Joseph

Huff... The weather's nice.

When the blazing heat of August has only just passed is the best time to climb mountains. The foothills are covered with people who seem to have had just the same idea as me.

{character:Tourist A} Hey, look! Isn't that...

{character:Tourist B} Huh? Oh?! It really is him...

Two people nearby are staring at the man by my side as if seeing something incredible while muttering something in low voices. This seems to remind other passers-by, who also stop to watch. Some even fish out cameras and begin taking pictures.

He hasn't done anything special to attract attention, and is only—like many others—warming up in preparation for climbing the mountain. But I have to say if there's one thing that can attract so much attention, of course, it's definitely his phenomenal physique.

Biceps bulging like logs; sturdy pecs against which his shirt lay taut; a broad, strong and reassuring back; quads whose powerful curves could still be seen even under his loose clothing; and those calves that supported his nimble fleet.

Strong but not intimidating, his natural, healthy physique makes him look far younger than his actual age, and full of vigor. He's just standing there, yet still manages to give everyone the impression of a classical sculpture. Onlookers can't help but gasp in admiration: Such a strong and powerful man! So strong, so powerful!

{character:Joseph} Alright! Warm up, check!

The reason for such attention is actually very simple. It's because he is Joseph, a celebrity and household name in One Han City.

{character:Tourist A} Is he here to climb too? Never thought he would be interested in such an ordinary mountain.

{character:Tourist B} Is he doing a show? Otherwise why would he come here? This mountain is way too easy for him.

Many people present may share the same doubts and sentiments. After all, in the public perception, jungles, glaciers, and other remote, dangerous places seem to be more fitting for this explorer.

But he really is only here to climb the mountain. We'd been chatting a few days ago, and he had invited me along for a workout...

{character:player} ...Neck hurts. Back hurts. Playing back-to-back Hanchan games has made me feel pretty bad.

{character:Nana Shiraishi} You're clearly not getting enough exercise, junior. Oh, I won with this tile, hee-hee.

{character:player} Ah, I was busy complaining and didn't even notice that 4 Han with rounded up Fu scores. Ouch.

{character:Joseph} Hahah! It takes a strong body to play Mahjong. Seeing as we have some good weather, why don't we get some exercise and go climb a mountain?

{character:player} Mountain climbing...? I haven't been doing that for such a long time that it actually sounds like a great idea. But just to be sure, you do mean ordinary walking up the mountain, right? Not one of those extreme challenges like on your show?

{character:Joseph} If you're interested in that, my friend, then we can always find a more unusual route to the summit!

{character:player} No, no! No need! Thank you! Just a normal path is fine.

It's just exercise, no need to put your life on the line...

{character:Joseph} Finished your warm-up, friend?

{character:player} More or less. Let's go... *Yawn*

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! It's a nice breeze, but it makes people sleepy.

{character:player} Th-that's for sure, haha...

Sorry, Joseph. It's not the weather making me so tired. I just haven't been getting enough sleep.

But what am I supposed to do... Elderian Ring is just too addictive!

I'd barely slept all week because of the newly released game. If he hadn't called me in the morning, I would have completely forgotten all about our plan to go climbing.

{character:Joseph} When we reach the summit, we'll find a patch of grass and have a nap while the wind blows all around us. After we wake up, we'll walk back down the mountain to have a good meal. And then, we will have ourselves an absolutely perfect day!

{character:player} Perfect! Let's go, and we can think about what to have for dinner on the way.

I splash some water on my face after warming up, and immediately feel a lot more awake. Joseph had rushed over to meet me right after a shoot, so it's a little rude of me to look so out of it while talking to him.

Besides, I'm not the only one that didn't have enough sleep. I'm sure I'll be just as perky as him, once we get going.

{character:player} Huff... Ah... Huff...

Totally not what I expected... It isn't long before I'm puffing and panting away. Forget about being perky... I'm even feeling a little dizzy.

{character:Joseph} How... Are... You...?!

Joseph, in the lead, is still in fine spirits. So fine, in fact, that he's playing some kind of echo game with the mountains.

I was too naive... We are simply not on the same level. He can walk for almost a full day without a rest. I can't believe I actually thought I'd be as energetic as he is.

{character:Joseph} What say you to a break, friend?

{character:player} Ye-yeah! We've been going a while, and I'm already a little tired...

This is awkward. I check the time and cannot believe we've only been going for twenty minutes... Is it too soon to ask for a break?

{character:player} If we keep going at this pace, how long do you think it'll be until we make it to the summit, Joseph?

{character:Joseph} At this pace? I reckon... Probably not too much longer.

In that case...

{character:player} How about we rest a little bit later?

{character:Joseph} Are you okay, my friend? I hope I'm just being oversensitive, but you don't look too great.

{character:player} I'm fine, really. It's probably because I'm not used to mountain climbing. It's been ages since the last time I went.

Joseph seems to have consciously slowed down, most likely out of consideration for me.

It's not often there's a chance to get out and relax like this. Best not to spoil it by making him worry too much.

{character:player} Don't worry. I'm not so weak that I can't handle this little bit of hiking. I'll be fine if I go a bit slower.

{character:Joseph} ...Alright. Don't push yourself too hard, my friend. Remember we're here to have fun!

Who would have thought it'd be this tiring to... climb a mountain? I hang on and walk a bit more, and the cool breeze seems to have a soporific effect.

{character:Joseph} Hum hmm hum! ♪

Joseph keeps increasing his pace... No, that's not right. It's me who's getting slower and slower. I need to pick it up! I'm already lagging, and who's to say he won't just have vanished by the next time I blink?

Easy enough to think that, but honestly I'm already going as fast as I can. And my anxiety isn't helping me walk any quicker, but is weighing me down even more.

{character:player} I feel like we've been walking for miles, Joseph. How long till we get to the top?

{character:Joseph} Let me see... We've been going about 40 minutes already, so I'd say about another hour or so.

{character:player} An, an hour?!

Is... Is this what he meant by "not too much longer"?! Well, I guess from Joseph's point of view this brief period is nothing. I was careless... I should have asked.

{character:player} Stop, hold up a second!

Walking another hour in my current state is no joke...

{character:Joseph} Huh? Oh... Sorry. I'm walking too fast, aren't I? I can't seem to fix this bad habit. The crew of the show always complain about this, saying that one minute I was there, and the next I was already gone.

{character:player} It's fine, I just think it might be time to rest...

{character:Joseph} Don't be in a hurry to sit down, and don't be gulping down water just yet. First, you need to adjust your breathing.

{character:Joseph} Slow, deep breaths. Try to keep them even. Here, you can use this towel to wipe your face. Wow... Your sweat just keeps coming! Are you sure you're alright?

{character:player} Yeah, I think so. Huff... Adjust breathing... In and out...

{character:player} ...I think I'm alright. At least I'm not panting so heavily anymore. Uh, Joseph—is it going to rain?

{character:Joseph} Rain? It's a fine, sunny day right now, my friend.

{character:player} How odd... Why's it getting dark?

As daylight slowly fades, the scene in front of me gradually warps into nothing but a blur. The refreshing coolness of the evening air permeates every limb, giving me the feeling of being immersed in seawater.

I look down at my hands, but can't even see them.

{character:player} Who turned out the lights...?

...

By the time I regain consciousness, the surrounding scene is plated in the muted colors of dusk.

{character:Joseph} Did you sleep well?

{character:player} So well! Definitely the best sleep I've had in the past few days.

{character:player} This is... The foot of the mountain where we started?

{character:Joseph} Yep. You just conked out, scaring me half to death, hahaha! You didn't wake up for so long that I brought you here, where you could get better rest.

{character:player} Thank you... But I have to ask, how did you carry me down the mountain?

{character:Joseph} On my back. Why?

{character:player} It's nothing. Just curious.

I've seen him princess-carrying his colleagues back to camp in the show, but thank my lucky stars he didn't do that with me. Fainting while walking up a mountain is bad enough—if he had to carry me back down like that, I'd have to go live in a different city.

{character:Joseph} Don't you feel better after a good rest?

{character:player} Well, yeah! Definitely more alert, but also starving. If I ate a good meal, I'm sure I could easily run up and down this mountain—twice!

{character:player} Although, it's not the best time to climb now... I'm sorry, Joseph. Let me take you for dinner tonight, as it was my fault we didn't make it to the top.

{character:Joseph} Don't say that, my friend. It's my fault for not realizing you were in trouble sooner. Allow me to take you for dinner instead.

{character:Joseph} All journeys have a few small hiccups. We'll have plenty of chances to come here again, so let's not allow a small setback to affect our future enjoyment.

{character:player} All this talk of dinner is making me even hungrier! Okay, let's have a really good meal, and eat away our regret of not making it to the top!

I love listening to Joseph's travel stories whenever we eat together. I don't know what wonders he'll talk about this time, but I bet they're worth looking forward to!

{character:George} Screech, screeech!

{character:Joseph} If this little guy's rubbing your face, it must be because he wants to cheer you up too.

{character:player} Yeah? Well, thanks for the comfort, George.

I remember I brought some jerky snacks, so I take some out and feed him... Huh? There's something hard sliding around by my ear? It's not a bug, is it?!

I gingerly reach out an exploratory hand, only to find that George was rubbing something in his mouth against my ear. I take the object from him, and find a round, blue stone.

{character:Joseph} He even brought you a gift, a beautiful sapphire! Hey, buddy, how come you never comfort me like this?

{character:player} Maybe it's because I sneaked him snacks! Such an elegant gift deserves one in return. So, George, this whole pack of jerky is yours.

{character:George} Screeeech!

{character:Joseph} Even though we didn't make it to the top, finding such a wonderful little treasure is surely worth celebrating!

{character:player} Then let us celebrate! What do you fancy eating? Your choice.

While it is a beautiful stone, it isn't a sapphire like he had claimed. If I can pick up something as lovely as this just by climbing a mountain, I should probably go buy a couple of lottery tickets. But it's always nice to receive a present, and it deserves a good meal.

{character:News Anchor} We interrupt your program to bring you breaking news: During a recent visit to our city, a member of the E Kingdom royal family accidentally lost the gemstone from their ring...

{character:player} How unlucky! Losing something so precious on so rare a trip. Erm, this place does great bagels!

