01

"Argh...." I stretched out, feeling a pulsating pain in my back. "What a horrible be-...

- Wait a second!

Reality hit me all at once, ripping me from the last remnant of sleep. I wasn't in the comfort of my bed, but rather on a mound of hay in an abandoned barn. The sun sneaked through the cracks in the old wood, casting golden rays directly onto my face.

My stomach growled like a hungry monster, but it was thirst that tormented me the most. What was left of the stale bread and moldy cheese became an improvised breakfast. But water, that was a problem. None since I arrived in this world. Between bites, a subtle sound caught my attention. Could it be running water? Was I so exhausted yesterday that I didn't hear it?

I swallowed the last piece of bread and got up. The barn seemed much less threatening under the sunlight, and nature was vibrating in a symphony of colors and sounds. The birds sported exotic plumage, and their shapes were oddly familiar. Still, with a bizarre twist - I'll never forget the toucan with the hummingbird's beak.

I followed the soundtrack of what I suspected to be running water. After a relaxed ten-minute walk, there it was: a small stream, its waters murky and opaque under the morning sun. For a moment, I was tempted to drink directly from it.

However, an old piece of advice echoed in my mind: "Never drink water directly from the source if you can't boil it, even if it seems clear and clean. Transparency doesn't guarantee the absence of microorganisms!" The words of 'Pink_Fire_Flames', a creator of game tutorial videos that I used to watch, may have saved me from a terrible stomachache.

Of course, that water was neither clear nor clean. With no possibility of boiling it, I opted to investigate the source. I picked up a fallen branch and walked a little upstream, looking for any sign of contamination. Instead, I found something much worse: a dead creature, a grotesque hybrid of rhinoceros and capybara, lay in the middle of the stream. Repugnant. So much running water, and I couldn't drink a single drop, let alone boil it. What the hell!

I know what you're going to ask: why didn't I go further upstream before the water reached the dead animal? Well, I tried, but the water's color was the same. And I really didn't come to this world to die of contaminated water a day later.

Without a backpack or something similar, I was stuck carrying my only possession in hand, the wine bottle. After spending all day in that hot sun, it wouldn't stay in good condition. I knew in the end, it would just be extra weight; I didn't have another choice; there was no way to keep carrying the bottle everywhere, so I decided to leave it on the ground and move on.

I was returning to the barn, now much more frustrated than when I woke up. The sun was scorching, and I had to do something about this before returning to the road. While walking, I remembered an episode of a survival show I once watched, 'Man vs. Nature, ' I think? Which suggested using a T-shirt to protect your head against the sun. So, upon reaching the barn, I turned my shirt inside out, as the outside was all dirty and messy, and wore it on my head as an improvised turban. I didn't know if it would work, but what choice did I have? Also, I rolled up the hem of my pants as high as possible; I knew the journey would be long, hot, and very dehydrated.

Then I hit the road, continuing in the same direction as yesterday. Now, with the sun illuminating everything, I chose to walk in the line of trees, a little further from the main road, it was a little cooler, and I wasn't so visible. Since the encounter at the camp, the landscape had changed to rolling hills and forests, much different from the open steppes before, thankfully.

The mind tends to wander during long walks or under extreme dehydration. As I moved, I started to observe the sun. There was only one, and it was the same color as ours. A good thing, maybe? My passion for Astronomy made me ponder about the physical properties of this alien sun. But then, what about time here? Would the day be 24 hours? And a year, how many days would it be? AAAH! What a THIRST, my head hurts so much. I decided to stop thinking and try to just walk.

02

Judging by the sun's position, it had been a few hours since I left the barn when a somewhat unpleasant reality took over me after I stopped pondering: I was stinking. Not that I could do much about it, I wouldn't risk bathing in that stream. The constant walking, the dirt, and the scratches... all contributed to a very unpleasant smell. I just hoped that if I met someone, they wouldn't think I was a vagabond or something like that.

