"There's a fishing area on the island to the far north. I tried asking around to see if someone could take you there."
I was genuinely concerned; I hadn't explored this island yet. From what I'd noticed, my house was located in a rather remote area.
"Will you miss mom?"
My time with my new mother had been pleasant. We even made a few recipes so unique that they surprised me with their flavor. My feelings for her are confusing — far from a son's love, but I certainly don't hate her.
"Don't worry, I'll send letters telling you about my days."
"Don't hesitate to ask your sister for help. She might be a bit grumpy, but she likes you."
'My sister is a student too?'
"She studies at the academy? What's her name again?"
My mother seemed surprised by the question; her expression looked different from just moments before.
"You forgot your sister's name? You've been acting strange lately... She's a third-year student, her name is sara
. Go, my son — and don't forget your blindfold."
After a hug, I set off toward the island's dock, where, according to my mother, there were some fishermen who might give me a ride.
I walked for about two hours before finding what they called a fishing dock — and there were indeed people there. As I approached, I noticed eyes just like mine observing me.
Four middle-aged men were stretching their nets when I came closer.
"Hello, good morning. I don't mean to bother you, but I need your help."
They all looked at me instantly, until one of them stood up and said:
"Aren't you Mrs. Cryst's son? What do you want from us?"
"I need to go to Island Zero immediately. I can help you catch fish along the way."
They looked at me and laughed. I was genuinely annoyed.
'Why the hell are they laughing?'
"We can't set foot on that island. Maybe we can drop you as close to the shore as possible, but we could also get caught."
"I'll pay five gold coins. Just take me as close to the island as you can. I'll swim the rest of the way."
"For five gold coins, I'd sail straight to hell. Welcome aboard our humble boat."
I stepped onto their small boat, and something caught my attention.
'Where do they sleep?'
There were no cabins or beds — they literally slept on deck, using only sleeping bags.
"You seriously sleep out here?"
"We don't travel far, always stay near the island. Why would we need bunk beds?"
'I almost agreed with these lunatics.'
"All right, can we go then?"
I handed the five gold coins to the man I was talking to. As soon as he took them, a crooked grin spread across his face. My mother had given me a hundred gold coins, but I had no idea what they were worth.
'Five gold coins can't be worth that much, right?'
It didn't take long before we set sail. The boat was truly old and in desperate need of repairs. The paint was faded, and the wooden planks creaked loudly.
"Are you sure this thing won't sink on the way?"
The man glared at me.
"Don't talk nonsense. Tiffany is strong and majestic."
'Seriously? The boat's name is Tiffany?'
I held back my laughter. Time passed, and only one day remained before the academy's enrollment began. Sleeping outside my bed and at sea had granted me a new skill — seasickness resistance.
The day was sunny, and the wind was calm. On the horizon, the silhouette of the island was visible.
"Old man, can you get as close to the coast as possible?"
"The problem is the island's guards ambushing us. Sorry, kid, but from here on, you're on your own."
I looked again at the island in the distance — maybe just a few kilometers away. I tied a wide white band over my eyes, faced forward, and said:
"Thank you, even if just for a short while."
"Good luck!"
I crouched down, focused my dark mana on my feet, and with a powerful leap, launched myself toward the island. But there was a miscalculation in my mental equation.
'Where the hell am I going to land?'
I truly jumped several meters into the air toward the island. Moments later, I was falling like a comet — so fast that I doubted I'd survive unscathed.
When I realized the speed and saw I was about to crash into the roof of a mansion, a chill ran down my spine. For the first time since I arrived in this world, I felt fear. I crashed through the roof, smashing a massive hole, and the next thing I knew, my body was plunged into water.
I had fallen into a large pool. A loud splash echoed, and the water overflowed. I looked around — even blindfolded, I could sense where I was.
"This is… a bathroom? But it's huge!"
I kept looking around. It was clearly the bathroom of someone wealthy, probably a noble. A few minutes later, through the steam of the still-hot water, I saw a silhouette.
"Who's the idiot that made this mess?!"
Red, slightly curly hair. Crimson eyes. Fair skin. Soft, pinkish lips.
The moment she saw me, her face turned as red as a tomato.
"Pervert!!!"