Chapter 248: The Connection Established in This World
“…It feels somewhat familiar yet subtly different from the Japan I know.”
As I stood in the magazine section near the entrance of the convenience store, I found a driving map and opened it to gaze at the familiar yet oddly distorted geography of Japan. It was undoubtedly long and narrow from north to south, but there was an unsettling feeling about it.
“What could it be…?”
I wanted to see a world map as well, but given that this was just a driving map from a convenience store, it didn’t cover a wide area. The map showed Hokkaido and Honshu to the north, along with Awaji Island, Shikoku, and Kyushu. The names were completely different, though. Hmm, is it the shape that’s slightly off… or is it just the names that throw me off? I couldn’t tell.
For now, it seemed I was in the vicinity of Osaka. The map indicated it was Shiragasaki Prefecture, but it was all quite confusing.
“Let’s see what else is here…”
I found no manga that I recognized. There were none of the series I had been curious about, like the one where rubber turns into a human or the one where a demon is picked up left and right.
This section was filled with entertainment magazines, but I didn’t recognize a single celebrity. Although the country was named Japan, the existence of a Japan I knew nothing about sent a shiver down my spine.
“Haah…”
I let out a deep sigh in this world that was both familiar and foreign. It was somewhat reassuring to know that the original me didn’t exist here, but the more I investigated, the more the feeling of unease grew. It was a world I knew well, yet it felt incredibly uncomfortable. There were moments that intrigued me, so it wasn’t all bad, but still…
After spending some time in the convenience store’s magazine corner, my smartphone buzzed in my pocket. Seeing the name ‘Grandfather’ on the screen, I decided to contact everyone through telepathic communication to let them know I was on my way back.
“Hello?”
“Ah, sorry to keep you waiting. I’ve arrived nearby, but is the convenience store the right place?”
“Yes, that’s fine. The convenience store works.”
“Understood.”
As I turned my gaze outside, a luxury car that seemed out of place in this area pulled into the parking lot. I had only seen such vehicles on television before, but that long body must be what they call a limousine.
After exiting the convenience store without buying anything, I informed my grandfather through the smartphone that I was the one who had just come out. A limousine was taking up a space meant for regular cars, slightly overhanging, but that couldn’t be helped. The driver swiftly got out and opened the rear door, revealing a man with a smartphone pressed to his ear. He was a distinguished-looking gentleman with a mix of white hair, dressed sharply in a navy suit.
Upon spotting me, who also had a smartphone to my ear, he displayed a look of surprise, pocketed his phone, and raised a hand in greeting.
“Are you the one who found Kaede’s smartphone?”
“Yes, I’m Mizumoto Shu.”
“Oh, my apologies. I am Yanagihara Jinpei. Truly, thank you for finding that clue.”
As he spoke with a sense of gravity, we shook hands firmly.
“No, it was just a coincidence…”
“Ah, even so.”
After releasing our handshake, Yanagihara-san looked around before returning his gaze to me.
“By the way, are you alone?”
Perhaps he heard other voices over the phone. Though I had already returned, I hadn’t mentioned it yet.
“Ah, I’m sorry for the wait.”
At that moment, I turned around to see Ivan, a big man clad in a full robe and hood, taking a step back in surprise. His imposing presence was likely amplified by his attire.
“Ah… it’s fine… Let me introduce myself again—”
He said this and proceeded to introduce himself to each of us with a firm handshake.
“I’m Rio. Nice to meet you.”
“I’m Ivan.”
“I’m Phonia! This little one is Nil!”
“Woof!”
When Phonia and I shook hands, she crouched down to meet Nil’s gaze, and I noticed her cheeks soften with a smile. Our Phonia was indeed adorable.
“Now then, I’d like to change locations right away. Is that alright?”
“Of course.”
“Very well, let’s go.”
With that, he turned back toward the parked limousine, gesturing for the driver to open the door while smiling back at us.
“Please, don’t hesitate to get in.”
“Wait, this car…”
Rio halted in her tracks, staring at the limousine.
“Excuse us.”
Overcome by curiosity, I stepped into the rear door of the car. The spacious interior felt incredibly liberating. The side opposite the door was lined with seats, and immediately to the left was a table with various cups and glasses, along with a refrigerator behind it. Near the driver’s seat, a large television was embedded in the wall.
As Rio timidly climbed in from the back, Phonia and Nil followed, and finally, Ivan crouched down, entering with a cautious demeanor.
Once the door closed, the driver took his seat, and Yanagihara-san spoke up.
“Please take us to the office.”
“Understood.”
The limousine began to move slowly, and I heard exclamations of astonishment from Phonia and Ivan.
“Oh, by the way, is it alright for Nil to come along?”
“Hahaha, it’s perfectly fine. Besides, I couldn’t just leave him behind, could I?”
As I stroked Nil, who was lying at my feet, I received a cheerful response. Even if we sped down the highway, he could easily catch up, but I kept that thought to myself, knowing it would likely cause a stir.