My thoughts turned to the clothes I was wearing. I remembered Kazuma in the Light Novel. He was transported to this world wearing a tracksuit while I was wearing a 'Field of Battle' game shirt (now wrapped around my head) and sports pants. Indeed, like him, it seemed like a scream of "virgin" to everyone who could see.

I continued walking, my steps echoing on the road becoming increasingly worn out, just like my fake all-star (which was already starting to poke through, just like my hopes, by the way). At first, it seemed like a real road, full of small stones. Now, it was more like a beaten dirt path. This was not good.

I kept going my way, having no idea how many hours had passed. The only certainty was that I saw no sign of life except for the guys I met yesterday. Still, strange sounds filled the air, coming from the vegetation around. They could be animals or maybe monsters. Without even a knife to protect me and only having a stick as a defense, each strange noise was a reason to speed up the pace. There was always the feeling of being stalked; maybe it was just paranoia... or perhaps not. Either way, whenever this happened, I walked faster, my heart was pounding, and I forgot about the thirst, which was already consuming me.

The sun was no longer at its peak, it seemed like late afternoon, and the thirst was even worse; with a tremendous headache, dry mouth, dry throat, and pain all over the body, everything was terrible. I really started wanting to give up (At least the shirt did the trick, amen!).

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity walking, I saw something... A sign? Yes, a sign! It was the first indication of civilization I found. The wooden sign pointed to the right at a fork in the road.

I approached, half incredulous. The wood was cracked and stained in several places. The paint, once bright, was now faded, adding another challenge to my task. But, with some effort, I managed to decipher:

"Cong...ts, trav...er! You are... 300 F...ls... to reach the... extraordinary……. of the crimson demons!...marvel at... our renowned... lineage... feared even by the...ng Demon! If you... tourist, welcome... to our a...dorable community! If... a demon... dare... to confront... our unmatched...a strength?"

Despite the wear and tear and the lack of some words, the message was clear. The sign was pointing the way to a place called the Village of the crimson demons. Apparently, a community that took pride in its strength and legacy, even daring to challenge monsters.

After interpreting the message on the sign, I stood there momentarily, swallowing the dryness in my throat. The theatrical language, the grand deeds, all this was very characteristic of the crimson demons. At least this world seemed not so different from that one so far. But 300 f...is? What unit of measurement would this be? I can't remember anything similar...

However, regardless of what it meant, this could be an opportunity. I knew that the Village was distant from Axel, at least in the world of the light novel. So, this could be my best shot to find people with whom I could somehow relate. And even though it was a long journey, I only had a few options.

The worn-out state of the sign suggested that the Village was very far away, maybe many days' journey, but even so, I felt a glimmer of hope. With a set destination and renewed motivation, I was ready to face the unknown waiting for me on the road…

03

I continued my path. Now, towards the so-called Village of the Crimson demons. As the sun set, my hunger and thirst intensified, becoming increasingly unbearable. The sunlight was gone, and the road grew darker; the shadows of the trees looked scarier, so I decided to now walk on the road. However, considering my extreme thirst, my mind started playing tricks on me. Reality seemed distorted. My steps became irregular and uncoordinated. I could feel my consciousness slipping, but I kept walking, stumbling on the beaten ground and fighting exhaustion.

Then, something happened. I was almost fainting when I heard a strange noise, a loud, screeching sound. My eyes widened as I saw what appeared to be a group of small creatures coming toward me. They were the size of rats but with wings as thin as bats' and eyes that glowed in the dark. I could have called them fairies, but that term seemed too tame for what they truly were. These beings were far more bizarre, something that defied all known definitions from my world.

They circled around me, emitting that strange, high-pitched sound. I tried to move away from them, but my energy ran out faster with every step. I remember thinking how such a ridiculous situation could become so threatening. It was simply terrifying.

That night, I was being harassed by a swarm of buzzing fairies while struggling to keep my sanity. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry; I didn't know if that was real. My heart was racing, my mouth was dry, and my skin was sweating, even though the cold of the night had fallen. My stomach ached from hunger, but it was the thirst that really tortured me.