{character:News Anchor} The lost sapphire has not, at present, been recovered. We ask anyone who finds such an item to contact us as soon as possible.

{character:player} Sapphire... Huh?!

The photo of the gemstone displayed on the screen seems familiar, and I can't help but glance at the "stone" that I'd stuck to the bedside.

{character:player} No way! Surely that's too far a coincidence, right?

I should get Nikaidou to properly appraise this for me, just in case, you know? I certainly don't want to cause any diplomatic trouble.

...While I'm at it, should I go buy that lottery ticket?

{character:player} ...I'll listen to you then. Let's find a place to sit.

I have to admit it is a little embarrassing to ask for a rest after such a short distance, but it is what it is. Leisure time is meant to be enjoyed, so breaks are fine whenever one is needed.

We found a roadside stall and sat down, ordering something to eat while we watch the world go by.

{character:player} So cold! Has this just thawed...? But at least it woke me right up.

{character:Joseph} Cool. Did you not sleep well last night?

{character:player} I've been up late these past few days playing a new game. I'm sorry, you invite me out and I turn up with dark circles under my eyes...

{character:Joseph} Don't worry about it. It's hard enough to find something that really grabs you like that, so why not enjoy it while you do? That is called living.

{character:Joseph} The very fact that you are willing to leave your game and come with me here shows that you value our friendship. And that makes me happy. So there's no reason at all to apologize! Smile instead, my friend.

{character:player} Alright! Treat it like I hadn't properly woken up and was mumbling nonsense.

Chatting with Joseph always makes me happy. His straightforward manner relieves a lot of my guilt.

{character:Joseph} But I'm not going to lie, my friend—those are some pretty impressive dark circles, almost like you got in a fight. Be sure to have a good dinner and get some rest.

{character:player} Yeah, I agree. I do need a good night's sleep. That reminds me, Joseph... You came right here as soon as you finished the shoot. Aren't you tired too?

{character:Joseph} As long as you have good exercise habits, doing a little extra work once in a while is nothing.

{character:Joseph} Exercise helps with many things, including Mahjong. After all, it is a game that demands both the body AND the mind. It can never hurt to be in good physical shape.

{character:player} I've heard that before, from Kazuha Saionji. She has often told me that I'm not strong enough to keep up with her training.

{character:Joseph} Ahaha! Even I find it hard to keep up with that girl. It's tough that you have to train under her now.

{character:player} Whoa... If even you can't keep up, then what hope is there for me in such a short period of time?

This conversation makes me want to skip the game with Kazuha Saionji the day after tomorrow.

{character:Joseph} Don't lose heart! If you can accomplish something in the short term, just take it as a longer-term goal and make short-term preparation for it.

{character:player} What sort of short-term preparations? Can you give me an example?

{character:Joseph} Let me see... First, how about training to walk 20 hours without stopping?

{character:player} Never mind...

Again, we are just not on the same level... His "short-term goals" are probably considered "long-term goals" for most people.

{character:player} I think I've caught up on my sleep. Let's get back on the road, Joseph.

{character:Joseph} Okay. As you wish, my friend.

{character:Joseph} We have reached the summit, the highest point in all of One Han City!

{character:player} Huh?! Isn't that Kana's advertisement? Even here...

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! Look at the scenery further out, friend.

Although I took several more breaks along the way, we actually manage to reach the summit by noon as planned.

{character:Joseph} Hmm, nice. Come take a look, my friend.

{character:Joseph} When I flew by here in a helicopter, I thought it should be the best view in all of One Han City. And it does not disappoint me!

{character:player} Really? Let me see!

Without any suitable comparison at present, I will reserve judgment about it being the "best" viewing area. But there's no denying it's one of the best places to see the city sights.

From the lofty vantage point, the city seems to have become an exquisite model—this is definitely a new experience! When I think how, not long ago, I was a part of this "model" too, a sense of wonder is added to the refreshing feeling.

{character:player} Looking out at such a sight really makes it all worthwhile.

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! Most of the hard work of hiking is all for these kinds of moments. So enjoy it! Enjoy it, my friend.

{character:player} What about you, Joseph? Are you enjoying it too?

{character:Joseph} Of course! Making it to the top, conquering the summit—it's always a pleasure, no matter how many times you've done it before.

{character:player} As long as you're having fun. I was worried you'd be bored.

{character:Joseph} Bored? How so?

{character:player} Well, it's like what those two tourists said. Compared with your previous adventures, this mountain is way too easy for you. I worry that it won't be exciting enough for you.

{character:player} I wasn't in the best form today, making stops the whole way like that. Fortunately you weren't disappointed.

Joseph stays silent for a moment, before smiling and patting my shoulder.

{character:Joseph} I see. Well, my friend, let me ask you: What do you think is the most important thing for me before I travel or go on some adventure?

{character:player} Let me think... Is it being fully prepared?

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! That's a great answer, but even more important is the mindset. Wherever I go, I must first respect the journey.

{character:Joseph} Respect nature, encounters, the unexpected, surprises... Take every step with sincerity and, at least in my opinion, with this mentality you will never be bored. Also...

Joseph bends over and picks up a blue stone from the ground, his palm shining in the sun.

{character:Joseph} Good things always happen to you! Would you look at that! What a gorgeous sapphire. Nature loves to give us these surprises from time to time.

{character:player} Hahaha! For real! It's so dazzling, too.

One could say I've learned a lesson today. If you can treat every journey like he does, then maybe there'd never be a moment of boredom.

Just being around him automatically lifts my spirits, no matter how exhausted I am. People like him, who know how to enjoy life, can always affect those around them with their vitality and energy.

{character:Joseph} This is for you, my friend.

{character:player} Eh? I don't know... I haven't done anything special, how could I take such a lovely gift from you?

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! Did you forget? You didn't get enough sleep, yet you still managed to reach the top of the mountain with me. Such perseverance deserves a reward. Good job, my friend!

{character:player} ...Thank you. Then I'll take it.

Although it is a little cheeky, Joseph is clearly offering me a way out. I'd be an idiot to refuse.

{character:George} Screeeech!

{character:Joseph} Found something interesting, buddy? George is calling us, let's go see what he wants.

{character:player} Let's go!

By the time we walk down the mountain, lights have already been lit up all over the street. We find a cozy little restaurant and celebrate the conclusion of today's journey with a delicious meal.

{character:player} I haven't sweated like that in years, but at least my back doesn't seem so sore anymore. I guess I do need to exercise more. I should hike with Joseph again someday!

Returning home, I place the "sapphire" carefully in a drawer, wondering when I can find a chain to hang it on as a souvenir of today...

But I never expected fate to only allow me to have it for one night...

{character:News Anchor} We interrupt your program to bring you breaking news: During a recent visit to our city, a member of the E Kingdom royal family accidentally lost the gemstone from their ring...

{character:player} Urgh... Surely it's not the same gemstone, right? It would be too much of a coincidence if it is...

I look closely at the images on the screen, positive that I've seen something similar only recently...

Just as I'm about to pull the object out of the drawer for comparison, the phone rings.

{character:Joseph} Did you see the news, my friend? I think I saw something familiar.

{character:player} ...Your timing is perfect. Why don't we go to Tenhoukaku later if you are free?

I can't keep this... This might cause a serious diplomatic problem.

{character:Joseph} Cool! Know what, friend? I am SO PUMPED right now!

What makes a great adventurer dance for joy in the streets, his eyes gleaming with excitement and hollering like a child?

A movie.

{character:player} Come back to earth, Joseph, before you float away to space.

{character:Joseph} Tell me about it! Seeing it makes you want to go on an adventure right away! That is "Fortunes of Adventure" for you, my friend!

If they knew that "Fortunes of Adventure" was the movie that guided this man onto the path of adventure, I think most people would not be surprised.

Now, this decades-old movie is getting a re-release in the cinema. Die-hard fan Joseph had bought a whole book of tickets, and was using every opportunity—including when playing Mahjong—to rave about it. I happened to be free the day of the first screening, so went along with him.

{character:Joseph} Sorry if I'm a little overexcited, but I just can't help it right now!

The re-release naturally makes old fans happy, but what really makes Joseph ecstatic was the news announced by the producer at the end of the screening...

Joseph is dumbfounded for several seconds after "Coming Soon" appears, before slapping his thigh and leaping up from his seat, shouting and cheering.

{character:Joseph} Unbelievable! How many years has it been? And there's gonna be a new "Fortunes of Adventure"?!

{character:player} Anything nostalgic is powerful. Be as excited as you like!

{character:Joseph} OOOHH YEAHHH!

It took over half an hour for Joseph's excitement to dissipate, or at least calm down to a manageable level. While he rests against a wall, I go to pick up some drinks from a nearby vending machine.

{character:player} Don't forget to stay hydrated, your throat must be parched after shouting so much.

{character:Joseph} Thanks... Glug... Glug... Friend. Perfect timing with this water!

{character:Joseph} Wooo! NICE! What a great night. Everything's just perfect!

{character:Joseph} When it's finally released, let's go to the premiere together! I promise I'll get the best seats in the house.

{character:player} Sure. I don't know if the new story is a direct sequel to the others. So I'll have to binge them first.

{character:Joseph} Well, why not seize the day, as they say? I happen to have the complete Collector's Edition... How about picking up some snacks and coming to binge at mine?

{character:player} At yours? I'll think about it...

Hmm... I don't have much planned for tomorrow, so might as well make the most of this chance. After all, an all-night screening should be fun.

{character:player} Alright! Anyway, I swear I saw something at the end there which struck me. Wasn't that the lost key hanging from the protagonist's waist?

{character:Joseph} You're very observant, my friend. Why don't you have a guess at what will happen? And in the meantime, let's go get some snacks!

{character:player} Okay. Should we get something for George, too?

{character:Joseph} Good idea. He'll get a bit sulky if it's just us stuffing our faces!

{character:player} ...So, it's only because the actor forgot to take the key off?

I feel so dumb after learning that the so-called "foreshadowing" was just a blooper, for I was really pondering when watching "Fortunes of Adventure 2"...

{character:player} Why couldn't you have told me this earlier...?

{character:Joseph} You'll concentrate more if you have to think while watching a movie, right? Anyway, what did you think? Isn't "Fortunes of Adventure 2" epic?

