"Making fire by rubbing sticks is making things hard for yourself."
"I choose the crystallization of civilization…"
As Kitahara Makoto spoke, he opened his backpack and looked down, searching.
Soon, a windproof lighter appeared in Kitahara Makoto's palm.
Togawa Sakiko: "Eh, a lighter?"
Nagasaki Soyo: "No wonder Kitahara-kun was so confident."
"Students generally don't carry lighters in their backpacks, do they?" Chihaya Anon crossed her arms over her chest, her tone suspicious, "Could it be that Kitahara-kun secretly smokes?"
Takamatsu Tomori quietly advised: "Makoto-kun, don't smoke. My neighbor's grandpa was hospitalized with lung cancer a while ago because he smoked."
Kitahara Makoto said speechlessly:
"If I smoked, my mouth would definitely smell. Don't you all know whether I smoke or not?"
"…"
One sentence made all four girls blush.
"Just like the waterproof backpack, the lighter is also something I bought just in case."
Kitahara Makoto explained the reason.
Next, of course, it was time to make a fire.
With a lighter, lighting the dry grass was exceptionally easy.
As the bright flames burned, the girls all breathed a sigh of relief, finally understanding the phrase from their history textbook:
Fire is the beginning of human civilization.
On this quiet isolated island, as the fire started, the sense of security instantly became full.
"Mmm~ So warm."
"Everyone, quickly dry your bathrobes."
"Slow down, slow down, don't move too much, be careful not to put out the fire."
The girls gathered around the bonfire and began to dry their bathrobes.
As the saying goes, clothing, food, housing, and transportation, clothing comes first not for the sake of rhyme, but because it truly has its importance—shame is a unique biological characteristic of humans.
Kitahara Makoto, meanwhile, sat to the side, checking the supplies in his backpack and saying:
"There are three most important things in wilderness survival: food, fresh water, and shelter."
"The cave is very safe, so the shelter problem is solved."
Chihaya Anon looked over curiously: "What about fresh water?"
Togawa Sakiko said softly:
"The snow is falling heavier and heavier, the accumulated snow on the ground can be used for emergencies."
"Actually, there's another way." Kitahara Makoto looked up, "That is to enter the game. The first ability of a mage is Water Bullet Technique, which can be used to solve the drinking water problem."
"All in all, there's no need to worry about fresh water. Next is food."
As he spoke, Kitahara Makoto took out four boxes of Pocky cookie sticks from his backpack:
"Although it's not much, it's completely fine to last two days with them."
Humans can last seven days without food, so food is the least of their worries.
"Eh?" Nagasaki Soyo looked over curiously, "Kitahara-kun actually carries snacks with him?"
Of course, it's for bullying Bocchi-chan every day.
"It's also for emergencies… Are you hungry?"
Kitahara Makoto changed the subject.
Hearing this, the girls suddenly felt hunger welling up in their hearts.
After entering the Otherworld, they first fell into the sea, struggled to swim to shore, and then climbed up and down, collecting dry grass. Their physical strength had unknowingly been largely depleted.
"For now, everyone eats one stick."
Kitahara Makoto handed over the cookie sticks.
Everyone knew the situation was special, and no one complained about the small amount. Each person took a cookie stick and crunched it down.
"Can the fruit on that big tree be eaten?"
Chihaya Anon sniffed, looking expectantly at the towering giant tree that dominated the entire island.
Although the fruits on the tree couldn't be seen clearly, their faint fragrance had already drifted over, making one's mouth water, as if every cell was shouting.
"In the Otherworld, the more beautiful something is, the more dangerous it is." Kitahara Makoto's expression was serious, "Don't go near that tree. Wait until the answer book's question count cools down tomorrow, and we'll figure out the tree's true nature before making any plans."
The girls all nodded in agreement, indicating they understood.
Time quietly flowed by.
The damp bathrobes were finally dried by the fire, and several girls eagerly put them on. Even Tomori, who usually showed little emotion, had a relieved expression on her face.
With the problems of safety and warmth resolved, as the first yawn sounded, yawns quickly followed one after another.
It proved that yawning truly is contagious.
"If you're tired, just sleep for a while." Kitahara Makoto sat on the outermost edge of the cave, saying softly, "I'll be on night watch."
Togawa Sakiko forced herself to stay awake: "It's too hard for one person, I'll accompany Kitahara-kun."
Kitahara Makoto shook his head: "Tears are already coming out, don't force yourself."
Togawa Sakiko: "…"
"I! Am! Not! Tired!"
Togawa, blushing with indignation, wiped her eyes, still gritting her teeth, determined to stay up all night with Kitahara Makoto.
Unfortunately, her resolve didn't last long. Her small head began to nod, clearly reaching its limit, and she instinctively leaned against Kitahara Makoto's shoulder, then, like a cat afraid of the cold, she snuggled little by little into Kitahara Makoto's embrace for warmth.
As for Soyo, Tomori, and Anon, the three girls were already fast asleep, leaning against each other.
Time passed, unnoticed.
Togawa Sakiko finally awoke from her slumber.
"Togawa, it's time to get up."
A familiar voice entered her ears.
"Mmm…"
Togawa Sakiko groggily opened her eyes, finding herself nestled in Kitahara Makoto's arms. She instinctively rubbed against Kitahara Makoto's chest and, in a childlike voice, pleaded:
"So sleepy, can I sleep a little longer…?"
It must be said, a pouting Togawa was incredibly cute.
The problem was, she couldn't sleep any longer.
Kitahara Makoto reminded her:
"Everyone is looking at you."
"Eh?"
Togawa Sakiko instinctively lifted her head and saw Soyo, Anon, and Tomori all standing nearby, looking at her with subtle expressions.
"…"
Togawa's mind immediately cleared, and her pretty face rapidly flushed visible to the naked eye. She quickly sat upright.
She remembered.
She remembered everything.
She had promised to stay up with Kitahara-kun, but she had fallen asleep, and it seemed she had slept for a very long time…
"Sakiko, you're exposed."
Nagasaki Soyo quickly reminded her.
Togawa Sakiko looked down and realized her bathrobe was disheveled. She quickly pulled it closed, glaring at Kitahara Makoto with embarrassment.
Kitahara Makoto looked innocent: "I didn't do anything."
Togawa Sakiko bit her lip lightly: "Kitahara-kun, why didn't you wake me up sooner?"
"Well, I can testify." Chihaya Anon raised her right hand, "Kitahara-kun actually called out, but Sakiko herself whined and didn't want to get up."
Togawa Sakiko: "…"
"I just checked, the answer book's question count has refreshed." Kitahara Makoto said, stretching his body and changing the subject, "What does everyone want to ask?"
After a brief discussion, the girls quickly voted and made their choice.
"What are the fruits on that tree? Can they be eaten?"
Whoosh.
The answer book began to turn pages, and this time it clearly took much longer.
A moment later.
Lines of text quietly appeared on the paper:
"Item: Fruit of Eden (Fake)"
"Status: Edible"
"Effect: Eating a little can beautify and nourish the skin; eating more grants eternal youth and increases lifespan."
"Side effect: When you develop original sin, your original sin will be exceptionally strong."