The “Original World” was completely “frozen” by Hidaki.
The current year is not 2019 AD, but precisely 3032 AD, with 1014 years added to 2019.
This is information that can be easily obtained by examining celestial bodies outside the range of “freezing.”
However, many people are living as if it were still 2019 AD.
Unlike “Another World” with its gentle “Winter Otherworld” dream, this “Original World” had no such thing.
All records and memories were completely “frozen,” and a blank 1014 years passed, so this reaction is natural.
Therefore, people’s perception is as follows—
“Around mid-2017, a commotion erupted worldwide regarding ‘abnormal weather’ and ‘precursors to natural disasters,’ with temperatures significantly dropping compared to the previous year. In 2018, experts announced the arrival of a ‘Minor Ice Age,’ a small-scale glaciation, but by 2019, the ‘Minor Ice Age’ ended rather abruptly. Everyone thought, ‘Ah, it wasn’t that big of a deal,’ and returned to their normal lives—”
Two months have since passed.
There were likely flood damage due to snowmelt, so it couldn’t have been an easy two months.
However, many areas were spared from flood damage, and some people may have already forgotten about the temperature changes.
It’s difficult to dwell on things that caused no real harm.
More importantly, the biggest reason was that it wasn’t a “true minor ice age” but a “magical freeze.” Hidaki, the caster, had adjusted it to minimize damage compared to an actual minor ice age.
—Someday, I will be defeated, and the time to release this freeze will come.
Hidaki thought this unconsciously, and thus, this “Original World” did not experience nightmares of natural disasters or great depressions.
So, the only problem lies with those in positions to confirm the passage of 1014 years.
Although government bodies and federations are implementing information control to avoid confusion, the information is gradually spreading. Even if the facts reach ordinary people, a logical explanation would require “magic,” which is an unfair advantage. It will likely take a long time to reach the truth.
I vaguely suspect this might be related to the influence of that “failed magic.”
The initial “magic” and skills that appeared in this “Original World” were all unknown and unprecedented.
Detailed verification will likely be carried out using “Past Sight” from now on.
However, in this “Original World,” where “Demonic Poison” was absorbed by Hidaki, it is a bit taxing to use large-scale high-level magic.
While the laws of physics, magic, and the world’s principles have not changed significantly, this “Original World” has clearly become… thinner in various aspects.
“—Phew. Arrival.”
I reconfirmed that there were still tasks remaining in the “Original World” and set foot in the cheap rental room I had moved to using the magic “Replace Connection.”
On the floor were six and a half tatami mats with splintered straw.
On the wall was a shoji screen with holes patched with paper.
On the wooden ceiling, a flickering, faulty light bulb blinked.
It didn’t cost much.
I only secured it as a warp destination, so the nameplate is also a pseudonym.
“Alright, Seldra. Here’s a mobile phone. I have a magic stone for communication, but try to use it as little as possible.”
“Understood. Magic use is prohibited here. Physical abilities should also be suppressed to the level of ordinary people.”
I handed over the tools prepared for when we split up and confirmed the agreed-upon rules for this world.
To be safe, I haven’t set up an easy “Connection” in the room.
My “Replace Connection” is the only way to return, so a mechanical means of communication is essential. If I get lost, I’ll never be able to return… but Seldra should be fine.
Therefore, I will focus on Kuuneru, who looks restless beside me.
I trust the “Foreigner” Seldra and will send him out alone.
“Seldra, enjoy this time and this world.”
“Ah… Of course, I will enjoy it. I will live a happy continuation just like you. Otherwise, it would be for naught that you… that you are ‘writing’ it for me.”
Seldra nodded, started to say something then stopped, and smiled with his eyes narrowed.
Then, as he parted, he encouraged the girl who held a rival position.
“Kuuneru Shuls, you enjoy your date to the fullest too. There’s no need to be nervous. This world, too, has overcome that despairing winter, and everything is over… We’re just visiting the world after it ended. Don’t forget that it’s a continuation of a dream.”
With that advice, he walked away alone.
He opened the poorly-fitted door and left the rental room like an old man enjoying a stroll in his remaining years.
