Berries

I was pondering with my right hand supporting my chin. I often got into thinking and would subconsciously get into this position.

Suddenly a hand began ruffling my hair. It was soothing and pleasant sensation. I looked up and realized that it was Uncle Asukai who had a smile on his face while rubbing my head.

"Don't worry," he said with his eyes closed and a warm smile covering his face, "you can stay with us till we find where you live."

Right... I forgot that I had no place to live and literally am no different than a beggar here. Also, while he was riffling my hair- wait... my hair? How in the world did I grow hair? I was a bald- I mean, I used to shave off those unnecessary hair.

Taking a few deep breaths, I slowly moved my right hand over my head, and as you would guess, there was hair. My good Lord! I am not a bald person anymore... ha ha, father here has hair. It was weird that I did not notice it till now, but looks like something has changed with my appearance.

Looking sideways, I found a water pond nearby and made my way towards it.

"Hey John, where are you going?"

"Uncle Asukai, I need to pee. Don't worry I will not go too far."

I quickly got near the pond and... fuck saw that the face in the pond was no mine. I removed my shirt, and saw that all the muscles and the 6 pack abs that I had by going to the gym daily were not here anymore. But it was not the worst thing. I came to know about the worst part when I unzipped my pants to take a look at my pride. And fuck heavens, I wanted to cry out the sky after I took a look at my dignity as a man.

I was standing tall with an average build with weak looking arms, had light green eyes and neck length, fine, golden hair with a sleek Japanese hairstyle. In short, I had a fucking handsome face but with an average body shape.

I think that with continuous exercise and training, I will be able to retain my body shape before coming here. And with this handsome face to boot, I think my female fan following is going to see a meteoric rise.

Oh, fuck... but how did I get into this body in the first place? My head is spinning from excessive thinking. Let's put a hold to it for now.

I returned back to uncle's side as we continued to venture towards the place where uncle lived. Still, I could not get away with the feeling that I was missing something... strange, what was I missing?

(After 30 minutes)

A town came into our view as finally passed the forest. We were attacked by some random animals on our way, but uncle was there beside me, so I was alright.

Fuck you... I was scared silly when a snake attacked us who was 20 meter in length. I was brought back to my fuzzy memory of rabbit monster but the snake in front was far more vicious in comparison. Just when I thought of writing my will, Uncle Asukai brought out his spear which was strapped on the back of his body, and thrust it into the eyes of the snake before killing it in no time.

From then on my confidence in Uncle skyrocketed and though I got scared, but I was more than able to lend a hand few times, like throwing a rock or a pebble to get attract the monster, while uncle launched an attack to send him to his makers.

We killed about half a dozen monsters but took only the snake with us. Uncle Asukai said it would fetch a good price in the market, and as always I preferred to stay silent and comprehend the place where I have ended up coming.

"Asukai, you're back." chimed in the first villager as soon as we entered the town.

The town was similar to the ones in medieval ages. Houses made of bricks and stones left me wondering whether I had come across some lost civilization of mankind or something like that.

"Yes, I am. And look here what I have hunted this time." replied Uncle Asukair as he showed him the giant snake which he was carrying in his arms.

I kept on wondering as to how powerful was this old man to kill so many monsters without breaking a sweat. Being being old and still so powerful was an alien concept to me.

"Let's go John, we will first head over to the market and sell this snake. Afterwards I will take you to meet my family."

"Sure, Uncle Arukai, I would love to meet them."

It took us about 10 minutes to reach to the center of the town, as I could see a range of shops crowding up my vision. The stuff they were selling also were quite unique, like treasure location, hidden chests, wanted pirate posters,... I almost laughed for a good while at the unique antics of this civilization.

'It must feel really good living in some prehistoric era when the world outside has progressed so much. Still, I wonder, how are they able to remain cut off from the outside world? And how the hell did I get in here?'

Just as I was reasoning for my answers, Uncle came to a sudden stop in front of a shopkeeper selling a variety of antics.

"Arukai, what have you brought this time?"

"Izumi, I have hunted a pretty interesting monster this time. Look!"

Uncle passed on the snake monster to the person named Izumi, who had a tummy barely kept in check by his clothes and glasses covering his sharp eyes. He looked like a professional merchant from what I could assume from his appearance.

"Nice, nice. This one had a bit of venom inside of his belly and his meat also is pretty popular among nobles. And adding onto it my good mood today, I will give you 250 Berries for this one, Arukai. What do you say, I am too kind, right?"

'Berries? Did he just say Berries? Are berries that popular that they use it as an exchange standard?'

"Izumi, don't fuck with me. You know how much I had to fight for to kill this monster. 800 Berries, and no less. Normally I would sell it for higher, but I am in a hurry right now. It's my daughter's birthday and I want to wish her as soon as possible."

"But Arukai-"

"Alright, if you aren't able to, then I will find a different seller. I believe they would be happy to give me 800 Berries without any negotiation."

Uncle was about to take the snake monster, but was stopped by Izumi before he could touch it.

"Here, take this. 800 Berries, it is."

Uncle Arukai took the pouch and left before Izumi changed his mind. I wondered whether the pouch really did contain 800 Berries or not. But uncle seemed to have his trust in the Izumi guy, so I did not say anything and followed him quietly.

Just as we got outside outside the market, Uncle made his way into a nearby house which was good looking and a nice and small garden in front of it. It seemed that this was his house.

But before we could enter it, a beautiful lady opened the door with a face filled with worries, and holding onto a note in her right hand.

"Father, it's bad. Mori left a note saying that she is going to surprise you and went into the forest by herself."

"What!!!"