"Well, here we are. This is where we're going.

　The next day. The moment I, Fitis and Dora-chan got ready to go and held Dad's hand, the landscape changed and the next thing we saw was a desert landscape.

Where are we at ......?　Dad.

　I thought for a moment that I was back, but I'm not.
　Looking at the landscape around me, it looks like we are in a desert somewhere on earth.

The Kalahari Desert, that's what. So, here's what I want to show you, follow me.

　We followed the old man as he walked in front of us.
　A short distance ahead, there was an arid area with numerous vines and leaves growing wild, and at the end of the vines, something that looked like a green ball.

Dad, what is this?

It's called a Kalahari watermelon, have you ever heard of it?

　I shook my head at the name of the plant that came out of my father's mouth.
　If it has the word watermelon in it, then ...... is it a watermelon?　And while I was thinking about that, my dad explained to me.

This is a watermelon that grows wild in the desert. The shape is a little different, but they say it's the original species of watermelon that we usually eat.

　Seriously?　But what do you mean by watermelon in the desert?

Originally watermelons were a type of vegetable that was created to survive in these harsh environments. Why do you think plants and vegetables don't grow in the desert?　Besides being difficult to accumulate water, another reason is that constant exposure to sunlight can cause summer blight symptoms.

　I nodded at my father's words.
　Indeed, if you try to grow crops in the desert, the heat of the sun would be an obstacle besides water.
　The same is true in the other world, where the sun's rays are stronger than in the desert.

Well, these guys got those sunny leaves and long roots that allow them to get more water in places where water is scarce. So, here's what's inside.

　Saying this, my father took one of the Kalahari watermelons lying at his feet and cut it in half with a knife from his bag.
　Then, instead of the red flesh we know, a yellow-green flesh appeared.

Here, try this.

　I'm sure you'll find a lot of people who have been trying to get their hands on a Kalahari watermelon that was cut in half by me and Fitis. ...... Bitter　What's this?　It's not sweet at all!　Is this really the watermelon I know?　And it ain't good!
　My dad laughs with amusement as he watches me and Fitis throw up.
　This guy ...... knew about it and fed me.

Haha, that's what I thought. But well, now you know, it's not very good. But in this desert, it's almost as useful as the water juggernaut of the desert.

　After being told that, I gaze again at the watermelon flesh in my hand.
　It's true that it looks fresh and rich in water.

"Whatever food is valuable in the desert. And this one doesn't go bad even after a few years of harvesting.

　Seriously?　That's awesome. .......

The bottom line is that there will always be food that has adapted to the environment. There is a price to pay for this, which is a decrease in taste quality, but an increase in adaptability and shelf life. But if we could increase these adaptations and preservations without sacrificing taste quality - wouldn't that be perfect?

　Says Dad, tapping the Kalahari watermelon in his hand, a pleasant sound reverberates through the place.

　I see. But I didn't think it was a watermelon.
　I couldn't even imagine it.
　Surely a vegetable that packed with water would be a treasure in this harsh desert environment.

　The watermelons we ate must have been created by breeding these Kalahari watermelons.
　In the process, it has lost its native ability to grow in poor environments such as the desert.
　But if it was kept and tasted as good as the watermelon I know, it would be a revolutionary ingredient.

　So, should I buy some Kalahari watermelon seeds here or watermelon seeds sold in Japan?
　No, or maybe I should find a demon in the other world that resembles the attributes of a watermelon, breed it, and grow it into a native watermelon in the desert.

Idiot.

　While I was fretting about this, my father chopped me in the forehead.

What do you mean, "What are you doing?　I mean, who's an idiot!

　You can't help but to give me a snide remark, but my dad replied with a sigh.

What's the greatest advantage you have?　That would be the ability to grow demons, right?　You're going to grow a watermelon from the earth, or turn a demon from the other side into a watermelon, and that's an act that will kill your own flavor, no matter what you think. If all I'm doing is turning demons into vegetables, it's no different than what I'm doing.

　That's what the old man says, and I nod my head in agreement.

"Listen, Kyou. Your strength is your ability to grow demons. And from there, you can further evolve and change the demon. That's an act that no one can imitate. That's why there's no need for you to imitate the existing ones. Create what only you can create, or better yet--create your own unique 'new monster'.

　I couldn't help but feel a stirring sensation in my chest as my dad answered.

　I see. This is just a hint.
　I wasn't asking you to grow Kalahari watermelons themselves.


　As a representative of such adaptability, I showed it.
　And to create such a demon that is both adaptable and conservative. That's what I was trying to say.

　But certainly, this was enough of a hint.
　The Kalahari watermelon's biology, the vines that grow to survive in the harsh desert, the thick leaves that block the sun's rays.
　And the roots that would grow long and slender to keep water out of the dry ground.
　You have taught me what I need to know to grow wild in the desert.

　Now it's just a matter of trying to create a monster that has those elements.
　I don't know how to do it yet, but I've got a goal.
　Just having the fun of taking on this challenge was reward enough.

I'll even give you this one as a hint at the end.

　Then my dad threw me a dumpling made of clay.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea.　Dad, what's this?

It's the best way to grow crops in the desert.

　As I asked him about it, my father replied with a meaningful smile.
　As I was about to ask him again what was going on, I saw a couple of guys from the other side of the room approaching me, making some kind of noise.
　I don't know if it's my imagination, or if they're just mad about something: .......

"Oh, shit, we stole a watermelon without permission, we are angry!

　So saying that, grabbing our hands as if in a hurry, my dad to shift again.
　Or rather, my dad. Somehow I knew that, but I knew they were stealing it without permission!