NOVEL FROG Chapter 5
Rattling noises
So, after the last chat…
The assistant’s messages stopped appearing.
On the assistant list, there was a big, bold entry saying “Unknown – 001.”
Looks like they didn’t go on air.
Must be lost in confusion.
I mean, it’s hard for regular folks to wrap their heads around another world or monsters.
“Well, I guess I have to believe it now.”
While the assistant was sorting their thoughts,
I decided to check out the baby spider that had just been born.
Siieee…
The baby spider climbed awkwardly onto my palm.
It quickly scuttled up my arm and settled around my shoulder.
Siieee!
The baby spider beamed at me with a wide smile.
It wasn’t creepy at all.
Its face was cute, like a puppy.
“I think I’ve succeeded in taming it.”
Besides its behavior of following me around,
I felt like there was an invisible thread of fate connecting us.
“I should be able to see the list of tamed monsters, right?”
I opened a square window in the air.
After manipulating the window a bit, I found the tamed monster list.
[Tamed Monsters]
There were no photos of the monster.
It was blandly labeled “001.”
Looks like it doesn’t have a formal name.
Unless I’m meant to name it myself.
It was clear that the baby spider was 001.
Since it was the only tamed monster I had.
When squinting at it, I saw the label “001” hover above its head.
“I can change the name, right?”
And I could.
A virtual keyboard popped up the moment I lightly touched the name field.
Without hesitation, I changed the name.
From now on, the species name of this spider would be Dog Spider.
No need for a personal name.
The reason I left the number was simple.
To avoid mixing it up with other Dog Spiders.
I would eventually tame more, given they are helpful monsters.
*
[Passage 2]
○ Normal cave.
○ Spider-type monsters residing.
I engraved the mark and info next to Passage 2.
I postponed checking the Dog Spider’s abilities for later.
The assistant, who seemed to be lost in confusion, finally returned.
The assistant had a lot of questions.
Looks like they finally believe this isn’t just a concept show.
Of course, they still weren’t fully trusting.
“Just believe it already. There’s no reason for me to lie about this!”
Even after explaining seriously several times, they still reacted like that.
That was the third time I got asked that question.
“Yep, it’s a real situation.”
Usually, that would start to grate on my nerves.
But I was fine.
It’s annoying, sure, but their reaction was normal.
I can’t go complaining to the assistant who came to support me.
Thankfully, it seemed like they were starting to somewhat believe me.
“Do you think the police can help?”
The police aren’t dimension magicians or anything…
What was I expecting from a group that can’t even properly find missing people in South Korea?
“Reporting won’t help, so forget it. By the way, can you send me a gift or something?”
I figured I’d clarify it a bit.
Labyrinth explorers and assistants.
As an explorer, I’m on the front lines conquering the labyrinth, while you, as the assistant, provide support from a safe place.
To put it metaphorically, you’re like an office worker.
In short, the assistant’s role is to support me, the explorer.
I wrapped up my explanation.
I’m not sure if it was a good analogy, though.
I don’t really know much about explorers and assistants myself.
“Did you get it?”
“Glad to hear.”
Considering they were planning to report me to the police, their brains might not be working correctly.
My true feelings bubbled up to my throat, but I held back.
I couldn’t pick a fight.
After all, I was in a weak position, and the assistant held the power.
“Now I need to explain why the assistant should support me and what they gain from providing that support…”
It’s rare to find someone who acts without seeking a benefit.
Unless they’re a volunteer, of course.
No one helps others out of sheer goodwill without expecting something in return.
So, most people would probably think like this.
“Why should I help you?”
“What’s in it for me?”
When those questions inevitably come up,
I’ve thought about how to respond.
And briefly pondered this thought.
As much as I support the explorer, the assistant should also receive help from the explorer.
One day, monsters will spill over onto Earth, and when that day comes, I might be able to return the favor—like sending monsters out, for example.
This was a nonsensical lie I’d concocted on the fly to request support.
But my conscience wouldn’t allow that.
So, what I came up with was…
Please see me as an avatar. To put it simply, support me as if you were leveling up a game character.
That was all I could think of.
No matter how I thought about it, I just couldn’t see the merit for the assistant in supporting me.
I could act cute or clown around to get help…
But I’d rather survive on my own without aid than pull something like that.
Anyway.
Just as I was about to request support by comparing it to a game character, the assistant shot a message first.
“Um?”
“Help me?”
“No, I’d be glad if you do.”
“Just a little surprised. Honestly, I didn’t expect you to agree to help so easily.”
“It doesn’t benefit you in any way to help me, so are you sure it’s alright?”
The reason for helping.
It’s just to help someone in a tough spot.
I guess this person is a lot kinder than I expected.
Or maybe they might have some connection to me.
By this point, I was even more curious about their identity.
Not planning to ask just yet, though.
At the very least, it’s not a bad relationship.
“Looks like you’re beginning to fully believe this is another world.”
“Honestly, I’m not sure myself. Isn’t there a support button or something on your screen?”
The chat went silent.
It seemed like they were seriously looking for a way to support.
While waiting, I gently patted the Dog Spider’s head.
About a minute later, the assistant’s chat popped up again.
Coins?
Oh right, I think I saw a note saying I had zero coins earlier.
The assistant still seemed half-skeptical about the situation.
Well, it makes sense to be suspicious right now.
The word “coins” puts off serious scam vibes.
It’s only natural to wonder if everything here is a setup to rip people off for money.
“It’s not a scam, so don’t worry.”
“…What would make you believe me?”
A message appeared right in front of me,
And next to it, another window popped up.
It said “Coins Held: 1.”
The number quickly jumped from 0 to 1.
“Thanks!”
“Good question.”
“Surely there’s somewhere to use the coins, but I don’t know where yet.”
“Sorry. But aside from coins, can’t you send me items?”
“How much is the fee?”
“Really? Could you let me know what items are under a 5-coin fee?”
The chat momentarily paused.
About ten seconds later, another message came through.
“Um… Could you send me some food?”
I was in need of provisions.
‘Cause I was kinda hungry right now.
“Yeah, that’s definitely a shady fee. Have you seen fees for other food items?”
“…Seems like food fees are pretty high across the board.”
There’s nothing to be done.
I’ll just have to shoulder the fee.
I’ll repay it once I return to Earth.
“I’ll pay back the fee later, but for now, could you send just one loaf of bread?”
Not long after that chat,
An item plopped right in front of me.
The bread sent by the assistant had crossed dimensions and arrived.
Silently, I picked up the bread.
It was mint chocolate bread.