A World Unwritten

"There we go, last one," I exhale, my hands sore from the incessant chipping, scraping and sharpening. Turning, I assess our makeshift weaponry, the fruits of our hard labor. Four normal-sized swords for me, Rai, Isadora, and Aira, a couple of short swords for Oliver and Kiada, and a bow for Biana, lie before me, their gleaming surfaces catching the dimming sunlight. Each is crafted and takes into account everyone's individual strength and fighting style.

I hear a long drawn-out sigh from Biana. "Ugh, V, are we finally done? I'm so tired~ Let me sleep now. I can't do anything else~," she whines, collapsing on her back with a theatric yawn. I can't help but smile at her dramatic antics. Well, she did help out so I'll cut her some slack. I never really understood her, in the novel, although she could've been considered friends with Mason she never really did anything until halfway through the story. Why is it that she listens to me? Hey, system can you tell me why?

[...]

[I don't know]

What the hell do you mean 'you don't know' How the hell don't you know? I thought you knew everything?

[I do, I have no interest in such stupid questions]

Tsk, this that system, "Here, catch," I toss her the bow nonchalantly. "This one is yours. Take care of it."

With another yawn, she catches it mid-air, her fingers tracing the crudely carved runes. "Ehh, why though? I've never used a bow, you know." Her eyes hold a slight intrigue despite her laid-back demeanor.

"Well, then you better learn how to." My response is straightforward, leaving no room for further debate. Besides, I chose a bow for her with good reason. Biana is one of a kind, with her abilities she could use a variety of weapons as she is extremely smart. However because she is a lazy brat, the best option would be to give her a bow, with her adaptability it won't take long for her to understand how to use one.

Having settled the matter, I gather up the swords and head back to where the others are. A quick glance at the horizon confirms my suspicion; we've been at it for hours, the sun now dipping towards the western edge of the island, ready to retire for the night.

"Hey, everyone," I call out, my voice echoing slightly in the quiet surroundings. The tasks assigned had clearly taken a toll on them; I see tired but satisfied smiles as they come over. Wtf was Rai doing? Does he not know how coconuts work? why was he trying to bite it?

I distribute the swords among Rai, Aira, and Isadora. "They're not perfect, but it's better than nothing," I say, tossing one each at them.

Rai's eyes gleam with excitement as he brandishes the sword. "Ooh, let's go! You actually made a sword. I can finally hunt!"

"No way, you can't hunt, that's for protection. And don't use magic on the sword unless it's necessary, it might break if you can't control your magic well" I'm quick to set boundaries, not wanting him to go charging into the jungle and causing a ruckus. At the moment everyone here except me can somewhat use aura or magic for an extended amount of time if necessary.

Aira nods in agreement. "Mm-hmm, thanks, V, this is better than fighting barehanded." There's a touch of gratitude in her words, which makes me nod in silent acknowledgment.

Next, I turn to Isadora, who's already swinging the sword, seemingly getting a feel for it. She catches my eye and actually speaks, a rare occurrence. "Thank you," she murmurs, her voice low and calm.

I fight to keep my composure. Haha, this is the second time she has spoken to me. I truly am incredible to make her speak. This is truly a victory for me, if this was a game I would see her friendship level go up.

Finally, I turn to Oliver and Kiada, the short swords in my hand. "I'm not sure if you guys know how to fight, so I made you guys some short swords," I say, tossing them over. Their wide-eyed expressions and quick thanks leave me with a sense of satisfaction. Oliver is a potion brewer and has some combat experience however Kaida is a different story. She does not know how to use her abilities well as she has only spoken with one spirit. She still hasn't learned how to summon them and borrow their power. The most she could do right now is keep Flora company.

Flora, Isabella, and Liam are magic users. I don't have to worry about Isabella or Liam since they've been training for years. Flora has a similar ability to Ayla as they both can communicate with plants and manipulate them. Since she is still in her early stages she could at most use to navigate the forest. We shouldn't come into contact with the group of Islavores for another day or two so I should prepare.

With my newly formed sword arsenal distributed, I finally turn to Flora and Kiada, who have been busying themselves with a task of their own. "How many clams did you guys manage to get?" I ask, curiously eyeing their hands.

"Clams?" They both echo in unison, their faces a picture of innocent confusion. After a beat, Kiada's face lights up in recognition, "Oh, you mean those weird shells you told us to collect. Hehe, we caught more than just one type of shell." She holds up a stick-made bowl filled to the brim with not just clams, but also a few oysters nestled among them.

A grin spreads across my face at their successful haul. "Well done you two, hehehe," I commend, a tinge of unexpected delight in my voice. "Now there is enough here for most of us... oh no, it seems like we'll be one person short. Well, you did say you'd be fine on your own, right Isabella?"

Isabella snorts in contempt, crossing her arms defiantly. "Tsk, I told you I don't need your barbaric help, who wants to eat that disgusting shit anyways," she retorts, an obstinate glint in her eyes. Shaking my head in defeat, I turn to Oliver, who's been trying to coax a spark out of the dry tinder with no damn precautions. This damn guy, is he trying to start a fire?

