Chapter 8

"Well, being stranded was quite a misfortune, wasn't it?"

The light of a bonfire floats in the dark night.

This is a desolate wilderness of an unknown world.

Ah, I miss the neon lights of Japan.

"Yes, the ship sank, and when I came to, I found myself on this... I don't know if it's an island or a continent, but I was wandering around looking for people."

My smile is far from a professional one, but I try to speak with a smile to hide my fatigue.

"Ship... huh."

The dwarf, who introduced himself as Hagg, twirls his long beard with his short fingers, deep in thought.

I know my excuse is weak, but that's not too important. I just need to convey that there are circumstances. Reading the room is apparently a special ability of the Japanese, but it's doubtful that this person will understand.

If it doesn't work, I'll have to tell the truth, but if I tell a story that sounds even more unbelievable than this fabricated one, I might get a violent reaction, which is a problem.

Still, a dwarf.

No, I knew that much, even with the vague descriptions. I was in the prime of my gaming days during my student years, and I often read novels during my commute. That's why I found it hard to believe.

I don't know what kind of world this is, but the existence of creatures from human imagination is just too much to comprehend. It would be easier to accept if some completely incomprehensible monster appeared.

Well, I might accept it, but at that point, my life would be over.

I had many questions, but for now, I need to prioritize survival.

"So, you ended up in this place with just the clothes on your back, huh?"

Hagg tosses a dry branch into the fire and fiddles with his beard.

"Yes, and I'm a naive and inexperienced person."

My smile is probably strained.

"Hmph. I understand you have your reasons, but stop with the formal talk. It's making me uncomfortable, and I won't help you if you keep it up."

Oh, that's helpful, but your mouth is worse than bad when you're being honest?

"Ah, that's very kind of you, but... there's a certain etiquette when dealing with a savior..."

"Doesn't matter. If you want to be polite, just be yourself."

"Um..."

I think for a moment. Hagg doesn't look like someone who cares about etiquette. Maybe it's best to be honest if that's what he wants.

"Ah, then I'll be completely honest?"

"That's fine."

He deepened the wrinkles on his face and smiled slyly. It seems this way of speaking suits him better. It's easier for me too, so it's a relief.

"Well, first of all, let me thank you again. I said it earlier, but it sounded too formal. I really appreciate it. Thank you."

I bow deeply, and the dwarf Hagg nods.

"Aye. Travelers must help each other. By the way, I've been wondering, is what you're holding glass?"

I realize I've been gripping a plastic bottle the whole time.

"Ah, do you know what a plastic bottle, plastic, or polyethylene is?"

I hand him a plastic bottle, something no Japanese person has never seen.

"Hmm... I've never heard of it. So, it's not glass, wood, stone, or metal. I've seen a resin similar to this before, but I've never seen anything this transparent. Maybe they were hiding it. In any case, it would probably be impossible to shape it like this."

Hagg pinches the bottle between his fingers, examining it closely.

"What's inside?"

"It's tea. Green tea. It's half-drunk, but you can have it if you want."

Hagg drinks it in one gulp.

"Hmm. It is tea. How did it not spoil if it's not water? More importantly, does this container not let water through? It's a truly mysterious container. If you have any extra, I'd like one."

He shakes it upside down, catching the last drop on his tongue. I absentmindedly grab another tea-filled plastic bottle from my container.

"Ah, then as a thank you, here you go. Here."

I toss the bottle to Hagg. I thought he would catch it, but it hits him square in the face and falls to the ground.

"Whoa?! I'm sorry! I didn't think you couldn't catch it..."

I try to stand up, but I freeze at his angry shout.

"You! What did you just do!?"

It was a terrifying roar, far more frightening than encountering a robber.

I immediately kowtow.

"I'm really sorry! I didn't mean to! Are you hurt?"

"That doesn't matter! You, you, you took something out of the air!"

Crap!

I did it almost unconsciously. It's too late to cover it up now.

"Ah, well, you see..."

Hagg, silent, takes out a huge hammer from behind and points it at me.

No, that's dangerous, I think.

If he lets go, my head will probably burst open like a watermelon.

"Spill everything."

His eyes glow in the darkness.

There was no way to resist.