Chapter 430: Self-Awareness
I spent my time playing with the children of the Dinoss Family and taking care of the House. It was peaceful, but it felt a bit lonely and slightly unsettling when everyone wasn’t around.
So today, I decided to take on the Jungle Challenge. I spoke with the Spirits around me and made thorough preparations.
I wouldn’t take too much or change too much; I’d try not to bring in too many things from the town. Before stepping into the jungle, I made a spark for a fire in the grassy area.
I could use Teleportation to get back to where I had been last time, but I chose to move forward while talking to the Spirits along the way, naming them as I went. In the shallower parts of the jungle, there were still Spirits with whom I could communicate.
I would only bring back what I hoped to find when I entered. It could be food or some kind of tree; I didn’t need to be too specific. It was fine to consume what I needed to survive in the jungle.
This time, my goals were bananas and to safely make it through the jungle.
I felt the presence of something non-human rustling around. It wasn’t malevolent like the Black Spirit, but it definitely felt unfriendly towards humans. Or maybe it was friendly? I couldn’t quite tell.
When you’re on a capsized ship in an endless sea, does the ocean feel gentle?
I moved forward, my heart racing. Along the way, I spotted a creature that looked like a badger, smashing a termite mound with its large claws and eating a snake.
When I used Appraisal, it turned out to be a Merivora. It seemed to have a ferocious nature, even going after Demon Beasts, so I was glad I hadn’t approached it.
Compared to the Demon Forest to the east or the Northern Kokuzan to the north, there seemed to be fewer Demon Beasts in the jungle. That was a relief. As I walked, I realized that if I didn’t hurry, the sun would set before I could make it through, so after grabbing some bananas, I would need to run.
As I ran, the sensation of something reaching out from behind me grew stronger.
I figured it was just the Spirits in the jungle taking an interest in me, following along. They would hide when I looked back, but I could still catch glimpses of them out of the corner of my eye.
I was careful not to trample too much as I moved, considering my footing to avoid slipping or losing my balance.
But the presence behind me kept increasing.
And then I burst into the grassy plain—!
It was terrifying! But I felt a sense of accomplishment! The refreshing horizon!
“Alright, Teleportation!”
I wanted to rush back to where there were people!
◇ ◆ ◇
“So, you rushed in here?”
“Yeah.”
I had dashed into the Dinoss House since everyone else was out. Karn and Haulon were here, but I didn’t want to go to a place where the usual people were missing.
“Why are you taking on such a challenge? Didn’t Es have bananas too?”
“They’re rare, but I think there were some. I just wanted to conquer a place I had once fled from.”
I had come back victorious, so I expected praise.
“Bananas are delicious, aren’t they? Whether baked into pound cake or drizzled with chocolate.”
Shiva smiled happily, cupping her cheeks.
“…Just don’t bring back anything weird, okay?”
“Sure!”
After dinner, the children retreated to their rooms, and I sat with Dinoss and Shiva in front of the cozy fireplace, sipping milk with cocoa. Dinoss was taking a break from drinking today.
“Speaking of bananas, here, eat this. Tomorrow’s the last day.”
It was a banana omelet.
If I added more sugar to the cream, it would last longer, but I preferred a milk-like cream.
A fluffy sponge with a small banana and plenty of fresh cream. The sponge was soaked in rum syrup. To keep it from drying out, I wrapped it in a thin cloth soaked in wax.
When Ash comes back, I’ll make him a strawberry version. It seems Letze prefers something a bit denser, so maybe a banana cake for him. Dean and Chris would probably prefer meat.
“Oh, can I have some now? The kids can wait until tomorrow.”
Shiva said happily as she opened the wrapping.
“Go ahead.”
It’s better to eat it sooner while it’s still delicious.
“Hmm, I don’t want too many sweets piling up.”
Dinoss peered into his cup, looking thoughtful.
“Can I have some of the soup from dinner?”
“Of course, as much as you like.”
I was fixated on the soup pot by the fireplace, where the soup from dinner was kept. It was placed against the wall of the fireplace to keep it from boiling over.
A simple soup made with root vegetables and chunks of salted meat. The flavor of the meat seeped into the soup and vegetables, creating a gentle taste, with the turnips and carrots soft and tender.
I think I’ve been going around in circles for the past few days. I can wander around aimlessly, but it’s lonely when everyone else is gone. This is no good.
I had planned to abandon Kanum if things got dangerous. Now, I couldn’t imagine doing that! I must be happy here in Kanum.