{character:player} Yeah, it's great. But I've started wondering if our friendship is just as epic.

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! I'm sorry—forgive my little joke, my friend. By way of apology, let me tell you a little-known easter egg.

Joseph gets up and grabs an old-looking videotape from the shelf.

{character:Joseph} Do you still remember what I told you before, about finding this old videotape under Grandpa's bed?

{character:player} Yeah, you've said before that the "Fortunes of Adventure 1" videotape was your inspiration for adventure.

{character:Joseph} I really thought it would just be some old family home videos, but it wasn't. And why was it titled "Youth"? It's really confusing.

{character:Joseph} In the end I came up with a semi-plausible answer, which is that the movie helped him recall all the sailing adventures of his youth. Hence its title.

{character:player} That's reasonable, but your tone tells me that there's more to the story.

{character:Joseph} Yes! So, I rewatched it one day when I didn't have a lot to do, and I think I've found the answer... Does this background actor look familiar to you?

He fast-forwards, before pausing on a scene where the protagonist is surrounded by a group of sailors. Smiling, he points at someone in the corner.

{character:player} I... Where have I seen this face before?

I look carefully at the man on the screen, then turn to face Joseph.

As he intentionally pulls the same face as the man, I'm sure I'm on the right track.

{character:player} That's your grandfather, right? I get it now! The "Youth" refers to when he was an extra in the movie.

{character:Joseph} Bingo! Congratulations on discovering one of the least-known easter eggs in the world!

{character:player} Well, it's definitely an easter egg for people who know you... And speaking of that, it's understandable why your grandfather would have kept it so carefully under his bed. It must have been a wonderful memory for him.

{character:Joseph} Oh, no. It's because Grandma initially thought this was some kind of romantic record of them. And she was livid when she found out the truth, and tried to throw it out. So Grandpa had to hide it under the bed!

{character:player} ...The old man had... Quite the sense of humor.

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! Thanks for the compliment—humor is a tradition in our family! Oh, it seems we've finished all the drinks we bought. Let me go see what's in the fridge.

Joseph goes into the kitchen and opens the fridge, but closes it again after taking one look. He turns around, scratching his neck a little awkwardly.

{character:Joseph} This is awkward... It seems there's not a lot in the fridge. If you give me a minute, I can order something to be delivered.

{character:player} Well, you got the snacks, so I should get the drinks.

{character:Joseph} No no no! You're my guest, and I must do my best to be an excellent host. You just sit right there and make yourself at home, my friend.

{character:Joseph} It's my fault that I wasn't on top of what I had. I've been on location filming for so long, I completely forget these sorts of things.

{character:player} Well, you're only here a while, so it's not that surprising.

{character:Joseph} Only here a while?

{character:George} Screech?

Did I say something weird? Even George, who has been eating quietly beside me, tilts his head to look at me.

{character:Joseph} That's an odd thing to say. I've always lived here.

{character:player} Really...? Well, have you considered moving house recently?

{character:Joseph} It's great here! What makes you ask that?

{character:player} Uh, seems like I misunderstood. I saw that there's only the most basic of daily necessities here, and figured you must have either just moved in or are in the process of moving out.

{character:player} On the way here I tried to imagine what your place was like. Now, I think it's... What's the best way to put this... A little too clean. Not quite what I thought an adventurer's place would be.

{character:Joseph} Ah, I see. Is this more like what you had in mind, friend?

Joseph pulls up a photo on his phone. It shows a room, piled high with all manner of strange trinkets.

{character:player} Yes! That's it! Just like that!

{character:Joseph} Ahaha! Most people expect an adventurer to live in this sort of room. This is my room back in my hometown.

{character:player} Wow! It's just like a little museum! When can I go check it out? And, uh, do you charge an entrance fee?

{character:Joseph} Oh... I'm sorry to disappoint you, my friend, but I fear that most of what you see here has been given away.

{character:player} Hey, you gotta work on your jokes, that was terrible. No one's going to believe that, eh?!

{character:player} ...

...I think this is the first time I've ever seen Joseph so serious.

{character:player} No way! You really gave them away? Why?!

{character:George} Screeeech—!

George spreads his wings and pats me on the shoulder, then closes his eyes and shakes his head. His little noises seem to say "Chill out, man. It's not this guy's first rodeo."

{character:Joseph} What rotten luck! If only we'd met earlier, I could have taken you to look around.

It's not a question of luck... There's a lot of valuable stuff in there.

{character:player} And not just one or two items, either, but most of what's in this picture? What should I say...

{character:player} Well, that does sound like what you would do.

{character:Joseph} That's true. I guess I'm the only one who could be so stupid as to give away the treasures he's worked so hard to collect.

{character:player} Come on, don't twist my words. While you're certainly a bit rash, I don't think you're stupid. In fact, I admire your generosity.

{character:player} I noticed it while playing Mahjong too. You're loathe to take tiles that you know other people want, and will give them what they need too. I suspect it's the same with all this stuff. If other people show an interest, you'll do your best to make them happy.

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! You really get me! Spot on, my friend. As long as someone I like is willing and able to look after and cherish an item, they can take whatever they want.

{character:player} Never mind the value... These items were what you've worked so hard to find and bring back. I don't think I could do the same if I were you.

{character:Joseph} Certainly. To me, each and every single thing in this photo is priceless. I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a moment's hesitation when giving things away.

{character:Joseph} But I've had ample opportunity to enjoy the fruits of my labor. If I can share this joy with others, why not? Besides, by doing this I won't become possessed by these valuable possessions.

{character:player} That's really unfortunate.

{character:Joseph} Hahah! So you think that as well, eh? Seems like most people feel the same way.

Watching Joseph gently swipe the screen of his phone, it is like I can peer through time. I can perfectly imagine him carefully wiping those "trophies" in the past.

{character:Joseph} I consider every single thing in this photo to be a priceless treasure... And yet I gave them all away. Anyone would think I'm a fool.

{character:player} Don't talk about yourself like that, that's not true. I, and everyone who knows you, don't think you're stupid.

{character:player} I reckon, if you had a friend who really liked a particular object, you'd give it to them—as long as you knew they'd cherish it.

{character:Joseph} Oh! So am I quite a generous figure to you, friend?

{character:player} You're the same in your Mahjong play, even if there's a slight risk that you'll complete someone's hand. Mahjong reveals one's character.

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! You really do get me, my friend. Besides, I've had ample opportunity to enjoy the fruits of my labor. If I can share this joy with others, why not? There's nothing unfortunate about it.

{character:player} Well, maybe. But never mind monetary value, you've worked so hard to find every one of these objects. Saying that they are priceless would be an understatement. I imagine saying goodbye time after time to each of these must be tough...

{character:Joseph} Tough... Well, I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a moment's hesitation when giving things away.

{character:Joseph} But it's good to give things to those who are worthy of being entrusted with them. And anyway, doing this prevents me from becoming possessed by possessions.

{character:player} Possessed?

...I rack my brain, but can't for the life of me understand what Joseph means by his strange remark.

{character:player} Being possessed by the treasures you own...? That's a strange thing to say. Surely you possess them, not the other way round?

{character:Joseph} Other people think I had an enviable collection of treasures that represented my past glory. But in reality, these treasures were slowly taking over my life. I could not bear to lose them, and could only let them multiply. At the worst, I had so many things that I could barely move around without stepping on something.

{character:player} That does sound like a hassle, having to always be mindful of where you walk. Or having to be careful in everything you do, really.

{character:Joseph} All that is only the physical aspect, too. The real trouble is the mental. You may find it hard to believe, but there was a brief period when I lost my passion for adventure.

{character:Joseph} Part of it was down to sheer physical exhaustion, but mostly it was due to waking up one day and finding the novelty of adventuring had worn off. I didn't know what to do, as everything seemed dull and drab.

{character:player} ...That is hard to imagine.

It's hard for people to visualize things they've never seen before, and I certainly can't imagine what this overwhelmingly positive and optimistic guy was like when depressed.

Joseph, tired of exploring...! Almost as believable as Jack and the Beanstalk.

{character:Joseph} Can't see it, right?! I had thought that nothing could ever make me tire of adventure, but the fact is, I spent almost a full year staying at home, doing nothing...

{character:Joseph} I felt completely lost during that time, with no idea what was wrong with me. The only thing I was sure of was that I was ill, and struggling with my mental health.

{character:Joseph} I saw a therapist several times, but their assessment of me came back as normal. Apart from losing my joie de vivre, my mood could be considered stable.

{character:Joseph} The therapist advised me to stop ruminating, and try to foster some other hobbies. While I could see the reason for this advice, I just didn't want to do it.

{character:Joseph} I got the stubborn idea into my head of wanting to identify what caused me to lose interest in adventure. I needed to know the reason, and bid a dignified farewell to the thing I used to love.

{character:Joseph} I was racking my brains to no avail, until one day an old friend I hadn't seen in a long time paid me a visit...

That afternoon, the two discussed adventures and travel while they ate. Although Joseph hadn't gone out for a while, and had only old stories to tell, it was still an eye-opening experience for his friend.

As they talked, Joseph pulled out a curiously-patterned ornament. His friend played around with it for a while, and seemed unable to put it down. Seeing that he couldn't tear himself away from it, Joseph simply gave it to him to keep.

His largess caused his friend to tease him, that he didn't care enough about his treasures to give them away so casually. But Joseph told him to treat it as an early birthday present, laughingly saying "Not so casual now, is it?"

Watching his friend leave, humming happily, he thought the little ornament looked even better hanging from his friend's waist.

{character:Joseph} When I chose to give that object away, it was no longer just an ornament, but a symbol of friendship. It looked even more dazzling with that added layer of meaning.

The last bit of Joseph's reluctance disappeared along with his friend. "There's nothing to regret. Who's to say there won't be something better, just around the corner?" Thinking this, his entire being somehow felt lighter.

{character:Joseph} And then suddenly—and I mean before I could blink—I had an epiphany.

{character:Joseph} I turned to look at my private collection of treasures, and found them oppressive. It's not like I suddenly detested them, but I had this incredible realization that my life had somehow been taken over by them.

He suddenly recalled the words of a somewhat dissolute gentleman in a book he had once read.

People only think of possessing, little realizing they are possessed.