After watching him until he disappeared, Kuuneru and I were finally alone.
Kuuneru had now reached the state of compensation she desired.
However, she did not seem at ease and continued to glance around restlessly.
Then, with emotion welling up, she spoke the words that rose from her throat.
“Th-this is ‘Another World’…? I still can’t quite grasp it, as things progressed so smoothly and we just moved… This strangely shaped house is certainly… certainly ‘Another World’!”
“That said, this is a rural area, so it’s not that different from your world. You won’t see the astonishing ‘stone city’ unless you go to the city.”
Following Seldra, we also left the room, talking as we went.
First, the scenery from when Hidaki and I lived together came into view.
Gentle mountains lined the distance, and below them were roofs of red, blue, and black tiles. Ancient utility poles stood sporadically, and the roads were basically gray concrete. However, next to the occasional rice paddy, there were also green embankments.
I chose a slightly rural area as my warp destination to suppress confusion due to the gap between worlds—or so I claim, but the truth is I don’t have many good memories of cities.
Busy cities filled with buildings still make me feel restless.
They are filled with painful pasts, and I feel crushed by the heavy atmosphere.
In contrast, the sky here is light and beautiful.
The wind is pleasant, and the air is delicious.
My memories of living with Hidaki are also all peaceful.
Even flipping through the pages lightly, the memories there are—
“Weekday lunch.
A brother and sister were on a train.
Clackety-clack, a regular, rocking sound of creaking filled the air.
It was a local line running with few cars.
Old, but the seats were kept clean. The brother and sister sat down.
Both the brother and sister looked out the front window, not at each other.
However, the brother’s right hand and the sister’s left hand were indeed clasped on the seat.
There were fewer than ten other passengers in the car.
In the empty car, the only sound was the rattling of the train… No, if you listened closely, you could hear a mother with a boy of about five whisper, ‘Look, over there. The sea.’ Hearing this, the boy’s face lit up, and he pattered over to the opposite window, climbed onto the seat with his knees, and pressed himself against the window. He seemed well-disciplined to be quiet on the train, and said in an unusually small voice for a child, ‘Mama, the sea—’ he laughed.
The brother and sister’s gazes simultaneously turned to the mother and child.
The mother noticed and lightly bowed her head as if to apologize.
Immediately, the brother and sister smiled and slightly shook their heads.
And as they tried to return their gaze—the brother’s black eyes and the sister’s black eyes met.
The brother and sister who made eye contact smiled at each other one more time.
It wasn’t a smile with any particular meaning.
But it was a smile that came out naturally.
The smiles of the brother and sister filled the space.
Only the train’s sound and the child’s voice grew.
The scent of rust and earth mingled.
As serenity overflowed, the brother and sister held hands and looked at the sky spreading beyond the window.
They continued to watch the slowly changing scenery.
It was a fleeting phantasm.
Even if it was an illusion, truly.
At this moment, the two were smiling at each other and were fulfilled—”
—Warm memories.
I was an idiot who couldn’t realize Hidaki’s pain, but it’s better than my memories of the city.
The sky seen from the train then and the sky here are the same.
Several cotton-like white clouds drifted, and it wasn’t clear skies. But it was peaceful, and the scent of the earth reached the back of my nose no matter where I was.
Looking up at this sky with Kuuneru for a long time, I finally felt a sense of reality.
—That was the reality of returning.
I had longed to return to “here”—not to “Another World,” but to this peaceful time—for a very, very long time.
I believed my sick sister was waiting for me during this time, and as her brother, rushing to her side and being with her was my mission.
Yes.
It wasn’t the place.
It was the time I wanted to return to. The blue sky. The smell of earth. The gentle wind.
I had been wandering for so long because I wanted to return to this time—
“But now… it’s over… I’ve arrived…”
I confirm the warmth of my sister, Hidaki, in my chest.
There are also newly added “family” members.
Nosfy and Rustiara… and Tiara and Ragune, too.
And here stands the “real” me, whom I had been seeking for so long.
I am no longer “non-existent.” I, Aikawa Uzunami, am truly alive as everyone’s “family.”
