Guided Off (3)

"Gilgamesh? Sounds like some anime movie."

"That's what it is.. question, the people from your world.. they don't have anything like TALENTS?"

"TALENTS? What's that?"

"I heard from Bleu that you came from a world where people don't have abilities?"

"Abilities? You're from a world where there are superhumans?"

"I wouldn't say superhumans, but everyone has these supernatural abilities called TALENTS." It's actually weird to call TALENTS as supernatural since it's as much of a part of my life as breathing. Well.. I guess having a TALENT like growing diamonds out of a pimple is supernatural.. um.. yeah.

"Really? Then what's your TALENT?"

"This," I gestured with my hand.

"Huh?"

"This world."

"O-oh! I get it. Something like being summoned isn't it?"

"Yeah," I just nodded. In a sense, you can describe my TALENT as so.

"Ta-da," Takata returned with a plate of a pie. She had an extra plate, chopped some up and passed it to me.

"Thanks."

"What were you two talking about?"

"About how Noel-san came from a world where people had supernatural powers."

"Ehh… really?"

I nodded again.

"And your power is?"

"Something like traveling through different worlds," said Aoki. I won't be correcting him here.

"Oh, same for Nine-san right?"

"Yeah, something like that.. I'm trying to find a way back to my own world too actually."

"Same here."

The Brapple pie was amazing. I should consider this next time.

We left the guild and went to stop by an atelier and bookstore before taking a carriage to the wharf.

"Noel-san. Is it alright if you went and met up with our sensei? I'm sure he didn't mean what he said back then.."

"We'll meet eventually. I know that's a flag."

"Oh, so you use that term too?"

"Yeah. It's a serious flag, you know? I know we're going to meet again.. you know about the ambassador from Toren Kingdom?"

"Ambassador– no. I don't know."

Huh. That's weird.

I introduced them to the seaside stores selling a variety of fresh seafood. Since it's the afternoon, the place was quite crowded.

"This is the last stop. After this we're returning." I said.

"Alright. It's been a great trip so far. Thanks."

"Got it.." I looked out towards the sea.

It's melancholic somehow. This ocean that stretches on forever–

"Um.. are you alright?"

"Hm? Oh, sorry. Yeah, I'm good.." I turned to Aoki, realizing his figure was blurry. I blinked a few times– this is.. tears. I wiped it off with my sleeve.

"You're crying.."

"Yeah, I don't know why either.."

This.. world..

What was the purpose of coming here? Everything happening here is not real right? It's just some realistic projection of life..

From the ledge that separated land from the sea below– I saw a singular webbed foot– then another– then a blue, slimy–

Ribbit.

– sexist.

"A frog!" Takata exclaimed.

"We should get out of here," I turned around and started walking. Aoki and Takata obediently followed as my pace quickened, but their gaze was still glued to that blue sexist creature.

Ribbit.

And so the frog started hopping.

This damn frog. Don't try and remind me of this week's special quest. I've already made up my mind not to give a fuck about it– scram!

"What's up with that frog?"

"Don't let it touch you. Run."

"Run," I felt Takata constantly shifting his gaze between me and the frog.

"Hold your reins. Ribbit."

"It talked!"

"That's why we should get the hell outta here.."

"Where is the Prince. Ribbit."

How da faq did it just teleport..

Ribbit.

RIbbit.

No. It didn't teleport. It found comrades.

Ah wait.. I should've done that.

Concealment barrier to the maximum.

"Eh.. huh? What.."

I prudently made my way over to a nearby building.

Wheewh. It seems it wasn't just the two heroes, the pedestrians were just as confused as they were. Whatever. I'll explain the situation later. Even if they decide to walk away, I could always tag along behind them. The most pressing issue as of current is to ignore that damn frog.

It's stupid I know. But that frog is making me freaking furious. I want nothing to do with this sexist.

Ribbit.

But it fell on my head.

"Bring me to the Prince. Ribbit."

You fucking.. how.. you whore.. you..

Why can it still see me? No.. rather, how the hell did it sneak up on me..

I typed Princess into the map.

There were a few markers on the map.. of course, the ones that weren't around in my vicinity were actual princesses..

Damn frog. It's teleportation, it can't be anything else.

"Can't you walk?"

"Ribbit."

I'm afraid it might retaliate and do it's 'business' on top of my head if I pissed it off.

Okay. Calm down.. calm down. There's a lot I still don't understand about this bullshit but I first need to assess what's going on.

First, the sexist frog was able to appear at different places.

Second, it has a corporeal form because Aoki and Takata could see it.

Three, this sexist wants to find Prune.. or was it Rin? Oh, it's Rin.

I pulled the frog off my head– owowowowow.. you're pulling at my hair you asshole!

Speaking of hair, I might need to get a haircut soon.

I held it out with both hands, turning it's face to me.

Ribbit.

The first time I saw this frog, I thought it was something silly, slightly funny how it got such a name. Now? It's down right infuriating.

Ribbit.

It's black rectangular eyes stared into mine.

I dropped the frog– plop, splat, it's limbs fanned out on the ground–

And made a run for it.

"Run!"

Canceling the concealment barrier, I grabbed Aoki and Takata's hand.

"Wai.. What?!"

"My hand!"

"Just follow me!"

I released them and they ran alongside.

Coming to the end of the dock, I made a turn into a sort of street food district. The smell of charcoal grilled fish and spices tickled my nose.. damn. We should really spend some time exploring Erudite.

"Wheewh.. damn it," I tried to catch my breath, "It's gone right?"

"Um.. what was that?" Aoki didn't even break a sweat.

"Why? Is that frog bad?"

"It's just.. something I don't want to meet with."

"How cruel. Ribbit."

"Fuck.."

"Eh.. when did it.." Takata rubbed her eyes.

"It's pretty attached to you," Aoki laughed. What? You want me to stick a sword up your throat?

I took in a deep breath.. and exhaled slowly..

"Fine, whatever. Why?"

"Ribbit."

"What? You can't speak?"

"We're out in public, ribbit."

Wow. So this frog can be self-conscious too? What amazing bullshit.