The moon's rays shone through the trees, creating a dark pattern on the ground. The light reflected off the translucent wings of the creatures, making a show of iridescent lights that danced and moved around me. I tried to shoo them away, waving my hands, but they seemed amused by my despair, buzzing louder and flying closer. In frustration, I picked up a stone and threw it in their direction. They quickly dispersed, but in seconds they were back, buzzing around me.

I continued my walk in the darkness, my feet heavy and my head spinning. The constant buzzing of the fairies in my ears amplified with each step I took. The sound was disturbing, but more than that, it was the feeling of being watched that made me increasingly anxious. Were these little creatures just playing with me, or did they have more sinister intentions?

Despite all these disturbing thoughts, I tried to stay focused and concentrate on moving forward. However, exhaustion and disorientation were consuming me, deeper and deeper. My legs felt like lead, my eyes struggled to stay open, and my throat... My throat burned with unbearable thirst. I could barely think of anything else but water…

Just as I was about to allow myself to fall, I spotted something in the distance. Suddenly, all the fatigue and pain seemed secondary. What I saw emerging from the tree line was what I feared most. All that noise attracted a silhouette, and the faint moonlight only outlined its bulky shape, but that was enough to make me stop in my tracks.

Its size resembled a bear's, but it was much larger than any bear I had ever seen on TV. Its red eyes glowed in the dark, and even from a distance, I could see their cruelty. The fairies began to scatter, anticipating what was about to happen.

Adrenaline flooded my system, and my mind suddenly cleared despite the paralyzing terror. I didn't know where this sudden surge of energy came from, but I clung to it. The only thing I could think of was to run. It didn't matter if I was weak, thirsty, hungry, or exhausted. It didn't matter if I had a clear idea of where I was going. The only thing that mattered was to put as much distance as possible between me and that creature.

The road under my feet seemed to sway and ripple, making it increasingly difficult to keep my balance. But I kept going, my lungs burning, my head pounding, every muscle in my body screaming in pain. Even with blurred vision and buzzing ears, I ran as if my life depended on it. Indeed, that was exactly the case - my life was at stake!!

The minutes dragged on like hours, but I kept the pace. I could feel it. I could hear the presence of the creature behind me, its claws scratching the ground. It was getting closer, but I wasn't going to give up, not yet.

Then, suddenly, something happened. My foot tripped over a stone, and I fell with no balance to save me. I rolled on the ground, my screams lost in the night wind. Pain spread all over my body, but I felt a consuming emptiness. My vision faded, the buzzing turned into silence, and my mind gave in to exhaustion. The last thing I remember before everything disappeared, was the starry sky above me and the certainty that my journey had come to an end.

-

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

In the pitch of unconsciousness, a flicker of sensation made itself known, something strangely lucid amid the void I was sinking into. It was a damp and warm feeling, like the breath of a large, fierce animal. In some distant corner of my mind, I recognized this contact as an imminent danger. Still, my body was beyond any capacity to react. I was defenseless, left at the mercy of whatever was probing me in the darkness.

And then, suddenly, a new sound filled the void. They were voices, sounding both authoritative and concerned. Hearing them had never provided me with so much relief before. However, my mind was wrestling in the abyss, unable to identify the words it heard.

Along with the voices, I heard the thunder of something large and heavy moving urgently. The sound reverberated through the ground, and the soil vibrated under my body. It seemed almost like an earthquake. The predatory presence that was near me abruptly backed off. My pursuer disappeared as quickly as it had appeared.

The last thing I heard before absolute silence enveloped me was an exclamation: "There's someone down here!". These words were like a distant echo, fading away as I was dragged back into the depths of unconsciousness.

At this point, I had no more strength to fight against the abyss pulling me. I had reached my limit. Even so, the voice I heard ignited a small flame of hope within me. Maybe I wasn't alone. Maybe, just maybe, I had a chance. With that last thought, I succumbed to the weight of exhaustion, allowing the darkness to swallow me completely.

