Chapter 3: Chaotic Awakening - Arc 1
…
…
I looked around…
I've gone back in time. I went back in time, I went back just before I accepted the deal with Anastasia, Mimi and I still haven't met.
I… partially checked my body in one of the bathrooms.
With a bit of vertigo…
Everything is so familiar and yet so unfamiliar…
This time I went into the right bathroom. Last time… I accidentally went into the girls' room or was it the demihumans' room…. I don't know, the point is there were furries.
When I walked to the bathroom, I felt the disgusting humidity in the air and the foul smell, possibly fecal matter... To be honest, I thought the bathrooms at my old schools were filthy... this is worse.
If it weren't for the fear, I wouldn't even go near the bathroom just for that... ugh...
I took off all my clothes...
If it weren't for the fear, I wouldn't even go near the bathroom just for that… ugh…
I took off all my clothes… to check if I still had wounds on my stomach and back…
I bared my torso and looked at myself in the mirror…
The result was nothing… to my bewilderment.
There was no trace of blood… no wound.
Perhaps…
Perhaps… what she experienced was an illusion… a delusion.
What the hell happened… How did I almost end up back where I started?
Was it seeing the future?
I can't explain anything.
Whatever the case may be… the best thing I can do is change my course…
Because I don't think it's a good idea to deal with Anastasia Hoshin again if she found out I was cheating on her.
If Anastasia knew I deceived her, she wouldn't hire me; she'd report me, or worse.
Besides… I don't want to die like in that vision…
And don't even get me started on those two sickos…
It makes my stomach churn and fills me with bile…
Damn bastards…
Whatever happened, what matters is that I'm whole again, from head to toe.
…
This is strange in many ways.
Seriously… this is the past.
I looked both ways down the street and decided to go to the same shelter I used last time. I was careful not to be followed this time so I could store my things and avoid sleeping in a tree again…
Once at the shelter, I took off my jacket and the things I'd gathered. I tied the bags of money to the top of the jacket with some small ropes I found in the abandoned place, but I also camouflaged it with an ugly rag I found in the house.
This time I won't let them rob me.
I put my jacket back on and was careful not to let anyone see me. They were thieves and poor people, but last time they got a bad impression because of the jacket, which is useful for stealing.
This time I have to look broke so they don't mess with me or rob me like last time.
I didn't know who robbed me, but I heard several voices…
I don't know if it was that or if I was hallucinating from not eating for days...
Is this a second chance? What I'm experiencing now...
Did I really die...?
Now that I think about it, I should continue with my thefts...
one more, but that's it. Today there are knights... useless, yes, but they catch thieves like the poor lady I saw in the future... or before I died.
...
It's better not to think about that. I must find Felt.
The best thing I can do is stay with humble people and avoid problems.
Looking for money only leads to disaster... how can I forget something so basic?
...This crappy Isekai is affecting me... more than I thought...
Are they watching me? Is time mocking me?
Am I going crazy...?
No…
I went back to my bad habits.
This time I wasn't going to neglect my hunger; that's what caused me to get robbed when I fainted.
I didn't care anymore; if I discount something, slow and steady wins the race.
So I could rent a room for a month and look for a place to start my own business.
Employment policies were difficult the first time… now I have to figure out how to survive outdoors.
The good news is that it doesn't seem to be raining here.
And it's not cold.
It's a balanced climate.
That's already an advantage.
I have to see the positive side, if there is one…
I walked along the route I more or less remembered taking before to see Felt.
I was begging to find the blonde girl so I could accept her offer.
That day didn't happen, but I decided to repeat the routine for days until… the day arrived.
The roof tiles were broken, and the wind smelled of stale bread and coal. From my hiding place, I saw a silhouette moving among shadows and cans. I didn't doubt it: it was her. The blonde who strolled through the neighborhoods as if the world owed her money. Felt.
I climbed carefully, my fingers searching for a grip in the cracks, so I wouldn't fall flat on my face.
My stomach protested like a starving animal. My thumb was brushing against the bag of gold I hid under my jacket; the cold weight of metal and cheap promises.
If all this was déjà vu or some ridiculous time-traveling experience, at least I wasn't going to give away my belongings again just to die of stupidity.
