Chapter 57 - The 4th floor

As soon as the blue light enveloping us disappeared, we began to look around, trying to understand our surroundings. This was also the first time I had come to the 4th floor, and I didn't know exactly what to expect.

"That's..."

The first to say something was Aoi-sensei, but she was soon interrupted by Fujiwara.

"A beach"

Fujiwara said as she looked around. She was right; we were currently on a beach. There was sand where we stood, and in the distance, you could see the ocean. Looking back, there was a dense forest resembling a jungle.

"Instead of a beach, I think the correct term would be to call this an island"

I said as I turned my gaze forward. In the distance, you could see a few smaller islands and another larger one. But overall, they were also covered in forests—some less dense, while others were denser.

"What do we do now?"

Aoi-sensei asked, looking at me. Before I could say anything, a snore echoed in the place, drawing everyone's attention. As soon as we looked at the source of the snore, we saw Ana with her hand on her stomach.

"First, let's find something to eat. I have a rabbit in my storage leftover, but I doubt it will satisfy all of us"

I said, receiving nods from everyone.

"Alright, Fujiwara and Aoi-sensei, I want you two to explore that direction. Saemi, Ana, and I will go this way. We'll meet in an hour. If you don't arrive at the agreed time because something went wrong, in 10 minutes we will come after you"

I said, getting another nod from all of them. After that, Fujiwara and Aoi-sensei started heading in the direction I had indicated, disappearing into the density of the forest.

"Alright, let's get going too"

I said as I began to walk, followed by Saemi and Ana. As we walked, Saemi approached my side, seeming to have something to ask.

"What is it?"

I asked, capturing Saemi's attention.

"No... it's just... I'm a little curious to know how you and her met"

Saemi said, pointing at Ana.

"Ah... about that"

Saying this, I told Saemi how I had met Ana and how we became friends. Saemi paid close attention to every word I said, while Ana appeared particularly uninterested in the conversation.

"I see"

Saemi said after hearing the whole story. After that, the three of us continued walking in silence. No one seemed to want to say anything to each other, so we spent most of the time walking while looking around. After walking for a while longer, we started to hear a noise in the distance—the sound of water crashing against water.

"Are you two hearing that too?"

I asked, turning my gaze to Saemi and Ana.

"Yes, it sounds like a waterfall"

Saemi said, looking in the direction from which the noise was coming.

"Although it's not certain, some waterfalls contain fish"

I said. As soon as I said that, Ana's eyes began to glaze over, and a small trickle of drool ran down her mouth.

"Fishes"

Ana exclaimed, her eyes shining. Sighing at Ana's attitude, we started moving towards the noise. After walking for a few minutes, we reached an open area. Just as we had heard, there was a waterfall there. When I looked at the water, I noticed that it was very clear, allowing us to see the bottom. As I had mentioned, there were a few fish swimming from one side to the other.

"I think we found our lunch"

I said with a smile on my face.

"But how are we going to catch them?"

Saemi asked, looking confused.

"What if I freeze the lake?"

Ana asked eagerly, joining the conversation. It was evident from her expression that she couldn't wait any longer.

"Then you'll freeze the fish along with it. It would be too much work to get them out afterwards... I think I have a better idea"

I said, raising one of my arms.

"Dark manipulation"

I continued. Following my words, several shadow stakes appeared around the lake. As soon as I lowered my hand, all the spears launched themselves towards the fish, hitting all of them. In a few seconds, a pile of fish was in front of us. Ana's eyes shone brightly, and a small drool dripped from her mouth.

"I think that's enough for now"

I said, looking at the pile of fish. After that, the three of us started walking back to the beach to meet up with the others. Along the way, I noticed that Saemi seemed a little down.

"Are you thinking about whether you made the right choice or not?"

I asked, looking at Saemi. Hearing my words, Saemi looked surprised, as if she wasn't expecting it.

"I... can't tell. Although my heart is saying I made the right choice, my mind still tells me I made the wrong choice"

Saemi said, her face displaying a strange expression. Curious about her response, I asked her to clarify.

"What do you mean?"

I asked, looking at Saemi with a confused expression. As soon as she heard my voice, Saemi looked into my eyes with a determined expression.

"I... I'm pretty sure I love you... more than Shinji... although it may seem false since I've only known you for a month while I've known Shinji for years"

Saemi said, looking up at the sky.

"Although my heart is telling me I did the right thing by following the one I love, my mind is telling me I did the wrong thing by betraying the one who loved me"

Saemi continued, a bitter smile forming on her face.

"I guess in the end, you were right... I really do suck"

Saemi said, her tone self-deprecating. At that moment, I didn't say anything to try to downplay her feelings. I felt that no matter what I said, it would only be empty words, words that didn't truly come from my heart. With this awkward atmosphere between Saemi and me, the three of us returned to the beach to meet up with Fujiwara and Aoi-sensei.