IN ANOTHER WORLD

When they opened their eyes, it wasn't Earth. The world that stretched before them was a masterpiece of surreal beauty, as if painted by an artist unbound by earthly constraints. Towering trees, their leaves shimmering with ethereal luminescence, swayed gently in a cool breeze. The sky, a mosaic of colors unknown to human eyes, arced above them in tranquil majesty. The air itself seemed alive, tingling with a sense of boundless possibility.

Rema turned slowly, her wide eyes taking in the extraordinary scene. She gasped, her voice tinged with awe.

"This place... It's so beautiful. Look, everyone! This doesn't look like our world at all!"

Sou, standing a few steps away, crossed his arms. His expression was caught between irritation and incredulity.

"Oh, sure. Beautiful. Like we've stepped into some cliché isekai novel. Really, Rema? Is that what you want me to say right now? Are you even thinking straight?"

Her awe shattered instantly, replaced by a glare.

"What's your problem, Sou?"

Sou gestured at the alien landscape, his voice rising with frustration.

"My problem? We're in a place we don't recognize, with no clue how we got here or how we're going to get back! And here you are, acting like a tourist! Are you serious right now?"

Rema's arms crossed in defiance.

"Oh, and whose fault do you think that is?"

Sou's brow furrowed, his tone sharpening.

"Are you kidding me? You're blaming me for this? Everything that's happening is somehow my fault now?"

"I didn't say that, did I? But for the record," she added pointedly, "I did warn everyone that the machine outlet was looking unstable!"

Sou let out a loud groan of frustration. "Huh!"

The escalating argument was abruptly interrupted by a sharp voice.

"Enough!"

Dr. Ren stepped forward, his tone commanding as he glared at both of them.

"This is neither the time nor the place to start pointing fingers. Everyone here worked hard on the project, and we're all in this together. For once, can you two stop bickering like children? Honestly, why do I always feel like the side character in your arguments?"

Rema exhaled sharply, waving him off.

"Fine, fine. Whatever you say. But—Ah! Argh!"

Dr. Ren's irritation turned to alarm.

"What's wrong?"

Rema was hopping on one foot, her expression contorted in disgust.

"Something's licking my foot! Ugh, it's so gross!"

The group's attention shifted downward, where a peculiar creature had emerged. It resembled a tiny elephant, though its appearance was anything but ordinary. A single, spiraled horn jutted from its forehead, and delicate, translucent wings fluttered at its sides.

Rema froze, her initial disgust giving way to a delighted gasp.

"Aw! Look at you, little one. You're so cute! Come here, baby. I'll find you something to eat."

Sou raised an eyebrow, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"A second ago, it was gross, and now it's cute? The mysteries of the female mind will never cease to amaze me."

Ignoring him completely, Rema rummaged through her bag and pulled out a packet of potato chips. She crouched, offering one to the creature. It sniffed cautiously before nibbling on the crisp. Its large, expressive eyes widened, and it let out a shrill cry of delight.

"Oh, you like that, huh? Here, have some more," Rema said, her tone gentle.

But the creature's cry wasn't one of mere joy. It was a summons.

A sudden rustling filled the air, growing louder by the second. From the surrounding trees and underbrush, dozens—no, hundreds—of identical creatures emerged, their eyes gleaming as they converged on the trio.

Rema's smile faltered, her voice shaking as she stepped back.

"Uh... guys? I think we've got a problem."

One of the creatures darted forward, sinking its teeth into Dr. Ren's leg.

"Argh!" he cried, clutching his leg as he stumbled. "It bit me! Damn it, it's poisonous! My body... it's going numb!"

Rema froze, guilt etched across her face.

"Dr. Ren, I'm so sorry! This is all my fault!"

Dr. Ren gritted his teeth, shaking his head as sweat beaded on his brow.

"Don't... say that. This isn't the time for guilt. My leg... it feels like it's on fire."

"More of them are coming!" Rema shouted.