While Joseph didn't appreciate this gentleman's cynical attitude, this was one saying which did somewhat resonate with him now.

Memories hinder the future, and allow the past to invade.

{character:Joseph} I knew one thing for sure... I needed to say a proper goodbye, for all the adventures yet to come.

And so it was that, after a sleepless night, Joseph began to go out with his treasures.

Some he gave to friends, while some he left in the street market for others to discover.

{character:Joseph} Value doesn't even come into it. Giving it away doesn't matter, so as long as it's to the right person. It's like that saying you have here, something about objects bound with people by fate.

Gradually, more and more space was cleared in his home, until it was practically empty.

{character:Joseph} This was definitely a difficult process. I asked myself on many occasions if I was being foolish.

{character:Joseph} But finally, as I surveyed the empty room, I felt that familiar fire come roaring over me, and knew it was all worthwhile... Fire, the fire that urged me to adventure, was blazing brightly once more...

He was no longer trapped by nostalgia, by all the "memories" attached to things, and his old haunts took on a different look in his eyes.

As for the new treasures? He gave most of them away to people he meet as a token of their friendship after sharing the adventure stories related to the treasures...

{character:Joseph} By not allowing myself to have anything, I can avoid comparing the past with the present. Only then is it possible for me to move forward.

{character:player} ...You mean, you can't get excited by finding new treasures if you keep the old ones, because you'll have something similar in your collection already?

{character:Joseph} That's just it. Treasure-hunting was my motivation for adventuring. I don't want personal issues to cost my passion for finding treasure or respect for nature—to me, that's the height of arrogance. I had to find a way to keep myself hungry, and turn that hunger into action.

{character:Joseph} There's no way I can treat everything as truly unique, so can only use the somewhat clumsy "farewell" method. This helps me view the treasures at hand as unique as possible, so that every serendipitous encounter is full of excitement and surprise.

After hearing such profoundly heartfelt words, I feel like now I really know this man in front of me...

{character:player} Darn you're just... Awesome. Really. You're so cool with the way you do things, Joseph!

I still have many thoughts fluttering around my mind, but right now I can't think of a better word for him than "awesome".

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! What's up with you, friend? I've never seen you so excited before. Even if it is a compliment, isn't it a little too much?

{character:player} That's no exaggeration, not at all! Those treasures represent your achievements, your glory, yet you feel they are a burden, preventing your progress. So you give them away! Doesn't such an attitude to life deserve to be called "awesome"?!

{character:player} YOU'RE AWESOME, for real... I'm not joking, Joseph. I really admire you. You have shown me the soul of a man who truly lives for adventure.

Joseph... My super adventurer.

{character:player} A toast! A toast to your generosity and sincerity, Joseph!

{character:Joseph} My friend, you... I'm a little flustered by your praise! I swear I must be blushing bright red! Cheers!

{character:player} That's because you've had too much to drink! But who cares about the details! Cheers!

Actually, I think Joseph really is embarrassed. After manically praising him so emotionally, even I'm now embarrassed for gushing so much myself, to say nothing of how he must feel! It's just his personality makes it almost easy for him to admit this.

Luckily, Joseph set an excellent example as to how to avoid awkwardness: confidence! So long as you come across confidently, and speak at a decent volume, then there's no need to let embarrassment make an awkward atmosphere!

{character:player} But Joseph... You'd better not treat our friendship the same as your treasures.

{character:Joseph} What? What nonsense is this, friend? I would never do such a thing.

{character:player} I mean it! I worry that if I don't remind you, there will come a day when your friendships become a burden. Then you'll just leave all of us and vanish without a word.

{character:player} After all... Don't you realize that everything that's happened here, they're just "memories" now, too?

{character:Joseph} I must say it saddens me to hear you say that, my friend. I am not that callous. What's more, there's no way friendships can be treated the same as treasures.

{character:Joseph} Hmm? That might not be the best way to put it, but anyway... No need to worry, my friend! I promise you, our friendship is as solid as my biceps!

{character:player} Oh? That's very reassuring to hear, but you'd better keep your promise!

{character:Joseph} I'm as good as my word! But, friend, are you a little tipsy? You're being a lot louder than normal.

{character:player} Impossible! I've only been having 100% freshly-squeezed juice!

{character:player} ...

Am I overthinking things? I always get the feeling that George is looking down on us with utter disdain... But maybe I should keep it down, no matter how excited I am. It's late, after all, and I don't want to disturb the neighbors.

{character:Delivery Guy} Hello—? Delivery!

The arrival of the delivery guy certainly calms our friendly discussion. Stocked up with drinks and snacks, we press play once more on our viewing party...

{character:player} ...If only I had the chance, I'd love to go somewhere like the jungle.

{character:Joseph} Do not think about it, do it! Come with me someday! Be my intrepid partner as we live it up, deep in the jungle, {var:player_nickname}.

{character:player} Great! Let's go together... Live it up in the jungle...

I never made it to the end... I don't know when I dozed off, but the next thing I know I open my eyes and see the light outside...

{character:player} ...

{character:Joseph} ...What's with the sudden silence, friend? You look... A little serious?

{character:player} Nothing really, just wondering how many treasures you gave away, what sort of things they were, and just how much they were all worth... Just for the sake of carrying on.

{character:Joseph} Hmm, let me see... Probably enough to fund a sequel or seven to "Fortunes of Adventure".

{character:player} Wow... That's insane. And even more unfortunate!

{character:Joseph} There's no point in missing what's already been given away. The world is such a vast place, and there are still countless treasures waiting for me. There is nothing unfortunate about it, my friend.

{character:player} I suppose so. Huh? Sounds like someone at the door. I'll go see if it's our delivery.

...Got away with it.

Adventurers really are observant sorts. I stay silent for only a second, but he senses that something is off.

I lied. I was silent just now because what Joseph said actually made me a little uneasy. His attitude to exploring, and the sacrifices he's made to make progress... His kind of unrestrained manner is certainly impressive.

It's precisely because of his ability to decisively say goodbye to the past that I can't help but worry. I wonder if our memories together, as well as the other relationships he's formed in One Han City, might also one day become an impediment to his travels.

If this really is the case... How will Joseph deal with this bit of "the past"?

With drinks and snacks restocked, we press play on our viewing party once again. But I can't concentrate on the movie anymore, and that question is the only thing in my mind.

I can't think of an answer. Or maybe I should say... I dare not dwell on it.

And it's not like I can ask Joseph this directly...

I didn't see Joseph for a long time after our viewing party. So long, in fact, that people began to miss his hearty laughter at Mahjong tables.

As a busy adventurer, it wasn't strange that he wouldn't see anyone, being out and about from dawn to dusk. But every time I think back to our conversation that night, I can't help but feel a little uneasy.

I'm so anxious that I gradually start feeling as if he was never really here. This feeling grew only stronger after the discussion at the Mahjong table...

{character:player} What? Are you saying Joseph is going to leave One Han City?

{character:Kana Fujita} It's possible. But a few days ago an overseas company came to discuss a partnership. They wanted to bring him over to host a show.

{character:player} Oh, so he's just going on a business trip...

{character:Wanjirou} Mr. Shouty's leaving? He scared me a couple times at the tables, but the thought of not playing Mahjong with him again is a little sad, woof.

{character:player} Don't be silly, Joseph's only away temporarily. It's not like he won't come back.

{character:Kana Fujita} You don't know that. Even though their company isn't as big as ours, I've heard that its owner is extremely well connected, and able to offer Joseph the chance to go and record shows in places he's never been to before.

{character:Kana Fujita} It also appears as though Joseph and the owner go way back. He was excited by the chance to catch up with him. That reminds me... I saw Joseph going into the company owner's office the other day. He looked pretty serious... Riichi. I wonder if maybe he really has jumped ship, after all.

{character:player} Is... is that so...

{character:Wanjirou} Well, if they're friends it's certainly a possibility, woof. Woof? Why would you play that tile, {var:player_nickname}?

{character:player} Eh? When did you Riichi, Kana? Crap, and I just played the tile next to the Riichi tile.

{character:Kana Fujita} Senpai! It's too late to pretend to be all confused and try to take it back. I want that! Ippatsu!

I have only myself to blame for not paying enough attention. I check, it's Riichi Ippatsu, and I just helped her get a high score with Pure Double Sequence...

{character:player} ...

Are you leaving One Han City, Joseph?

{character:Kana Fujita} Huh? Senpai, you gave me an extra 1,000 points. But it's your lucky day that you're here with Kana, the epitome of honesty! If it was anyone else, you'd never see them again.

{character:player} Oh... Thanks for the reminder. I'm sorry everyone, but I'm suddenly feeling rather unwell. I think I'll leave after this Hanchan.

I have only just spoken before I dealt into another Haneman, and bring the round to an early conclusion.

Months pass in the blink of an eye. The weather grows cold, with snowstorms practically every week this entire month.

This whole time, I still haven't seen Joseph. Maybe Kana was right, and he just slipped away from One Han City.

In pursuit of progress, maybe it's his old trick of nonchalantly bidding farewell to the "past"...

{character:Clerk} Hello, this is what you wanted. Can you carry it yourself, or would you like us to deliver it?

{character:player} Thank you, but I think I'll take it. Not much of a surprise if I don't bring it myself.

Today is Christmas Eve. This time last year, unbeknownst to us, Joseph had dressed up as Santa, and jumped from a helicopter to land at the shrine. It was a pretty great surprise.

Ichihime seems to have really been looking forward to it this year. So as her provider, it's fallen to me to play the part of Santa this year! I've prepared for this for many days, and spent so much money that it blew a hole in my wallet, but as long as people have fun, it'll be worth it.

That's what you thought too, right Joseph?

To be honest, I'm not as passionate as he was, and only wanted to do this due to some personal reasons. I think that by doing this, I can cheat myself... Give myself the illusion that he hasn't totally gone...

{character:Santa} Ho-ho-ho! Merry Christmas! I hope you have a joyous eve, my friend!

{character:player} Thanks. Same to you.

...Enough! No more thinking about Joseph. Gotta get my smile on! It's not right for Santa to be scowling!

{character:Santa?} How come you seem a little down? Ho-ho-ho—!

Eh... Th-this laughter can't be...?!