"Alright then," I say, "Hey Oliver, wake up Biana and have her help you start a fire. I'll be right back." I'm sure Biana won't let a fire spread or her sweet nap time will be ruined.

Leaving the gathering behind, I retreat to the dense tree line, Umbra detaching from my clothes with practiced ease. A simple thought is all it takes for Umbra to take the form of a large bowl-shaped rock, perfect for our cooking needs. I take a moment to secure my gun within the folds of my clothes before heading to the beach, our makeshift pot in hand.

The beach is tranquil as I fill the rock bowl with water, the soft lapping of waves creating a soothing symphony. Turning back, I make my way towards the camp, the weight of the water-laden pot a reassuring presence in my hands.

Upon reaching the camp, the sight of Biana glaring at me meets my eyes. "That better be edible," she grouses, her annoyance at being awoken evident in her narrowed eyes. I stifle a chuckle at her antics, poking her forehead hard enough for her to fall back. "Just go back to sleep," I retort.

Shifting my attention to Liam, I hold up the rock bowl filled with salty seawater. "Hey, could you use magic to filter out the salt and dirt?" I ask, casting him a hopeful glance.

Liam eyes me with a hint of suspicion before letting out a resigned sigh. "You had me for a second, I thought you were going to make us drink this," he says, rolling his eyes, but nonetheless prepares to perform the task, his hands glowing with a soft, magical light.

Liam's magic does its work, slowly extracting the salt and dirt from the water in my makeshift pot. I watch as the murky water clears, the impurities evaporating in a wispy trail of magic. "Thanks, Liam," I say, giving him an appreciative nod. He grunts in acknowledgment, waving me off dismissively.

Positioning the cleaned pot above the crackling fire, I can't help the grin that spreads across my face. Everyone's eyes are on me, some curious, others expectant. Who knew being a culinary genius could earn you such attention? "Everyone get ready for a good meal, you got lucky I'm in this class hehe," I tease, reaching into the hidden pocket of my uniform. Hehehe, how could I not have prepared seasonings in advance?

Retrieving the small sachets of spices and seasonings, I carefully begin the preparation. I shake some crushed garlic and red pepper flakes into the pot, followed by a hearty pinch of salt. The aroma begins to fill the air, warm and inviting. I drop the clams and oysters in next, their shells clacking against the pot's hard surface.

As the heat permeates through, I watch the clams and oysters start to open, revealing their tender insides. They look a bit different from the ones back at home but I'll make it work. I turn them over a few times to ensure they're cooked evenly, their succulent aroma growing stronger with each stir. Using a sharp stone, I carefully extract the oyster's flesh from its shell, discarding the empty shells into a small pile by my side.

Oliver, who has been silently observing me, finally speaks up. "Why are you taking that out of the shells?"

"They'll cook faster this way, plus it's easier to eat," I explain, continuing my work. I then turn my attention to the nearby coconuts, their hardy exteriors promising a much-needed sweetness. With swift, precise movements, I manage to crack one open, its sweet water trickling out.

"Can't let this go to waste," I mutter, quickly positioning the half-cracked coconut over the pot, letting its sweet juice mix in with the savory broth. The coconut meat, I scrape out using the sharp stone, dicing it into small, bite-sized chunks before adding them into the pot.

With the coconut added, the broth takes on a creamier texture, the sweetness balancing out the savory undertones perfectly. I give it one last stir, the pot now brimming with a hearty soup that not only looks good but smells heavenly.

As the final simmer subsides, I move to the pile of hollowed-out coconut halves we've gathered, a practical yet nature-friendly alternative to bowls. Being in this different world, where coconuts are significantly larger, has its unique advantages. I distribute the makeshift bowls, ladling generous helpings of the hearty soup into each one.

"Tsk, you all better eat it all, I used my precious seasoning I hid, you understand!?" I reprimand them, shooting stern looks around the circle. Isabella, sitting off to the side, huffs and turns her nose up at the food. To my amusement, four of my classmates have already begun devouring their portions, the sounds of slurping and satisfaction filling the quiet evening. Biana, Isadora, Kaida, and Flora, all familiar with my culinary skills from the academy, were the first to tuck in without hesitation.

Aira, who's been eyeing her bowl skeptically, finally sighs, "Here goes nothing," she mutters before taking a cautious sip. Her eyes widen in surprise as she takes her first taste, a clear sign of approval. "This is pretty good," she admits, before an impish grin stretches her lips. "Hey V, once I'm the queen, why don't you become my cook?"

As I turn to retort, Liam interrupts, "You the queen? Sister, don't be delusional. V, once I'm the king, why don't you become my personal chef?" There they go, these damn siblings are going to fight to their graves.

Scanning the group, I notice Biana and Isadora are plowing through their food the fastest, while Rai chimes in through mouthfuls of food, "Hey V, thisuh stugf is gooud."

Flora, sitting next to him, elbows him swiftly. "Don't talk while you're eating!" she admonishes, making me stifle a laugh.

But it's Aira's remark that catches my attention next, "Hey, I know she's rude but she's still part of our group, can you cut her some slack?" Following her gaze, I see Isabella, doing her best to maintain a stoic facade, although her teary eyes betray her.