I felt that all my hardships were finally being rewarded.
“Ah, I have returned. From that other world, at last…”
When Seldra and I came a month ago, things were chaotic, so I couldn’t really feel it.
I didn’t have time to pause and gaze at the sky like this.
However, as Kuuneru’s companion, visiting without any particular objective, I can now truly feel the air of my homeland.
Therefore, I can read the page “Aikawa Uzunami has returned to the ‘Original World'” with the “Reading” skill.
I can even write the next page myself now.
It’s the continuation of “The Protagonist walks his own life, no longer guided by his parents, Hidaki, or Tiara.”
But before I could write it in my heart, Kuuneru, looking up at the sky, mumbled.
“Ugh… The sky is blue…”
“Yes, it’s a blue sky. It looks the same as in Another World, but it’s different.”
While agreeing, I added the word “different.” The color is the same, but the density of “Demonic Poison” is clearly different. It’s thinner here compared to there. The creatures passing by in my peripheral vision are also different.
“Huh? Is something flying? What is that?”
“…A sparrow, perhaps? Ah, it’s a sparrow. Definitely a sparrow. Haha.”
Seeing a creature with a familiar name flying with a familiar movement.
Furthermore, knowing the scenery in the direction the bird flew, I felt very calm.
“In the distance… Ah, there’s a convenience store. A convenience store, huh? It’s been so long. Let’s grab a snack later.”
I had a casual thought, like someone returning home after a U-turn.
In contrast, Kuuneru, who was supposed to be a tourist, murmured very seriously.
“This… the composition of the air isn’t much different either? Magic is hard to activate, but not impossible. The influence of magic power is clearly less. From the random weeds underfoot, the safety of the plants is evident. As for the insects… is this an ‘ant’? But they’re small. Animals aren’t “monsterized” because there’s less toxicity?”
“If you try to use magic, it will be ‘Magic Nullification.’ Also, ants here are basically that size. There are no creatures here that could be called monsters.”
“…!”
In “Another World,” whether an animal is a monster is determined by the degree of “Demonic Poison” and its hostility towards humans. By that standard, everything in this “Original World” would be an animal. The only monsters were Hidaki and I.
However, the fact seemed to be truly shocking for Kuuneru.
While everything here was familiar to me, Kuuneru’s reaction showed that each individual thing she noticed was novel.
“I-I see. So, it’s fundamentally different. Even the dead bodies of creatures are natural, and there’s no magical element… so the soil composition changes? Even the taste, while mixed with minerals, doesn’t have the strong flavor of magic stones. Here, there are no conditions for dark clouds to form, so there are fewer things to collect—”
“Haa… Just sitting on a riverbank like this and waiting for the sunset would be nice… It feels so much like a holiday… I’m getting sleepy too…”
We had walked to a spot where we could see a winter river, and I crouched down at the edge of the road to match Kuuneru, who had suddenly squatted.
Next to Kuuneru, who had started tasting the soil, I continued to stare blankly at the sky of my homeland.
That said, since I’ve been living in Another World for longer now, the expression “homeland sky” might be strange.
However, I was definitely feeling the relief of nostalgia right now.
So, I’ll count it as a good thing.
—From today on, this is the sky of my homeland.
The sky of my homeland heals my body, which has endured many battles.
The wind of my homeland blows by, and the smell of the earth tickles my nostrils—
“—Wait, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”
Midway, Kuuneru sprang up and roared like a beast.
Hearing her from nearby, I was amused by her emotional change.
“You’re snapping back to reality quickly… When I got lost in Another World, I was much more ‘confused’.”
I could understand Kuuneru’s feelings right now.
When I got lost in Another World, I checked every corner of the city and was surprised by the differences.
“Haa, haa, haa… M-more importantly… where did Seldra-sama go?”
“He went to the library with a skipping pace just now. Alone.”
“That’s good news…! He’s surprisingly considerate…! But now I’m curious about the library in Another World too!”
“Libraries are a common place to get lost in. Shall we go to the library where Seldra is later? For now… —Magic “New Reading”.”
“Wha-what!? Don’t casually use mental interference magic! I haven’t done anything wrong yet!”
