Pioneering the Apocalyptic World - Chapter 131

Chapter 01: Before leaving for the desert…

The Earth god’s body has finally healed. As a result, the ban on long-term trips was lifted.

With this, I can aim for any place that I want, even if it is far away. Since it was a long break, I am mentally and physically fit and fully prepared.

So, the first place to go is??

“I’m going to te west from Bartle Village in search for rice.”

“Hmm? Weren’t you heading to the earth god’s domain in the east?”

“I’m going to look for rice.”

“…… I see.”

I continued to make my point with a straight face, and Uru reluctantly accepted, making a face that looked like she want to say, “So, the usual thing…”.

But wait, there’s one thing you’re forgetting.

“Rice is a food ingredient, okay?”

“I already knew that?”

“My repertoire of meals will increase?”

“…… Mu.”

Fufufu, I understand, I understand. Interested, right?

Rice. It is soul food that is indispensable for most Japanese people. Isn’t there some people who eat it three meals a day? Well, I also like both bread and noodles though.

First of all, it can be eaten as it is. Of course, if you ask me, it would be better to make it into a rice ball. The possibilities for fillings are endless, from just salt to plums, salmon, chicken, and more.

And it really goes well with a variety of side dishes. Miso soup and pickles are the best. Egg fried rice are also good. Curry rice… Is impossible for now. Well, maybe if I can find some spices…?

Ah, I used the knowledge I received from the Earth God to make miso and soy sauce from soybeans. Uru frowned at the smell and said, “What’s you’re doing…?”, but when I poured it on grilled fish and made Japanese-style sauce, she became happy. However, it is no exaggeration to say that they only can show their true value when combined with rice.

“Rion, I understand, I understand. I’m going too, so calm down!”

Oops, I ended up talking too fast and for a long time.

Although she has been put off by my speech, she still seems to be looking forward to my cooking. I can see her tail wagging!

… Well, I also think that is a stupid motivation, but when you suddenly can’t eat the food you used to eat, the desire to eat just becomes stronger. 

The exploration members this time are myself, Uru, Fricka, Regulus and Liese. Unlike when we were hunting slimes, Fin will be at home. In order to explore places beyond the great river, it would have to be near a place where people live, such as Bartle Village, or after the Wind God has been released and the management of that land has resumed…

I’m a little worried about her food, but I’d like to think it will be okay since Fin has learned to cook a little. As for ingredients, we have fields and orchards, so they won’t run out unless the base burns down.

… As a side note that I couldn’t care less, I left the key to the warehouse where the alcohol was stored with Fin. I also added “Even if the Earth God begs for it, don’t give her more than the daily amount, okay?” She looked troubled, but I believe she will accomplish this mission. The Earth God also won’t act condescending or beg for it when dealing with young children… I want to believe.

In addition, before going out, I received the blessing (complete version) from the earth god.

… Maybe it was because the Earth God’s body had healed, but for some reason I felt a premonition that I needed to get it as fast as possible.

I was the only one who received knowledge-based protection, but everyone received the physical resistance part. It seem like it’s originally not something that a god will give out easily… But it’s all to restore the natural order of the world. Eh? How can I say that when I’m going to take a detour for food? It’s all okay, because making things benefits the creator God.

Using the return stone to fly to Bartle Village, we briefly greetee and gathered information, then walk west. Since we aren’t in such a hurry, I decided against borrowing a horse. They are a valuable labor force for this village after all. If I ever find a wild horse, I’d definitely like to secure it, but whether or not I encounter one is entirely a matter of luck.

While talking about trivial matters, we leisurely move along at the pace of Fricka, who is not used to traveling. She seemed apologetic, so maybe I should have borrowed at least one horse…? Well, it’s important to build up your physical strength, so she need to get used to it little by little…. When I thought about it in that way, I felt impressed that I had gotten used to it at some point.

On the first day, we didn’t encounter any horses, miasma, or monsters, and we were about to enter the night peacefully.

“Come to think of it, this is my first time camping out like this.”

“Oh, that’s right.”

After finishing the meal and entering the tent, Fricka said that. At first, she was planning to sleep with Liese considering the number of people, but apparently she was sent to my place after being told somethings in a indirect way…. Well, yeah.

But it’s true that she was always waiting at the base because of Fin, and we couldn’t go out after the earth god came, so thinking about, I guess that’s true.

“… Is camping in the wild really this easy?”

“Wait, Fricka, that perception is dangerous.”

Even though Uru seems dull as usual, she makes a point with a wry smile.

I can’t know because I can’t imagine a situation without me, but Regulus and Liese said it was quite comfortable. At the same time, it seems like ‘It’s dangerous if you get used to it.’

“Holy water… Maybe can be available to you, but to be able to ensure safety at night with holy water, and be able to sleep in a high-quality tent and bedding without having anyone stay awake at night because nightwatch golems. It’s better for you to think that’s not normal.”

“…… I see.”

Hmm, should I let her experience a normal (?) camping, or is it not necessary since we are basically always together? Even if we get separated due to some trouble, It’s a priority to use the return stone in that case. Unlike me, the number of items that someone can store its item box is small, and I feel like it would be a waste to have everyone carry a set of camping supplies. But it would be better to be prepared just in case… That’s a point to ponder about.

“… This may be the first time I’ve slept so far away from Fin.”

“…… Are you lonely?”

There was a faint hint of that in the mumbles that she spilled out, but Fricka shook her head slowly.

“I’m fine because Rion-sama and Uru-san are here. So I’m more worried about Fin.”

“Ah……”

Even though she married me (although it’s still on the level that I need to add a ‘technically’ to it, mainly because of me.) That’s the reason why we don’t sleep together every day.

As for Fin herself, she insists that she’s fine, but deep down she seems to be feeling lonely, I sometimes see her muttering things like “I’m fine…” but when she falls asleep she was grabbing Fricka’s clothes. So I have mixed feelings about it as well.

“Worrying won’t change anything, In two or three days, we will return home to resupply. It would be a good idea to take care of her at that time. If you don’t get enough sleep, you’ll be tired tomorrow.”

While saying that, Uru went limp and fell asleep…. Can’t we do something about this girl’s weakness at night? Even if it’s not the case now, I can see that it will be tough time in the future when nighttime monster attacks occur.

… Let’s leave it at that for today. If I don’t go sleep quickly, Fricka won’t either.

“As Uru said, we need to get some rest. Let’s sleep now.”

“…That’s right, good night.”

As I lay down, Fricka wraps herself in her sleeping bag, and, perhaps because it’s outside, she hesitantly reaches out and pinches the hem of my clothes, and soon falls asleep.

… This, maybe this is the same thing that Fin does…? Can I expected from sisters…?

This is from a later date, but as expected, Fin was suffering from lack of sleep. The earth god witnessed her half asleep walking around during the day and secretly reported to me.

Fricka gently asked her, and she said that even though there weren’t many people in the base in first place, having most of the people were gone made her feel lonely.

Hmm… Maybe I should recruit someone to stay at the base full-time…