Chapter 12 - Provisions

“So this is called a rifle huh?” Said Merillion, slinging it across her back. “Im still more accustomed to the staff and bow and arrow.”

“The rifle is a superior weapon. The effectiveness will come in time.” Explained Hoshiro.

“I’m just more used to my old weapons. Plus the rifle is heavy for its size.” Said Merillion.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m sure Hoshiro factored that in while he crafted your weapon.” Said Lance, as he held out his beam blade, happy that it was overpowering in its own effectiveness.

“True, but to adjust to your weapon took no time as you already were a blademaster.” Said Larael this time. ‘And this Morodon’s staff…. What’s so special about it?”

“This staff is able to cast all forms of magic and can be adjusted in size to use as a melee weapon too.” Explained Hoshiro. “If you think it to extend, it could technically extend forever, that is if you can still hold it.”

Larael tried her intention and the staff extended and accidentally hit Hoshirio in his stomach. “Not now, silly.” Coughed Hoshiro, winded as he collected himself.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to hit you.” Apologized Larael.

“It’s ok. Talking about stomach, What’s for dinner today?” Asked Hoshiro.

“We are running out of provisions from the elves. Their elven butter bread was delicious.” Said Merillion, taking out the last of the elven bread.

“Yes, it’s quite appetizing.” Agreed Hoshiro.

“Alright, since we are low on food, I will go into the wild to look for some boar.” Said Merillion enthusiastically. “Good chance to get better at this ‘rifle.’ “ Said Merillion.

“I will go with her!” Said Larael.

“Master Hoshiro and I will gather the wood as you ladies hunt. Try to come back before sun down. You never know what is lurking in the wild these days.” Said Lance, as he patted Hoshiro on the back.

Their missions clear, each went on to accomplish the task set out before them.

Hoshiro drew a chainsaw and went straight for the trees. Another chainsaw was given to Lance to wield.

“What a strange device.” Commented Lance. “And a heavy one at that!”

Hoshiro instructed Lance in the ways of wood cutting and teaching him to say “timber!” when and if the tree was about to fall.

They both took time to cut a tree, and in the process of which, Lance shouted.

“Timber!”

And down came the tree. Then they worked on their branches to extract more wood.

They toiled ceaselessly, and then with skill, Lance lit the blocks of wood on fire just as the sun was starting to set.

By that time, the ladies had came back with a whole boar. The boar was lifted by Larael’s magic staff.

“You are right, Master Hoshiro, this rifle is much easier than a bow and arrow.” Commented Merillion as she sat down to warm herself in front of the fire.

“And here you go!” Said Larael as she magically skewered the boar and put it over the fire to roast.

After a good hour, the party waited patiently as the boar was cooked.

Lance used his dagger and cut off portions of the boar meat to each member of the party.

The smell was not appetizing as Hoshiro had thought, and he wandered with his mind to the taste of chicken. As he wandered, he took a bite of the boar meat, but was almost spat out by him.

“This tastes….. eeeek.” Said Hoshiro.

“It’s not the royal treatment, but in the wild, it is better than nothing.” Said Merillion.

Then Hoshiro decided to try something he had never done.

He began to draw a picture of a roast chicken. With his saliva, he produced the rotisserie chicken.

“What is that?” Asked lance, his first time seeing a chicken.

“That is chicken. And it tastes damn good.” Said Hoshiro as he shared the food with the others.

The only answer was silence, as the team devoured the chicken.

“Oh my god. That was the best food I’ve ever had!” Said Merillion. “This ‘chicken’ is also of your world?”

“Yes. Come try this steak!” Said Hoshiro, as he drew steaks for the each of the travellers.

They bit into the steak and they were almost crying because it was that good.

“To have tasted food of the gods…” Said Lance. “I have no regrets in life now.”

“Hahaha. Here there is more!” Said Hoshiro as he drew ribs.

The party then also devoured the ribs in a quick few minutes. They looked innocently happy, Hoshiro remarked to himself.

Satisfied that the team had now had some of the best foods he could think of, Hoshiro finished the night by drawing ice cream.

“This… is called ice cream and it is definitely food of the gods.” Tempted Hoshiro to the others.

Lance took a huge bite off the ice cream cone and then had to puff out cold vapours as it dissolved in his mouth.

“Oh right… you don’t bite it. You lick it.” Explained Hoshiro.

“You lick it?” Asked Larael.

“Yea it tastes better and lasts longer too.” Said Hoshiro.

Lance upon hearing this, started then to lick the ice cream.

They were all in tears of joy. Hoshiro laughed at the child like appearances of his comrades.

It’s good to know that there is innocence in this world too.

Thought Hoshiro to himself.

Satisfied that the party was well fed, the lastly produced cola for his friends and after the taste of which, celebrated for joy for the end of this wonderous and memorable day.