I'd secured a cart and loaded it with everything I needed—plants, food, decorations, and supplies. When I reached the eastern gate, the guards from yesterday greeted me curiously:
—"Hey, Ren! Planning something with all that in the forest?" one asked.
—"Yeah, I've got a mansion there and I'm moving in," I replied with a smile.
The guards blinked, then nodded in understanding:
—"So that's why you explored the forest yesterday! Hope it's a good home."
—"Thanks!"
I continued on, but hauling the cart exhausted me, so I took a break mid-forest. Suddenly, rustling bushes put me on alert. I nervously drew my sword, recalling yesterday's events. Maybe coming alone wasn't smart. Should've asked Maya and Zara for help.
Then, Fungoids emerged—and I remembered they weren't enemies. Sheathing my sword, I was stunned when they started pushing the cart.
—"Wait... you want to help me?"
They bobbed cheerfully.
—"Alright! To the mansion!"
One Week Later
Maya & Zara's Perspective
Maya marched through Lumis toward the eastern gate:
—"Ren's been radio silent for a week. Not that I miss him, but he's probably in trouble. Someone's gotta check."
At the gate, she spotted Zara talking to the guards:
—"Zara?! What're you doing here?"
Zara sighed:
—"Tch. Annoying company arrived."
—"Going to see Ren?" Maya crossed her arms.
—"Yes. I haven't heard from him, and I... miss him," Zara admitted bluntly. —"My question is: why are you here?"
Maya flushed under Zara's scrutiny:
—"I-It's not what you think! Just making sure that idiot's not dead."
Zara smirked:
—"Sure, sure..."
—"Ugh! We're going the same way, right? Move it or I'll leave you behind!"
As they left, the guards chuckled:
—"Ren's got two very peculiar girls in his party."
Arriving at the mansion, Maya and Zara gaped. The place was immaculate—blooming gardens, elegant decor, everything polished and welcoming.
—"Ren did all this alone in a week?" Zara murmured.
They knocked repeatedly until Maya huffed:
—"Guess he's not here. Let's go."
Then my voice called from inside:
—"Coming!"
Maya turned red as Zara gave her a smug look.
Back to Ren's Perspective
I opened the door, startled:
—"Maya? Zara? Wh-What are you doing here?"
—"You vanished for a week," Zara said.
Maya stammered:
—"W-We just figured you'd gotten yourself killed! That's all!"
I rubbed my neck:
—"Sorry—been busy fixing things up. Planned to invite you when it was ready."
They admired the place, but Zara frowned:
—"How'd you finish so fast?"
—"Well... I had help. Come in."
The first thing they saw was a massive portrait of Purin in the foyer.
—"Didn't peg you as the devout type," Maya muttered uncomfortably.
—"L-Let's just say we have a... connection," I deflected.
Zara studied me but followed as I led them further inside. Fungoids were everywhere—dusting, carrying furniture, even tending the backyard where the Kurotama had been.
—"These are the forest Fungoids?!" Maya yelped.
—"Yep! They're crazy helpful," I said. —"They even hauled furniture from Lumis."
Zara tilted her head:
—"How'd you communicate with them?"
—"Well, see—"
THUD! Noko dropped from the ceiling onto Maya, covering her eyes:
—"HIIII-NYAAA!!"