I had been sent to a scorching desert by the White Witch.
The sun had completely gone into hiding, and an extremely cold night had arrived. It was cold; my whole body felt like it was being slashed by blades. Yet, my throat remained parched. Perhaps it was due to the dry air, which only made it worse. Every time the cold air passed through my parched throat, I felt a searing pain. My lungs were damaged by the sand and frozen air, making even breathing difficult.
I never thought I’d reach a point where I couldn’t even breathe. I wrapped myself in my tattered cloak. It had saved me countless times. It was now full of seams and had lost its former elegance, but it was still a cherished item. Unable to move, I leaned against a nearby rock. The sky was filled with a brilliant, star-studded expanse.
I wondered what everyone was doing. The three who remained must have been worried because we didn’t return. I hoped Piyo wasn’t feeling too lonely all by herself. Pauline was there too; I hoped they would quickly meet someone.
Sharin, she’s been with me for a long time. Even though she had long since achieved her own goals, she was concerned about me returning to my original world. She’s always sharp and reliable. Much more brave and intelligent than I am, and sometimes she shows a cute side. Thinking about my companions naturally brings a smile to my face. I truly hope they are safe. In this situation, I’m glad I didn’t return to my original world back then.
I felt sleepy. That’s right, I should sleep a little. It should get warmer when the sun rises. But then it’ll be that scorching hell again. If I can escape this agony even for a moment while sleeping… Ah, I’m afraid of what will happen when I wake up next. I wish I could sleep forever, then… I wouldn’t feel the heat, the cold, or the dryness…
…It’s hot, has the sun already risen? I don’t want to open my eyes; if I do, that pain will await me again. Not even a second after regaining consciousness, the pain in my throat attacks. Where should I go now? Will there even be any human settlements ahead? Usually, in places like this, towns are hundreds of kilometers apart.
I’ve come up with a terrifying thought since arriving here. The White Witch was able to send me to this world from another dimension. If that’s the case, maybe I’m in yet another world right now. What on earth… If that’s true, I might be finished this time. For starters, I don’t even know if there are any creatures with whom I can even converse.
It’s no use. My consciousness is fading due to the heat and thirst. I know I have to open my eyes and walk, but my eyelids remain closed. Will I dry up like this and become a living mummy…?
My dry throat made a gulping sound. Huh? Am I alive? Just then, something stepped on my head. I sensed the presence of another living being. Pat, pat, footsteps circled around me. Does this feeling mean it’s a large lizard? This time, a small hand touched my forehead. Trembling, I opened my eyes.
My gaze met round eyes peering down at me. Is this child? Then, the culprit who had touched my head bolted away. As if to chase after it, I sat up and realized I seemed to be in some kind of room. The child who fled was now staring at me from a corner of the room.
“Uh, who are you? *Cough* Sorry, my throat hurts.”
Perhaps someone saved me after I collapsed? Looking around the room again, I saw the walls were carved from rock, with a single window open at the top. Scattered around were grasses, dried meat, pots, and plates. As for the child, they had a peculiar appearance.
To put it simply, they looked like a human torso attached to a lizard’s lower body. However, the upper body wasn’t entirely human either, with scales and all. It’s like a lizard version of a centaur. In any case, it was a race I had never seen before.
“Um, I’m sorry to suddenly ask, but could I have some water?”
The child then slipped through a bamboo blind-like door hanging at the entrance of the room and went somewhere. Did I startle them? Oh, right, my luggage. It seems to be safe. It was placed near the floor where I was sleeping, and its contents were still there. The dagger I wear at my waist was also with me.
“Ah, you’re awake. Hello there.”
Saying that, someone entered the room – perhaps the child’s parent? They had slender hands and a long, lizard-like body. Their slender face looked somewhat intelligent. They lacked a chest, so maybe this person is a father? No, perhaps they hatch from eggs.
“Hello, thank you for saving me, *cough* *cough*.”
As I coughed, unable to speak properly, the lizardman offered me water.
