As Daru and the others approached the village, the ground changed to solid mud.
Gram: Finally, solid ground! I can stop stepping in this nasty swamp.
Ohma: Wow, this feels amazing!
Himitsu: (Sighs) Ohma, just keep walking.
Upon reaching the village, they noticed people in the distance.
Zodiac: There are actual people here.
Kono: That's great!
Akira descended to the ground.
Akira: Good, now we can get some answers.
Daru: Yeah, maybe we'll find the person we're looking for.
They ventured further in, observing that everyone in the village was occupied with various chores—sweeping, cleaning houses, wiping the ground, and selling fruits.
Akira: Smells terrible.
Daru: Yeah, it really does.
Kono approached an individual with their back turned, focused on their house.
Kono: Excuse me?
The individual did not respond or turn around.
Kono: Um… Sir?
Individual: (Moaning) Uhhhh…
Kono: Okay, whatever… Have a good day.
Ohma approached a woman who also had her back facing him.
Ohma: Miss! How are you today?
The woman did not respond or turn around.
Ohma: Miss? Are you there?
Woman: (Moans) Uhhhh…
Ohma: Sorry to disturb you! I hope you have a great day and don't forget to grab some underwear. (smiles)
Everyone attempted to engage with the villagers, but they all moaned and remained silent. Himitsu approached Zodiac.
Himitsu: Did you get anything?
Zodiac: No, not a thing.
Himitsu: Same here.
Zodiac: They won't talk, and I don't understand why.
Himitsu: Do you think they might be under a spell?
Zodiac: If it is a spell, then we're dealing with a strong opponent.
Gram approached a vendor.
Gram: (Smiles) Hello, fine sir!
Vendor: (Moans) Uhhh…
Gram: Oookay? Um… Do you get much business around here?
The vendor remained silent.
Gram: (Awkward laugh) I bet you're a hit with the ladies with that charm of yours, huh?
Vendor: (Moans) Uhhh…
Gram grabbed an apple from the table without checking which one he picked up.
Gram: You know I love fruits! Back in my day, they called me the Fruit Ninja! (chuckles) I was great with swords and used to cut up fruit for the little ones. (sighs) Yeah, I was their hero.
Vendor: (Moans) Uhhh…
Gram: Okay, dude, why do you keep saying "Uhhh"? That's not cool! When someone talks about incredible things, you should respect them because not many people can do what I can!
Gram attempts to take a bite of the apple, but Akira swats it away.
Gram: Ouch! What was that for?
Akira: I just saved your life!
Gram: What are you talking about?
Gram examines the apple in his hand and notices it is infested with insects, with a leech on his forearm.
Gram: (alarmed) AHHHHHHhh!!
Upon hearing Gram's scream, the entire village erupts in chaos.
Villager 1: AHHHHHHHHH!!!
Villager 2: AHHHHHHHH!
Daru: What the hell!?!
Kono: W-why is everyone yelling!?
Zodiac: I don't know. This is strange.
Akira covers Gram's mouth to silence him.
Akira: SHUT UP!
Everyone ceases their screams and resumes their activities.
Ohma: What in the world is going on?!
Himitsu: I don't know, but I don't like this at all.
Daru: They stopped screaming?
Zodiac approaches Daru.
Zodiac: Something isn't right.
Daru: Oh really, thanks, smartass!
Zodiac: No, you idiot, listen!
Daru: Okay, what?
Zodiac: The people doing chores are only working in the same spots.
Daru observes a girl sweeping the same spot, another person wiping an identical area, and someone else cleaning a patch of mud.
Daru: What the hell? You're right; something isn't right here.
Zodiac: I know… Himitsu might be right; they could be under a spell.
Daru: This has to be one powerful user, then.
Gram flicks the insects and the leech off his arm.
Gram: This is disgusting!
Gram turns to the vendor.
Gram: You're selling this nasty stuff to people; you should be ashamed!
As Gram drops the apple, a bystander watches it fall. Upon hitting the ground, the bystander's eyes widen, and he begins to yell loudly, causing the entire village to join in.
Bystander: AHHHHHHHH!!!