She was sitting with her legs dangling, and she looked at me with that mixture of amusement.
"Oh, you're practically broke," she said, her expression unchanged. "What happened to you? Did you fall into a sewer?"
That taunt stung. Sarcastic, as always. Like familiar music.
"Life hasn't been kind to me," I said, mimicking her tone, but harsher. "It's nothing new."
She laughed, a short, cruel sound that fit the neighborhood. She sat up slowly and looked at my jacket, her hands quick as a cat's.
"Looks like that jacket's a little big on you." "Huh?" The girl's hands felt as they ran over the leather of the jacket.
"You're still sleeping in a tree, and that's where you hide your loot?"
"Oh, wait, it was stolen, wasn't it? Hehehe."
"That's strange... that's a new question... could it be that I only backed down after rejecting the offer before Mimi offered me a job with her?"
"Now that I think about it, why the hell did I sleep in a tree? It was a terrible idea. Several bugs crawled all over me, chaos, I almost shit myself from the fright."
"No. I stopped living in the tree trunk; it's not good for my back."
"I followed your advice and found shelter in this area."
"By the way, thank you very much."
"Hey, how long have you been like this?"
"Days, weeks, months... I honestly don't remember how long I've been in such bad shape."
"Yeah, seeing you like this, it's clear you need help."
"" —Just not the jacket
—What do you eat that makes you so good at guessing, hehe
—Funny girl…
—Hehehe, come on, I'm just kidding. It's better than complaining all day about not having gold.
—I agree with you there.
Laughter helps to get rid of a bad mood.
—That's right. And now, let me have that fine leather.
I looked at the bag on my chest. I could feign indifference; better that than telling the truth. It was better not to appear weak in front of the little thief.
I shouldn't underestimate her because of her age or size.
—The jacket is still in my hands; it's not for sale, Felt.
—he asked coldly, his reddish eyes having lost their previous brightness—. Do you want money? A better place to sleep? Or did you come to ask me to adopt you as a pet?
I couldn't help but let out a short laugh. It was exactly as I remembered: sharp, brutal, and terribly efficient.
"I'm looking for work..." I said, somewhat calmly. "Something to keep me from hunger and cold for a while."
She made a face, amused yet skeptical.
If you mean a real swindle, you'll have to keep up with me. Are you a good thief, or are you the type who faints at the sight of a sword?
"Wow, wow, WOW, no, I'm not that kind of person. I'm content with stealing; I'm not going to sell myself."
"That's what everyone says before they're truly hungry."
—Damn, what a sharp tongue.
—Get used to it, that's just how things are on the streets.
"Tolerate this blonde."
"It's a yes or no."
It's a yes or no.
Quickly, I don't have all day.
The question burned. I knew how to steal and fight just enough to survive. It wasn't heroic, or even morally right.
"I know how to move," I replied calmly. To disappear if something goes wrong. To be completely invisible, not to be noticed.
Felt approached and patted the bag peeking out from under my jacket.
Felt approached and patted the bag peeking out from under my jacket. If there was one thing I had learned, it was not to anger those who might open your bag and not return it. Precocious brat…
Felt lay back and gazed at the horizon, as if formulating a mental plan, and spoke with feigned disinterest.
"There's a small job tomorrow, easy money, but there are guards patrolling."
If you want to get in, you'll have to be alert. Keep your hands steady and whistle softly. Can you?
I'm good at whistling.
My pulse quickened. Accepting meant accepting a return to the bad path of my old habits, but now with company. The idea of not having to sleep in a tree or an abandoned shack was better than going hungry.
"Yes. I'm in."
She smiled, but it wasn't a kind smile; it was the smile of someone who had made deals with misery and learned to live thanks to it.
"Good. Tomorrow at the old archway on Mill Street. Be there early. And don't let me down." Felt stood up and pulled out a knife. "She's serious." "Because if I catch you playing the hero, I'll smash your face in and keep your loot. Understood, glamorous beggar?"
I tensed at the threat, but inside, something was loosening. I had company. Someone who didn't ask "why" but "how" and "what time." It was rough, but it was a plan. And that was enough.
Even if it means going back to my old ways and further from a clean and pure life.
