Chapter 4

Usually, when you find yourself in a strange place, you should worry about getting back home first... but the thought that this might be inside a game made my crazy curiosity flare up, and I wanted to confirm if my hypothesis was correct.

Who gets to have such a wondrous experience in their life? Right? I don’t know if anyone would believe me, but this would be a great addition to my personal statement, wouldn’t it?

Glancing at the bowl that was now empty, I stealthily scooped some of the meat into my portion. Daisy ate so well that it made anyone watching feel content.

"Can I have a glass of water, too?"

Then I realized that there wasn’t even water served as a default in this restaurant. Raising my hand to call the owner at the counter, she immediately looked troubled.

"Oh, I’m so sorry. Our village is experiencing a water shortage right now. If you want a bottle of water, there’s an extra charge..."

Daisy had mentioned something similar before. She said the wells were drying up because of the 'fire.'

"How much does it cost?"

The owner held up one finger. One diamond? I took a diamond from my pocket and gave it to her. In return, I received a bottle of water.

The bottle, about the size of a cola bottle, was filled with lukewarm water. A cup was also provided. I poured the water into the cup and handed it to Daisy. I told her to drink slowly to avoid indigestion, and she looked surprised that I had given her the cup.

"Go ahead and drink."

Even when I urged her, Daisy only stared at the cup, hesitant to touch it.

"It’s too much for me. I’ve been treated better than those who spent the whole day repairing the village fence today..."

"You’ve been more helpful to me than them, so it’s fine."

She managed to touch the cup but couldn’t bring herself to drink. Instead, her face was filled with burden, creating an awkward atmosphere between us.

"Actually, this is a secret..."

I glanced at the counter and leaned closer to the child. Then, I cupped my hands around my mouth and whispered.

"I’m really rich in the 'Infinite Diamonds' game, and I’ve been living off the diamonds I’ve collected. I don’t really know much about the world here because I grew up in the game (just touching the screen)."

"Is that so?"

"I might get scammed because I don’t know much. I’d appreciate your help. I asked someone else for help, but they were greedy and might try to take my diamonds and harm me."

"Then that’s a big problem!"

"I don’t know much, so I’ll probably be a nuisance to you. But I’m doing this to make it easier for you."

"Nuisance? Not at all! I just need to explain what I know!"

Right, right. Daisy’s gaze seemed to change a bit, but this should explain why diamonds keep popping out of my pocket. I subtly switched our bowls, mine now full and hers empty.

"You need energy to talk, so eat as much as you can."

"Yes! I’ll eat a lot and help the Druid!"

Daisy finally started drinking water and diligently used her spoon again. When she was almost done with her bowl, I spoke up.

"Do you have a home? It’s getting dark, and your parents might worry. It would be better to contact them or talk near your home."

"I don’t have a home or parents. I sleep at the village community hall, which is always open for orphans like me."

That was an unexpected answer. I felt like I had been hit with cold water. What if I had touched on Daisy’s pain?

"Um... I’m sorry."

"No, it’s okay. There are many children like me in the village. They all lost their parents because of the fire."

"Since you mentioned it, can you tell me more about the fire? Everything you know."

It seemed I was right. The child’s face momentarily froze, as if to say, "Why are you asking such an obvious question?"

I tried to act as if it was no big deal and averted my eyes. How should I phrase my question better? Should I have been more tactful?

Fortunately, the child seemed to come to a conclusion on their own. She cleared her throat, put down her spoon, and made a humming sound to gather her thoughts.

"This village is directly influenced by the World Tree, so it’s less affected by the fire. But if you go outside the village, the fire will attack. You know that only the dryads born from the World Tree can control the fire, right?"

"Of course, of course. Dryads."

I knew about dryads. I know about dry ice, but... I nodded casually, pretending I knew about dryads.

"The village has dug a moat and built a metal fence that doesn’t burn, but it’s only a temporary solution. Without the druids leading the dryads to suppress the fire and reduce its numbers, the village would suffer great damage. I heard that a nearby village was completely burned down by the fire."

So, 'fire' is 'Fire.' But talking about fire as if it’s a monster... wow, it’s really like a monster. It’s just like a game.

"Suddenly, I’m curious. Why can only dryads suppress the fire? I’m asking out of pure curiosity. Don’t misunderstand. I’m just naturally curious."

"Maybe it’s because they were born from the World Tree. Ordinary plants can’t withstand fire, but dryads have special powers because they were born from the World Tree."

So, dryads are like those flashy characters from the pre-order page I saw on my friend’s phone, the mercenaries you can summon.

Oh, that makes sense. This is like a newbie’s starting village. Thinking of it as a game system, I feel like a newbie just starting the game.

Wow, my heart is racing. I can level up here and do all sorts of things? It’s so exciting. What’s the ultimate goal? Are there achievements? Do I need to defeat a boss? And I have a lot of money?

Am I not a bug user with infinite diamonds, using a cheat code? Wow, just thinking about it is thrilling. If I could just smoke a cigarette and punch the air, it would be even better.

I tried to calm down by clenching my mouth and grunting. What should I do first to fight monsters? Can I learn skills? Who can teach me? Can I breathe fire and shoot water from my hands?

"Druid, I understand that you might feel scared about embarking on an adventure. But this is the destiny of druids, isn’t it? I always support your noble spirit!"

Daisy, misunderstanding my actions, made a very cute statement. I took a deep breath to stay calm. I don’t want to look like a crazy woman.

"Indeed. I’m a bit scared, as you said. But I’m so scared that I’m a bit confused. What should I do tomorrow?"

Daisy clearly said tomorrow was the right time. The World Tree is supposed to bear fruit tomorrow, so the adventure starts tomorrow. Who should I find to give me a beginner’s quest? Or do I need to learn basic skills first?

"You should wake up early and go to the orchard."

This orchard isn’t the one I know, right? It’s not an orchard where you pick apples and pears, is it? Is this game actually a farm management game where I need to grow and harvest fruits instead of diamonds?

"Of course not. I have something specific to do in the orchard. But I’m confused about what to do first. Don’t misunderstand. It’s my first time in this village’s orchard, and I don’t know the way."

"Oh, right! I made a mistake. It shouldn’t be much different from other village orchards. You just need to get a number and wait. I’ll show you the way tomorrow!"

That can’t be it! I tried my best to ask tactfully, but she cut me off. Getting a number and waiting is something I’ve done at the bank, but I’m not going to the orchard to deposit money. Daisy smiled brightly, not understanding my frustration.

"Is there anything else you want to know?"

There are so many things I need to ask, but I don’t know where to start. It’s like giving a newbie all the FAQs and guides at once; they won’t absorb it.

There are hundreds of games, and even if the terms are the same, they mean different things. You only understand them after experiencing them and having questions. I can’t miss this opportunity.

What if I send Daisy away and suddenly have a question? It’s easier for me to let her talk and ask questions based on the keywords I pick up.

"Yes, as you said, I’m a bit tired. But I still have many questions. I need your help..."

I subtly hinted.

"Then I’ll wait until you have more questions!"

"No, it’s getting dark. Isn’t it dangerous for a child to wander around at night?"

"I’m fine!"

Is the village’s security good? Even in our country, which is known for good security, there are still many incidents.

"Do you have to go back to the village hall today?"

"Hmm, no."

"Then how about staying at this inn with me for a night?"

Oh, my suggestion was a bit too much. The child’s face turned pale. I feel like a bad adult.

Still, isn’t this better than the village hall where everyone lives together?