I look back, only to see the Santa who just brushed past me remove his beard, and reveal a hearty, familiar smile.

{character:Joseph} Long time no see! The holiday has arrived, so cheer up, friend!

{character:player} ...

I hesitate for a long while, before walking up to him, stretching out my hand, and gently pinching his face along the curve of his smiling lips.

{character:Joseph} Huh? What was that about?

{character:player} Checking if I'm dreaming or not.

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! Then shouldn't you be pinching your own face? And that was too light, anyway...

{character:player} Oh, in that case...

{character:Joseph} Ow?! Ouch ouch... Yield! I yield!

{character:Joseph} Ow...! You really went for it, friend...

{character:player} Consider it a small punishment.

{character:Joseph} Punishment?

{character:player} Just... Leave that for now. Didn't you leave One Han City? Surely you didn't come back just for Christmas?

{character:Joseph} What are you talking about? Where did you hear that?

I tell Joseph what happened that day at the Mahjong table, and he nods with a wry smile.

{character:Joseph} So that's what happened. The Little Idol guessed right, it was my old friend who invited me over there. I helped him out by hosting a show after we'd caught up, but it's a huge misunderstanding to say that I was jumping ship.

{character:player} But you just upped and vanished for months! Who wouldn't think you'd just left?

{character:Joseph} I'm so sorry, my friend. I didn't mean to stay out of touch, it's just that I had a little accident while out shooting in the sea. I ended up marooned with the crew on an uninhabited island, with all our electronics ruined by the seawater!

{character:Joseph} We were stuck on that island for months, before finally being rescued by a passing ship. I wanted to come back here right away, but my old friend insisted that I rest a while longer. That's why I didn't make it back until now, but at least I didn't miss Christmas!

{character:player} ...

{character:Joseph} ...I know it might sound a little unbelievable, but I swear I'm telling the truth.

{character:player} No, I believe you! But I must point out the absurdity of calling such a serious situation "a little accident"...

If anyone else had said that to me, I would have thought they were full of it. But it doesn't surprise me that such a thing could really happen to this guy.

{character:player} At the very least you could have called and let me know you were safe.

{character:Joseph} Rather than worrying you, I thought it would be better to see you in person, safe and sound, and make light of the whole matter.

{character:player} I suppose that makes some sense. Oh! It's getting late, Ichihime is still waiting for us. Let's go to the shrine.

{character:Joseph} Okay! I've got some gifts for them. Can't wait to see how happy they are!

{character:Joseph} Speaking of gifts, my friend, there is still the matter of yours. What would you like? For causing you to worry so long, you can pick whatever you want.

{character:player} That can wait. Let's discuss as we walk.

{character:player} So... You didn't even consider to go join that company?

{character:player} I heard Kana say that they're very competent, and can offer you the chance to go to those few places you have yet to visit. Weren't you excited?

{character:Joseph} Our accident totally turned my friend off the idea of making an adventure show, so I can't do it even if I really wanted to!

{character:Joseph} I prefer the boss here. No matter how reckless I can be, I'm trusted to get the job done. Even if there are some places I can't go, I like the freedom I get working under him.

{character:Joseph} Not to mention the fact that I've been here so many years already. I can't just up and depart like that, leaving you and all the other people I care about.

{character:player} ...Are we holding you back? Are our friendships the same as those treasures, forestalling you from forging ahead? Preventing you from chasing what you always dreamed of chasing?

{character:Joseph} ...Sorry, my friend. Hang on one second while I light a cigarette, please.

Joseph stops walking and turns his head as he lights a cigarette. Walking in the direction he is now looking would, if I remember correctly, bring us to the One Han City port.

{character:Joseph} Although I said I had to give up cumbersome memories in order to move on, not all memories are created equal, my friend.

{character:Joseph} Grandpa always used to say that he could sail the seven seas at peace, because he knew that he always had a harbor to come home to.

{character:Joseph} For me, One Han City is my harbor. Wherever I go, I know there are people waiting for me here. So there's never any need to worry, because I will always come back!

Language truly is power. With just a few words, it's possible to calm stormy emotions that have seethed for months... Actually, maybe it's better to say that it's just this man's strength. His obvious sincerity is enough to make anyone feel at ease.

{character:Joseph} And don't forget—we still haven't gone to see the new "Fortunes of Adventure" film yet!

{character:player} What about after we do?

{character:Joseph} Then I'm sure we'll have something else arranged. We always will, my friend.

The delicious aroma of cooking reaches us as we approach the shrine, accompanied by the intermittent sounds of laughter.

{character:player} Seems a lot of people have come. Let's go, we're the last ones.

{character:Joseph} Wait, my friend! Have you thought about what gift you want?

{character:player} Gift...? Oh, that completely slipped my mind.

{character:player} Surely this isn't something that the gift receiver should consider? What's up with that, Joseph? You can't think of anything to give me?

{character:Joseph} You'll leave it up to me to decide, yes? Hahaha! That is precisely what I wanted!

{character:Joseph} Because to tell you the truth, I thought about what to get you ages ago. I would like to give you... An invitation. Would you be so kind as to do me the honor of being my intrepid partner, and accompanying me on an adventure?

{character:player} You... Where did that suddenly come from?

{character:Joseph} It was very sudden. It was on that uninhabited island that the idea suddenly came to me.

{character:Joseph} I saw no end of novel, fascinating things while stuck on that island. Didn't you say that you wanted to see my treasures? I think that just seeing is not enough, and it's better to take you to see all the hidden marvels of nature.

{character:Joseph} Therefore, my friend... I want to invite you to become my adventure partner! Though I do not know if you will accept.

{character:player} ...You'd better make sure we don't have any strange accidents. I'm not sure I could survive months stranded in the wilderness.

{character:Joseph} I'll choose a route that is rookie-friendly, so don't worry about that! Let's go in then, I've got all these gifts ready, and can't wait to see their happy faces!

{character:player} Wait, Joseph. There's still something I want to say to you.

I should have said this to him a long time ago, but had just never found quite the right moment.

As the one who had seen him first, I feel I have the right to also be the first in telling him these obvious words...

{character:player} Welcome home, Joseph.

{character:Joseph} ...Ha-hahaha! I'm back, {var:player_nickname}!

...I'm falling.

What a strange experience. I stretch out all four limbs like a thin maple leaf, at the mercy of even the slightest gust of wind.

The wind cannot support me, however, and only offers the illusion of briefly soaring in the sky. My body is in the tyrannical grip of gravity, and no matter how comically I struggle, the inevitable result is down, down like someone drowning beneath the waves...

Before today, I'd imagined this to be like those drop tower rides, or bungee jumping. Ah, how foolish I was! I couldn't have been more wrong.

There are so many differences. Take right now, for example: After the initial shock of weightlessness, the gasping wind offers a novel, almost existential experience, a constant barrage of stimuli.

...Correction. I forgot that I'm wearing earmuffs. Judging by how my exposed skin feels, that rather benign 'gasping' of the wind is merely an illusion. It's actually roaring by my ears.

Right now, the only thing that can break through the shrieking gale and reach my ears, is the booming voice of the man behind me.

{character:Joseph} Hey, partner! Are you okay?

Well, to be quite honest I'm not exactly okay, but just hearing your voice is a little reassuring.

Right now, Joseph and I are thousands of feet up in the air. As there was no suitable place to land a plane at the site of our expedition, Joseph suggested the exhilarating alternative of a tandem skydive.

{character:Joseph} You look pretty calm, partner. I thought you'd be screaming your head off.

It's not that I'm brave, it's that at this altitude, as soon as I open my mouth the freezing air will pour straight down my throat. I can't even speak, let alone scream.

But my biggest mistake was to close my eyes, thinking that not being able to see would alleviate the panic brought about by weightlessness. But it didn't work! Blocking my vision just brought about a different type of horror.

{character:Joseph} Woohoo—look! Isn't everything so beautiful from up here?!

Really...? Maybe I should open my eyes and take a look?

...Maybe not. With the way my heart's pounding, I might pass out if I see anything too intense.

If I think about it, it would be a shame to keep my eyes closed when I'm so far up. And anyway, nothing bad can happen while Joseph's here, so why not just look around?

{character:player} Uh...

No! I'm not wearing goggles, and the wind's so fierce that it just hurts my eyes. I can't see anything.

Nothing to be done. I guess I should just hang in until we land...

{character:Joseph} We should be deploying the parachute at this height. Are you ready?!

I feel a sharp jerk upwards as the parachute deploys and our descent slows. Even though I'm not the one operating it, I still have a reassuring sense of being more in control of my own body again.

{character:Joseph} Welcome to nature, partner!

When I open my eyes after literally coming back down to earth, all I can see is an endless vision of green. The sheer greenness of everything is actually a little disconcerting.

I'm actually here, in the jungle. I'm in a place only ever seen before on TV. For now, though, I take a quick look around before turning my gaze up to the blue whence I came.

{character:Joseph} What's up? You didn't lose anything on the way down, did you?

{character:player} No, nothing like that. It's just a bit of a shame that I wasn't able to really appreciate the beauty of it all while falling.

Once the terror of skydiving passes, I start to regret missing out on the chance to admire the view.

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! How about we get back and give everyone a surprise by parachuting down to the shrine?

{character:player} Oh... That's a good idea. Let's think about it when we're back, if you remember!

If that's what we gonna do, I'm probably just gonna give up. After all, my legs are still shaking, and skydiving is clearly something I need more time to get used to. Just wait till everyone can see how petrified I am, I'll lose even the slightest bit of authority in front of Ichihime.

However, I'd be pretty lame to reject it outright like this. Let's reserve this proposal, at least for now. Who's to say that I won't become braver after surviving an expedition like this? You never can tell!

{character:Joseph} Let's head out then. Shall we have a look around first?

{character:player} Hang on a minute.

I tap the ground with my toe, then take a couple of tentative steps before leaning down to feel the earth.

It feels softer than the earth in the countryside places I've been to. Compared to the hard concrete I'm used to stepping on, it's not hard to feel the "maternal nature" of these wilds.

I can't help sighing with emotion once again.

{character:player} I'm actually in the middle of a jungle... It all feels a little unreal.

{character:Joseph} That's pretty normal. After all, we were strolling through a concrete jungle only a few hours ago. You'll need a bit of time to get used to this environment.