This thought was truly impossible in this world; I can't afford to be light with shadows.
She leaned forward and looked at my torso with mocking curiosity.
"Why are you still so... clean?" "Last time you were a beggar."
My hand instinctively moved to my chest, as if searching for the scars would bring me back to my senses.
The truth hit me like a cold breath: there were no marks, no evidence of what I had lived through. Only emptiness where pain had once been.
"They accidentally bathed me in cold water..."
"Hahahaha, with your shitty luck, I believe that!"
I accepted the deal out of sheer necessity—but also for something smaller and more dangerous: the hope of not waking up on a tombstone again...
Whatever that was, I don't want to relive it...
That night I hid the bag better, washed my face with cold water collected in a bucket, and mentally rehearsed the route.
Felt's offer wasn't a contract of honor—it was a practical exchange—but for now, it was enough. I had a place, a time, and a name.
And, most importantly, someone I didn't have to pretend to be all the time.
Tomorrow, on Mill Street. Tomorrow, we'll steal together.
////////
In the morning I went to the market, explored my surroundings, walked around as usual, and disappeared into the crowd to the place Felt indicated.
Amidst the noise of the market and the smell of cake, there was a corner where stares didn't matter and rules didn't exist.
Kino remained silent, leaning against the stone wall, his hood pulled forward. His fingers nervously fiddled with his jacket laces.
Not because he was nervous about what he was about to do… but because he recognized that feeling. That mixture of anticipation and distrust.
"Tsk… I thought you weren't coming," said a familiar, almost mocking voice behind him.
Kino barely glanced up. There was Felt, with that street cat smile that hadn't changed a bit. Neither the way she walked as if the street were hers, nor that look that tested the danger like a game. He wore the same scarf tied around his neck, dirty from the dust of the alleyways, and a bag hanging at his side that was certainly not his.
"I didn't come for you," I adjusted my hood. "I came for the job."
Felt let out a short laugh.
"Look who's talking. The one who used to avoid getting into trouble… now he comes to get into it with me. The world's upside down."
Kino didn't answer, but his expression said it all: You don't know half the story.
She slapped him on the shoulder and dragged him toward the alley.
—Listen, it's simple. The guy at the gun station up ahead is an idiot who can't count coins.
Kino raised an eyebrow.
"I remember it like the back of my hand."
—I remember it like the back of my hand.
They went out to the edge of the market. Kino stood in front of the stall, observing the swords lined up as if they were trophies.
The vendor, a bald, broad-shouldered man, looked at him suspiciously. Kino feigned exaggerated interest in an ornate knife.
"How much for this one?" he asked, carefully moving the blade.
—he asked, while carefully moving the sheet.
This story was made to fool small minds; it doesn't fool me. This thing doesn't even look as sharp as my mother's kitchen knives.
It was at that moment that Felt slipped like a shadow through the crowd, his nimble fingers darting in and out of the coin drawer. A couple of quick glances at Kino to confirm that everything was still in place.
But then, a guard turned the corner. Kino saw it, and his body acted before his mind: he dropped the knife, making a metallic noise that attracted everyone's attention. The guard stopped, the vendor bent down to pick it up… and Felt disappeared into the crowd with the now much bigger bag.
When the vendor looked up, Kino was already walking in the opposite direction. At the corner of the alley, Felt was waiting for him, breathing heavily and with the smile of someone who has won a bet again.
"Not bad, partner," she said, tossing me a gold coin that flashed briefly before landing in my hands.
Kino caught it without looking, but his eyes locked onto hers. There was more than just street camaraderie there… a spark of complicity.
"Don't get me used to this," he murmured.
Felt smiled as if she'd heard a lie.
"Too late for that, hehe."
They both left the alley and went back to the slums.
"I didn't even think it would work, but you nailed it."
"How did you do that?"
"I make it simple, I just let the wind help me accelerate."
"…uh, I don't think it works like physics."
"Is it some kind of magic?"
"You could say that."
"Will you teach me?"
"Um… well, that… isn't something you see every day." I just feel it, and there it is; you must have something like that.
I just feel the wind's pull and go whoosh.
Felt moved at an imperceptible speed.
