Part 361: The End of the Exploration

About three hours later.

Under a clear sky after the typhoon, we are preparing our meal in the square in front of the "Avienia Castle," where the corpses of the mice "monsters" are lined up in rows.

Mikimouse, Walt Disney.

The "monster," named after its discoverer, Mr. Miki, apparently moves in groups, and ultimately, twelve individuals were located. Apparently, all of them have now been eradicated.

I looked one by one at the fallen "monsters," making a grimace.

"Ugh, so gross..."

Their white bellies swollen like they're pregnant, black body hair, and above all, huge, round ears.

Represented symbolically:

●●

/●

A peculiar design, like "a full-width space followed by a half-width space."

Moreover, for some reason, just looking at it makes you feel uneasy—like you might have to pay a fortune at any moment.

"Phew. Just barely avoided being replaced by some rodents as Disney's mascot."

said the "Gambler."

She's smiling now, but it actually turned out to be quite a serious situation.

After all, several 'players,' including the 'Storyteller' and the 'Singer,' apparently died during the battle against the 'Monster.'

"I don't want a mouse mascot. It's creepy."

"Really? I actually think I'm not so bad."

"Mice are the very symbol of uncleanliness. It's definitely cats we should have."

And so on.

Talking to the "Gambler," you truly feel like you've come back to life.

Incidentally, the refugees from the Land of Mirrors are currently busy gutting and disassembling Mikimouse, experimenting and adjusting as they go.

"Wow, never thought I'd end up using the knife I brought along for fighting zombies... for regular cooking purposes like this."

Despite their casual remarks, everyone efficiently sliced up the long-awaited "monster meat" with practiced ease.

Canned food isn't bad, but we just couldn't help craving something with real bite.

At first, Vivian and the others had been flustered by the sudden appearance of more than thirty men, but now they warmly welcomed them.

All because they'd heard about the circumstances these people had endured—living under constant threat from a million zombies, with no certainty of what tomorrow would bring—something we modern survivors simply couldn't help but sympathize with.

The barbecue set, carried in from underground by the men, was quickly assembled and lit with a swift flame.

Amid a still somewhat strong breeze, a warm fire flickered to life.

Meat that looked at least somewhat like beef was placed one by one onto the grates.

Few among us now bothered to recall that this had once been humanity's marvel.

We've become remarkably callous, haven't we—almost without realizing it.

The impromptu venue was already buzzing with celebration as the feast to welcome them home began.

▼

It's common knowledge that monster meat tastes surprisingly delicious regardless of species—but the flavor of Miki Mouse was truly exceptional.

"There's a dish made from a rodent called 'Kui.' I once tried it from a friend in Peru. It tasted similar to chicken, but—once it cooled down, it was completely inedible. This one, though, is much easier to eat."

And, naturally, Mr. Shibata didn't forget to subtly boast, "Impressive connections, huh?"

The result was a simple steak with only sea salt sprinkled on it—but the flavor was unexpectedly complex, like opening a suitcase after a long trip. Depending on the cut, it was sweet and salty, yet also slightly spicy. The texture was quite chewy, yet it cut through smoothly and was juicy. The fat content was low, so it wasn't greasy at all, making it easy to eat as much as you wanted.

In short, it feels like a fantastical food that could only be eaten in a dream—something that combines the best qualities of chicken and beef.

As a player, you can tell that this is just right for restoring mana.

Indeed, you quickly realize it fills you up far more efficiently than regular meals.

As everyone happily enjoyed their meal, murmurs suddenly spread through the men.

"May I have a bite too, if you don't mind?"

She appeared—looking exactly like a character straight out of a male-oriented 18+ game.

Miss Tōru Vladimir.

For a moment, I didn't know how to react and awkwardly bowed.

"Ah, hello. You're working hard."

Talking with her inevitably forces you to think deeply.

Even now, the blank memory refuses to return.

The ten lost days after joining the guild.

You've done well, I see. That must have been tough.

Yes... um, sorry. About Ran-chan...

Ah... I see...

Tōru, his usual bright expression slightly dimmed,

Riru-kun's a bit unstable right now. It's best not to get close until she's properly revived.

Huh. So that's how it is.

"When will Ran-chan be?"

"Hey, bringing someone back takes time. Right now, casualties from the monster battle are being prioritized, so she's a bit further down the list."

I see...

All because of Mikimouse.

I bite down on their flesh with a grim expression. They're not guilty—after all, meat isn't to blame.

Besides, her revival costs will probably end up being Nanami-san's burden, you know. As long as she doesn't come back...

Sousou... So, she's at Donatell now?

Ah, I see.

Was it just me who could convey that, right now?

"She is—"

Just as I was about to explain the circumstances up to that point.

Hey hey! Everyone's doing it, huh!

And then, with the casual ease of someone who’d just popped into a convenience store down the street and come back, Nanami’s voice rang out.

Looking over, I saw Nanami and Mayi’s figures.

Both were covered in mud and dried blood, yet appeared mostly unharmed.

I couldn’t help but gasp, “Whoa!” and rushed toward them.

“Ahahaha! Hehehe! I’m back!”

“Nanami… Mayi…!”

And, slightly hyped up, I quickly checked my status with the "Skill Inspection" to make sure I wasn't becoming a "Hungering One."

Both of them were perfectly fine.

No abnormalities at all—Nanami and Mayi were both completely unharmed.

"Hey, 'Nameless'! So, where's the camera!?"

I pulled out the precious item I'd carefully kept in my waist pouch, holding it up proudly.

"Brilliant!"

Then Nanami spread her arms wide, dramatically.

"Then, the final shot! The hero's return! The miraculous reunion scene! Hee hee hee! Come on, jump right into my arms!"

"Ah, sorry, but I'm not really into that kind of overly affectionate stuff..."

"Then we'll just edit that part out!"

And so, the three of us—holding hands.

The only thing missing here is Ran-chan... and Dogbite-kun.

And so, at last, our adventure in the other world came to an end.