their food.

The same thing happened to Dimas. Although it works well, the food it gets is getting fewer and fewer days.

And not infrequently he had to eat only the bones of various animals.

Although the situation is really extreme where most people will lock themselves in the house for 3 months more, these 'workers' are still forced to work even barefoot.

The consequence....

'Bruuukk!'

"Jacob! Jacob! You're okay?!" Shouted a man who was none other than a close friend of the man who had just fallen.

There was no reply from the body that began to cool down.

And some of the other workers who were around, were only able to give a blank look as if it was an everyday occurrence just like usual.

Of course, they had been holding out all this time whereas Jacob and his partner had just come in a few weeks ago.

In the middle of such an atmosphere....

"He's dead. Just leave it and get back to work. At least, on the inside of this mine is a little warmer." Said a man without making the slightest expression.

The man is none other than Dimas himself, who now has a heart that is no less cold than this winter.