"You see, it's just a matter of feeling it."
"See, it's just feeling it. Nothing more than that."
"Okay, let's see..."
Kino prepares to feel something inside. He gets into a running position and...
...
...
He runs completely normally.
"Hmm... That's not how it works...
Feel the wind on your body!"
"That's what I'm doing."
I took another run-up, breathed deeply, and ran in a different position, trying to imitate Felt.
I started running like Naruto.
...
...
"Ugh... It's useless, just stop running!" Felt squealed, revealing small teeth like fangs. But they were cute.
"No, no, look, I think I did it!"
You watch, I'm going up there 🗣️
I kept building momentum, the soles of my shoes gave it their all to climb the wall and…
Pam!
—Ouch
—ow…
—Ouch
—ow…
I fell flat on my back, hitting my head a little, but nothing serious, just a bump. I definitely can't use that magic… ouch.
—I told you it was useless… hehehe
How did you crash?
—Oh! I see stars… 😖
—Looks like you can't do magic.
—…That's too bad…
—Oh, maybe you just haven't found your magic yet.
—Find my magic…
—Well, if that's all we're going to do today, I think it's time we parted ways.
—What?!
—Street assistant, you're looking for help, aren't you? Well, there you have it, it's not easy to get these kinds of jobs.
—Wait, I don't know it's not easy, that's why I know it would be a good idea to partner up.
—Partner up? Are you some kind of lousy politician?
—Uh, I'm just speaking respectfully.
—Respect, you say? Why would you show it to a thief like me?
—Because I don't care if you're a thief. You make it through the day with food in my stomach. Besides, unlike other thieves, you're not a bad person.
—Bah, you overestimate me. I'm no saint. Who says I wouldn't rob you and stab you with my knife, you glamorous beggar?
—Because you don't seem like that kind of person.
—You're weird…
—Yeah, I've heard that a lot.
—But even so, I don't see any reason to continue this partnership. I don't know you, so how do I know you won't stab me in the back when I least expect it? Oh, you take more than just my belongings, like... my body.
—Has it ever happened to you...
I hated to ask, but I hoped I hadn't touched a nerve. Then Felt moved her lips uncomfortably; No, of course not, but I don't want this to be the first time.
I'm sorry, but on the streets, everyone's on their own.
—I understand.
—Well, can I go now?
Felt didn't seem comfortable with this, but I won't survive if I join someone as wicked as Cedrik and Reed again. It'll only lead me down a path to ruin.
I don't want to repeat that mistake.
—Wait.
—Oh... seriously... you're not going to leave me?
—Look, I understand your concern, but to be honest, I don't think I can survive that long on the streets of Lugunica.
So, I propose something.
I'll help you with your work.
I'll give you financial support. I think you must be hungry. I don't know when you last ate, but it's clear you haven't eaten in days.
—A tempting offer, but it's not enough.
—Please, Felt… I'm counting on you.
—No… don't insist.
—You don't believe me?
—Look.
—What?
I took out some coins.
It steals just like you. Together we can be faster and get more loot like this.
—Hmm… I don't know.
How do I know you won't abuse me financially and sexually?
—I'll protect you from those disgusting, malicious adults.
I'm going to discover my magic and improve my thieving techniques. I'll help you escape this ugly, depressing life.
If I still can't convince you, then
I'll try…
—Huh?
I hadn't thought about it because I assumed it would be easy, like with an RPG system.
—Okay, here I go.
I extended my hands to cast a spell into the air.
—Abracadabra!
…
Nothing.
—Wingardium Leviosa!
…
Again.
—Columnomingbus!
…
—Are you done making a fool of yourself?
I extended my staff and…
—Shazam!
Abracadabra!
—Magic, get the hell out!
—If you truly lack magical talent
I've seen many use fire, wind, earth, and ice
Then I remembered something unpleasant…
In the vision where I died…
I heard a word that sealed my fate; I remembered the icy, cold sensation…
Perhaps it was madness or simply despair, but I decided to make one last attempt, and following the logic of universal magic, I imagined what I had to do.
I put away my staff and extended my hand and…
Hyuma!
The instant I uttered those words, I felt a cold sensation in the palms of my hands; the warmth turned to cold.