Villager 2: AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Child: AHHHHHHHH!!!
Infant: AHHHHHHHH!!
Akira: Great, Gram, look what you did!!
Gram: I didn't do anything!
Daru: TCH!
Zodiac: AH! This is getting really annoying!
The villagers continue to yell for a short while before they all rush into a nearby house closet, and then silence envelops the area.
Kono: (Uncovers her ears) Okay, what is going on here?!
Ohma: I don't know, but this place is sketchy.
Himitsu: Really, Ohma? Now you think it's sketchy!
Ohma: Yeah… didn't you hear the yelling?
Himitsu: Ah! Ohma, please be quiet!
Ohma: Right!
Everyone exchanged glances.
Kono: You guys okay?
Gram: Yeah, I'm fine, thanks for asking.
Akira lightly struck Gram on the head.
Gram: Ouch! What the hell, Akira?!
Akira: Gram started the yelling.
Zodiac: Why am I not surprised?
Daru: Well, I guess it didn't matter because I couldn't get any answers from anyone.
Kono: Yeah, I couldn't get any answers either.
Ohma: Yeah, me too!
Himitsu: Maybe that guy can help? (Points)
Everyone turned to look in the direction he indicated, where a person sat in a rocking chair, swaying back and forth with his back to them.
Daru: Hmm... We have no other options.
They all approached the man in the rocking chair.
Daru: Gram, go introduce yourself.
Gram: WHAT? Why me!?
Daru: Because you started this.
Gram: You cannot be serious!
Gram glanced back at everyone, all wearing serious expressions.
Gram: (Mumbling) This is so dumb!
Gram tiptoed over to the man.
Gram: Excuse me… Sir?
Guy: (Deep voice) Yes…
Gram: (Relieved) Oh gosh, FINALLY someone speaks!
Gram looked at everyone and smiled as they waved their hands, eager for answers.
Gram: Oh (clears throat) Umm… is this the only village here?
Guy: That depends…
Gram: Depends? Depends on what?
The man stood up, and as Gram grew anxious, he turned around to reveal that half of his face had melted off.
Gram: AHHH!!
Guy: It depends on who is asking...
Gram: (Scared) Ugh... My friends and I are from, uh... Muddia City? (awkward smile)
Guy: Muddia City?
The man looked at Gram and his friends, who smiled awkwardly, except for Daru, Zodiac, and Akira.
Guy: (Laughs loudly) AHHH YES! MUDDIA CITY! My wife resides there! You know Fumio!
Gram: Uhh... Y-yes, of course I know Fumio! (laughs)
Guy: Please tell me how she died.
Gram: DIE?! WHAT?!
Guy: Yeah, my wife died there... I heard Muddia City got destroyed a while back, didn't it?
Gram: Oh yeah, right, it did get destroyed! How could I forget! (awkward laugh)
Akira: He's going to get killed.
Zodiac: I'll be happy if he does.
Guy: But how did my wife die!?
Gram: Right, how did she die?
Gram begins to ponder.
Guy: What was that?
Gram: Huh? You know, all that bam! boom! And she died.
Guy: Really? I don't think that's right... I heard she was killed by Eden.
Gram: Oh yeah! Eden! How could I forget her!
Guy: He's a guy.
Gram: That guy! Yeah!
Kono: Eden?
Ohma: Who's that?
Daru: I have no clue.
Guy: Eden was obsessed with her!
Gram: Yeah, he was obsessed, and knowing you were her husband, he got mad and killed her.
Zodiac: There's no way this idiot is going to believe that.
The guy leans toward Gram, who appears apprehensive.
Guy: You know... I never liked Eden. He was an asshole.
Gram: What? I mean, YEAH! Such an idiot!
Guy: Well, if Muddia City got destroyed, you guys were the only survivors?
Akira: I can't believe this idiot is lying through this.
Gram: Yeah, we're the only ones left; we've been walking for days without food and pretty much nothing.
Guy: Hmm... I see. I have a friend who can probably help you!
Gram: You do?
Guy: Yes! He actually manages this place.
