Kazemura Shopping District — Meilin

I left my room, rubbing my aching head, and stumbled into the bathroom.

Himari and the children were brushing their teeth.

Himari looked up mid-brush, froze, and dropped her toothbrush when she saw my face.

Himari ran towards me and cupped my face with her hands. Worry was written all over her face, and her eyes darted from my eyes to my feet.

“What happened? Are you okay? Did you sleep at all? Why are you crying? It’s okay, you can tell me.”

Himari wrapped me in a tight embrace. I froze, my arms stiff at both sides, but then melted into Himari’s warmth.

It feels so warm.

I can’t remember the last time I was hugged.

“So? Meilin, tell me everything that happened.”

I described everything that happened in the dream from beginning to end.

“I see.” Himari combed her hair with a bristle brush, untangling her matted hair.

“I don’t know too much about the wish orb, or orbs in general. However, what I do know is that visions often accompany the first stage of a curse.

And I think you just got one.”

I guess you could say I am doomed in every universe…

First Haokei dying, now being cursed…

Himari continued, “Let me grab a book about orbs from my room."

She returned holding an almost ancient tome, and flipped through the pages to a chapter titled: Vision.

A vision is not a dream, but reality, in a twisted perspective.

For example, a space orb user might experience visions of people not giving him enough space for privacy, and therefore isolate himself from others by creating a space only he can access. The people not giving him enough space is actual; however, the vision exaggerates it, manipulating the user to abuse the orb’s power and corrupt their mind.

Another example: a wish orb might show a wish orb user visions of their regrets, twisting them so badly they feel like the only way forward is to undo the past. The truth is still there, but bent just enough to hurt.

So what was the wish orb trying to tell me?

How was I supposed to abuse its powers?

I only have one wish.

Maybe its goal is to make me decide on the wrong wish…

“Thank you, Himari. I feel better now.” Himari had given me a cup of hot tea and a loaf of bread, which was quite flavoursome. The bakers in Kazemura must be great at their job.

Unlike the local bakery back on Earth…

“You can rest here for now, Meilin. I’ll go buy some supplies at the market.” Himari took a large bag and hauled it over her shoulder.

I just realised how small she was.

“I can come with you. I'm fine now.” I reached out for the bag and took it from Himari.

It’s heavy.

“Thanks!” Himari smiled, “You sure you’re okay though?”

“Yes.”

We went over to the Kazemura Shopping District.

“We would need a big backpack, some tents, sleeping bags, a rope, a lantern, and a map. Anything else?” Himari took out a stash of cash from her pocket. They were of a soft teal hue and star-shaped, similar in size to Himari’s hand.

“Nope.” What an interesting design for a currency.

Himari led me over to a small shop. The owner was a middle-aged man with a beard, wearing a weird uniform.

“Why hello there, Himari! What can I help you with?”

The man noticed me, and he pranced up in the air and yowled like a startled cat.

“H-Himari, is everything okay at the orphanage?” He leaned into Himari’s ear and hissed, “Blink three times if you’re in danger!” But he was still a bit too loud.

“Of course, I’m fine, Mr. Ponzu. Let me introduce you to my new friend, Meilin.”

Himari grinned. My gaze must’ve been a bit terrifying, as Mr. Ponzu squealed in fear when we made eye contact. I mustered a soft smile and said, “Nice to meet you.”

“N-nice to meet you! Please take what you need—just don’t eat my family!”

Himari chuckled and shot me a look that said: I’m sorry, Meilin. He’s a bit of a scaredy cat, don’t mind him. I’m sure the other villagers would be happy to see you. Then turned to Mr. Ponzu, “We would like the basic camping equipment pack, please.”

He nodded vigorously, “Yes, yes, of course! Anything for you two!”

Though this old man’s reaction was a bit too exaggerated, I would prefer this much more over the dark, judging stares of the villagers. Or the constant bullying from my classmates. I would much rather someone be afraid of me than despise me.

We purchased the equipment, and Mr. Ponzu hurried off to attend to the next customer. Himari brought me to a bookshop next, and even though I despise reading, the interior of the bookshop was magnificent. The stairs were painted a rose gold, and they were enormous, like those of a luxurious mansion.

“This is the well-known Kazemura Book Store!” Himari hopped around excitedly, like a rabbit itching to have its dinner, “You can find every book you need here. And we need a map!”

The bookshop was quiet and serene, in contrast to the noisy street outside. Himari skipped around the comic and manga section of the bookstore, often stopping to read a page or two.

I decided not to disturb her and went to a young lady who seemed to work at this place.

“Excuse me.”

The lady had a small stature, half-rim glasses, and mint green hair pulled into a high ponytail. Despite her petite frame, she looked like she could throw some hands. She had piercings in both ears and wore sickly green lipstick. I had interrupted her while she was looking outside the window.

“Huh?” Her amber eyes were sharp, like a cat’s. “Are you talking to me?”

“Yes, um—if you don’t mind—”

“What? Are you cosplaying?” she inspected my outfit, “What a weird idea to cosplay a witch out in public.”

“I’m not cosplaying—”

The worker scoffed, “You’re telling me you’re a real witch? Seriously? At this time, all the witches are either corrupted or dead. Impressive that you managed not to break character, though. I cannot imagine how many disgusted stares you got.”

I sighed. This lady is not going to believe me. But I guess it’s better than her not being willing to talk to me at all.

“I was wondering if you sold maps of Elysium here.”

“Of course we do.” She reached up for a book, and even on her tiptoes, she couldn’t reach it. “I’ll grab a ladder.” She grumbled, clearly upset.

“It’s fine, I can do it.” I grabbed the book she had struggled so hard to reach and handed it over to her.

“Tck.” She ticked her tongue. “Why are you giving it to me? This is it, the map of Elysium. And if you don’t have any other questions, I’ll continue with my duties.” She glanced at the window again.

After the lady finished speaking, the bookstore was as quiet as it had ever been. I could hear Himari’s happy giggles from the other side of the store.

Then, a high-pitched scream was heard, echoing around the bookstore.

It split through the serenity of the bookshop like shattered glass. It came from the shopping district, and a chill went down my spine.

The lady turned around immediately at the sound. Her eyes were panic-stricken.

“Grandma.”

I have never seen such terror in one’s eyes before. Yet this was only the beginning of my journey—