After they finished off the last of the Ninja Apes, we regrouped, each of us perched on separate tree branches, high above the forest floor but close enough to talk. I sat hunched on mine, still catching my breath. Hayama and Kirishima stood on theirs with ease, barely winded.
Glancing up, I saw their levels floating above their heads—both had broken past Level 30. Meanwhile, I was still stuck at 24.
"You okay?" Hayama asked.
"Yeah," I said.
I'd told him about my condition after last night's training, though not in detail. He understood, which was why he'd signaled permission to use *Shinkai* earlier. That signal was meant for me.
"Next time, use *Shinkai*," Hayama said. "This is your chance to push your limits. You won't get a better shot."
"Yeah," I said, already considering it. This could be my opportunity to extend my *Shinkai* duration, but I was scared. Enduring that pain would be brutal, and I didn't know how long it'd last or if I'd lose control. Still, it was my shot. Kirishima was giving me that disdainful look again—she'd called me weak before, and I wanted to prove her wrong. Not to win her over; that was separate. This was about my pride, and I'd let no one tarnish it except Sensei and Saya, who'd been there after my sister's death.
"We keep moving," Hayama said. "Stay ready for anything."
I stood, slung my food bag over my shoulder, and we took off, Kirishima and I trailing Hayama.
I braced for more monsters, mentally preparing every hundred heartbeats, telling myself, "Hayama's gonna stop here and call another fight." But he didn't. He kept charging forward, and soon, light pierced through the trees. We burst out of the forest.
Hayama halted just outside, Kirishima stopping to his left. I emerged last, taking my place on his right.
We stood on a cliff's edge, roughly the height of our hotel. Below, one of the most breathtaking sights I'd ever seen unfolded.
Sunlight cascaded over a dreamlike village, nestled between towering mountains like a rare gem cradled by nature. Wooden houses with green and orange tiled roofs were scattered among trees blazing with autumn hues, each building a stroke in a lovesick artist's painting.
Wooden bridges arched over crystal-clear streams, linking homes and structures that climbed the hillsides. Verdant greenery scaled the mountains on all sides, while white rocks gleamed purely, as if silently guarding the place with serene calm.
The village pulsed with life and tranquility, its details steeped in mythic charm. It felt like time had paused here, letting nature and beauty speak in reverent silence.
Hayama turned to me, grinned, and jumped. I smiled back and leaped after him, not even glancing at Kirishima. This view's beauty rivaled hers.
For a fleeting moment, I hung in the air, my chest trembling. A cool breeze brushed past, wrapping me in the sky's majesty as I plummeted. The wind tugged at my shirt, and a sense of freedom stirred something dormant deep within me.
When my feet touched the ground, it wasn't just a village that greeted me—it was a living heart nestled in the mountains, a city of dreams inhabited by gentle spirits. Every house was a poem, every tree a whispered tale. The autumn-colored trees swayed gently, as if celebrating our arrival.
We crossed a wooden bridge over a babbling stream, its waters so clear they mirrored the sky, not the earth. Children's laughter echoed in the alleys, vendors' calls carried a soft melody, and the air was rich with the scent of flowers and tea leaves.
Amid this beauty, a simple wooden sign caught my eye, swaying gently under a sprawling tree's shade. "Inn," it read in delicate, warm script. I nudged Hayama, then darted toward it, pushing the door open. It creaked softly, as if the place had been waiting for me for ages.
Inside, the scent of aged wood and fresh tea enveloped me. The walls were adorned with folk tale paintings, and the floor was covered with intricately woven mats that softened footsteps, exuding an odd tranquility. Round, glossy dark-wood tables were scattered about, surrounded by cushioned seats in warm fabric tones.
People sat, murmuring quietly. Some smiled; others gazed out large windows framing the mountains. For a moment, I felt this inn wasn't just a rest stop—it was a spiritual haven, a refuge for lost souls who'd found something like home.
I sat, and Hayama took the seat across from me. Kirishima entered last, scanning the room. Several men stared at her, drawn to her short skirt or the sword at her waist.
I expected her to sit alone, but she joined our table, keeping a deliberate distance. She crossed her legs, her thighs covered by long black tights that hid her skin completely. I didn't linger and turned to Hayama.
"The inn's where you get info in games," I said, glancing around. "What should we even ask?"
"It's a game world, so we probably have to beat it," Hayama replied. "The victim could be the final boss… or someone we need to save from one. Who knows. We'll figure it out once we gather enough intel."
"Hey there, adventurers! Welcome to Inaba Village." chirped a waitress with cat ears and a maid outfit, swishing her tail as she approached. "Hungry? Thirsty? What'll it be?"
I did my best not to stare. I could already feel Kirishima watching me.
"How's payment work here?" Hayama asked.
"You can pay with your experience points using that crystal," she said, pointing to a glowing stone near the counter.
"Wait, seriously?" I blinked. "But, what if we spend everything, do we drop back to Level 1?"
She laughed. "Of course not. But if you want to hit the next level, you'd better start grinding harder. Since you're new adventurers, the drinks are on the house—just this once. Next time, you're paying."
"Thanks," Hayama said.
She returned with three large glasses, one for each of us.
"Will this restore our energy or what?" I asked.
"Try it," Hayama said.
I grabbed the glass and sipped. The liquid vanished as it hit my mouth.
HP +++: [██████████]
♥️♥️♥️
"So?" Hayama asked. Kirishima watched, waiting for my answer.
"It boosts HP, like the food," I said.
"Good," Hayama said. "Carrying water or drinks might be better than food in some cases. Rest up. I'll go ask around." He stood.
Another chance to talk to Kirishima.
But as Hayama rose, a young man with red hair and a wide grin dragged a chair between Hayama and me and sat down.
Kirishima and I stood, hands on our swords, mirroring Hayama.
"Sorry," the guy whispered, leaning in. "I wasn't trying to eavesdrop—I just happened to hear. You're reincarnated too, aren't you? I figured it out from what you said. You came through the forest, right? I can't believe it… I'm not alone. Finally, someone to talk to about all this bullshit."