Exploring new world with captain Klimt

Captain Klimt seems like the perfect companion for me. He looked at the sky and told me it was morning based on the angle of the sun. He also seems extremely knowledgeable about the area - he identified certain trees here and there to form a mental map. I felt immense awe for him. I've lived in my city for over a decade, and yet I never knew even half as much about it!

Enjoying the sensation of green blades of grass brushing my feet and savoring the fresh air around me, we reached the border between the recovered green land and the dead grey land that stretched vastly beyond.

I stopped again and closed my eyes. Just before I did, I sensed his gaze filled with emotions - like awe and reverence. Wait, was he looking at my... hair? But it didn't matter now. I focused again on my heartbeat and the strange power coming from my heart, imagining it flowing through my bare feet and into the land.

Soon enough, I felt a warm sensation rising from my heart and moving through my legs. I kept my eyes closed for a few more seconds, just to make sure - any problems anywhere? Any pain or bad feelings? Nothing? Relieved, I opened my eyes.

This time, it felt easier to tap into the power to restore the land. I still don't know exactly what my power is or whether it has negative side effects. Better to go slow than be rushed and overconfident. When I opened my eyes, I saw that the land in front of me had returned to its normal self, and Captain Klimt - who had been standing just ahead, carefully avoiding stepping onto the grey area - looked so relieved and immediately resumed walking eastward.

This process repeated three or four times. Looking back, it reminded me of how ants make a line. A somewhat straight stretch of green now trailed behind us - a striking contrast to the deathly grey that ominously enveloped the rest of the landscape.

The best part is that I'm getting more used to my strange power. It's becoming easier and more natural to use, like getting used to a new phone or computer. At first, it's difficult and mysterious, but gradually and surely, you learn the basics. Almost the same thing here - and by the sixth or seventh time, it became much easier. Now all I have to do is close my eyes, listen to my heartbeat, and imagine the now-familiar power rushing to my feet.

Looking back, a green line snakes behind me - and speaking of snakes, what about the other animals in this world? I already had a near-death experience saving just one human zombie. I definitely don't want to encounter a zombie lion or tiger. And... I'm in a new world, so I don't even know if Earth animals are here.

What if there are dragons? And elves? Even with my limited familiarity with medieval D&D fiction, the idea of elves always excited me - their cow - like pointy ears, blond hair, graceful presence, and archery skills... If I ever find an elf in this world, I want to touch their pointy ears at least once.

I've lost count of how many times I've used my powers now. It's gotten so easy. I just close my eyes and imagine the power rushing to whatever body part I choose. I've gained enough control that I can now channel it through any part of my body. The process has become so seamless and automatic - like walking - that Captain Klimt doesn't even have to stop and wait for me anymore.

Everything's going so smoothly now that I feel confident enough to run while using the power. But obviously, I don't want to actually do that - Mr. Klimt might think I'm a weirdo. Imagine: the same person he called a divine messenger suddenly sprinting like a child running to a candy store. Oh damn… speaking of candy, that reminded me of something completely different but very important - food!

I was already feeling thirsty, and now, thinking about hunger and food, another fundamental need popped into my mind: shelter. No matter the world, these three are basic needs for any human being. So how could I, Klimt, or any other survivors access all three? Even if I somehow find food and water - during the day, at least you can spot zombies from a distance and run (unless you freeze up in fear, like I did the first time). But what about nighttime, when you need to sleep?

Even in this moderately cold temperature, I could feel a line of sweat trickling down my temple. I quickly wiped it away.

Unfortunately, I was so engaged in the frightening thoughts that I almost stumbled on something - and when I looked down, I saw cobblestone. Looking around, I realized that somewhere during my chain of thoughts, we had come quite close to a city. I also realized that I'm now almost automatically using my power without even thinking about it. So I looked around. Though shrouded in mist, I could see a few small buildings here and there, made of stone or logs. They were small and clearly unsafe, even without a zombie apocalypse.

As if sensing my doubts, Mr. Klimt began explaining without stopping his walk, though he did pause midway upon noticing me staring around.

"These are the makeshift houses built by refugees and immigrants from other counties and villages, Sir Kendo. Since they lack proper records, they are not allowed inside Lexell town, so they built these temporary shelters. We, the soldiers and guards, don't really mind, but if any nobles see them, they'll order them destroyed for being eyesores. Luckily, nobles hardly step out of the inner city, and they don't even dare look outside their carriages when passing through the outer city. They call it filthy."

Klimt's words were a mix of emotions—compassion, disgust, and mockery. I guess the depiction of nobles in fiction applies to this world too. And I think Mr. Klimt doesn't like those snobs very much. Seeing my interest in my surroundings, he seemed to weigh his priorities, and after clearing his throat, reminded me that the water source is a little farther away, near the outer walls of the city - his indirect way of telling me to start walking.

As we walked again, another thought crossed my mind. If there are so many makeshift shelters here, there must be survivors - but I hadn't seen any zombies. Then I remembered my initial encounter with Klimt as a zombie, and a chilling thought crept in: what if the mist could suppress sound too, just like it limits visibility?