{character:Joseph} Look at me, partner. Copy me: stretch out your arms, and don't forget to spread your fingers. Then close your eyes, and explore what you can sense right there.

{character:player} Explore right here? What does that mean?

{character:Joseph} Think of it as a little ritual! Exploration doesn't always have to involve moving your whole body. When coming to a new place, the first thing to do is harmonize with it.

Although I don't fully understand what Joseph's getting at, I still do as he said and stretch out my arms, open my fingers, and close my eyes.

{character:Joseph} Losing your vision doesn't mean you cannot see anything... On the contrary, when you can fully relax—not think but simply feel—your body will easily be able to just understand nature.

{character:player} Listen... Feel... Harmonize...

{character:player} Listen... Feel... Harmonize...

I hear all sorts of sounds, cries, breathing, movement...

I smell all manner of scents mixed together, odors that I cannot even begin to describe...

{character:Joseph} You may be a little overwhelmed, and that's normal, and is a part of nature itself! Don't panic... Move your finger gently, and see if you can grasp something.

{character:player} I don't really know... But at least the breeze is nice.

Perhaps I'm standing in just the right place, but the gentle breeze manages to dispel the dampness that pervades the jungle. I can't help but take a deep, refreshingly cool breath...

I gradually become aware of some kind of change, almost as if someone had grabbed both my hands and was dragging me out of a swamp... The strange thing is, I naturally understand the meaning of this change.

This is a guest here, hailing from civilization and being gradually dyed with the color of the wilds...

{character:player} I want to run, Joseph.

Coming back to myself, the first thing I want to do is run. I don't need a destination, I just want to run...

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! You can hear the engine in your heart revving, partner!

{character:player} Engine... Hahaha! That's the perfect way of saying it, Joseph.

It is as he said—my heartbeat is even faster now than it was when I was plummeting out of the sky! It sounds strange, but I feel that only by running, by dissipating the energy that fills me right now, only then can I calm my restless heart.

{character:Joseph} Run then, partner, run! Run to your heart's content. Your stamina and the things you carry, however, might not support many "reckless actions".

Having said that, he takes my backpack and casually slings it over a shoulder with one hand.

{character:Joseph} You must make your wings more flexible, partner!

{character:George} Screeech—!

George, who had flown back at some point, seems to agree with Joseph's words. He gives a spirited screech, then flaps away. Joseph whistles in response and runs after him.

{character:Joseph} Let us fly too! My excellent partners! Let's...

{character:player} Adventure!

At the sound of "Let's Adventure", Joseph's familiar catchphrase from the show, one eagle and two humans embarked on an aimless chase in the jungle.

Onward we run, laughing and making incomprehensible whoops and hollers from time to time. The jungle animals poke their heads out and watch as we uninvited guests pass through their territories.

Although I'm sorry for disturbing the locals, all I want to do at this moment is to enjoy, with every fiber of my being, this total emotional release. Besides, Joseph had said something about this before.

{character:Joseph} Don't worry about acting a little crazy! Being free is the fundamental rule in nature. Be yourself!

{character:player} If that's the way it is, then let's run until we can't anymore! And then keep running!

In the end, it is as I said—I run until I can run no more, then collapse, panting, onto the soft grass.

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! How does it feel, your first time running free in the wild, partner?

{character:player} Ex-exhausted... But it felt incredible, and really fun!

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! That's the feeling. I know it's comfortable to lie down, but it's better if you get up and keep walking just a little bit, then slowly sit down to relax. Come, take my hand and get up slowly.

{character:player} Thank you. It seems all that exercising with you is paying off. Compared to that first time climbing the mountain, I'm clearly a lot fitter than I was! Before, I bet I'd be paralyzed on the ground for most of the day.

{character:player} Phew! I think I feel better now, but... *Yawn* Being physically exhausted just makes me want to sleep.

{character:Joseph} Isn't that great? You come out for fun, have a good time, really let your hair down, and don't need to worry if you're exhausted. Just have a good sleep, and wake up refreshed for another full day.

{character:player} It would be a waste to go to sleep, when we've only just got here. I'm a little thirsty, why don't we have something to drink? How about some sparkling water?

{character:Joseph} Everything tastes delicious when you're thirsty, no? Was this not endorsed by the Little Idol? I'm impressed you managed to get your hands on it, I hear that her fans cleaned out all the stock in One Han City.

{character:player} She brought some for us a few days ago when she came to play Mahjong. She wanted us to spread the word after drinking it, but I don't think she really needed our help.

{character:Joseph} It's certainly perfect after sweating a lot. I still remember the advert... How did it go now? I got it! "0 cal, 0 sugar, sweet and sour like first love! Down the drink everybody!"

{character:player} The first bit's right, though the second is totally off... She'd be annoyed if she heard that.

{character:Joseph} Nothing to fear if no one tells her, hahaha!

{character:player} Still, it's a little bit weird drinking sparkling water in a place like this. It kind of detracts from the adventurousness.

{character:Joseph} Well then, not that you mention it... Why not try collecting water, out here in the wilderness?

Collecting water in the wild? This is a tempting suggestion, especially on such a once-in-a-lifetime adventure...

{character:player} Uh... Maybe not. Sparkling water is good enough for me.

{character:player} Fetching water in the wild sounds really adventurous, but I remember seeing something on TV about it needing to be sterilized. Sounds like a headache.

{character:Joseph} Seems like you've done your homework for the trip, partner! That's right, you have to be particularly careful about food and drink hygiene while in the wild. Otherwise, dehydration caused by a sudden bout of food poisoning can quickly become a problem.

{character:Joseph} To be honest, when not filming a show, I always bring my own, safe food with me.

{character:player} Really? I always thought you would insist on being self-sufficient in the wild.

{character:Joseph} Well, it's not like I didn't have my period of stubbornness. But after a few lessons, I learned how to deal with nature more wisely.

{character:Joseph} Those of us tamed by modern civilization don't have the same strong adaptability as wild animals, another reason why we should learn how to protect ourselves. Your choice was wise, partner.

{character:player} How modest! To be fair, it's not like I've thought that much about it. For me, the most important thing is how quickly can I quench my thirst. Luckily these matters are trivial now, so let's drink to modern civilization!

{character:Joseph} To modern civilization!

{character:player} Well, it's not often I'll have the chance to try fetching water in the middle of nowhere, so let's do it. Is there a river nearby?

{character:Joseph} With George, finding a water source won't be too much of a problem. Ain't that right, little guy?

{character:George} Screech, screeech!

{character:Joseph} Collecting the water isn't the hard part, sterilizing it is.

{character:Joseph} It's possible to judge if a water source is clean by observing wild animals drinking from it. But their stomachs are a lot tougher than ours, and are more resistant to pathogens, so this method isn't always accurate.

{character:player} Is that right? I remember you saying something in one of your shows, that dehydration from stomach issues can actually be fatal.

{character:Joseph} That's right. So, to be on the safe side, it's best to limit how much water you collect in the wild. However, if you really need drinking water, but aren't too confident, there are some relatively safe methods.

{character:player} Relatively safe methods? Like what?

{character:Joseph} The answer is simple! While wild water sources might not be too clean... Your own water, or body fluids, are usually totally safe!

{character:Joseph} ...

Joseph gives a thumbs up while grinning broadly and proposing a suggestion that is best not to think about in detail. Of course, I know he's serious, and I've heard about people doing this before, but still...

{character:player} 0 cal, 0 sugar, sweet and sour like first love! Don't even think about it, let's toast and move on.

{character:Joseph} Messing around with Little Idol's slogan? Aren't you worried she'll get angry?

{character:player} It's like you said, nothing to fear if no one tells her. A toast to modern civilization, Joseph.

Even though it's a perfectly reasonable suggestion, people still have their red lines. Unless it is absolutely necessary, it probably isn't the best idea to fetch water in the wild...

{character:player} Quenching your thirst is one thing, but at some point you're going to get hungry, too.

{character:George} Screech, screeech!

I guess it's not just our stomachs that are rumbling, as even George seems less energetic than before. He perches up in a tree and looks around restlessly, as if for something to eat.

{character:Joseph} It's almost noon. How about we stop for a little lunch, and then keep going? What do you want to eat?

{character:player} I don't think there's much of a choice, given the circumstances! I brought some bread and cookies.

{character:Joseph} An excellent choice! Lightweight, dry food is perfect for expeditions.

{character:Joseph} For next time, perhaps you could consider bringing some jerky or dried fruit. Whether for nutritional reasons, or just to keep yourself in a good mood, it'll help you prolong your adventure.

{character:player} Aha! So you CAN bring along some snacks... I wanted to reduce the weight of my pack, though. But I know now. As it happens, I actually did bring along some jerky, but it was just because I'm used to giving it to George as a snack.

{character:player} George—! Over here, I've got a treat for you!

{character:George} Screech, screech—!

George blinks and grabs the jerky, before stomping on my shoulders a few times like he's really excited.

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! My old buddy seems livelier already. Looks like there's a reason he likes you so much.

{character:Joseph} He's got something great to eat, but then again, so are we. I brought along some tinned meat, so we can have a decent meal, even out in the wild.

While saying this, Joseph takes out a bunch of tin cans with a clatter, the noise of which is music to my hungry ears.

{character:player} This many?! Let me see... Beef, pork... Soup, dessert... So many different types, this is awesome!

{character:player} But is it alright to get so many out at once? We've still got to eat tomorrow, so maybe it's better to save some?

{character:Joseph} Don't worry about it! Eat your fill. I've got plenty of tins.

Joseph wasn't lying, as I watch him fish out a few more cans and put them in front of me, making me a little perplexed.

{character:player} Wa-wait a minute! That's really weird... How can you carry so much?

{character:Joseph} Nothing weird about it, partner! Explorers who spend a lot of time in the wild always have a knack for packing things.

{character:player} This can't be explained by any "knack"... Come on, will you show me again?

{character:Joseph} Sure!

I'm not getting it... All I see is his hand disappearing into the bag, and then cans appearing in his grasp like magic.

{character:player} I give up. I can't figure it out. What on earth is going on here...?

{character:Joseph} Don't worry so much about the details, partner. Just think that I have a magic bag that can fit everything and anything into it, hahaha—!