“No, this isn’t mental interference. It’s the type that physically interferes with the brain. Through the nerves, sending electrical signals to the hippocampus and such—”
“That sounds even scarier!! P-please spare me…! Just so you know, that’s definitely something that would be designated as forbidden…!”
“I know. But it’s convenient.”
“I-it does seem convenient… Thanks to it, I can read the sign over there… Have I read it? I have, but… the fact itself is frightening!”
Kuuneru was very busy, her expressions changing rapidly, and her body trembling.
Her breath was uneven just from talking, and she was breaking out in a cold sweat.
Furthermore, she started muttering in a small voice, “Really, it’s different from my world… Here, I’m the foreign element, and the Chairman is normal?”
Come to think of it, Kuuneru is a young lady who has lived for hundreds of years in her own safe zone, created a thousand years ago.
During the battle with Hidaki, she was in rear support, so it’s probably her first time leaving her territory in a long while.
Therefore, her muttering accelerated, and her thoughts reached the point of “Eh, what if I get caught here and become an experiment subject? I really don’t want to be an experiment subject again…,” and with a frightened look around, she sought protection from me with a somewhat nostalgic subservient move.
“Heh heh heh… Shall I give your shoulders a massage, Chairman?”
“No, you don’t have to do that. I will definitely protect you. … Still, it’s a little amusing to see it like a sped-up replay of when I got lost in Another World.”
“See! You found my reaction amusing!!”
Seeing even the clever Kuuneru “confused” made me realize that traveling to another world is indeed a heavy burden.
I was the same in the past (though I had the cheat skill “???…” back then…). When I realized I could read in the library, I doubted my own brain’s abnormal state and was terrified. That’s scary. It’s just plain scary.
However, the reactions from here on will likely differ greatly between me and Kuuneru.
Unlike my time, Kuuneru has memories. She has power. She has a companion. Most importantly, her objective here is light.
“More importantly, Kuuneru. Since you came to my world, let’s go somewhere. The sooner we sightsee, the better.”
“S-sightseeing… Right… I came here with Chairman for sightseeing plus shopping…”
Unlike me, she doesn’t have to reach for unattainable goals.
She doesn’t have to search for places that don’t exist.
“Yeah. You’ve finally calmed down. So, where do you want to go?”
“W-where… Hmm… I’ll leave it to Chairman. Why don’t we go where Chairman wants to go first? Heh heh heh.”
Kuuneru must have planned a lot before coming here.
However, after experiencing a surprisingly large shock, she delegated the choice to me.
“Where I want to go, huh…”
Since I have the opportunity, I should take her up on her offer.
What do I honestly want to go to right now?
Now that I’ve returned home, where do I truly want to go first—
As I pondered this, the first face that came to mind was that of a person I missed.
It was “Konagi-chan.”
In that case, where would I need to go? To her grave, I suppose.
I want to pay my respects in front of Konagi-chan’s grave.
Even if it’s deceitful, hypocritical, or insulting—I felt I needed it.
Because I believe seeing Konagi-chan again will be a form of “mourning.”
After that, my “parents.”
Unlike Konagi-chan, they were arrested and separated, but their lives were saved.
I assume they are currently serving their sentences, but will I be able to visit them?
No, if not for my “failed magic” or “curse,” they might have already been paroled.
Yes.
If it weren’t for me and Hidaki, both of them are truly excellent and very strong people.
“Alright, let’s go to the cemetery first. Then, the prison. It probably won’t be that hard to find—”
“K-CHAAAAAAAIRMAN!? THOSE KINDS OF PLACESSSS!!!!”
I calmly decided on the tourist spots based solely on my own convenience, but it was stopped by Kuuneru’s second roar.
“The places I want to go are these two…”
“Even so, a cemetery and a prison!! Cemetery and prison when I’m with a girl!!”
“I think both are excellent for understanding the culture and customs of this world.”
“The customs you can learn are so grim!”
It’s not a joke at all.
Places where you can glimpse the “life and death,” “sin and punishment” of another world.