04

While still unconscious, I was led into a dream state. At first, everything was foggy, a whirl of dark colors and sounds, as if trying to focus on a blurry picture. Gradually, however, the images began to form and solidify, gaining sharpness and depth. It was as if my mind was adjusting to a new reality, a new perspective.

And then, in the dream fog, a figure began to take shape. At first indistinct and vague, it became sharper with each passing second. The female form, the black-haired head, the red eyes... it took a while to recognize who it was. As if my mind was reluctant to accept the reality of the figure present there…

-

It was…Yunyun…?

But why?

-

In that dream, I saw Yunyun in the Crimson Demons Village, always on the margin, watching others while she remained distant. She seemed so lonely, so out of place amidst the joy and excitement of the others, just as I felt, as I always felt. The feeling of loneliness was something I understood well, something that was commonplace in my own life.

Next, the dream shifted, and I saw myself in my small hometown, walking through the streets I knew so well. But, like Yunyun, I was so alone. The people around me were just distant shadows. I could see them, hear them, but I couldn't touch them. I couldn't connect. I felt as distant from them as Yunyun felt from her fellow crimson demons. A wave of sadness enveloped me, a deep feeling of desolation and abandonment.

The sense of isolation, the distance between the outside world and my own inner world, all of this was something I shared with Yunyun. We were two loners, each in our own way, trying to find our place in a world that seemed to have no room for us.

I saw myself in Yunyun and in her desire to connect with others, to be accepted and understood. Her longing for friendship and companionship and her desire to prove her worth resonated with me. I could feel her fear, her uncertainty, her hope. And although our circumstances were different, there was a fundamental similarity in our experiences, a connection that made me feel less alone.

The dream, which unfolded so gradually and subtly, ended abruptly. It was like a cord had been cut, dropping the illusion and pulling me back to life. The images and sensations of the dream suddenly disappeared as if torn from my mind. But the memory of the shared loneliness that seemed to exist between Yunyun and I remained. A persistent echo in my own reflection.

05

I was in limbo between dream and reality, lulled by the voices that hummed softly around me. I wasn't sure yet where I was, only that the darkness had been replaced by a gray fog. Slowly, the fog began to dissipate, and the harsh light began to fill my vision. With considerable effort, I managed to open my eyes.

What I saw left me in shock. A figure loomed over me, emitting a bright green aura that moved around its form. A scream escaped my throat, loud and full of dread:

-"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"

My mind was spinning, adrenaline rushing through my veins, and my heart pounding against my chest.

The figure reacted to my scream with an equally intense start.

-"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH!??"

Came a high-pitched scream in response. The figure also jumping back in alarm. In my agitation, I forgot the world around me, flinging myself back without thinking. My head hit hard against the wall behind me.

Now I realized: I was inside a carriage. The intricate wooden structure beneath my body, the soft noise of the wheels against the ground. I looked again at the silhouette, my eyes now adjusting to the light. Fear still vibrated through me, a residual sensation from the terror I had felt upon waking.

The figure, however, seemed more puzzled than scared now. She looked at me with wide eyes, clearly as surprised as I was by the situation. And I, still frightened and struggling to understand what was happening, could only stare back at her with a mix of fear and distress, waiting for the next move with my heart pounding hard in my chest.

The silhouette in front of me gradually became more evident, outlining a person I could finally recognize. It was a girl, probably a bit older than me, dressed in a light blue outfit that contrasted with the shadows of the carriage. She had brown eyes that seemed to shine with an inner light and medium-length dark hair that fell messily around her face.

Another girl, much like the first but older, stood a little further back, dressed similarly and with an alert expression. Her short brown hair and also brown eyes, with a long sword in a sheath at her side, made her somewhat intimidating. She observed the scene, attentive, but remained silent.

Swallowing the wave of panic, I gathered my courage to ask, "WHO ARE YOU?" The girl in front of me opened her mouth to answer, but the other spoke first, her voice firm, almost hostile.

