Friendship

Karan observed his surroundings carefully. The village was small, with only a handful of houses, most of which looked worn out, barely standing against time.
Curious, he asked, “Not many people live here, do they?”
The girl chuckled softly. “Well, it is a village. We have exactly 24 houses, and 62 people, including children.”
Karan raised an eyebrow. “You seem to know a lot about this place.”
She smiled. “If the village head doesn’t, then who will?”
Karan’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh… I didn’t realize that you—”
“It’s fine,” she interrupted with a playful wave of her hand. “Anyway, we’ve reached my house.”
Karan glanced at the house. It was in slightly better condition than the others but still nothing extraordinary.
The girl called inside, “Maki, bring a glass of water.”
A voice responded from within, “I’ll bring it right away.”
Just then, a boy stepped out of the house.
“Mom, who’s he?” the boy asked, eyeing Karan with suspicion.
The girl—no, the woman—turned to him. “Oh, Luke, you’re still here?”
Luke crossed his arms. “I had some work left. But who is this guy?”
Karan, standing silently, was lost in thought. Wait… Mom? He stared at her, puzzled. There’s no way she’s a mother. She doesn’t look old enough. If anything, she looks… His eyes scanned her briefly before he quickly shook off the thought.
The woman turned to Karan. “I just realized—I never asked your name.”
Karan hesitated. Should I say God Slayer? No, that sounds ridiculous. But if I just say Karan, it might sound weird too…
“N-Nara,” he blurted out. “My name is Nara.”
The woman nodded. “Oh yes, Nara! My bad, I have such a habit of forgetting things.”
Karan frowned internally. But I never even told you my name yet…
Just then, another figure stepped out of the house—a young girl carrying a glass of water.
“M-Mother, here’s the wa—”
The moment she spotted Karan, she froze, then quickly hid behind the door.
The woman sighed. “Maki, there’s nothing to be afraid of. This is Nara, a very sweet boy. I just met him outside the village.”
Luke scoffed. “Oh, so in just a short time, you’ve already decided he’s a ‘sweet boy’? Mom, how many times do I have to tell you not to bring strangers into the village? This could be dangerous.”
The woman remained unfazed. “You worry too much. Maki, did you bring the water?”
Hesitantly, Maki stepped forward and handed the glass to her mother, who in turn gave it to Karan.
“Here, drink. You must be thirsty,” she said kindly. “The heat has been terrible these days. By the way, where do you plan to go from here?”
Karan lowered his voice. “I… haven’t really thought about it.”
The woman leaned in. “Hmm? What did you say?”
Karan hesitated before answering, “I don’t remember where I came from, and I have no idea where to go.”
Luke narrowed his eyes. “So basically, you’re saying you’ll stay here now?”
“No, that’s not what I meant,” Karan quickly replied.
The woman smiled. “And if he does stay, what’s the problem, Luke?”
Luke sighed in frustration. “Mom, I don’t mean to be rude, but you know how much trouble we already have in this village. Another mouth to feed isn’t exactly—”
Karan interrupted. “What kind of trouble?”
The woman’s smile wavered for a second before she quickly recovered. “Oh, it’s nothing. You don’t need to worry. As the village head, I handle all the problems here.”
Karan studied her face. Something was off. “I can’t stay here,” he finally said.
The woman looked surprised. “Why? Did I do something wrong?”
Karan sighed internally. I barely know anything about this place. If they don’t help me, I’m as good as done. I need to play this carefully.
He took a deep breath. “Look, I don’t mean to be rude. You welcomed a stranger into your home, offered water, even invited him to stay. But the moment I ask about the village, you shut me down. That doesn’t add up.”
Luke’s expression darkened. He stepped forward, grabbing Karan’s collar. “That’s my mother you’re talking to. Show some respect. She’s offering you shelter, and you’re questioning her?”
The woman quickly intervened, slapping Luke’s hand away. “Luke, let him go.”
Luke hesitated but finally released Karan.
For the first time, Karan felt truly vulnerable.
(I have no strength, no skills… If this really is a game-like world, I need to level up fast. Otherwise, I won’t survive.)
He took a step back. “You’re right. I was out of line. I shouldn’t be here. I’m sorry.”
Turning away, he started walking.
But before he could leave, Luke called out, “Wait.”
Karan turned.
Luke sighed. “I don’t think you’re a bad guy. I just… I have to look out for my family. Come with me. You’re covered in dust. There’s a pond nearby—go wash up. Then we’ll talk.”
He turned to his mother. “Mom, make something to eat. I’m starving.”
Karan smirked slightly.
(If this is a real-time RPG, then a little manipulation can go a long way… Bingo.)
Luke led him toward a pond, a short walk outside the village but still within sight.
Once they arrived, Luke stretched and said, “You know, bathing together reduces differences and strengthens friendships.”
Without hesitation, he stripped off his clothes and walked toward the water.
Karan’s eyes widened in horror. What the f**?!