落とし穴外伝：２０２６年 年始スペシャル３ (Part1)
Pitfall Gaiden: New Year's Special 2026 Part 3
Pitfall Gaiden: New Year's Special 2026 Part 3
Side: Souta
After waking my sleepy head with the pleasant aroma of coffee, we ventured out into the New Year.
A lively, bustling crowd…
As expected of the New Year, the streets were packed.
Of course, the crowd wouldn't thin out in the time it took to enjoy a cup of coffee.
But…
"No, this is fun. It really feels like New Year's. It brings back so many memories."
"Indeed. This atmosphere reminds me of Japan."
Mizu, the Water Dragon, responded to my words.
"Oh, isn't that Mizu-san? Were you with us? You weren't responding when we were relaxing at home, were you?"
Taiki noticed Mizu and asked.
"Ah, there was no reason for me to mingle with them, so I went to my own shrine at the time. Suzuhikihime was performing New Year's rituals. I just joined you now."
"Is that so? By the way, Yuki-san and Souta-san, weren't you supposed to show your faces at Suzuhikihime's event?"
"Nah, I can just show up later."
"Right. As for me, the old man told me to rest and kicked me out. I thought, 'You're an old woman yourself,' but…"
"Ah, Enora-san was probably being considerate, wasn't she?"
Yuki offered.
Well, it's certainly true that she was being considerate.
But more for Enor and the other Haiden cult members than for me, I imagine.
Kagura and the others seem to be participating, so in that sense, it was probably better for me not to show my face.
After all, Kagura is the representative of the Kamishiro family.
My presence there would have caused various complications.
"Well, I'll take it that way. This way, I can leisurely observe the town. So, the theme for this year's gift is New Year's, right?"
"That's right. When we say New Year's, it includes not only Japan's New Year but also the New Year's and year-end traditions of this world."
I see.
So it includes New Year's from this world, not just Japan.
There might be things I don't know about, but that's precisely why there could be interesting items.
Hearing it again, it sounds quite intriguing.
"So, where should we go first? A shop where such things gather? There was a department store-like place, wasn't there?"
Indeed, Weed is designed to resemble Japan on Earth, so there are department stores and the like.
They chargeテナント fees and operate as multi-purpose facilities.
However, that's not the only main attraction; there are many other things…
"No, department stores usually have mass-produced, mainstream items, so I think the street vendor district would be more interesting."
"Ah, come to think of it, there was a place like that."
"Normally, when a department store is built, those street vendor areas are pushed aside, aren't they?"
"Right. Department stores and nearby shops are usually at odds."
Taiki seemed to understand what I meant and nodded.
That's right.
When a department store opens, you often hear stories of people disappearing from nearby shopping streets.
That's also a testament to how grateful people are for stable locations, but…
"I had thought about that. Well, this is unique to Weed. Weed is the central hub of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance. If there's a place where merchants from various interacting countries can easily set up shop, it will revitalize the area. And it becomes a place for department store staff, as well as other merchants, to procure goods."
"I see, so the street stalls become a place to discover new merchandise."
"Exactly."
I see, it's well thought out.
It's about coexistence.
"Oh, I remember you said there's a chance of being scammed at the street stalls, but also a chance to find hidden gems."
"That's right. You might find something if you go there. Well, getting scammed and becoming the butt of a joke is also an option."
"That would certainly make for a good story."
It's a common tale to buy something as a good luck charm only to find it's fake.
That's part of the fun of finding hidden gems.
And so, we arrived at Weed's Intercontinental Exchange Market.
I'm aware of this place's existence.
It's where people who can't afford a shop in Weed's commercial district, or those starting a business, as well as merchants from various countries, and even one-day merchants, so to speak, conduct business.
Originally, street vending was like that.
On the other hand, there are concerns about hygiene, but people go there knowing that.
Nevertheless…
"The hustle and bustle right after the New Year is incredible."
Indeed, a throng of people filled the space before my eyes.
"Certainly, in Japan, perhaps, but New Year's in this world is usually much more solemn. In fact, winter is a matter of life and death."
As Taizo-san said, the infrastructure in this world isn't as developed.
It's quite rare for so many people to gather at this time of year, when cold and hunger are at their peak.
Normally, people are just trying their best to survive the harsh winter.
"Well, those who come here have enough assets to pass through the gate, and while there are some free slots, there are proper reasons for them too. They're not that desperate. If they were, it would be much more chaotic."
I understood Yuki's explanation.
That's certainly true.
To come to Weed from other continents, one must pass through a gate.
This requires passing through gates managed by various countries, and causing trouble would also damage that country's reputation.
They wouldn't let just anyone through.
"Welcome! We've got New Year's good luck charms today!"
"With this, you'll have a peaceful year! It's a product from my homeland!"
Such cries filled the air.
It seems good luck charms exist everywhere.
"So, now that we're here, shall we split up and browse? It's more fun to look around at your own pace, isn't it?"
"Indeed, everyone has their own pace."
"Right. We just need to decide on a meeting place and time, don't we?"
"Yes, I agree with that."