Gram: (enthusiastically) That's perfect!
Guy: Would you like to meet him?
Daru steps in front of Gram.
Gram: H-hey!
Daru: Yes, we'd love to meet him.
Guy: Great! By the way, my name is Cliff.
Gram: Well... Mr. Cliff, my name is—
Akira: No one cares. Just take us to your friend, please.
Cliff: Alright. Right this way.
Cliff opens the door to his house, revealing complete darkness.
Gram: (nervously) Is it through there?
Cliff: Yes. It's not as bad as it seems.
Zodiac: Screw it.
Without hesitation, Zodiac walks through the door and vanishes.
Gram: Zodiac! Zodiac!?
Daru: Get in there!
Gram: AHHH!
Daru pushes Gram through the door. Everyone follows, and as they step through to the other side, they find themselves in a large city.
Gram: WHOA… Now I could get used to this.
Daru hits Gram on the arm.
Gram: Ouch! You know, you guys treat me a lot like that other guy from the Scarlet Squad!
Daru: Just move it!
Cliff: Right this way.
They follow Cliff through the city, taking in the sights. Cliff leads them to a tower with 500 floors. They get to the front doors of the tower and walk inside, heading to the throne room which is at the top, taking the stairs.
Gram: I feel like I'm going to be sick.
Akira: If you puke, I swear I'll kill you!
Gram swallows hard.
Cliff: Right through here.
As they reach the final floor, they walk forward as Cliff opens a large door, revealing a red carpet leading to a throne. They all walk down the carpet toward the throne, where someone sits on a large chair in front of them, with two guards on the side.
Cliff: (kneeling with his hand on his chest) My lord, I have brought individuals from Muddia City and request your assistance.
The person turns around and jumps off the chair. As he lands on the ground, they all see he is a short, unattractive child with tubes running through his back, with snot coming out of his nose.
Akira: You've got to be kidding me…
Zodiac: Is this a joke?
Daru: I can't believe this.
Kono and Himitsu are taken aback, while Gram and Ohma struggle to contain their laughter.
Gram: Are you serious?!
Ohma: He's so small!
Froog: Hi (sniffles), my name is Froog, the king of (sniffles) Swamptria City (sniffles).
Kono: O-oh, hi! I'm Kono, and these are my friends.
Froog: (looking behind Kono) Ahhh, I see. You have some nice-looking friends.
Akira: What the hell…
Himitsu: That was kind of weird…
Froog: (sniffles) So, what brings you here? We don't receive many visitors.
Kono: (thinking) Uhhh, we're travelers. We came from Muddia City.
Froog: (confused) Muddia City? (sniffles) Never heard of it.
Daru: (muttering to himself) Oh great…
Kono: It's far, far from here. It's been destroyed, so we don't expect many to be familiar with it.
Froog: I guess so. (sniffles) But if you traveled all this way, let me treat you as my guests.
Gram: Wait, really? You don't have to—
Akira elbows Gram in the chest.
Gram: (holding his chest) Ouch!
Kono: We would be honored to be your guests. After all, we need a place to rest our feet after all that walking.
Froog: (smiling) Perfect! I'll ensure you all feel comfortable. (sniffles) Cliff, why don't you show them the guest rooms?
Cliff: As you wish. Follow me.
Cliff begins to walk, and the others follow him. As they proceed, they approach a wall that reveals a door.
Ohma: Whoa! A door just appeared!
Cliff opens the door, revealing a dark interior similar to before.
Kono: Um, is this going to take us somewhere like how we arrived in the city?
Cliff: Yes. Now come on in.
Cliff steps inside first, and the others follow. On the other side, they find themselves in a lounge that is quite nice and spacious enough for ten people.
Gram: (looking around) After everything we went through, this doesn't look half bad.
Zodiac: Surprisingly.
Cliff: This is where you'll be staying. Feel free to stay here as long as you need.
Himitsu: I have a question.
Cliff: Hm?
Himitsu: Is there a faster way to travel between floors without taking the stairs?
Kono: Yeah, 500 floors is a lot.
