Don't be ridiculous. It's totally not just some plot device gum. Completely legit!
Uka seems better, being able to sit next to him during that conversation. Unlike the other two.
A strategy guide is a cheat item in a few isekais.
On one hand, it's a bit of a coincidence that such an encounter would happen. On the other, it was probably bound to happen eventually. But it's totally not a plot device.