"Hey, chill out, man. You were passed out in the middle of the road with a One-Punch-Bear on top of you. I don't even know how you're still alive," she explained, crossing her arms over her chest. "My sister here insisted on helping you, lucky for you her heart is good and naive, so you better behave."

"W-were you helping me? Did you help me? What do you mean?" I stammered, still processing the information. My heart was still pounding in my chest, but now it was mixed with a dash of gratitude and the pain of the hit I took to the head against the wall.

"You hit your head hard, didn't you? Our carriage was passing through the road when we started hearing screams coming from the path ahead. When we arrived, we found you," the older girl answered with a hint of indifference.

"And what was that green aura coming out of her hand?" I asked, remembering the strange glow that had scared me so much.

"That's healing magic," the younger sister explained softly. "I was healing your injuries. You were in bad shape."

Finally, I noticed that the sharp pain that previously consumed my body had largely dissipated. Looking down, I saw that the cuts and scratches that covered my skin had healed, although some scars still remained. Moreover, the extreme hunger and thirst had subsided.

The surprise must have been evident on my face, for the younger girl offered a small reassuring smile, the gesture softening the lines of her face. The other still sat watching, her expression cautious and severe. I wasn't sure how or why, but somehow, I had been saved.

"I told you he was a bum, sis," the intimidating sister broke the silence, her narrow eyes fixed on me. The accusation was blunt and sharp, catching me off guard.

"H-hey! I'm not a bum," I protested, trying to keep my voice steady, despite my growing uncertainty.

"Oh yeah?" she retorted, an eyebrow arched in a challenge. "So what's a guy doing without any belongings passed out in the forest and all wrecked? My sister even had to give you water and food by mouth while you were passed out because it seems like you haven't eaten or drank for a long time." Her words were harsh but not unjustified. It had been a long time since I had eaten that old bread, and I hadn't had a drop of water since I arrived.

"And you stink," she added with a nose wrinkle, the indifference in her expression contrasting with the accusation. I felt heat rise in my face. The humiliation made my head spin, even though I knew her words were true.

"Hey, sis! You don't have to be so hard on him!!" the younger girl intervened, her scolding tone aimed at her older sister. The age difference between them was evident; the older one carried a more mature air, and she looked about 25 years old despite her harshness. The younger one, with her voice as soft as honey and brown eyes full of worry, had the innocence of someone who had barely passed 18 years.

I had found myself in a very unusual situation. Still, I was grateful even in the face of the older sister's harsh words. Grateful they saw me, grateful they helped me. Now all I could do was try to understand where I was and how I could reciprocate their kindness.

Still flushed with embarrassment, I forced myself to lift my head and face the sisters. "Look, I'm not a bum," I began, my words ringing with sincerity, "I'm heading towards the village of the crimson demons, but I got lost and ended up using all my provisions."

After a pause, the sisters' gaze on me felt heavy and evaluative. I swallowed hard; I knew I wasn't being entirely honest, but it wasn't completely a lie. "I know I must have been a burden, and you have every right to have suspicions about me, but I swear I don't want to harm anyone, and I'm very grateful that you saved me. When I get money, I'll pay you back, I promise. I know you must have spent quite a bit on me already. I don't even know how long I was unconscious."

The younger sister smiled, her expression softening slightly. "You were unconscious for about a day," she said. The shock washed over me like a wave. An entire day. I couldn't believe it.

"The village of the crimson demons?" The older sister asked, her voice laden with disbelief. "That village is full of crazies, why would anyone want to go there on purpose?!" She seemed genuinely perplexed by my intention, which only made me more intrigued.

"It's a long story…" I murmured, rubbing my nape. I could see the older sister lower her guard a little, although there was still suspicion in her eyes.

"Either way, you have my temporary vote of confidence, but," she warned, her intense gaze fixed on mine, "if you try anything, I will behead you before you even blink." The threatening tone in her voice made my stomach churn, but I could only nod in understanding. I was, after all, in debt to them.