Cliff: Yes. Right before you reach the stairs, some doors will appear indicating where they lead. If you need help with anything else, I'll be outside in the city.
Cliff walks to the front door of the lounge and exits, closing the door behind him.
Kono: Well… that just happened.
Gram collapses onto the couch, visibly exhausted.
Gram: Man, my feet are killing me!
Daru: You really need to work out more.
Gram: Work out!? We had to walk up 500 floors!
Himitsu: He's kind of right; that was a lot of floors, and my feet are exhausted too.
At that moment, Ohma's stomach growls.
Ohma: I'm starting to get hungry. You said you brought some food, right, Kono?
Kono: Yes, I did! We might as well eat now.
Kono walks to a table, signaling for everyone to join her. She removes a bag from her back and places it on the ground, opening it to search for the food.
Akira: What kind of food is it?
Kono: You'll see!
After a few moments, Kono pulls out seven large plastic containers with food and sets them on the table.
Kono: Here we go! Everyone take one container for yourself.
Everyone takes a container except for Gram, who remains on the couch.
Daru: Gram! Hurry up and get your food!
Gram: Okay, okay, sheesh!
Gram rises from the couch and approaches the table. Upon surveying the containers, he realizes there are none left and becomes upset.
Gram: Hey! Where's mine!?
Himitsu: What do you mean? Did you miss one, Kono?
Kono: No, I took out exactly seven containers. Unless someone has taken an extra one.
Daru: Akira.
Everyone turns to Akira, who is holding two containers.
Gram: Akira! Why do you have two? Everyone was supposed to receive one!
Akira: I was hungry, so I took two.
Kono: But Akira, that's not fair to Gram. Everyone should have the same amount. Can you give it back to him, please?
Akira: (sighs) Fine. Here you go.
Akira tosses the container back to Gram, who catches it just before it hits the ground.
Gram: Hey, be careful! You almost dropped my food!
Akira: Yeah, that was the point, you idiot!
Zodiac: (annoyed) Can you guys just hurry up and eat?
Kono: Right. Let's begin our meal.
Everyone opens their containers, revealing sushi with chopsticks inside.
Ohma: What is this?
Himitsu: Yes, what is it?
Kono: This is sushi! It's a traditional dish on Earth with many ingredients.
Daru picks up a piece of sushi and examines it closely.
Daru: Is that meat? It doesn't look cooked.
Kono: Yes, but don't worry. It's safe to eat raw.
Zodiac grabs the chopsticks from the container.
Zodiac: And what are these?
Kono: Those are chopsticks! They function similarly to spoons and forks, but in stick form. They are part of the tradition.
Akira: (holding the chopsticks) How are we supposed to eat with these?
Gram: (smiling) Leave that to me. I, the Great Gram, will show you how to eat sushi with chopsticks.
Gram grabs the chopsticks and attempts to pick up the sushi. It slips sideways, and he struggles.
Gram: (frustrated) Come on, you intractable chopsticks! Work!
Ohma: Need help, Gram?
Gram: Shut up, Ohma! You don't even know how to use them!
The scene shows Gram repeatedly failing to pick up the sushi.
Gram: Come on!
Kono: (laughing) It's okay if you don't know how. I'll show you—everyone can just watch me.
Gram: NO, I GOT THIS, KONO!
Kono: (sighs) Whatever…
Kono grabs the chopsticks, holding them correctly. She moves her hands together and successfully picks up the sushi.
Himitsu: Oh wow.
Gram: What! How did you do that?
Kono: You have to hold them like I am. It was hard at first, but it gets easier over time.
Kono puts the sushi in her mouth and chews.
Kono: (amazed) Mmmm! It tastes really good! You guys should try it!
The scene shows Daru, Himitsu, Ohma, and Zodiac struggling with chopsticks, while Akira grabs sushi with her hand and shoves it into her mouth.
Gram: You're supposed to use chopsticks, Akira!
Akira: (eating) Screw off. You can't be serious if you think I'm using those.
As she eats, Gram continues to struggle with the chopsticks. Frustrated, he throws them on the ground.
Gram: Man, these are ridiculous! Dumb chopsticks!