Chapter 7: I’m Groot (3)

Chapter 7: I’m Groot (3)

According to my memory, Soul World is definitely not a hope filled game. It is filled with as much discomfort as possible, and even the ending is either bad or sad if the conditions are not met.

First of all, if you let your guard down, the characters can die at any moment. Its not an exaggeration, they can die in the blink of an eye.

One particularly intense memory is when the protagonist entered the forest with a companion to find herbs. The character was quite pretty, so I remember that even more.

Among the choices, there are options to stick together or separate. Most newcomers choose the latter because they dont know any better. They thought they could save themselves even if its dangerous. And that turns out to be the worst choice.

If I had been even slightly late, Ellie would have been killed by Manki. It would be truly shocking to see someone transform into a lump right in front of my eyes.

Anyway, if you choose to stick together, you can survive, and its quite helpful. Its a game where the abilities of other characters, not just protagonists, also improve.

Up until this point, its alright, but the damn battles are the problem. Control is much more important than stats.

What should we do? Does that mean we wont be able to understand each other?

Well, I dont know about that.

Ellie, who was destined to die by Manki, and Luna, the woman who introduced herself as Luna Estel, had a conversation with each other.

Both of them had different outfits, but they both carried small bags. It seemed like they were probably going to dig herbs.

Among them, I glanced at a woman named Luna. Her appearance was very familiar.

Light yellow hair and sky-blue eyes. Its her right?

Soul World doesnt have appearance customization. Therefore, you have to choose between male and female. Fortunately, the modeling was done well, without that, it wouldnt have received good reviews from the fans.

So, the woman introduced as Luna right now is the protagonist of this world. Memories that were about to disappear begin to resurface vividly.

Is her occupation a knight?

Judging by her appearance, it seemed like the most basic occupation, a knight. Its almost certain when I saw her holding a normal-length sword.

Regardless of which skill tree a knight chooses, one efficiency is good. Thats why most beginners choose to be knights.

According to the setting, she received swordsmanship training from a wanderer. This is an official setting, so its the same even if she chooses a different occupation.

First of all, regardless of which occupation she chooses, the basic weapon is a sword. By the way, you can meet that wanderer later. They are a slightly eccentric character that surprises players. The story is also quite good.

Its going to be tough.

As someone who vaguely knows the future, I can only feel pity. Losing a valuable comrade or being betrayed by that comrade could come with a split second moments choice.

However, her future or destiny was not as important as the fact that I had encountered someone. I wanted to go outside first.

Although I have become accustomed to the forest, I never forgot my longing for civilization. I also need to find a way to return to the original world.

First, I need to find the person who sent me here. I have already thought of some plausible suspects.

What if we start by finding out where that person is living? There might be other survivors, you know.

Ellie said in a calm voice. Its hard to believe that someone who almost died just moments ago could be so composed.

Come to think of it, shes not bad either.

I struggled to grasp fading memories. There were so many unique characters that it was difficult to remember the details, but I knew Ellie.

She had shoulder-length reddish-brown hair neatly cut, with bangs. Round eyes and golden irises.

Although she was smaller than Luna, her chest stood out prominently. They stood side by side, making a clear comparison.

Among the characters in Soul World, most of them are well-modeled, but Ellie stood out.

I remember her being praised for having an amazing potion bag.

Shes full of energy. Im glad.

If you save Ellie, you dont have to worry about potions from the mid to late game. As far as I remember, shes skilled in alchemy. So, if you save her early on, the story becomes much easier.

However, until then, youll have to increase her abilities through various quests. Its convenient to think of her as a character who pays for her share. The problem is that shes like a trouble magnet and will face numerous crises even after that.

Saving Ellie eliminates the worry about potions, so it can be seen as a kind of balance patch. Of course, she may be treated as a burden by players.

Speak sensibly. You just witnessed how dangerous this place is. We need to leave right now.

Are you going to leave that person behind?

Thats

Luna hesitated for a moment at Ellies sharp remark. I just stood there, still and useless, watching them. I wish I could make them understand what Im saying. But all I can do is stumble over my words.

