Mount Osore is still our main base of operations, but it is, again, a very smelly base of operations, and we get out of there as soon as Esther and The Goddess have confirmed that, indeed, the Multiversal Portal Generator is working and functional. They tested out by having The Goddess head to some world she named “Chemical Plant Zone,” and when she returned she said that, indeed, it worked just fine, and also the U.S. military had already begun an incursion there, too.

Darn. A place with a name like that sounds like it would have proven to be a useful ally in terms of material value. Perhaps that is why it is already under attack.

But, now that we are done, we are all heading down deeper into the mountains, into the edge of the Ohata district of Mutsu City. It is said there that there is a wonderful hot springs onsen with incredible healing opportunities, and it is accessible specially to us on behalf of the owners. Normally, this place closes by five in the evening, but they are keeping it open until night just for our benefit. Thank you very much, kind onsen owners.

I thought that “deeper in the mountains” was a misnomer considering how isolated Mount Osore was, but indeed this place is even further into the core of the peninsula, even more separate from the rest of civilization. This area must be impossible to navigate in winter!

But finally, in not as much time as it feels like, we arrive at this onsen hidden in the forest. It’s not even in some shack or fancy hotel—it’s outdoors, covered only by a roof, the trees, and some stairs that make it invisible to passersby .

The Americans among us still have the legacy of puritan prudishness inherited within, and a public bath is a little bit embarrassing for them. But everyone gets over it quickly, especially when the most embarrassed of us (Pablo Rosas, surprisingly) are still allowed to wear a bathing suit.

The bath is hot. Piping hot, if you get near the edges where the water flows in. It’s all completely natural, and has a great view of a flowing creek below.

What a beautiful and relaxing time. The wind blows and a leaf falls into the water next to me. Great.

The Goddess soaks in the bath, all the way up to her neck, and releases a wonderful sigh. But then she stays in for too long, and loses consciousness in front of everyone. Luckily, Julie is ready, and splashes some cold bottles of water she brought on the poor woman to revive her spirits. Master Keitou simply shakes her head disapprovingly.

One is not supposed to soak submerged for extended periods, which is why the onsen has so many places for us to sit and leave just our legs in the water.

Francis, Pablo, and I slowly segregate ourselves towards one corner of the bath, next to a strange statue of a mystical creature known as a kappa, so the men can chill out in just the way men do.

Actually, I am unsure how male bonding works on Earth. I have been exposed to so little of it. But I am too afraid to ask, so I simply sit there with them and enjoy the time.

That seems to be enough. Quietly sitting together, steaming up and enjoying an excellent view together.

Tomorrow, we will all be going on a dangerous, perilous mission across the multiverse. Today, we are generating greater kinship and improving our bodily health in the process.

This is why onsens are the greatest things on this world known as Earth.