The feeling of doing this was indescribable. It was like being a wizard in an RPG, watching my magical energy and using my mind to create.
I mimicked how the Boy Who Lived used a Patronus, how that pervert Rudy used magic.
If I wanted it to work, I had to concentrate so that the magic would be properly channeled.
I saw how the world materialized ice stalagmites in my hand, and they all shot out toward the clear path.
Upon impact, they plunged into the ground at full speed.
I had used magic… For the first time in this world.
I have magic!
Yessss!
"Wow, even though it was weak, you can use magic. Not bad."
"Can you believe it? I can use magic!"
"Yeah, yeah, I saw you."
That was amazing, I admit, although I've seen better.
—Who cares? I can do magic, hell yeah!
What?
—A magician… uh…
I think he already meets the requirements. Well, Kinomoto Kurosaki.
Now we're partners in crime.
Congratulations, you've accomplished something almost no one dares to.
—So that's a yes?
—Come with me, we'll go to a less messed-up shelter than that one. Felt pointed to the worst abandoned house; unfortunately, it was my home. 🫠
Seriously, I live in utter squalor and misery. I'm so ashamed...
—You already knew where I lived, right?
—Yeah, so what? I know these neighborhoods because I was practically born here.
—How did you survive so long like that?
—Luck, that's what everyone says. The truth is, even I believe it.
Felt shrugged his shoulders as he let out a long sigh. From the look on his face, it was clear that the streets weren't easy for anyone.
I decided not to ask for now, so as not to make him uncomfortable.
It's clear that not many people have a pleasant experience in the slums of Lugunica.
Felt and I walked for a while through the long, narrow neighborhoods until we reached a cabin.
"Here it is."
"This one looks better than other places; it seems habitable."
"That's because there are people inside, or rather, one person there."
"What do you mean?"
—You'll see, heh.
Knock, knock. Felt knocked on the cabin door.
—What's the password?
—To the Giant Rats?
—Poison.
—For the great white whale.
—A harpoon.
—For our great honorable dragon.
—Scum.
Speaking of the devil, when the door opened, my partner was there posing childishly, Felt the fastest thief I've ever known appeared in front of me, an imposing presence—I took a little while but here I am, old Rom, Felt greeted the giant Rom amicably.
The old Rom wore a sleeveless vest and had a crimson symbol on the left side of his head. His appearance was quite rugged, with wrinkles on his face, and although his personality wasn't exactly that of a sweet old grandfather typical of my world, he seemed more like a man who had lived through the Vietnam War. His face reflected a certain bitterness towards life itself.
A man of enormous size… he certainly towers over any tall person from my old world.
Giant is the only way I could describe him.
But unlike the kobold and the lizard man, this one wasn't so intimidating for now…
"Oh, my adorable granddaughter, you…
Felt… what have I told you about saying the password in front of others…" His long, bushy eyebrows furrowed at the sight of me. It seemed I wasn't welcome.
"I know. Old man, don't start with that. Remember when I told you I was going to collaborate with a kid on a robbery?
Well, this is the one I was telling you about."
Rom narrowed his eyes and turned his gaze toward me, while with each glance he looked at me, the giant was scrutinizing me.
"I see… Another homeless brat your age."
"Damn, why does everyone who looks at me think I'm a little kid? I don't understand. Do I have a baby face, or is it because of my size?!"
Good afternoon, sir. You're Felt's father, Kino? He extended his hand to greet the old man.
He looked at him and saw the boy's hand trembling. Perhaps he was afraid of him because of his large size or intimidated by being a demihuman, but even so, he was trying not to be rude.
"No, I'm more like her grandfather or something like that."
"I see."
"Although you don't look alike, who am I to judge?"
"I'm Kinomoto Kurosaki, but call me Kino. It's easier to remember."
"Rom is my name, and you already know her: my granddaughter, Felt."
"Now that I think about it, are you new to Lugunica?" Because I've never seen you around the streets of Lugunica before.
—Oh, that… I'm not from the Kingdom of Lugunica. You could say I'm an immigrant looking for better opportunities. I left my family.
—So you left your homeland for better opportunities and ended up here with all the homeless people?