...Is there really such convenience in this world?

{character:player} Forget it. If I can't understand it, there's no point beating myself up about it. As long as there's something to eat. Oh! This tinned beef isn't bad.

{character:Joseph} Yeah, don't worry yourself about the details, just enjoy what's in front of you. Even without any tinned food, there's always a way to eat and drink your fill in the wild. No need to worry too much.

{character:player} I suppose. There's plenty of wildlife here, so I guess they can't be lacking food.

{character:Joseph} If you're interested, we can try foraging for wild delicacies later?

{character:player} Wild delicacies...?

{character:player} Well, how about going hunting at night, or foraging for mushrooms and stuff? Ah, but maybe it's better not to pick random mushrooms?

{character:Joseph} Even if there weren't any mushrooms, there are always safe foods, like fruits. Let's eat our fill, then we can walk around while thinking about tonight's dinner menu.

{character:player} Good idea. Speaking of which, is there anything I should look out for when foraging in the wild?

{character:Joseph} Let me see... My own experience tells me that we need to pay particular attention to the "Green Eyes".

{character:player} Green eyes? What's that?

{character:Joseph} It's something I ate on a previous expedition. I have no idea what it was, so can only name it by the impression it had on me.

{character:Joseph} I lost my pack at the time, and was so hungry that I had no choice but to eat it. I was almost delirious with hunger, and while I ate it and survived, I also went momentarily insane.

{character:Joseph} I have no idea how I made it to a nearby village, but the villagers said I'd be talking nonsense for several nights, and burning up with a terrifying fever. I'd been having constant nightmares, the sort that your mind chooses to forget, to prevent you from breaking down. The only thing that I remember from those dreams is chewing on some kind of unspeakable food...

{character:player} ...Is this, some kind of travel folklore?

{character:Joseph} You could look at it like that. It's less terrifying to think of it as a fictional story. Anyway, that incident taught me that I have to be rational at all times. Otherwise, even if I survive, worse things could befall me.

Listening as he finishes his personal story, I suddenly feel like the bread I hold has gone stale.

Joseph makes it sound simple, with no description to evoke terror. But something that can make this great adventurer, who is always challenging his limits, turn pale must be some "food" that I would shun just by looking at it.

I'm even a little hesitant about the original plan of searching for food in the wild at night...

{character:George} Screech, screech-screech!

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! Don't be so impatient, buddy. It's still early. We have plenty of time to finish eating before heading out. Hey, partner, do you fancy going with George to visit his family later?

{character:player} Why don't we get going now?

I become immediately interested upon hearing Joseph's plan.

{character:player} We had food enough to keep us going, so we might as well start making preparations for dinner now.

{character:Joseph} Okay. I think I heard the sound of running water coming from up ahead, probably a river. Let's go take a look.

Joseph has exceptionally good hearing, and we soon come across a river stretching out into the distance, faint shadows visible flitting about within its waters.

Taking the rudimentary, homemade fishing rod, we find a stable spot, sit down, and cast. Then we wait.

{character:player} Ah... Not quite what I was imagining.

{character:player} Look at all the fish just swimming around down there! How did we not get a single one to bite?

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! It's still early, partner. Both hunters and prey are watching each other constantly. Wild animals are incredibly alert, and won't be hooked so easily.

{character:player} That's for sure... Huh?! Aha! I guess some of them are less alert than others, Joseph! I think I've got one!

I hold the rod firmly, but the movement underwater is unexpectedly strong. I have to really concentrate on holding it firm, lest my line break.

After a period of tug-of-war, I finally feel enough slack from the fish to raise the rod all the way out. I don't have time to get excited, however, as with a crisp "crack", the front of the wooden rod snaps clean off...

{character:player} Joseph... Did that fish just snap my rod?

{character:Joseph} That's normal, partner. The drive to survive is so strong that animals often evolve to become even stronger.

{character:player} That wasn't strong, it was savage! And oh, my fishing rod...

To add insult to injury, the fish returns to the water but surfaces again, seeming to taunt me as it spits out the broken rod. For a brief second, I see a jaw packed with long teeth that are almost unreasonably sharp.

{character:player} I swear, teeth that good must be some sort of joke! Is it even possible to be caught?

{character:Joseph} It's too early to lose heart, partner! Give up now and it's game over!

{character:player} Eh... Am I really struggling with a fish?

{character:Joseph} The hunt is a struggle for survival. George! To me!

{character:George} Screeech—!

{character:Joseph} Look closely, partner! There is a skill to catching fish. First, you must observe their movement. Use the "Eagle Eyes" to spot their weakness.

{character:player} Oh... Oh.

Joseph and George hold their breaths, staring intently into the water's depths. I can't help but feel a little anxious at their intensity.

{character:George} ...Screeech—!

{character:Joseph} NOW! "Bear Power"!

As quick as lightning, Joseph snatches up the wooden pole at his feet and sweeps it into the water, sending several fish into the air with a dull "thwack". Then, he catches the two helpless fish with his hand in a blink of an eye.

{character:Joseph} Lastly, grab them with "Leopard Speed"! Did you get all that, partner?

{character:player} My eyes and my hands tell me no, I didn't.

Now where could he have possibly learned to do that?! The only thing I have learned about hunting is that you have to do it with vigor...

{character:Joseph} It's alright, practice makes perfect. But let's eat while it's fresh! I'll go get a fire going.

{character:player} If there comes the day that I'm able to walk like you for 20 hours straight, then I might consider learning to catch fish like this...

Emm... Oh! This fish may look ugly, but it's certainly tasty. It tastes delicious even without any seasoning. Is this the taste of the wild? I wonder if I can ask Joseph to catch a couple more...

{character:George} Screech, screech-screech!

{character:Joseph} Don't be so impatient, buddy. It's still early. We have enough time to enjoy this deliciousness! Hey, partner, do you fancy going with George to visit his family later?

{character:player} Visiting family eh? So this jungle is...?

{character:Joseph} I think you've already guessed it. This is where I first met George, and it's also the very first place I explored.

{character:player} So this place is... Your beginning.

{character:Joseph} Yes. This is where my career as an explorer began. The beginning of Joseph the Adventurer.

{character:player} Well, that's a revelation! I should say I'm... honored? The location of my first expedition is the same as yours, and you are a great adventurer. That is really an honor.

{character:Joseph} Honor...? Ha-hahaha!

{character:player} What's with the laughter? Did I say something funny?

{character:Joseph} It's nothing. I just suddenly felt a surge of happiness. It's great that you like this place.

{character:Joseph} You know, I had a hard time thinking about where to take you. And in the end, I decided on this place, as this is where I fell in love with adventure.

{character:Joseph} This isn't the most interesting place I've ever been, but it's the most significant... I believed here you would understand—the way you understood me the other night—how I felt being here back then, and perhaps fall in love with this place yourself.

{character:player} ...Thank you for taking me into your "past", Joseph. I really love it here.

{character:Joseph} Don't mention it, partner. Looks like our buddy George is getting a bit antsy, shall we go visit his family?

{character:player} Very well! Lead the way, George.

{character:George} Screech, screech!

George leads us to the territory of the eagles and, in order not to fluster his kin, Joseph and I wait at a suitable distance, watching the antics of the eagles through binoculars. Afterward, I follow Joseph to a village he knew, and trade with the locals for dinner.

We've only been to these two places, and suddenly it's already dark! We follow the river which runs through the forest, enjoying the scenery on the way, and make our camp at the base of a huge tree. We'll rest here tonight, and explore new places in the morning.

{character:Joseph} Are you okay with roughing it here, partner?

{character:Joseph} Beds in the village aren't as soft as those in the city, but they still beat sleeping outside.

{character:player} You can't call this roughing it! Sleeping outside is the only way to really have that adventurous vibe. What I'm more concerned about is, are you sure it's okay that we don't light a fire? No wild animals are going to bother us?

{character:Joseph} The way I see it, this is just showing respect to nature. Fire scares the beasts of the jungle and, as guests, we ought not to do anything that offends our hosts.

{character:Joseph} Relax. Even if something were to happen, I'd be awake in a flash and we'd be running. As your guide, it is my duty to keep you safe.

{character:player} Okay. I'll follow your lead then.

Seeing that the seasoned explorer has decided to show nature the respect it deserves, I, a mere novice, should better heed his words and follow suit.

{character:player} By the way, are jungle nights always like this? I always thought it'd be pitch black.

{character:Joseph} Brighter than you expected, right? Hahaha! I can see you pretty clearly, partner.

{character:player} I can see you too, Joseph, very clearly. Is it the moonlight?

{character:Joseph} Yes, the moon... And all those countless little guys sparkling around it. Even without artificial lighting, the jungle has its own luminescence. See? The weather's been good today, so they're extra dazzling!

I lift my head and look where Joseph is pointing. In the clear, clean night air, I can see myriad twinkling stars forming our very own galaxy.

I fear that such clear skies can only be seen in the few places still left untouched by industrial civilization. It's such a rare sight that for a moment I cannot tear my eyes away.

{character:player} The night sky... isn't quite how I remember it.

The night sky reflected in my eyes is not just so dark a blue making it almost black. As I gaze out into the depths of the cosmos, I seem to see ineffable colors...

Almost mesmerized, I whisper a phrase I'd once read, years ago.

{character:player} Two prisoners looked out beyond their barred window. One saw the muddy ground...

{character:Joseph} While the other saw the starry sky.

{character:player} Ha, haha... Isn't it funny? That saying has nothing to do with right now!

{character:Joseph} Looking at the sky, I can't help but think of phrases related to the stars, and feel compelled to recite them. I don't worry about their meaning, it's simply the joy of saying them.

{character:player} You do this too?

{character:Joseph} Yes! Often, actually. Even if it's pretty weird, knowing that someone else does it too makes it less weird!

{character:Joseph} I love looking at the stars, partner. Every time I'm in the field, I always find a place to sit and stargaze, just like we're doing now, to clear my mind.

{character:Joseph} There's no being distracted by the beauty of the present, no worrying about past troubles, no concern about what the future may bring. For some reason, just sitting and looking like this always fills me with joy.

{character:player} Really...? Yeah, don't think too much. Just take it all in.

