Was it because I had lived in this world for over ten years, or because I had been through so much? My memories of my previous life had become blurred.

It wasn’t strange, considering I hadn’t made any effort to remember them, nor had I written them down somewhere as if I vowed never to forget. With the amount of time I spent learning survival skills, it made sense.

Because of that, the memories I did retain were jumbled. The things I considered important were forgotten, while the most trivial details stayed with me.

For example, this.

In my previous life, I didn’t really like hiking. 

Still, for some reason or another, I would sometimes find myself climbing mountains. At the top, there were often merchants selling cold water or ice cream. The prices were always sky-high, probably due to the effort of lugging an ice box all the way to the summit. I didn’t buy them often, but once, I splurged and bought ice cream. It was so delicious that it stuck in my memory.

The reason I’m mentioning this now is because Journey, lugging food up the mountain, reminded me of that time.

‘Or maybe it’s more like food delivery,’ I thought.

Who would’ve thought there’d be a delivery service even in this remote place? Has the civilization of Silya advanced that much while I wasn’t paying attention?

Thud.

I stared at Journey, who had once again climbed the mountain and was now offering me food. Climbing up here every day just because I saved her from a mere cockatrice? And she brings different food every time?

‘She’s certainly persistent.’

At first, I was bewildered, but now, I just accepted it. 

I didn’t have to bother cooking or cleaning up afterward, so there wasn’t much to complain about. Although, having her stare at me while I ate was a bit uncomfortable. It seemed like she wanted something, but I couldn’t figure out what.

At first, I thought maybe she’d poisoned the food, but since my mana didn’t react, I knew that wasn’t the case. Besides, if I were the type to be taken down by poison, I wouldn’t still be alive today.

‘It tastes good today, too.’

So I enjoyed the food she brought without giving it much thought. It wasn’t as extravagant as the feasts nobles would prepare, but it was tasty enough that I sometimes found myself looking forward to it.

After finishing the meal and putting the bowl down, Journey once again mumbled something in Arkish.

"Am I really wrong about this?"

Whatever that meant.

I ignored her mutterings and turned my attention to oiling my sword. It was too late to fix the damage, but with proper care, it could last a bit longer. It was my way of paying respect to the blacksmith who had helped me.

Swish!

"...?"

While I was absorbed in maintaining my sword, Journey began doing something strange. Normally, she would have left by now, but today she lingered for some reason.

‘What is she doing?’

Was it some sort of dance to pray for abundance? Or was she imitating one of those inflatable dancing tube men?

She was swinging her sword in strange, exaggerated motions. It definitely wasn’t swordsmanship—that much was clear. I watched her awkwardly flail about before she finally stopped and wiped her sweat, looking quite proud of herself.

"Just a little break, and then—"

"That’s not how you do it."

I couldn’t help but speak up.

If she was doing this on purpose to get my attention, then I had to admit, it was a talent of sorts.

Even the first time I saw her, I couldn’t believe that someone who had held a sword before could be so unskilled. There was no way someone could practice for a month and still be this bad.

"Haa…."

I hadn’t intended to get involved.

But seeing something that terrible right in front of me—it was impossible to ignore.

‘Let’s just call it paying for the food.’

I had eaten so much at this point that I couldn’t just keep my mouth shut out of conscience.

"Listen carefully."

My style of swordsmanship differed from the formal training knights received. But that didn’t mean I couldn’t teach it. After all, I started by learning the basics of standard swordsmanship. At this level, I could easily spot what was wrong.

And what I was about to teach wasn’t even swordsmanship; it was more foundational than that.

"Don’t hold it with both hands. Use one hand."

I pried her left hand off the sword. Sure, if you were putting all your strength into a blow, using both hands made sense. But if you’re going to use both hands from the start, why use a one-handed sword at all?

"You’re holding it wrong."

Some might scoff and say it’s just a grip. But whether you’re learning to wield a weapon or a tool, the first thing you learn is how to hold it correctly. Knowing how to grip something properly allows you to use it efficiently.

"Hold it like this."

A common beginner’s mistake is failing to adjust the center of gravity with their fingers. I demonstrated by shifting my grip on the sword as I swung it through the air.

I wasn’t sure if she understood, but I didn’t really care. 

"Your stance is wrong, too."

I nudged her legs apart. Having the correct stance was key to fluidly connecting attacks and defenses. Of course, the stance varies depending on what or who you’re fighting. 

But that stance she had? Completely wrong.

