Cartias stood in front of the mirror, inspecting his outfit.
He wore a gas mask with integrated night vision, partially hidden beneath the hood of his tactical techwear hoodie, paired with semi-cargo pants and military boots—all in dark colors.
Beneath the exterior, a light exoskeleton outlined his limbs, reinforced by thick leather padding.
Striking a pose with his rifle in hand, he muttered to himself, "Damn… this looks so cool."
Cartias, I have finished scanning the area where I will teleport you. If you are ready, I can do it now.
Huh? I was just trying it on. I didn’t think I’d be going to your world already. And isn’t this too soon? I’ve only been training for a week.
After gaining that amount of electricity last night, I was able to investigate. The area is not too dangerous. If you are ever exposed to threats, I will return you immediately.
...Shouldn’t you observe the area for at least a week before calling it safe?
It is indeed safe. There is a human base nearby, and I would like you to trade with them.
Cartias frowned. What if they’re cannibals…?
That is unlikely. They seem to have an abundance of food.
Then what am I supposed to trade?
Tastier food and essential goods.
Like what?
A lighter should suffice.
Cartias raised an eyebrow. That’s it?
Yes. Do you want to proceed?
Hmm… Alright, I’ll pack up.
Although cautious, he was undeniably eager to see Rai’s world. Having been somewhat sheltered his whole life, adventure had always been a distant dream.
He grabbed a large, circular cookie tin and a lighter, stuffing them into a duffel bag.
Alright, if they attack me, you know what to do.
I understand.
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The moment Rai activated the teleportation, Cartias'' senses twisted violently. His stomach churned, his head pounded, and for a brief moment, it felt like his entire body was being compressed and stretched at the same time.
Then—his vision vanished.
When it returned, he immediately collapsed onto the ground.
"Nghh…! Fuck…!" He clutched his head, pressing his hand on his forehead in-between his knees while using the other to steady himself.
His nausea was unbearable, but something was preventing him from throwing up—something he suspected was Rai’s doing.
You… You didn’t say it was going to be this bad…
I did. You just underestimated my warning.
Ugh… Let me rest for a bit…
As he leaned against a crumbling wall, he took in his surroundings.
Lush vegetation stretched as far as he could see, weaving through the remains of a ruined city. The buildings were crumbling, their structures held together only by time and creeping vines.
I thought you said your world was dying…?
That is not food.
Huh?
The plants are toxic—even to this world’s inhabitants. They feed on anything. Please approach them cautiously.
A chill ran down Cartias’ spine. He instinctively tightened his grip on his rifle, somehow, the plants felt threatening as if stalking him.
Cartias, please relax your muscles. The plants are currently conserving energy and will not attack.
He exhaled slowly. …I hate that you had to say ‘currently.’
After a while, Cartias finally stood up.
Head west from here. You will find a base in about a minute.
Got it…
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small compass from an old pencil case and cautiously made his way forward, rifle raised.
You don’t have to be on guard. I will inform you of any danger.
Cartias, skeptical, lowered his rifle slightly but remained vigilant. He was fit, sure, but he hadn''t been in a real fight since graduating high school.
As he walked, he noticed the unbearable heat. Without the gas mask filtering the air, he probably would’ve been suffocating.
Distracted, he continued walking—until he heard rustling nearby.
Cartias, stop.
Reacting purely on instinct, he fired three quick shots at the noise.
A large rat-like creature screeched as it attempted to flee, only to be coiled by one of the vines he had shot.
Cartias stumbled back in horror as the vine began dragging the creature away.
"H-Holy… fuck…?"
Cartias, that was just a baby. They commonly dwell underground and are blinded by sunlight. It posed no threat to you.
Cartias snapped his head toward the plant still dragging the struggling rat, the noises of it''s bone breaking made Cartias'' complexion pale.
The fuck do you mean ‘just a baby’!? That thing was larger than a dog!
Cartias hurriedly stands up while maintaining his focus on the helpless creature, rifle aimed at it, then at the vines.
It was indeed a baby. But please continue forward—we don’t have time to waste.
As if a signal, Rai’s words promoted Cartias to continue on and rush away from whatever that was.
You forgot to tell me all about those things! he grumbled in displeasure.
That was my mistake. I will inform you of any threats as we go.
He let out an exasperated sigh. Please do that…
Eventually, Cartias, wait here for now.
Why?
They are currently hauling in food. You will not like what they are eating.
Even without the full context, Cartias’ mind immediately flashed back to the rat earlier.
His stomach churned again making his face cringe.
After a minute or so, Rai finally allowed him to peek at the base.
The settlement resembled a makeshift wooden watchtower, surrounded by fences made of stacked logs and tree trunks.
In fact, everything in the structure seemed to be made of wood.
Cartias narrowed his eyes. "...What the heck…?"