Living in another world as an Oni!

Chapter 99 - 96: The promise of delicacies!

Chapter 99: Chapter 96: The promise of delicacies!

Alright! Time to embark on a new journey!

I went out a few minutes ago to tell Fen and the others about my plan. They were skeptical but they did agree.

So now that the other's had already agreed. Then of course I had to do my part!

"Tres! Is Mika ready? Uno, Quatro—have the supplies been packed? Dos, Cinco—how about the sleeping bags, do we have any? If not, go ask Serena if she has one!"

The house was alive with activity as everyone moved with purpose, albeit slightly chaotically.

We're now currently in Serena's house which by the way is actually also Rea, Jin, Io and Levy's house.

I guess they decided it would be for the best they stay together in case something happened while they were here, huh?

Anyway,

My clones scurried about, fulfilling their tasks with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Tres, was double-checking Mika's gear. Mika, as usual, was more interested in sneaking bites of a leftover snack than focusing on the trip we were about to go on.

"Those foods Jin told me about..." I muttered under my breath, wiping a stray bead of sweat from my brow as I recalled her description. "The spicy stew, the roasted meats, and those... those pastries! Damn it, now I'm drooling again."

Jin didn't just tell me about the kingdom's dangers; she also tempted me with the most mouthwatering descriptions of their cuisine. And honestly? Even if the kingdom needed saving for me to try those dishes, so be it.

[System Response:

Aria. Focus. ]

I snapped back from my thoughts at that.

Thanks for that system.

"Tres! Is Mika ready?" I repeated, louder this time.

Tres turned to me, exasperation evident. "Mika's ready. I've packed her things, and I even made sure she has snacks. Healthy snacks." She shot a pointed glare at Mika, who was trying—and failing—not to look guilty.

"Good," I said, then turned to Uno and Quatro, who were hauling supplies. "What about you two? Supplies?"

Uno saluted, her expression stoic. "All packed, boss. Food, water, tools, and essentials accounted for."

Quatro, on the otherhand, groaned under the weight of her oversized pack. "I think I packed too much..."

I sighed. "Quatro, we're not hauling treasure. Trim it down. This isn't a stroll."

Quatro muttered something about "always being prepared," but she started unloading excess items.

I heard footsteps coming towards us, looking up I saw Serena and the 4 looking at the others as they ran around, her calm demeanor in stark contrast to the chaos around her. She glanced up at me, her eyes gleaming with quiet amusement.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" she asked, her voice steady.

She's on professional mode today, huh?

I rolled my eyes. "Why does everyone keep asking me that? Of course, I'm ready."

She smirked, leaning back slightly. "Just making sure you're not biting off more than you can chew. You've got that 'I don't know what I'm doing energy' going on right now."

"A what energy?" I repeated, stunned. "Serena. I'm just... worried."

As the others went and done their businesses, I found myself sitting beside Serena. Her eyes looking as the others finished their preparations.

"You're really going through with this, huh?" she asked, her tone quieter now.

"I have to," I replied, staring into the flames. "If your sister really knows something and the mist is growing as Gorn and the others say then waiting isn't an option. Besides..." I hesitated, then smiled faintly. "I really want to try their food."

Serena laughed softly, shaking her head. "Of course you do."

I leaned back, letting the warmth of the fire wash over me. For a moment, the weight of the journey ahead didn't feel so heavy.

When the first rays of sunlight spilled through the windows, the house came alive again.

My clones were ready, each one carrying their share of the supplies. Mika was perched on Titan's shoulders, grinning from ear to ear.

For some reason, she really likes looking at us from a high place. Weird.

"Alright," I said, stepping to the center of the room. "Let's do a final check."

"Food?"

"Packed and double-checked," Uno confirmed.

"Tools and essentials?"

"Ready," Quatro said, looking slightly less burdened after trimming her pack.

"Map?"

"With me," Leah replied, tapping her satchel.

I glanced at Serena, who stood by the door with her own pack slung over one shoulder. She raised an eyebrow.

"Do you really need to ask if I'm ready?" she teased.

I smirked. "Fair point."

The door creaked open, and the crisp morning air rushed in, carrying the scent of pine and earth. The forest loomed ahead, its towering trees casting long shadows across the path.

I took a deep breath, gripping the strap of my pack. "Alright, team. Let's move out."

Titan led the way, his towering frame a reassuring presence. Mika chattered excitedly from her perch, her enthusiasm infectious, Leah walked besides them. Serena walked beside me, her pace steady and confident. Io stood on the middle with Levy, while Jin and Rea stood at the rear.

As we stepped onto the path, I felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The kingdom awaited, with all its dangers and delights.

And most importantly, its food.

With a determined grin, I adjusted my pack and pressed forward, the promise of answers—and a good meal—driving me onward.

Little theater:

Mika: *pointing dramatically* "Onward, mighty Titan! To snacks and glory!"

Tres: *exasperated* "It's a journey, not a picnic, Mika!"

Titan: *gently adjusts Mika on his shoulders* nodded, fully endorsing her snack quest.