Because of the language barrier, I had to physically correct her stance, but it was definitely better than before.

"And finally, the slash."

There was one more thing I could’ve pointed out—her overall attitude toward the sword. This was the biggest issue in my eyes. 

I’m not saying she should treat the sword like a lover or see it as an extension of herself. Sure, it would be nice if she cherished it, but it’s not my business if she wants to kiss her sword.

But being afraid of her own sword? That was just pathetic.

How are you supposed to intimidate your opponent if you’re scared of your own weapon? Being cautious and being stupid are two different things, and she was clearly the latter.

I could teach her all day, but if she’s too scared to swing properly, what’s the point?

Unfortunately, that’s not something I can fix through demonstration. 

‘Even if I could speak, it’s not something that would change overnight.’

No one can suddenly become a fearless warrior just because they’ve heard a few words of advice.

After showing her a few examples of slashes, I stepped back.

"Now, give it a try."

I had only taught her the basics of the basics, but for someone with no foundation, it should be more than enough.

Journey, who had been standing there, dazed, finally snapped back to attention.

"Uh, right…."

She clumsily imitated what I had shown her, trying to piece it together.

Taking a deep breath, she raised her sword and swung.

Swoosh!

The sound her sword made was completely different from the awkward flailing from before. It was still obvious she was a beginner, but it was a vast improvement. She seemed surprised, too, as she kept swinging the sword a few more times.

"My swordsmanship level just jumped up! Wow, I didn’t know it could increase this fast…."

I guess I had repaid my debt for the meals.

"Yawn…."

After eating and moving around, I felt drowsy. Stretching and yawning, I rubbed my eyes.

Whether she stayed to practice or went back down the mountain, it was up to her. Even if she tried something foolish, I’d notice. Maybe I should take a nap? 

Hmm, decisions, decisions….

---

From that day on, Journey's daily routine changed slightly after learning swordsmanship from the gravedigger.

She would still wake up early, turn on her stream, and log into Silya. She’d buy food and bring it up to the gravedigger’s place as usual. But now, instead of leaving right away, she’d stay to talk or practice her swordsmanship.

"Hi!"

"It’s not ‘hi,’ it’s ‘hello.’"

"Hi… um, hello?"

"Say it properly: ‘Hello.’"

"Hello!"

Unlike before, the gravedigger started talking more, though they still refused to tell her their name. Whenever Journey messed up her words, they would correct her, ensuring she learned properly.

"Hello…," Journey muttered quietly, feeling a wave of emotion.

All the time and effort she had put in had finally paid off…!

Sure, the money she spent on food could be considered a sort of tuition fee, so it wasn’t that much of a waste…

Not… too much… of a waste…

‘Well, okay, it was a little bit of a waste.’

It wasn’t cheap, after all. But when she saw how quickly her swordsmanship was improving, the sting in her wallet didn’t hurt as much.

She had at least achieved her goal of getting closer to the gravedigger.

"But did I really succeed?"  
"Sss… It’s hard to say."

"This counts as getting close! Other people can’t even talk to the gravedigger, but I’m able to have conversations!"

Journey’s interactions with the gravedigger encouraged more players to climb the mountain. However, these weren’t players seeking to defeat the gravedigger; they just wanted to have a conversation, or at least try.

But all of their attempts failed miserably.

[Why can’t I?]  
I’ve studied Granik just to talk to the gravedigger, but why can Journey do it, and I can’t? I can bring delicious food, too. I can train with the gravedigger and even cuddle up to them, maybe get them to pat my head, but why, oh why, do I fail?

[Comments:]  
—Whoa, this guy’s getting dark.  
—(scary emoji)  
—Is this a new template or something?

Even if they tried to talk to the gravedigger or offer gifts, it was as if they didn’t exist. They couldn’t understand why the gravedigger ignored them but responded to Journey. And so, the unlucky players flooded Journey’s stream with questions.

—Why only you? Why just you? Why can’t I? Why? Why? Why?  
—How did you talk to the gravedigger? I want to know the method.  
—I couldn’t even see them before I died.  
—Can you ask the gravedigger for me?

But Journey didn’t know either. She had no idea why the gravedigger responded to her and ignored everyone else. She had even asked the gravedigger directly, but of course, there was no response.

So Journey, as always, ignored the flood of questions in her chat and instead rummaged through her inventory.

"Today’s special dish is…."

Drumroll.

Journey grinned mischievously, her expression almost sinister. She pulled out a dish filled with something bright red.

"Volcano Fried Rice!"