The benefit of experiencing those values is immense. Undoubtedly, life is treated with more weight and punishment for sin is stricter in this world. Misunderstanding the values here could lead to serious trouble, so this is a tourist spot proposed with 100% goodwill—is the excuse I just came up with, but before I could say it, I was preempted.
“Chairman—!! I came here to enjoy a date too, you know! When I said ‘I’ll leave it to you,’ I didn’t mean ‘I’ll leave it to you,’ but ‘Please entertain me like you’re on a date’! That’s why you’re so used to being stabbed by women! You immediately adopt an attitude of ‘I don’t mind getting stabbed’!”
Kuuneru apparently thought of this as a date with me.
I knew that. But, well, she’s Kuuneru, so—
“Hey! Chairman, you’re doing that “well, it’s Kuuneru” face again!”
Demonstrating advanced mind-reading, Kuuneru became agitated and angry.
As expected of a girl who has lived a life focused on diplomacy and negotiation. Like Hidaki and Tiara, she can anticipate the conversation and continue it.
“Of course, I know you have no intention of it at all! Even so, it’s Another World! Back in the millennium, didn’t you brag about the food culture!? Take responsibility and take me somewhere I can eat delicious food! After that, a jewelry store!! I want to confirm the story that gold and silver are rare here, but you don’t have too much trouble with crops! And then you’ll buy me a ring!! Sound good!?”
Kuuneru grabbed my hand and stood up energetically.
Furthermore, saying “Time is precious,” she started walking briskly down the concrete road.
It seems her usual self has finally returned.
“That’s good. The usual bold Kuuneru is back.”
“What’s with that face, like you’re intentionally playing the villain and thinking ‘Ah, Kuuneru is so troublesome, good grief’… Yes, I’m back! I was made to return to my usual self! … Today is like discovering a new continent and reaching a new civilization! Earlier, when I tasted the soil, there was no spicy ‘Demonic Poison’ flavor, so the story about minerals is probably true! Even the low-grade magic stones from our world are treated as rare metals! If I re-buy the mining rights locally, I’ll be able to profit immensely from the world difference when trade begins! Lots of first-mover advantage, which you like—!!”
As we walked, I saw Kuuneru’s mouth turning up little by little.
This is “Kuuneru Chronicle Shuls Regia Ingrid.” I’m relieved that she seems to be enjoying her compensation.
“Yes! It’s fun! No matter what, it’s becoming fun! Of course! It’s the long-awaited Other World, so it’s bound to be fun!”
“Ah, Other Worlds are fun. … I know that too. Better than anyone.”
Other Worlds aren’t just about “confusion.” All sorts of fun await.
That’s why Seldra is managing to not get bored somehow.
And to add to that, returning from that Other World is also very fun.
I have finished my “adventure” in Another World and have gained many things that this “Original World” does not have.
This includes not only things in my “Inventory” but also intangible things.
Skills like swordsmanship, various skills, and magic.
Interdimensional knowledge and values.
With the ability to bring those here and use them freely, I am, in a sense, a superhuman.
If utilized, the profit gained from world differences that Kuuneru speaks of would be immeasurable.
…Alright.
If I feel like it, I might start posting videos.
Not shocking supernatural phenomenon videos, but deliberate game commentary.
I used to dislike fighting games, but now I might be able to dominate them. Even with magic restrictions, I still have “Sensation.”
“So… here, first, over there!”
After walking for about a few hundred meters, Kuuneru spotted a large building and shouted.
Then, reading the sign that caught her eye, she designated it as the first place for interaction in this Other World.
The characters read “Restaurant.” It was a chain family restaurant.
I thought a more high-class Japanese restaurant would have been better, but I quickly changed my mind.
Japanese food might be good for understanding Japan’s colors, but a chain restaurant might be more appropriate for understanding this world’s colors.
Thinking it wasn’t a bad idea, I walked ahead of her.
“We can take a break and eat… Okay, let’s go in.”
“Haa, you’re finally in the mood to escort me… As always, Chairman, it takes you this long to get here…”
Cemeteries and prisons are better experienced alone.
First, to satisfy Kuuneru, the guest, I took her hand and went inside.