—Yes, that's one way to look at it. I wasn't lucky, and well, I wanted to get away from my family's bad vibes. They were idiots.
—And where are you from?
Think for a few seconds. Would it be okay to keep from revealing that I'm from another world?
Of course, they'd think I was crazy if I said I was from planet Earth or another world. This isn't a visual novel or a Tolkien book for them to believe me so easily.
Like it or not, it's the best facade I have for the moment.
—From the frozen kingdom of Gusteko
I hope I didn't say something geographically stupid.
—That explains the cold-weather attire.
And to think you look like a nobleman; Felt touched his chin with his hand while looking like a hawk at a squirrel, or a lion cub at a tiny mouse.
—I'm not a nobleman, I'm a humble man trying to find his way in this world.
—Heh, good joke, kid.
(Why do I always have to justify myself?) or (they wouldn't believe me even if I said it)
—Old Rom, so what do you think of a new coworker?!
—Are you sure you know how to steal, kid?
—Yeah, I know a little about it.
—You're being too modest. I saw how you stole from many without being detected, and how in the most recent robbery, the way you acted before we were discovered was so natural.
—Hm, is that true? If Felt says so, I believe you.
But you'll still have to prove yourself, so I have another task for you two tomorrow.
Come back early, and we'll see what to do with you.
—Old Rom, don't be like that. He has nowhere to sleep without rats or insects crawling all over him. Besides, we already agreed to keep working together. One night is all he needs for now.
—I promise, Mr. Rom, I won't let you down.
—Bah, brat, you only call me grandpa for convenience. Bah… kids these days. "If you know what's good for you, don't touch anything," Rom moved and raised a huge club.
"I hope you're who Felt says you are if you know what's good for you."
Gulp
I swallowed hard at the sight of the giant old man's weapon. It was clear: he didn't stab them, and they wouldn't tear my body apart.
Good deal.
Anyone could do that.
"Yes, that's clear."
Rom lowered his club and stepped into his dwelling. I moved with some caution while Felt ran off to the bazaar, bumping into Kino but going straight ahead without falling. Rom sighed after the long day.
"Alright, now look, this is my house!"
"It looks... cozy..."
I'm lying... God... How are people supposed to live like this? Maybe I'm exaggerating, but aside from the things they have, the place looks rusty and old. I can smell the dust. This place is depressing.
Felt ran like a The girl, while showing the house, said, "Honestly, there's nothing impressive about it. Outside of the bazaar, this place is empty."
"Mr. Rom, how long have you been living like this?"
"It's been quite a while since we've been living like this. So long, in fact, that I've lost count, but roughly since I got Felt."
"I understand. It seems it hasn't been easy for you or the others in these neighborhoods."
"The current situation in Lugunica is the least favorable for our lower-class communities here.
That's why many here steal to put some bread on the table for their families or simply to live another day.
But I'd better leave it at that.
I don't want to discourage Felt."
"It's getting late, leave your things here." Rom opened a room that had several chests with tightly locked padlocks. Some were stacked together; this place was undoubtedly a storage area for the heists of the giant and the dwarf blonde cat duo.
The boy took this. Rom, in his large arms, dropped a small, somewhat torn sofa that He brought it when I was glancing around the room, slamming the furniture to the floor.
"This is your bed. You'll sleep here."
There was no reason to complain. At least it doesn't look as hard as the tree where I used to sleep.
"Thanks."
"Okay, pack your things and come down for dinner in a few hours. You'd better do that, because I don't cook all the time."
"Understood, sir." I struck a soldier's pose at attention.
"Don't strike those poses. I'm not a soldier..."
"Good."
Rom closed the doors, leaving me alone in the storage room. Rom had left some things on the worn sofa. Some blankets—not as big as the comforters on my bed in the real world, but enough to keep the cold from making my bones ache. I decided to move the sofa so I wouldn't fall while I slept. I turned it upside down, giving me something to support me so I wouldn't wake up on the floor.
I arranged everything... I had it, so I hung up my bag and took off my jacket, folding it. There was an improvised pillow there. I lay down a bit to try it out, and even though I tried to sleep for a while, the jacket was uncomfortable.
