Struggling to Survive in Hell Difficulty

Chapter 20.

"...are you feeling comfortable there?"

"Not exactly, but this will do."

Feeling glad that she was finally content, I heaved a sigh of relief.

Because of her 'boredom', she pestered me and continued to ask about many things inside my apartment. Starting from 'how a lot of water could come out endlessly from a small pipe', 'how a small object can emit such a bright light that it could brighten the whole room', and many other questions that required me to search the internet for an answer.

In the end, when her question was about the smartphone that I had been using to answer her curiosities...

"...so you are saying that your phone is a small yet more mobile version of FIS-HE, is that it?"

...and that was when she became interested and tried so many ways to get into my phone.

Starting with a direct physical contact approach, then trying to use her magic on it (and cracking my screen protector in the process), until I suggested a direct connection from FIS-HE into my phone.

I could hear the sound of FIS-HE's fan getting weaker, so it seemed like the migration process from FIS-HE into my phone was (surprisingly) successful.

"With this, I should be able to see the outside world. Using your smartphone."

"...you just want to see the outside world, huh..."

"Well, I am already here. It would be foolish of me if I did not take advantage of the situation."

"You mean take advantage of ME, specifically."

"Bold words from someone who borrowed the strength of the Pure One and the Witch to finish his Tutorial Quest."

...not only was that an unexpected response, but I also could not make any comeback to refute that haughty statement.

"Now, go outside and let me experience more."

"...experience... but it's already late at night..."

"Don't worry, it won't take long."

I was still feeling apprehensive, but I heaved a sigh and decided to follow what she wanted.

Considering the electricity consumption that the apartment owner just said, I thought my phone's battery would be quickly drained the moment I disconnected it from FIS-HE, but seeing my battery was still 98%, that did not seem to be the case.

Just as I took the phone and was about to place it in my pocket...

"Wait wait wait! Why are you doing that!?"

"...do what?"

"Why are you trying to blind me!?"

"Blind...? I am just putting you in my pocket, though?"

"Then I will not be able to see!"

"...can't you just normally ask me to carry you without pocketing you then!?"

I heaved a sigh and took my phone out before heading to the door...

"Stop doing that!"

"Do what again now!?"

"Swinging me around! You are making me sick!"

"...you really are... oh, right."

"...what are you doing. Hey, why are you leaving me like this!?"

After placing my phone on the table, I ran towards my cabinet and opened it. I then took out the cardboard box that I used to contain all my unused items and began rummaging inside it.

"...I should have placed that thing here... okay, found it!"

What I fished out from there was an old-style body harness with several cloth strips that could be removed. It was something I had bought and used back when I had been working as an engineer, so this was no longer necessary in my current administrative job.

It took a while to remove all the strips and tie them together, but I finally managed to create a makeshift pocket to put my phone in and prevent it from falling down when I moved.

"...now to wear this-"

"Heyyyy... you are still there, right? Please answer mee..."

As I was wearing the harness, I heard TIZ speaking... or rather, hollering from the table. I just realized I placed her screen side down, so I quickly picked her up.

"What took you so long!" The moment I directed the phone's screen towards me, TIZ's angry face came on display. "I thought you forgot about me and left-"

"Let's see now..."

"W-Wait! I told you not to... ohh... ohhhh-!!"

...hearing her response, it seemed she didn't dislike it.

"...and last is..."

"Hm? What are you doing?"

"I'm taking a few things just in case." I took the cable charger and a fully charged power bank and placed them into my sling bag. "Also, can you clearly hear me from there?"

"It's a bit muffled, but I can still hear you."

"Right... then, where do you want to go?"

As I asked the question, I made sure to lock the door before going out of the apartment. Seeing there were no luxury cars parked outside, it did not seem like the apartment owner got a customer today, which explained her cranky mood from earlier.

As I silently paid my condolences to the unfortunate apartment owner, I left the area and began walking towards the main road.

"Isn't it obvious? Where else do you go when it's already night?"

"...home?"

...I could feel a weak tingling from my chest as if responding to my answer.

"The Night Market! I want to see the Night Market of your world!!"

"Night Market... you mean the places that sold street foods and snacks? Or maybe those that sold raw ingredients for cooking and some household items?"

"...what? Of course not!"

"Then which Night Market are you talking about?"

"Did you not visit a smaller one yesterday? I want to go to a big one!"

"...small... big... night market?"

"...just let me guide you. Wait a bit."

After a while, TIZ began directing me towards the subway and to ride a train. She took me to an unfamiliar route at first, but I slowly became more familiar with my surroundings until I realized this was a similar path I took when I wanted to work.

...not just similar. This really is that alley I never took because it takes longer to reach the subway.

"Now we can see the Night Market!"

"...which one, exactly?"

"Can't you see that? That one shining building in front of you!?"

...It turned out the 'Night Market' she was talking about was a mall, one located right next to my office.