The week flew by quickly after my unexpected reunion with Ellen. Once I got back home and talked to Ruby, Ellen called me a few times, and I also called her to discuss some matters related to the other realm. One of those matters was whether we should bring supplies or not.
Last time, when we were teleported along with the bus, everything inside it came with us too. Although neither Ellen nor I know if it will be the same this time, we thought it prudent to prepare as if it would be. Additionally, since we don't know the conditions for appearing together, we decided to stay close until the moment of teleportation.
Apart from that, I spent my time as usual. I still went to college and worked at the café. However, lately, I've been feeling like we're short on money, especially now that I need to stay away from Ruby for indefinite periods. I really didn't want to leave her with few resources. Also, I'm worried about being away for many days since our house isn't the safest.
However, even though I want to change this situation and provide a better life for Ruby, I have no idea what to do. Initially, I thought about using my rune to win the lottery, but that's practically impossible unless I see the numbers and then die naturally afterward. My rune doesn't activate when my death is intentional, and honestly, I'm not sure I want to die again so soon.
With all this in mind, I glanced briefly at the screen floating beside me. I had been staring at it for a few minutes already. How can I put it? If I don't check it every minute, I start to feel anxious.
Missions
[Main Mission] - Race against time (Hunt as many monsters as you can before time runs out, those who fail to meet the quota will be eliminated)
The mission remained the same, but what really caught my attention was what was right below it.
Time
00:15:23
I didn't know if it was because I hadn't noticed before or if it really wasn't there before, but before I realized it, a number appeared. I noticed this when I opened the missions screen again while waiting for Ellen and Noelle at the café where I work. When I first saw it, there were about 20 minutes left.
Honestly, I'm not sure what the time refers to, but I probably don't need to think too hard to understand what it's about. It's likely related to our teleportation to the other realm.
As these thoughts passed through my head, the sound of the establishment's door opening caught my attention. Today, the boss wouldn't open the place to receive customers, so there was only one possibility for a visit. As I imagined, Ellen and Noelle were standing in front of the door, looking around, probably trying to find me.
"Ellen! Noelle!" I called out, waving my hand.
As soon as they heard my voice, both Ellen and Noelle turned their gaze toward me. Ellen let out a brief sigh upon seeing me, while Noelle practically came running toward me, with a wide smile on her face.
"Big bro!!" Noelle exclaimed, throwing herself into my arms.
"I'm glad you're still here, I thought Noelle and I were late" Noelle commented, taking a deep breath.
From my point of view, she seemed a bit tired, though I didn't think she needed to be. It looked like Noelle had rushed over here while carrying something. It probably wasn't much for her, considering her strength should be relatively good, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't tire her out.
"Did you also see the timer?" Ellen asked, sitting across from me.
When she mentioned "timer" the first thing that came to mind was the time that was added below the main mission. With that in mind, I nodded. Seeing my response, Noelle put a worried expression on her face.
I had a vague idea of what she was thinking. Although there were downsides in terms of numbers indicating when we would be teleported, like, for instance, clearly no longer being in control of ourselves. Whoever was doing this, we were pretty much toys to that person.
At the same time, it also indicated that we wouldn't simply be transported to another place without having any idea what to expect. Personally, I preferred to look at the bright side; this would give us enough time to prepare properly.
"Let's put that topic aside for now" I commented, putting a slight smile on my face. "Are you two ready? We don't know what to expect, but whatever happens, we'll stick together. Besides worrying about the monsters, it's also good to keep an eye out for humans" I replied, to which Ellen and Noelle just nodded in confirmation.
"Ellen and I brought some supplies in our backpacks" Ellen remarked as she lifted both. "We bought two big ones; probably, combining the two should last us almost a week"
Just as Ellen mentioned, the backpacks were relatively large and seemed to be stuffed with food. I also brought a backpack, so I think we'll be fine for a while. Besides, something about the mission name makes me think we won't be staying there for too long this time.
With everything seemingly set, I took a quick glance at the timer, which probably indicated when we would be teleported to the location where the main mission would take place.
Timer
00:3:00
Suddenly, I realized there were only 3 more minutes left. Ellen, who was anxiously looking to the side, seemed to be keeping track of the same numbers as me. Noelle remained quietly seated on my lap, savoring the soda I bought a while ago.
"It's going to be okay" I commented, making Ellen turn her gaze towards me.
With a slight smile on my face, I nodded to Ellen, trying to convey some calmness. Honestly, I was nervous too, not out of fear of dying, but out of dread of facing that unbearable pain again when dying.
At certain moments of my death, I really hoped not to wake up, anything to make that pain stop. With these thoughts, Ellen, Noelle, and I were enveloped in blue lights, obscuring our vision.