"Martin, have you finished your report?"
"Yes, I've just wrapped it up, sir."
"Thank goodness. In that case, could you please also take care of last month's Sales Report? My nephew hasn't finished it since he just got married."
"But sir, isn't Ria supposed to be responsible for her report?"
"Hey, what are you implying! I already told you, she just got married. Can't you lend a hand?"
"Alright, Mr. Manager."
"Hahaha, that's the Martin I know!"
Suddenly, memories of my past life flooded back to me. I was an office worker in the marketing department of a cosmetics and skincare company. I was often taken advantage of by my superiors because I wasn't the type to protest much or take a firm stand. In the end, it was this very nature of mine that led to my exploitation.
Tired of it all, I decided to use my annual leave to go on a vacation to Mount X in region X. Mountaineering was a hobby of mine, as I was part of a nature lovers group during my college days. I wanted to take a brief respite and ponder over what I should do moving forward.
(Can I really keep enduring life this way?)
Well, let's think about that once I reach the mountain peak.
Prepared my camping gear and set off to Mount X's tourist spot.
"Ah, what exhaustion,"
I've made it to the peak of Mount X at last. The view after a hike is truly worth enjoying. It feels like going through pain first to enjoy pleasure later.
"Alright, let's set up the tent first."
Despite the fatigue, it's crucial to pitch the tent first. I begin to erect the Cabin type tent, which is quite large and affordable. I prefer the spaciousness of this kind of tent as it's comfortable for me, though it might seem strange for someone camping alone to set up such a large tent.
Like most city dwellers, I tend to look after myself. For about five years, I've worked as a cosmetic and skincare salesperson. To many, I appear proficient in sales, which has allowed me to save over 150 million. How did I manage to save that much?
I've lived frugally with the primary goal of buying a modest home for my future abode.
Once everything is sorted, I start to relax and savor the view from Mount X. A red twilight sky accompanied by a cup of herbal tea is perfect for unwinding.
(Maybe I should just quit my job?)
With my savings, I think about starting a small eatery. Cooking is something I excel at. Not to brag, but that's my specialty, being someone who, at 25, is still unmarried.
As I read a web novel on my smartphone, I ponder. Isn't the protagonist's life somewhat similar to mine?
"Ah, I wish I could be transported to another world, I'm tired of living like this."
...****************...
(Ah, is this a consequence of my own wish to switch worlds? Has it been granted?)
Moments later, I wake up from my dream.
"It seems I had a dream....."
Thinking about it again fills me with excitement. Have I finally escaped all my earthly troubles? Alright, let's plan out my new life. First thing I contemplate is my online shopping skill. Sure enough, my account shows a balance of 150,500,789.
I can also purchase anything from this online shop. Isn't that amazing? I can live in this world reminiscent of medieval Europe with a modern lifestyle.
(And what's this 'Item Box' skill? Is it like the one in games?)
Thinking about the item box, a panel with several squares as in games appears. It doesn't say how much it can hold, so I dismiss it.
Ah, indeed it is an item box like in games. How do you use it? Without thinking, I notice my watch. Before this, I had also verified that the time in this world is identical to Earth, which is 24 hours.
"Do you want to store it? (yes/no)"
When I choose yes, my watch vanishes from my wrist and its image appears in one of the item box's squares.
"Woah, this is amazing!" This really excites me.
Alright, let's try my last unique skill 'Appraisal'.
As I focus on the skill, I scan my surroundings.
"Good morning, Uncle Martin."
"Good morning, Riese," I greet her in return.
For now, we're staying together in the tent. Yesterday, I bought Riese and Alice each a sleeping bag, and they seem to like them.
-----+++++-----
Name: Riese
Condition: Just Woke Up
------++++-----
Ah, the panel that 'Appraisal' displays seems different from the 'Status' one, but it looks very useful.
"Uncle, uh... thank you for saving me and Alice..."
Riese still appears very grateful for the rescue.
"Don't dwell on it, I feel fortunate to have you two here."
Thanks to them, I don't feel alienated from this world.
"Good morning, Riese, Uncle Martin."
"Good morning, Alice," Riese and I greet her together.
"Brother, I want to go to that toilet again."
"Sure, I'll take you there."
Alice seems to fancy using the portable toilet. From what I've heard from them, the general populace uses rivers for bathing and sanitary needs.
(Hold on, doesn't Riese know how to use magic? Then why go through the hassle of the river?)
Thinking this, I approach Riese outside the tent waiting for Alice.
"Riese, don't you know magic? Why bother with the river?"
"Oh, it's about Mana efficiency, uncle. Generally, water magic users can only produce a wooden bucketful; overdo it, and the user might faint. It's better used for drinking than anything else."
"Is that so?" I think my portable toilet's water is magically sourced, and I could provide drinking water without feeling tired or fainting.
"Well, I suppose it's because you're special, uncle. Nobles are called nobles because they can wield large-scale magic, even in warfare, Uncle."
"Then I guess I should be more mindful when using magic."
"It would be wise, Uncle, your three unique skills are also quite special."
"Got it."
After that, I head back and start preparing breakfast for the three of us.
Let's have sandwiches; they seem perfect for breakfast today – light on the stomach.
I buy a pack of 6-piece sandwiches.
"Riese, Alice, let's have breakfast together."
""Okay, Uncle!""
"Uncle, this sandwich is delicious, the meat is tender, and the bread soft," Riese comments.
"Are the bread and meat here usually different?"
"That's right, Uncle. Bread and meat here tend to be tough."
Is that so?
I can tell from Alice's eager consumption.
"Riese, what are your plans going forward? Do you want to return to your village?"
Upon asking, I notice Riese's face cloud over with gloom. Thankfully, Alice doesn't understand the gravity of the situation.
"I don't know, Uncle. Our village may be destroyed. I'm not sure if there are any survivors, and I don't know the way back. I just fled into this forest of death..."
After hearing this, I make a decision. After all, I can relate to their situation since I've experienced it myself.
"Hey, Riese, Alice, how would you like to stay with me going forward?"
Riese looks at me, astounded, while Alice simply gazes at Riese.
"Wouldn't we just be a burden to you, Uncle?"
"What are you thinking? You're the first people I met here, and I already consider you family."
Touched by my words, Riese sheds tears and smiles at me gratefully.
"Thank you, Uncle, thank you..."
"Yaaayyy, we'll stay together."
Alice seems genuinely happy to be with me. Is this the feeling of family that I've long missed?
As I contemplate this, we continue our breakfast before eventually setting out on our journey.
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