Above all, I missed the timing. They probably already think of me as little more than just a savage. Honestly, its a situation that could help me, so I kept my mouth shut.

So lets start by finding out where that person lives. Is that okay?

But what if that man poses a threat to us? You saw earlier how easily he blocked Mankis attack. I cant handle it either.

Well, if that were the case, he would have killed us a long time ago. Maybe he instinctively realizes that were from the same kin?

Elli lightly tapped Lunas shoulder and spoke. I remembered her characteristic optimistic personality. Luna, with a subtle expression, looked at me as if convinced by Ellis words. I simply kept my mouth shut.

So, how are we supposed to get to where that person lives? We cant even communicate with them.

Ill guide you from now on.

I said, turning my back. As I turned my back, I could sense their bewildered reactions.

Swoosh-

Hmm?

While Ellie was curiously staring at the bears skin, I quietly offered her some meat.

As I handed her the meat without saying a word, Ellies golden eyes widened. They were round and quite beautiful up close.

In the meantime, she alternated between looking at the meat I offered and at me, then opened her mouth with a puzzled voice.

Do you want me to eat it?

She pointed at herself with her finger, asking. I nodded my head.

Upon understanding my response, Ellie blinked her eyes and murmured softly.

Hmm so you do understand to some extent. Maybe I can communicate through gestures?

Well, in any case, Ill eat it well. It looks delicious.

After making her own assumption, she took the meat as it was and held it, not with her bare hands but skewered on a branch.

It seemed like my hands were too dirty, so it was a bit difficult to give it to her with bare hands.

Ive been washing them regularly because theres a stream nearby, but they got dirty again due to the dismantling I just did.

Wasnt she also from the countryside like the protagonist?

While the protagonist somewhat fit the image of a village girl, Ellie was known as the epitome of the countryside. Moreover, it was established that she personally collected herbs, and it seemed like she had a strong stomach for such things. Its a relief that the meat wasnt too repulsive.

Wow, its delicious! Was bear meat always this tasty?

Ellie exclaimed after putting a piece of bear meat in her mouth. Her round golden eyes twinkled with cuteness. Wild animals naturally have a distinctive gamey smell. I once ate it without thinking and almost got sick.

To eliminate that, herbal medicine was needed. I made it by using various herbs in the surroundings to get rid of the smell. Thanks to that, instead of the gamey smell, the unique aroma of the herbs fills the air, guaranteeing a good taste.

Why do I eat organs raw, you ask? Well, even if you cook them, they taste the same, so its pointless. Organs are meant to satisfy hunger and provide calories, while meat is for emergency rations and for satisfying ones appetite.

By the way, it seems like he considers us as his own kind. He even shared his food.

Shibal (what are you saying).

Are you considering me a clueless savage? I was taken aback, and an immediate response came out of me.

Of course, its not like Ellie would understand. I dont know when this damn language barrier can be fixed.

But where did Luna go earlier?

She went to the cave. It doesnt matter anyway since theres nothing special about being in the cave.

Poorly drawn murals helped me remember the story of the game and the time I lived here.

The heads of the prey I hunted were even displayed as decorations. And also the weapons I made as backups.

I should see whats going on.

I changed my footsteps towards my hiding place where Luna entered. What is she doing that shes coming out so late?

Ellie, who was pondering over the bear meat, hurriedly followed my actions.

Lets go, Sivar!

Pause-

I abruptly stopped my footsteps at that sound. What did that woman just say?

As soon as I heard Ellie calling me, I turned my gaze to her. She seemed surprised by my gaze.

She wouldnt be referring to me as Sivar, would she? She pointed at me with her index finger and opened her mouth.

Shibal (me)?

Lost in the warmth of a smile as radiant as sunlight, my gaze was momentarily stolen. But as I listened to the following words, a feeling of surprise flew far away.

Yeah! Since you keep saying it, lets use a nickname. How about it? Is it okay?

Call me whatever you want. Now, I cant even remember my own name.

With a disappointed heart, I took another step forward.

Do you understand what Im saying, or cant you?

I guess you dont know. Is there a special meaning behind it? Shibar!

Shibal.

As I thought!

What does as I thought mean? She cursed. This girl, she cursed.