06

The older sister's words of warning were still echoing in my ears when I was about to inquire about the proximity of our route to the Village of the crimson demons. But my thoughts were interrupted by the piercing sound of a door opening and a man entering the carriage. He seemed to be in his mid-50s, with a prominent belly and a broad smile on his face. He didn't seem like an adventurer, more like a merchant. At least, that was the impression I had.

"I heard quite a chatter down here, so it could only be our guest who woke up! Hello, friend!! How are you? By the way, my name is Stephane. Nice to meet you!" He exclaimed, addressing me. His voice echoed through the carriage, full of animation and enthusiasm, filling the once-silent space with an almost palpable vibration.

"I-I'm fine. Nice to meet you, sir," I replied hesitantly.

"With that fear in your voice, I bet my daughter here has been threatening you, right?" He nodded at the older girl and continued, "She always does that. But damn, you slept for a long time, huh? I thought you had died; it seems my youngest did an outstanding job of bringing you back to life hahaha." He winked at the younger sister, who blushed slightly.

So they were his daughters.

"Yes sir, I woke up without any injuries and I'm feeling very well."

"Yeah, she is a very talented archmage!" He continued, his voice sounding proud. I looked at the younger sister, who seemed slightly embarrassed by her father's compliment.

"I was listening to your conversation," he continued, "good to know you're not a bad one. From time to time, some crazy person falls around here because they drank too much or because they're a wanderer, but it seems you're a good guy!"

He laughed, a contagious laugh that filled the carriage. It was hard not to smile along.

"So, if I heard right, you're heading to the village of those crazy demons?" Stephane arched an eyebrow, his face breaking into a playful smile. Hahaha, good luck there. Those people are weirder than a dragon with two tails!

"Yes, that's where I'm heading," I replied to Stephane, forcing a weak smile. He managed to coax a soft laugh from me, despite everything. Encouraged by the friendly atmosphere, I decided to risk a question. "But Mr. Stephane, may I ask... If the Village has such a strange reputation, and the road here seems so deserted... What brings you to these parts? You are the first people I've met so far."

"Clever question! Well, I'm a supply trader, I have a shipment to deliver near the Village to an old customer, we're going to pass in front of the main entrance." He explained, with a casual wave of his thick hand. "I think in about 4 hours we should arrive at your destination if all goes well, by the way."

I widened my eyes, surprised. This was a relief. Even with the unexpected interruption, I was on the right path.

"Is it morning already, sir?" I asked, noticing the light outside the window. Stephane laughed.

"Oh yes!! I'm sorry, everything is closed with curtains here, you can't see outside. It's almost morning. It's 5 o'clock now! We'll stop at a river nearby in about an hour to have breakfast and take a bath... since you need one, right? Hahaha!!!!" He laughed again, so loud I couldn't help but smile.

With the promise of just a few more hours of travel and the prospect of a bath and breakfast, I felt a spark of energy coursing through my body, which was now rested. Despite the fright, I had fallen into good hands. And as strange as the situation might seem, I was beginning to regain hope…

"But after all, what's your name, boy?!" Stephane asked, looking at me expectantly. He was curious; And I was ready to say:

"My name is Vi-" I stopped in mid-sentence. There was something stopping me from continuing. A feeling, an instinct that told me that giving my real name might not be a good idea. I didn't know why, but I trusted this feeling. So, without thinking, I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

"Vitor Satou."

That's when I felt it. An abrupt silence, heavy as lead, fell over the carriage. The expressions of the sisters changed. The older one furrowed her brow, looking surprised, and the younger one had wide eyes, staring at me as though I were a ghost. In turn, Stephane choked on his saliva, his eyes bulging as he looked at me.

"Satou?" He repeated, his voice wavering. "As in... Kazuma Satou?"

I froze. They knew that surname. Why did mentioning the name 'Kazuma Satou' affect them so much?

It was then that I realized perhaps I had made a big mistake.