Chapter 50

"Are you talking to this strange creature?"

"Yeah, this guy can actually use language."

While I was still in shock at the penguin's shocking gesture of patting its belly, Sequoia poked my waist gently.

She murmured "hmm" and then closed her eyes, starting to mumble something.

Then, the wind began to dance around her, and the wind was enveloped in a bluish-white light.

The faint light then enveloped both the penguin and Sequoia.

Soon, the light and wind disappeared as if nothing had happened.

"Mr. Penguin, are you okay...?"

"There's no effect on his body or mind. The magic I just used is for 'analysis.'"

"Wow. What kind of analysis did you do?"

"I analyzed the language of that strange creature... is it called a penguin? The language it possesses, to be precise."

"Magic is amazing."

"This technique is unique to me. It's solely for analyzing unknown languages."

"Unknown languages aren't something you encounter often, right?"

"Indeed. That's why there was no corresponding spell in the long history of magic. So, I developed it myself."

"...Unnecessarily high specs..."

This is what they call a waste of talent.

How much time did it take to develop a language analysis spell?

A spell for analyzing unknown languages has almost no practical use. It wasn't developed because there was no demand.

So, you developed it.

That's a perspective only someone with an abundance of time like Sequoia would have. Yeah.

"Hmm, I see. The language system is completely different."

"Is that so?"

While I was nodding along with Sequoia, I thought it was probably the case.

I don't know when the languages of this world originated or how they branched out. But, if you trace back far enough, all languages have a common point.

The languages of this world and Earth have no connection at all. It's understandable that they are completely different.

I thought maybe, since they are the same intelligent beings, their languages might be similar, but it's not that convenient.

If you analyze the genes of humans from Earth and this world, they would be different species.

I was reborn as an infant in this world with my memories from Earth. So, my body is that of a person from this world. I have mana flowing through me, and I can use it.

"If you want to talk to Mr. Penguin, I can translate."

"There might be another way to communicate. Would you like to try it?"

"Will it harm Mr. Penguin...?"

"You don't need to worry about that. The only question is whether the penguin agrees."

"Agrees?"

"Yes. Do you remember how I communicated with the thunder beast? It's the same method."

"Oh, the wild child attack?"

"What's that...?"

"Wait a moment. Can I tell Mr. Penguin first?"

"Sure. Just let him know it's not dangerous."

Phew. I don't know what form of communication it will be, but it's definitely magical.

The penguin is a former Japanese person like me. If something inexplicable happens suddenly, it might cause a lot of confusion and make conversation impossible.

While I was thinking about this, the penguin started splashing water with its flippers and getting its belly wet.

What are you trying to do...? You're a former human, right? Your mind should be human, right?

"Mr. Penguin?"

"Indeed, I am a penguin."

"What are you doing?"

"Waiting can be boring, can't it? I can't understand that mysterious girl's words."

"Sequoia said there might be another way to communicate with you. Would you like to try it?"

"Please, I would be very interested. Being able to communicate with someone from this world..."

"I'm also from this world, but let's talk about that later."

"Understood. I have no objections. Please go ahead."

"Alright," the penguin raised its flipper and opened its beak.

When the penguin makes human-like movements, it's not cute; it's creepy.

I gave Sequoia a thumbs-up to show that it was okay.

She closed her eyes and focused her mind.

"Hmm, I see. So, you're called Sojiro. Oh, you're interested in Joshua? I am too. But I won't give him to you. What? Not because you're a penguin? What do you mean, what!?"

I silenced the excited Sequoia with a chop to the head.

"Got it. I understand you can communicate. It's a private conversation, and only Sequoia's voice can be heard from the outside, right?"

"Yes. It's like talking in your mind. That's the feeling."

"Hmm. It might be fastest to teach Mr. Penguin the national language."

"For language learning, the best way is for Sojiro and me to have a mental conversation. Mental conversation—let's call it 'telepathy.' Telepathy ensures no misunderstandings."

"Wow. Thoughts are transmitted directly. Beyond language barriers."

"Exactly. Well, I'll leave you to it. You were asking Sojiro questions, right?"

"Sort of."

Who's Sojiro? I thought. It must be the penguin's human name.

I felt like I had a conversation with the penguin, but what was it about? Maybe it was already over?

I stared at the penguin, but it just stood there with its round eyes, blankly.

"Mr. Penguin, or Sojiro?"

"Call me penguin. I am a penguin now."

Ah, right.

If you say so, I can't argue...

If you're okay with being called a penguin, I'll call you a penguin.

Um, what were we talking about again?

I put my hand on my chin and thought, "Hmm."

"Oh, I remember. You said something about a battery."

"About the battery? I said, 'If I had a battery, it would help.'"

"Right. So, do you know about batteries?"

"That's too vague. Do you have a battery? As you can see, I have nothing. If you ask what a battery is used for, I can tell you."

This penguin has a unique, somewhat disappointing feel, like someone with a lot of knowledge.

He doesn't infer what I mean or anything. My way of speaking is definitely part of the problem.

"Sorry. Do you understand the structure of a battery? I'd like to create one from scratch, if possible."

"If I have the materials, it shouldn't be difficult. However, the battery only needs to store electricity, and charging efficiency is not a concern."

Wow. Even as a penguin, he's amazing.

From this, it seems he knows more about science in general than I do. I'd like to recruit him.

"Really? Well, I'd rather you understand the whole thing, not just make parts."

"Hmm. I'm not opposed to helping."

"Really! I can hire you. I'll pay you, of course."

"Does a penguin need money? My two wishes are to secure food, clothing, and shelter, and to learn about that mysterious magic. Those are my only requests."

"Interested in magic?"

"Magic! That's great! My intellectual curiosity is piqued! Even as a penguin, it's hard to suppress my intellectual curiosity. It's a human trait."

The penguin, swaying its flippers and shaking its head, was still surreal.