From my experience, I already knew this grey mist was nothing like the natural kind on Earth. If it could dampen distant sounds, that would explain why I hadn't heard anything else—and Captain Klimt, or zombie Klimt to be precise, must have been extremely close when I was transported here. This felt like playing—no, living - a zombie survival game on the hardest difficulty. It reminded me that I had to trust and comply with Captain Klimt completely to ensure my survival.

After just a few more steps, I saw a stone wall emerge through the thinning mist - this must be the outer wall of Lexell city. Captain Klimt seemed to "abandon" me and began scanning the area, likely trying to identify the water source. But it was no easy task. He didn't seem willing to step outside the mist-free zone my power created. The way he squinted into the foggy distance without asking me to clear the area spoke volumes of his dedication—and his effort not to bother me.

After a few minutes of searching, I finally heard his voice call out affirmatively - Bingo!

"Sir Kendo, I've found it. But it's in the fog, beyond your power's range. And, pardon my humble warning, but this water may be so bad you might feel sick drinking it. Unfortunately, any better water source is inside the middle or inner city."

Doesn't matter now anyway. If I had better options, I'd go for classic boiled-and-cooled water or modern treated water. But in a medieval, post-apocalyptic world like this? That's only in dreams.

So I walked in the direction he indicated. Soon enough, I found a small pool of water, apparently replenished by a narrow iron canal extending from the rugged stone wall. But the issue was clear - the water was polluted by the mist. Just like the trees and grass turned grey from it, the water had a faint grey tinge, as if a pinch of ash had dissolved into it. What to do?

Even Mr. Klimt looked stunned at the sight.

We found water, but it didn't look drinkable. Still, I decided to test if it had any smell. I knew even touching it could be dangerous, so I let my strange power run through my hand as I extended my right hand toward the surface. Behind me, Captain Klimt seemed torn - he must have wanted to stop me from doing something reckless, but maybe part of him was hoping for a miracle. Who am I, Jesus Christ? I thought, as I slowly and cautiously reached out, half expecting the water to bite back.

My power kept flowing through my hand, and the moment I touched the pool, a faint white flash burst out - like the water itself lit up for a moment - and then…

Instead of the grey, uncertain liquid, the pool was filled with crystal-clear water. I instinctively pulled my hand back in shock. But what startled me more was Klimt's soft murmur: "I knew it!"

I forgot to breathe for a second. It was just a try - I didn't think I could actually purify it. What kind of power is this? I decided I had to explore what else I could do with this mysterious ability. This was nothing short of a miracle.

But the wonder wasn't over. The greyish water flowing steadily into the pool from the iron canal somehow turned crystal clear the moment it touched the pool - and even the overflow draining from it was now pristine. Hmm… awe and celebration can wait. I'm thirsty, and this water looks drinkable - at least visibly. Only one way to confirm.

I scooped up a handful. It was cold - not chilled, but refreshingly cool, familiar in the best way. I sniffed it. No smell. Then I drank.

I can't put it into words properly - but it was the purest, most delicious water I've ever tasted. So refreshing - like gulping cold water after coming home from a scorching afternoon. It glided smoothly down my throat, leaving a delightful sensation in its wake. Trusting my instincts, I drank several more handfuls until I was satisfied. Then I stepped aside for Captain Klimt. He must be thirsty too… but he was still gazing at the pool like it was holy water, completely still.

Eventually, he broke free from the trance and approached the pool. He seemed to offer a prayer before cupping his trembling hands to drink. He took several mouthfuls, like performing a sacred ritual. Feeling awkward, I looked around - and spotted a small tree next to the pool.

Its leaves and trunk resembled an apple tree from Earth: greyish-brown bark and familiar green oval leaves. But I couldn't be sure. I turned to Mr. Klimt. He was still staring at the pool, mesmerized, like he was meditating.

Perfect time to break his concentration, I thought, grinning mischievously. I cleared my throat and stared meaningfully at the tree. With the level of devotion he was in, he must be able to guess what I was thinking. A little prank is fine, even in a post-apocalyptic world.

Mr. Klimt stood up and adjusted his attire like a nervous professor about to present something. You don't need to be that dramatic, I thought.

"Sir Kendo, these trees are called apple trees. They produce delicious red fruits with white pulp, harvested in summer. I'm sorry, but due to the season - and the apocalypse - you won't get to taste them this time."

So the classic isekai trope proved true, I mused with a faint smile. Most isekai stories claim the vegetation in the new world is similar to Earth's. I guess it might be true. There's something called convergent evolution… or something like that. Anyway, finding an apple tree is an excellent start. If I'm lucky, I might find other familiar plants too - like oranges, almonds, and my favorite, bananas.

Wow… I thought - but also felt a little disappointed. I couldn't see any fruits or buds. Most likely, they were harvested a month or two ago. If only the apocalypse had happened three months earlier…