Chapter 8 [ Outside - 1. Spirit Tree]
One day, when the familiars' statuses had considerably improved, it was decided to open the entrance of the cave or rather, it didn't feel like a dungeon and venture outside. Keen, being skilled in boar hunting, should manage even if we encounter monsters outside.
"Haifa, are there any hostile beings near the exit?"
"It's... fine. There are... no dangerous... creatures... near the exit."
Since Haifa extends mycelium outside the cave, we can understand the outside world through it. We, who tend to stay indoors, have excellent surveillance.
"Well then, yes, gate, open."
I didn't need to say it that way, but well, it's about the mood.
Just by casually chanting, the rocky wall at the entrance deformed as I envisioned, opening the exit. Dungeon magic is truly excellent.
The other world I saw for the first time was lush and vibrant, with an endlessly clear blue sky and delicious air it was essentially the rural Japan of days gone by. Well, I don't necessarily want to encounter dragons or skeletons right off the bat, but it might be too much to expect a more otherworldly encounter.
It feels like spring. The slightly chilly air and warm sunlight are pleasant. Is the season here synchronized with Japan? It would be convenient for things like clothing preparation.
I stop for a moment and take a deep breath. I don't sense any abnormal changes in my body. I don't feel the presence of dangerous creatures, but I remain vigilant. The most dangerous thing would be getting noticed by the residents here. I don't know the physical characteristics, clothing, language, etc., of the inhabitants of this world. I want to avoid contact since I don't know if my appearance fits in or stands out, if the conversation would work, or if the residents would be friendly. The neighbors might not even be human. I have no idea how to interact amicably with goblins.
For now, I'll hide and observe from a distance. I've brought equipment like digital cameras, video cameras, and binoculars for that purpose.
"Ah, Master, there's a path over here~"
No, Keen, were you even listening to the previous conversation? I don't want to take a busy road.
"Master... I don't sense any human presence. More importantly... I feel the presence of spirits ahead..."
...Spirits?
...
After following a mountain path almost hidden in the grass, we arrived at a colossal tree that, in Japan, would be revered as a sacred tree. In the high branches that reached towards the sky, there were traces of something small. Are those the spirits?
"Unfamiliar guests. From where do you come?"
I received telepathic communication echoing in my mind. Is it coming from this giant tree?
"Master... This is telepathic communication from the Spirit Tree."
If that's the case, I should greet properly.
"Great predecessors, I come from a distant world, traversing the void to arrive in this place. I harbor no ill intentions or malevolence towards you. I wish for friendship with this world."
Well, it's quite a chuunibyou-filled line. It's embarrassing to say, but this kind of theatrical line might suit this world.
"Traveler from another world, I am one deeply rooted in this land. I sincerely welcome you. If possible, I hope you come to love this land as well."
And so began the encounter with the Spirit Tree, which would become a long-lasting relationship.
...
"Now, is it safe to say that the unusual individuals here are the result of Crow eating something brought from another world?"
It has been about ten days since the initial meeting with the "old man" Spirit Tree. I come here every two or three days to scout the area and create a simple map. I've become quite familiar with the old man, sharing our respective situations. Oh, "Crow" refers to me. My surname is Karasumaru, and "crow" is the English name for a crow.
"Well, it turned out like that. Perhaps because I was originally a race that doesn't grow large, my body remained small while my magical power became stronger. In that sense, you could say I'm exceptional."
"Exactly... appearing like a small creature but having the essence of a magical being, it would be troublesome if you were an enemy."
"But, in the end, I'm just a small fry. If faced with an overwhelmingly massive opponent, it would be the end of me being stepped on. That's why I have to play the role of a lizard, slime, or slayer."
"At the same time, to have stronger magical power."
"And no skill to disguise magical power."
"Well, it's a matter for discussion, but these old bones have been feeling short of breath lately. If I could have your company, I would be grateful, but..."
"Short of breath... Well, okay. Fertilizer or water? It's fine either way. I don't have any now, but I'll bring some next time."
"Hmm, that's something to look forward to, but if possible, could you offer me the nectar you currently possess?"
"Nectar?"
"That's right, Yumari, Yumari."
"Yumari... Is that urine?"
From that day forward, I was obliged to urinate at the old man's base. Frankly, it feels incredibly disrespectful, but to the old man, it seems like a "reward." The clash of perspectives, or rather, the difficulties of cultural exchange, are quite challenging.