Quefaialm: In Another World With A Battleship

Chapter 19: Forest's Cliche? Maybe Not

Hello, how are you all? Hope you're all doing well.

What about me, you ask?

Well, here I am, traversing through this expansive wilderness known as the forest, as always surrounded by towering trees.

If I were to gauge the duration of our journey through this forest...

Hmm.

Approximately four hours, and counting.

We've been walking through this forest, our clothes gradually becoming coated in dirt and dust.

And the sun, feels really hot, like it's going to breathe fire soon!

"Nathalie, our rations must be running out soon," I announced. It's been four hours, and most of the rations might be almost gone.

Actually, it's my fault. The rations I brought could have lasted us for weeks, but...

A problem has arisen.

First, some of the rations fell into the river, because of my clumsiness. Second, I ate most of it as we were walking.

"Hopefully, we still have water with us."

We continued to walk and walk until...

"Oh, look, a dirt road!"

It was a different kind of ground from the rest. A dirt road, stretching into the distance.

"If we follow this, we might come across some civilization," I remarked. "Alright! Let's go."

I held Nathalie's hand tightly, tucked the gun securely behind my back, and steeled myself to continue walking. But this time, it seemed to be a road, I presumed.

Now then, what kind of people, if any, will we encounter? Maybe elves, or any fantasy races?

Oh, and perhaps I can learn magic! Fight the demon lord or something? Nah, just kidding.

I don't want to tire myself out with all of that cliché. Plus, I have a ship.

But it wouldn't hurt to learn magic and all. Right?

"Stop right there!" a commanding voice echoed.

I was surprised and taken aback. Stepping back from the road, I heard a man's voice coming from behind a tree.

I quickly guided Nathalie to take cover behind me and firmly gripped the gun hanging on my back.

"Who's there!?" I shouted.

After that, a group of muscular men emerged from the trees lining the road.

Yeah, it's similar. They were clad in ragged and dirty leather armor, perhaps to camouflage themselves in the environment.

Their appearance resembled that of typical bandits.

There were five of them, all wearing identical armor and also with swords hanging from their hips.

"Well, well, well," one of the bandits said, a grin spreading across his face. "Would you look at that! A father and daughter, venturing into the middle of the woods."

This is too familiar! I might cry.

And also I'm anxious; it's my first encounter. I'm not too fond of close quarters yet, but with my gun, I think I can manage.

Also, father and daughter........... Anyway! I can understand their language?

I can understand them, they're speaking in my native language fluently. Maybe that's the official language in this world? No idea.