We should try something a little more adventurous
[player] Well, it's not often I'll have the chance to try fetching water in the middle of nowhere, so let's do it. Is there a river nearby?
[Joseph] With George, finding a water source won't be too much of a problem. Ain't that right, little guy?
[George] Screech, screeech!
[Joseph] Collecting the water isn't the hard part, sterilizing it is.
[Joseph] It's possible to judge if a water source is clean by observing wild animals drinking from it. But their stomachs are a lot tougher than ours, and are more resistant to pathogens, so this method isn't always accurate.
[player] Is that right? I remember you saying something in one of your shows, that dehydration from stomach issues can actually be fatal.
[Joseph] That's right. So, to be on the safe side, it's best to limit how much water you collect in the wild. However, if you really need drinking water, but aren't too confident, there are some relatively safe methods.
[player] Relatively safe methods? Like what?
[Joseph] The answer is simple! While wild water sources might not be too clean... Your own water, or body fluids, are usually totally safe!
……
Joseph gives a thumbs up while grinning broadly and proposing a suggestion that is best not to think about in detail. Of course, I know he's serious, and I've heard about people doing this before, but still...
[player] 0 cal, 0 sugar, sweet and sour like first love! Don't even think about it, let's toast and move on.
[Joseph] Messing around with Little Idol's slogan? Aren't you worried she'll get angry?
[player] It's like you said, nothing to fear if no one tells her. A toast to modern civilization, Joseph.
Even though it's a perfectly reasonable suggestion, people still have their red lines. Unless it is absolutely necessary, it probably isn't the best idea to fetch water in the wild...
[player] Quenching your thirst is one thing, but at some point you're going to get hungry, too.
[George] Screech, screeech!
I guess it's not just our stomachs that are rumbling, as even George seems less energetic than before. He perches up in a tree and looks around restlessly, as if for something to eat.
[Joseph] It's almost noon. How about we stop for a little lunch, and then keep going? What do you want to eat?
[player] I don't think there's much of a choice, given the circumstances! I brought some bread and cookies.
[Joseph] An excellent choice! Lightweight, dry food is perfect for expeditions.
[Joseph] For next time, perhaps you could consider bringing some jerky or dried fruit. Whether for nutritional reasons, or just to keep yourself in a good mood, it'll help you prolong your adventure.
[player] Aha! So you CAN bring along some snacks... I wanted to reduce the weight of my pack, though. But I know now. As it happens, I actually did bring along some jerky, but it was just because I'm used to giving it to George as a snack.
[player] George—! Over here, I've got a treat for you!
[George] Screech, screech—!
George blinks and grabs the jerky, before stomping on my shoulders a few times like he's really excited.
[Joseph] Hahaha! My old buddy seems livelier already. Looks like there's a reason he likes you so much.
[Joseph] He's got something great to eat, but then again, so are we. I brought along some tinned meat, so we can have a decent meal, even out in the wild.
While saying this, Joseph takes out a bunch of tin cans with a clatter, the noise of which is music to my hungry ears.
[player] This many?! Let me see... Beef, pork... Soup, dessert... So many different types, this is awesome!
[player] But is it alright to get so many out at once? We've still got to eat tomorrow, so maybe it's better to save some?
[Joseph] Don't worry about it! Eat your fill. I've got plenty of tins.
Joseph wasn't lying, as I watch him fish out a few more cans and put them in front of me, making me a little perplexed.
[player] Wa-wait a minute! That's really weird... How can you carry so much?
[Joseph] Nothing weird about it, partner! Explorers who spend a lot of time in the wild always have a knack for packing things.
[player] This can't be explained by any "knack"... Come on, will you show me again?
[Joseph] Sure!
I'm not getting it... All I see is his hand disappearing into the bag, and then cans appearing in his grasp like magic.
[player] I give up. I can't figure it out. What on earth is going on here...?
[Joseph] Don't worry so much about the details, partner. Just think that I have a magic bag that can fit everything and anything into it, hahaha—!
...Is there really such convenience in this world?
[player] Forget it. If I can't understand it, there's no point beating myself up about it. As long as there's something to eat. Oh! This tinned beef isn't bad.
[Joseph] Yeah, don't worry yourself about the details, just enjoy what's in front of you. Even without any tinned food, there's always a way to eat and drink your fill in the wild. No need to worry too much.
[player] I suppose. There's plenty of wildlife here, so I guess they can't be lacking food.
[Joseph] If you're interested, we can try foraging for wild delicacies later?
[player] Wild delicacies...?
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