Chapter 16

After gathering a large amount of ingredients and sand from the sea, I moved to the base I had set up on top of a rocky hill.

Now, let's make dinner. Since it's a special occasion, I'll make a seafood barbecue tonight. It's just a matter of putting the scaled fish, shrimp, crabs, and shells on a large shovel, sprinkling some seawater, and grilling them. If there's any left over, I can just store it, so I'll grill a lot to save on fuel.

While grilling, I'll prepare plates for everyone. Making chopsticks seems a bit difficult, so I'll make knives and forks out of wood. A wooden knife should be enough to hold down the fish.

"Everyone, it's ready!"

Sylphie, Bell, and Rain approach.

"Ah, the fish I caught."

"Kyu"

"Oh, you've grilled a lot."

"Yeah, I got a lot, and if there's any left over, I can just store it. It's just grilled with seawater, but I hope you'll enjoy it."

"Hehe, it's a mountain of food. I'll have some."

If it weren't for the precious food from another world, Sylphie would actually accompany me for meals. She usually declines meals from another world, but next time I'll treat her to some sweets. She's more likely to accept sweets than meals.

"I'm going to eat."

"Kyu"

"Bell, Rain, if you want something, just say so. I'll put it on your plates."

"Okay."

"Kyu"

"Then, let's eat."

"Yuta, I'll eat this."

Bell chose a large red snapper she had proudly caught earlier.

"Kyu, Kyu Kyu"

Rain chose a large spiny lobster. I divided them onto each plate. I asked if Rain wanted me to peel the lobster, but she apparently eats it with the shell. Sylphie chose a mackerel.

What should I eat? I'll try this colorful fish. I've never eaten it before, but it looks similar to fish from Okinawa. I think it's a type of snapper, and they say it's delicious, so I'll give it a try.

Using chopsticks is a hassle, and eating elegantly in this atmosphere is boring. Alright, I'm done making excuses. I'll take a big bite.

Wow, this is delicious. It's a white fish, and the grilling has made the flesh firm and chewy. The skin is especially tasty, with a rich but not greasy flavor.

It would probably be good as a simmered dish, but can I make it with just soy sauce and sugar? I think I need mirin too. Besides, eating simmered fish without rice is like hell.

The only rice I have is microwaveable rice, which comes in packs of five. I also have frozen fried rice, frozen pilaf, and frozen dry curry. I need to be careful and not eat them all at once. Thinking about it makes me hungry, so I'll focus on the grilled seafood for now.

I'd like to have a beer and then switch to sake, but tonight is for leveling up. I'll have to hold off on that too. It's not easy to control myself.

Well, I'll try to hold off on Japanese food as much as possible and only eat it when I can't resist. For the time being, I'll focus on a seafood-based diet.

It would be much better if I could get some grains, but that seems impossible. There's no way to find grains in a land where not even weeds grow.

Ah, thinking about it makes me want some meat too. Apparently, there are no edible monsters in the Land of Death, so I'll have to rely on the town.

***

"It was delicious."

"Thank you."

"Kyu"

"It was delicious."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's been a while since I could eat to my heart's content. The seafood in this world is delicious too."

"If you liked it, I'm glad."

"Sylphie, it's a bit uncomfortable, but can you accompany me for leveling up today?"

The faster I level up, the closer I get to better food, so I can push myself to do most things.

"Yes, of course. We'll target zombies and skeletons as usual, right?"

"Ah, I'd like to start with zombies and skeletons. I want to try out Bell and Rain's various spells. After that, I'd like to fight anything we can, except for those we can't beat. Can you help me with that?"

"Sure. We'll walk around a lot, so Yuta, do your best to defeat them."

"Okay, I'll do my best. But before that, I have a question. My skin is sunburned and it's painful. Is there no healing magic?"

"There is healing magic, but none of us here can use it."

"Really? I thought healing magic was associated with water or holy elements. Can't Rain use it?"

The difference between having and not having healing magic is significant. I really want to heal my sunburn.

"I'm not sure what image you have, but for spirits, healing is the domain of the Spirit of Life. In normal magic, only the church manages the spells. Both are precious powers, so they are strictly controlled. That's why ordinary people rely on potions."

The church controlling it smells of vested interests. But the word 'potion' raises my spirits. A world with fantasy medicines. Advanced potions, universal remedies, elixirs—there are so many possibilities.

