July 2, 8th Year of Crossing Over

Island exploration turns out to be even harder than I imagined. I had initially thought that an uncharted island would, at most, be occupied by powerful creatures. But yesterday's events taught me a lesson. 

The dangers on an island are not merely physical; they are mysterious and strange in ways unimaginable to humans. I never thought I would encounter creatures capable of tampering with human memories.

But I won't give up. No matter the difficulties ahead, I am going to see the sun again.

Luckily, I am not alone on this journey back home—"

Just as Charles was about to continue jotting down his thoughts, a pair of soft, fair feet stepped onto his back.

"I have told you so many times, don't disturb me when I'm writing my diary." Charles casually brushed the feet aside.

"Tsk. Back during summer vacation in our elementary school days, the teacher made us write daily diary entries as homework. You even copied mine just to submit them on time. Now that we've been transported to this miserable place, you suddenly decide to be diligent and studious?"

Charles turned around and looked at the woman lying on the bed with a sense of helplessness. It was Anna, the ship's doctor. Her well-proportioned figure, as she lay on her side, presented a sight that was nothing short of captivating. The gentle curves on her body enhanced her allure. With every movement, her mature charm radiated from her being, stirring the imagination of any man who laid his eyes on her.

But for Charles, it had become a common sight.

"What do you want now?" Charles asked.

Anna's smile grew more radiant upon hearing Charles' question. With her right hand, she lightly pulled down the strap of her dress, allowing it to drape diagonally. Her left hand gracefully slid up her milky-white thigh.

"Come~ let's have some fun~ We have plenty~ of time~ after all~" she purred seductively.

Looking at his companion from his former life, a bitter smile appeared on Charles' face.

"Can you give me a break? We just escaped, and we've been running on that island for so long. Aren't you tired?"

Anna's expression changed, and she lightly kicked Charles on the back. With a tone filled with resentment, she complained, "When we first arrived here, you were so eager to get me into your room whenever we had a spare moment. And now? Is this the seven-year itch people speak of? Do you find me not appealing anymore? You asshole!"

Charles let out a sigh and sat by the side of the bed to pull her into his embrace. He gently patted her and said, "Jiajia, please understand me. There is no land that cannot be cultivated, only tired oxen who die from exhaustion."

"If you don't satisfy my needs tonight, don't even think about getting close to me for the whole month!"

The oil lamp in the room was extinguished as Anna continued her grumblings. The diary was left open on the table. Under inertia, the previous page slowly flipped over and revealed the previous day's entry.

They have companions now. But what about me? Why did I have to cross over to this world alone? Solitude is an agonizing companion. If only I had someone by my side.

The next day, Charles' body clock woke him up. He naturally leaned in to Anna and planted a light kiss on the latter's fair cheek.

"I'm going to take the helm."

In her half-asleep state, Anna grouchily pushed Charles' face away. "Go away! Don't kiss me without shaving, it's prickly!"

Charles let out a chuckle and pecked her cheek once more before getting out of bed and got dressed.

Feeling refreshed, Charles arrived at the pilot house and saw Bandages meticulously steering the ship. He patted Bandages' shoulder and asked, "How are things? Any abnormalities?"

Having gone through a near-death experience together, Charles had completely let go of his guard against Bandages. If Bandages hadn't escaped from that weird tree, Charles might not have been able to find the others. Bandages might look mysterious, but at least, he harbored no ill intentions.

"No..." Bandages showed no abnormal reaction to Charles's affectionate gesture.

"Alright, go get some rest. I'll take over." Charles took hold of the helm.

Bandages followed his usual routine, politely performing the Fhtagnist gesture towards Charles before leaving the helm.

Charles steered the ship with a sense of contentment. Despite the pitch-black darkness outside and the absence of any scenery, he felt a level of happiness he hadn't experienced in a long time. His mood had significantly improved.

Bang!

The door swung open, and Dipp entered the room with a displeased expression. He appeared indignant and frustrated.

"Captain! Walter is completely unfit for this ship! I suggest we fire him! He was in charge of the mice, and now they're gone."

"Is it worth arguing with a comrade over a bunch of mice? Maybe they ran away themselves," Charles sighed as he felt his head throbbing. As the captain, he had to resolve conflicts among the crew members.

"It's impossible. I searched everywhere, and there's no way the mice could have jumped into the sea!"

Just then, Walter, the sailor in question, burst into the room. He was pretty agitated and tried to defend himself. He claimed that the mice had indeed disappeared, but it had nothing to do with him.

The two of them continued arguing with Charles in the middle of their crossfire. In the end, Charles managed to divert their attention by letting them in on the rewards promised for this voyage.

Initially, Charles thought the matter would just blow over. Unfortunately, trouble arose once again, and this time, it involved a crew member.

"Captain! Walter is missing!" Dipp reported.

Hearing his words, Charles' brows furrowed together. Crew members were different from mice. The ship was not that big, so how could someone disappear without a trace?

Charles ordered everyone on board to search for the missing sailor, but despite thoroughly scouring every corner of S.S. Mouse, Walter was nowhere to be found.

The joy and ease that had filled the air after completing their mission were completely replaced by a somber atmosphere. When they gathered for their 6 o'clock meal, shadows hung over every individual's face as they nibbled on their tasteless food.

Observing his crew members' expressions, Charles knew that as the captain, he had to come up with a plan. The best case scenario was that something from the sea had just climbed aboard and dragged the sailor into the depths. However, he feared that this was just the beginning and the crew's disappearances would continue.

"From now on, everyone must move in pairs, even when using the restroom. And everyone must carry their weapons with them at all times."

"Aye, Captain."

"Understood, Captain."

With a grave expression, Charles lowered his head to eat his meal. Just then, a fair hand reached out and lightly patted his arm.

A gentle voice whispered in his ear, "Don't worry. We've experienced so much and overcame all of them all this long while. This time will be no different."

Charles's anxious mood eased slightly as he forced a smile at Anna, who was seated beside him.

"No need to comfort me. It's just a minor issue. And you, don't wander around alone for the next few days. Remember to stay by my side at all times."

"Okay. Just don't find me annoying then," Anna replied cheekily. She lightly brushed her index finger on Charles's face before seductively putting her finger with bread crumbs clinging to it in her mouth.

As Charles continued to eat, he couldn't help but notice Anna resting her chin on her hand, her eyes fixated on him with an intense gaze.

"Why aren't you eating?"

"I had some snacks earlier, so I'm not hungry right now."

"Where did you get snacks on the ship? You're not trying to lose weight again, are you? You're not even overweight. Starving yourself isn't good for your health."

"Alright, alright. Mind your own business, Captain. I'll find something to eat if I get hungry."