Chapter 32: Omake: Vacation Cut Short
Tokyo, the capital of the Japanese Empire, stands as one of its most luxurious cities. Thanks to industrialization, it has transformed into a vibrant hub where people from all nationalities come together.
The streets are alive with a sea of people, the sounds of early 20th-century automobiles, and the clatter of trams coming and going.
Even late at night, the city remains bustling with activity.
Fujino, dressed in a simple light blue kimono paired with dark hakama pants, navigated through the crowd, taking in the sights and architecture surrounding him.
The fashion here was a fascinating blend, featuring everything from Western attire like suits, bowler hats, and trench coats to traditional Japanese garments such as kimonos, yukatas, and haoris.
The buildings were a stark contrast to those from his own time, primarily constructed of wood and brick, with concrete structures being a rarity.
They were also much smaller and more modest, a far cry from the towering skyscrapers and massive billboards that now fill the skyline.
Looking up, he noticed the stars shining more brightly than he ever remembered, with light pollution being minimal in this vibrant city.
The differences were striking.
"I have to give it to you, Granny; coming here was a great idea," he said, pausing to soak in the view.
[—>Well Deserved Vacation
You've been working yourself to the bone, and even Granny has noticed. It's time to take a break and enjoy a vacation.
Main Objective: Relax and enjoy your time.
Reward: 5000 XP]
Naturally, the quest he received only fueled his desire to a vacation. If only he could quests like this one earn rewards for simply lounging around instead of facing danger every day!
"What should I do now?" he whispered, casting a glance at the shops that lined the street, where vendors and shopkeepers were calling out to the bustling crowd.
He hadn't really thought about what he would do here, and with no smartphone or internet available, research was out of the question.
Moments like this made him long for the conveniences of modern life.
Still, he surveyed the various stores along the street, each offering different goods and services. There were souvenir shops, a sword vendor, clothing stores, and even bookstores.
He quickly ruled out the first shop; he had just arrived, after all. So a souvenir is unnecessary at this time. The sword shop seemed a bit sketchy, considering the ban on public ownership of weapons, so he decided to steer clear of that as well. Clothing and books weren't really his interests, so he passed on those too.
Then his gaze fell upon a shop withan… intriguing name "The Temptation of Coffee."
'The fuck is that name?' he debated over going there or not, then shrugged. He might as well take a look. He approached the door and stepped inside.
To be honest, it was just a typical coffee shop, though he wasn't sure what he expected with a name like that.
He had to admit, the atmosphere was cozy and inviting, with lanterns casting a peaceful glow and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air.
Fujino wasn't a big coffee drinker, but he enjoyed a cup now and then.
Settling at a table, he relished the flavor of his coffee, a delightful balance of sweetness and bitterness, paired with a light croissant, all while reading the newspaper in front of him.
He chuckled to himself, 'Look at me, reading a newspaper. Who would have thought?'
As he flipped through the pages, he found articles covering everything from the weather and upcoming festivals to international news and updates on the war in Europe, along with Japan's involvement.
His eyes then caught a particular section of the newspaper.
Tokyo Daily News
Mysterious Vanishings on the Mugen Train
A troubling wave of mysterious vanishings has emerged on the Mugen Train, sparking alarm among the public. In the last month, several passengers have disappeared without a trace during their travels, leaving authorities puzzled and families heartbroken.
Investigations by the police have yielded little progress, as there is a notable absence of evidence or eyewitness, leaving local officials baffled. Authorities are advising citizens to refrain from train travel until further updates are provided.
Fujino glanced at the newspaper with a raised eyebrow. "People disappearing on a train? Sounds like it could be—no, it's probably demons. Not my problem."
Fujino was already aware of the reasons behind these disappearances; the public might be in the dark, but he knew exactly what was going on.
Still, he reminded himself that he was on vacation, so it really wasn't his concern—
[—>★Mugen Train
Passengers vanishing from a train? That sounds like the premise of a low-budget horror game. Yet, you know the truth behind it, and it's your responsibility to put a stop to it.
A loud bang drew the attention of everyone in the shop, the source being Fujino, who had his head resting on the table.
"Dude, I just got here?! Can't I catch a break?"
<—>
Sorry if this chapter isn't up to bar, but I had one hell of a writer's block when it came to this one. Also this chapter is 700 words, too small to be a normal chapter, so I made it into an Omake