"I'm interested in potions, but can we make them here?"

"We don't have the ingredients. We need to grow herbs first."

The starting point is too difficult.

"Is it possible to bring a Spirit of Life here? I can make a contract with a lower spirit, right?"

"Technically, yes, but I don't really want to."

"Why not?"

"The Land of Death is a harsh place for the Spirit of Life. It needs a place full of vitality to maintain its spirit. Especially for a lower spirit that Yuta can contract, it would be unbearable."

Hmm, if I contract with it, the magic power won't be a problem, but it would constantly be mentally drained. That does sound tough.

"I understand. It's difficult to contract without more living beings around."

"Not necessarily humans. Plants and animals have life too. Just not monsters, as they are tainted by miasma."

"If I want the Spirit of Life's help, I need to create an environment with greenery and animals, right?"

"Yes, at least that much."

A place with greenery and animals. Is that even possible in the Land of Death? By the time the environment is ready, I might be able to move to a town.

"I understand it's not easy. Given the current situation, I'll just be careful not to get hurt."

"Right, that's the most important thing. Your body will get stronger as you level up, so let's work hard. First, let's focus on leveling up."

"Agreed. Let's start with what we can do."

I called Bell and Rain, and we left the base. I headed for leveling up, enduring the pain of the sunburn.

***

"Six zombies... Bell, Rain, can you use different spells to take them down one by one instead of all at once?"

"Sure."

"Kyu"

They both seem confident.

"Alright, give it a try. Three each, please. Bell, take the three on the right. Rain, take the three on the left."

"Okay."

"Kyu Kyu"

Bell and Rain cast their spells. When Bell chanted "Wind Blade," a blade of wind sliced the zombie in half. When Rain made a "Kyu" sound, a ball of water shot out at high speed, blowing the zombie's head off.

After defeating all the zombies, I praised Bell and Rain while thinking about the power of their spells.

Bell used three types of wind spells:

- Wind Blade: Slices the enemy with a blade of wind.

- Wind Bullet: Pierces the enemy with a compressed air ball.

- Mini Tornado: Engulfs and shreds the enemy with a small tornado.

Rain used similar spells, but since I only hear her "Kyu" sounds, I'll name them after Bell's: Water Blade, Water Bullet, and Mini Whirlpool.

We continued to test various spells while defeating zombies and skeletons. Honestly, I don't think I need to, but it's mentally tough to leave the fighting to a little girl and a dolphin. I'll try to join the battles as much as possible.

Sylphie guided us to various monsters. Even the Death Lizards that scared me last time can be handled if I stay calm.

If Bell and Rain attack seriously, it's over quickly, but I'm having them support me.

"...A scorpion? Sylphie, I've never seen this monster before. What is it?"

"A Death Scorpion. Its claws can cut through iron shields. The other thing to watch out for is its poisonous tail. Just a scratch can paralyze you."

"Poison, huh? I don't like that. Let's play it safe. Bell, can you sneak in and cut off the tail? Rain, use Water Bullet to attack the right claw. I'll crush the left claw with a hammer and finish it off."

"Okay."

"Kyu"

Bell and Rain seem confident. Should I play it safe or take a small risk for experience? I'll go through the steps to gain experience. There's no such thing as absolute safety, and I need to be able to fight on my own.

"Alright, I'll rush in when Bell attacks. Please do your best."

"Understood."

Bell floated and positioned herself next to the Death Scorpion. Even if the monster can sense presence, a spirit in ultra-stealth mode is like a cheat. I wonder if spirits can even be attacked? I'll ask later.

Bell extended her hands and cast a spell. A wind blade cut off the tail, which flew through the air. I timed my attack and swung my hammer.

Ah... The Death Scorpion, surprised by the sudden attack, turned around. I changed my plan and smashed its back with the hammer.

"Kyu Kyu"

Rain seemed to apologize for not attacking the claw, rubbing her head against me.

"It's my fault, Rain. You did nothing wrong, so don't worry."

I petted Rain's head to comfort her. Bell was also there, petting Rain. Good girl.

Of course, it would naturally be cautious after losing its tail. I guess I overlooked something obvious because of my lack of combat experience.

I need to gain as much combat experience as possible in various situations while ensuring safety.

Thank you for reading.