I kind of understand how he feels. If I stare out at the starry sky for long enough, I do seem to feel my distracting, hurried thoughts gradually slowing down. It's like I'm pouring them out, emptying my head.

{character:player} It just goes on and on... I wonder what's right at the end of the galaxy.

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! Curious, no? I often wonder about that too. I think and think, and then find myself unable to resist the urge to get up and follow the stars.

{character:player} What would I find... if we follow the stars?

{character:Joseph} Who knows? There are always too many unknowns on a journey. But even so, I never fail to be captivated by the stars, and always find myself somehow following their guidance.

{character:player} But then you'll discover something, right? Is this your secret to finding treasure?

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! You can think that if you like, but most of the time nothing turns up.

{character:player} Really...? Isn't that a little depressing, Joseph?

{character:Joseph} Yes. I'm just an ordinary guy, so of course it's a little disheartening when things don't go my way.

{character:player} But you don't stop. You keep going.

{character:Joseph} Oh? Why do you think that?

{character:player} Because... You're always looking at the stars.

{character:Joseph} ...Hahaha! You really do understand me, partner!

It's more like it's hard for me to imagine that he will stop than I understand him.

{character:player} After all, you are the freest man I have ever met. I can't even begin to imagine what kind of mud could slow you down.

{character:Joseph} Because I just can't stop, hahaha! The starry sky has no end, nor does the journey. You find one treasure, and then another... You'll always find something, as long as you don't stop.

{character:player} That's right. I bet there are as many treasures hidden in the world as there are stars in the sky!

{character:Joseph} That's exactly it! Oh, just thinking about it makes me too excited to sleep, and doesn't leave me any time to be depressed! How about it, partner? After wandering for a whole day, what treasure did you find?

{character:player} Treasure...

{character:player} I didn't find anything that I'd call treasure. But it doesn't matter, as it's like you said: We're in no rush, there's always tomorrow, right?

{character:player} Even if we return empty-handed after this whole expedition, so what? There's always the next adventure, and if I keep following our great adventurer all over the place, I'm bound to find treasure one day!

{character:Joseph} Well said! We're partners now, after all, so there's plenty of time to go adventuring. The more we explore, the more chance there is of having a serendipitous encounter.

{character:player} I remember you told me before, that your grandfather used to say that the joy of adventure lies in serendipitous encounters. Does your Riichi tendency when playing Mahjong also for seeking such encounters?

{character:Joseph} This, perhaps, is my greatest pleasure in Mahjong! Every Riichi is an adventure for me, and that moment of pleasure can keep me at the Mahjong table for hours.

{character:player} My hands start to itch whenever I talk about Mahjong... I wonder what Ichihime and that lot are up to. When we get back we can tell them all about our adventure while we play.

{character:Joseph} We'll have plenty of time to tell them all about our interesting encounters. But now, it's getting late. We should probably get some rest, partner. You get some sleep, I'm going to finish this cigarette first.

{character:player} Alright. Don't stay up too late, Joseph.

Just as I'm about to lie down, George's shrill screech comes from overhead.

{character:George} Screech, screech-screech! Screeeeeech!

{character:player} What's the matter? It's not some dangerous beast, is it?

{character:Joseph} Shh—don't panic. Try not to move. I'll go see what's up.

Joseph swiftly climbs the tree, whips out binoculars, and looks around in all directions...

{character:Joseph} Oh, by my Grandpa... Partner, I think I'm seeing things...

{character:player} What do you see? Please don't tell me it's a bunch of razor-clawed beasts heading straight for us?!

{character:Joseph} If it was, you'd already be on my back as we run away! I see... Actually, I think it's better if you see for yourself.

I follow him uneasily. It's probably just due to my jitters, but I feel the darkness becoming ever more oppressive, so dark it scares me.

Then, when I see the familiar, warm light, I understand why Joseph is so surprised...

{character:Joseph} Do you see it, partner? Or am I hallucinating?

{character:player} Pretty bad if it's a shared hallucination, because that would mean those mushrooms we had with dinner were extremely hallucinogenic...

The steps I know so well are right in front of me. They are, without a shadow of a doubt, the steps of the Mahjong Soul Shrine.

This doesn't make sense... No sense at all! How can the staircase of Mahjong Soul Shrine be here, in the middle of the wilderness?!

{character:Joseph} I never expected Little Idol's rumor to actually be true.

{character:player} Rumor? There are so many rumors flying around the Mahjong Soul Shrine, which one do you mean...? Oh, do you mean the urban legend about the shrine appearing to those who seek it?

But... The shrine entrance just appears right here simply because I had the thought of playing Mahjong? Isn't that... a bit too ridiculous?!

Don't tell me just because I'm Ichihime's nominal "owner", I therefore have this kind of privilege...

{character:Joseph} These steps seem real enough, not like an illusion. Shall we head up and take a look?

{character:player} You really want to go up...? What if it truly is a hallucination?

{character:Joseph} Then take it as a rare opportunity to explore the dream world, hahaha!

{character:player} What do we do if we go up, and it really is the Mahjong Soul Shrine?

{character:Joseph} Well, obviously we'd go find the cat-eared priestess and that lot to play a few rounds! My hands have been itching ever since I saw this gate. Come on, partner!

{character:player} Eh... Okay. Fine.

No matter if it's just a hallucination, or some kind of terrible new danger, it is always safer to follow Joseph.

But let's say I do finally get safely to the shrine, what then? I'm not sure I'll even have enough energy left to play, after a whole day's adventuring.

{character:Joseph} Hum hmm hum!

Huh, already so content that he's humming? With so much energy, I wouldn't be surprised if he was up for playing all night.

Going out on an adventure, only to stumble onto the stone stairs that take me home. Is this another one of those serendipitous encounters...? Phew, I don't even have the strength to complain.

{character:player} Forget it. There's no point thinking so much, best to just keep looking at the stars.

Hmm, now that's a nice sight...

{character:player} Oh yeah, Joseph, if we're heading back to One Han City like this, shouldn't we call the people who were to take care of our back trip?

{character:Joseph} Oh, thanks for reminding me. I'll make a call.

{character:Joseph} Hmm... No one's answering, maybe they're asleep. I guess I'll try again tomorrow?

{character:player} Just don't forget.

{character:player} Do memories count as a treasure?

{character:Joseph} Of course! It's common to treasure the things you've seen and heard, and the memories of your journey.

{character:player} No, this is not just what I've experienced... Don't so easily take yourself out of my memories. There were two of us on this journey, Joseph.

{character:player} If I'd somehow come here alone, I'd probably be very disoriented in such a strange environment. I'm not as quick to adapt as you are. Before truly feeling the freshness of nature, I'd most likely have been too scared to take a single step.

{character:player} I can run, explore, mess around, harmonize with this jungle... All because I have you by my side. Thank you... It's like you said before, everything is beautiful. It really is no exaggeration to call such a wonderful day a treasure!

{character:Joseph} ...

{character:player} ...Why are you so quiet? What's on your mind, Joseph?

Holding his cigarette by his chin, Joseph looks thoughtful.

This is the longest I've ever seen him silent. Before he finally opens his mouth, I, too, am suddenly lost for words.

{character:Joseph} Sorry, partner... I'm not thinking anything, to be honest. I'm just relieved that I didn't mess up this adventure.

{character:player} Why would you worry about that? It's not like you to be so unsure of yourself. Haven't you filmed loads of shows while adventuring with guests? And haven't they all been super successful?

{character:Joseph} That's different... It's not to say I don't take my work seriously, or don't care about my guests' experience. But... You're not like them.

{character:player} By different, you mean... Well, I guess it's not exactly the same, at the very least they'd dare to open their eyes when skydiving...

{character:Joseph} That's not what I meant. Listen... We're partners. I hope to explore many more places with you, show you lots of special stuff... And even if it's not that special, it doesn't matter, because all I want is to share with you the things I love, and that I hope you'll love too.

{character:Joseph} So I was a little nervous before I heard your thoughts on the trip. I hope this is a happy experience for you, and one which means you'll come with me on many more adventures in the future, partner!

{character:player} Don't think too much. It doesn't matter if we're exploring or doing something else, I have never had an unhappy time when I'm with you. Listen—you make me happy just by standing there.

{character:player} You were silent for so long, I was getting worried! I thought something had happened.

Honestly, what surprises me the most is that Joseph has these more... "sensitive" worries? It's quite at odds with his usual, assertive style. If you think about it, his clumsiness is actually quite endearing.

{character:player} Why are you covering your face? Are you embarrassed by what you said?

{character:Joseph} Hahaha! You've got me again! I'm blushing bright red, so I'm staying exactly like this until I'm back to normal!

{character:player} That is the least convincing laugh I've ever heard...

That's just his character, though—able to admit it so calmly, even if he is a little shy. He's that sort of man, a great explorer so frank and honest that it's impossible not to trust and love him.

{character:Joseph} I think it's time we get some rest, partner.

{character:player} Now that you mention it, I do suddenly feel quite tired...

{character:Joseph} You go ahead and get some rest. I'll finish this cigarette before going to bed. Goodnight, partner.

{character:player} Okay. Goodnight, and don't stay up too late... Although, to tell the truth, I don't really want to sleep so early. Who knows when the next time I'll go on an adventure will be?

{character:Joseph} As long as you're prepared, I'm always ready to go with you.

{character:player} Haha... Well, you'd better keep your word...

I feel a lot calmer with this promise, and I can no longer fend off the waves of drowsiness. Very quickly, I feel myself drifting off...

I seem to hear him say something, before sleep wraps me in its soft embrace...

{character:Joseph} Partner... During the day, you said that it was your honor to share the same starting point as me.

{character:Joseph} But I think I'm the one who should say this, hahaha... It is MY honor, to be able to be a part of your first expedition, and a part of your memories. {var:player_nickname}, my partner.

I dream.

I realize it's a dream the second I see the galaxy spread out under my feet.

The Milky Way in my dream has the same strange, ineffable color that I could vaguely sense when I gazed up at the sky. Even here, in my dream, it is almost too beautiful.

I step forward, over the scattered, sparkling stars. I have no idea where I'm going, but I have no fear of the unknown path ahead.

Because I have that tall, reliable mountain of a man next to me, who even now smiles and says to me...

Let's go up ahead and take a look, partner!

Alright, Joseph. Let's go.