"What the heck…" I moved the jacket and looked in the pockets to see what was inside. I reached in to rummage through everything. Out came candy, my keys, the gold bag, my cell phone, and… my headphones? I thought I'd left them at home. They were hidden in this bag.
Well, at least they'll work. If I had electronics, they'd be useless. On the other hand, without internet, I can only listen to the music I downloaded. The best thing I can do with this junk is sell it for a good price, but first, let's delete everything that drains the battery.
I unlocked my phone as usual, to pass the time.
Maya0417
A password that I don't know why I set it that way. I could change it, but I was too lazy. I know I'm a lazy bum, but it's a real pain in the ass. It's a hassle to change it and not make it obvious.
Out with the games, out with the images, out with Duolingo—I doubt it'll work now…
Mess, I didn't even use messaging apps or social media.
The only ones who wrote to me were my family... and that guy I never heard from again.
No more fo—
...
...my family.
...
—Alright kids, dinner's served… Rom tosses a strange, rather unappetizing-colored puree onto a plate…
—This filth again, old man!
—I already told you I hate this…!
—I don't mean to sound rude, but what is this…?
—Rom pureed potatoes.
—Mashed potatoes? Is it normal for it to look that color?
—Eat up, there's not much food here for you to complain about.
—But old man! This made me sick last time?!
Damn…
This is what people in these neighborhoods eat every day; this food is spoiled.
It's not fresh or safe to eat.
I took a bite hoping it wasn't spoiled… and…
Yuck!
—Sir… don't give Felt that, it'll make him sick… My family ate this once and got food poisoning.
Rom tasted a little of the food and...
"Don't eat that, it's no good anymore. I'm sorry, child, there's no more food."
"But I'm starving, man, that's not fair!"
"Don't worry, we'll eat tomorrow."
"But Rom, man..." 😫
Felt threw a tantrum; his mouth and eyes glared furiously at the inedible food.
I felt a little bad for them. This must be a cruel reality for the people of my world, but for them and many others, this is just a normal day in the life.
Although I was hungry, the reality is that in this part of the Kingdom of Lugunica, hunger is rampant. While the rich have the luxury of throwing away perfectly good food, it forces those who have nothing to rummage through the garbage, searching for scraps from others.
Those who have nothing are forced to search the garbage to find something decent to eat.
It's not just despicable, it's appalling, and I say that from experience. It's a disgrace.
It's not just dirty and disgusting, it's unhygienic. I detest it… I can't imagine how they could have allowed this kind of life to continue for so long.
It seems I had gone without eating again that day… unless… I was going to save it for a special occasion but.
—Hey, where are you going?
—Has he gone crazy because there's no food?
Come on, it has to be here where I left that thing… AHA
—Oh, he's back.
—He has a bag in his hand. Wait, is that another bag?
Yuichi dropped an empty plate in the air, where he had put some makeshift sauce that was also in a vomit-inducing state. He removed the sauce, which held the fries and cookies on another plate.
!!!!!
—WHAT IS THAT?!
—Kinomoto?! Is that food?!
Kinomoto raised his hand, waving it casually. Of course, I was saving this for emergencies, but I hate seeing people's stomachs growling; it's uncomfortable to watch…
Besides, it's the best I can do if you give me shelter for today. Please help yourselves; dinner's on me tonight.
I don't have much, but if I can give you a little of what I have left, that's enough.
—Damn, this looks so good, I can't wait to dig in! Felt, forget it.
Rom tasted the food and…
Not bad. This is tasty, creamy, and crunchy.
And it's salty with a hint of lemon and onion.
—Oh, you guys like it! Many people hate that potato chip taste.
—Uh, this is delicious!
—Oh yeah, this is Oreo cookies, chocolate and vanilla. Sweet pure cocoa, vanilla extract. A true delight.
You like it, don't you?
I knew you'd like these cookies, they're my favorites!
—Yes, they're delicious! Damn, I haven't eaten anything so tasty in ages!
At that moment, Kinomoto, with what he considered mere snacks, brightened the dinner of two people who led dreary lives with exotic flavors that no one else could have imagined. That night, Kinomoto managed to find more than just allies. he found two valuable companions.
End of chapter.