The forest wraps around me like a shroud, and I feel like a lost soul wandering through some twisted version of my own reality. "I swear I know you're up there watching me, probably laughing at me," I mumble to the trees, their gnarled limbs stretched against a sky that's brighter than anything I feel right now. "Why me? Why couldn't I have just stayed a normal guy?" I push forward, stepping cautiously over roots and underbrush, searching for something—anything—that can help me understand why I'm here.
The trees tower above me, ancient sentinels that murmur secrets I can't quite grasp. The air feels thick, humid even, and each breath is tinged with the rich, loamy scent of earth mixed with something sharper, like burnt wood. It's disorienting, everything feels magnified in this otherworldly place. I can almost swear I feel eyes on me, shadows slipping just outside my line of sight, teasing me, reminding me that I am far from safe. The thought sends a shiver down my spine.
"I've fought demons in Hell, faced my own shadows," I remind myself, unwilling to succumb to the creeping dread. "And now I'm scared of a bunch of trees?" It feels ridiculous to be this on edge, and yet, every sound—a rustle, a snap, the whisper of wind—sets my nerves alight.
The weight of my predicament hangs heavily on my shoulders, an unshakeable burden. The more I think about the chaos of the Council chamber—the blinding light, the strange rift pulling us apart—the more it gnaws at my resolve. Had I really lost my chance to control my own destiny again? Just when I found Caleif? No, I can't let myself dwell on that.
"I mean, seriously," I mutter aloud, fighting back the tide of despair threatening to overwhelm me. "First a Council meeting that goes to hell, then I'm dumped here in this forest with nothing but... whatever this is." I wave my hand in front of me, gesturing at the trees that close in on me like an audience waiting for a performance. "Why couldn't I have just stayed a normal guy?"
A sound breaks through the tension, a faint whisper that cuts through my thoughts. I pause, eyes darting around, and for a split second, I'm convinced the forest is trying to respond. My heart races, adrenaline surging through me, and I shake my head, letting out a dry laugh. "Alright, Kamen. Clearly, you're losing it. Talking to the trees now?"
But there's a flicker of truth in my self-deprecation—a realization that maybe I do feel a little unmoored, adrift in a current I can't quite navigate. And even as I navigate the strange labyrinth of trunks and vines, there's a part of me yearning for solid ground, a guiding compass to show me where to go.
I take another step forward and stop suddenly, heart hammering in my chest. A glint catches my eye just over the rise of a hill ahead, a small gleaming object that stands out starkly against the earthen tones of the forest. I rush forward, pushing through the brush until I reach the crest of the hill, heart racing with anticipation.
At the bottom, nestled among a tangle of roots and wildflowers, sits a small chest, its surface shimmering in the dappled sunlight. The thrill of discovery rushes through me, igniting a spark of hope in this vast, unfamiliar wilderness. I drop to my knees beside it, the soft earth giving way beneath me as I reach for the latch, breath hitching in my throat.
With a gentle tug, I lift the lid, and it creaks open to reveal a trove of items: a short sword, polished to a gleaming finish that looks ready for battle; a suit of chest armor that seems to hum with energy; sturdy boots that would no doubt give me more traction against the chaos of my life; a health potion that shimmers in its glass vial; and a mystery meat stick nestled at the bottom, like the forgotten snack of a long-gone adventurer.
"What the hell is this?" I laugh, my heart lighter. I pick up the sword, feeling the weight of it in my hand, as if it's somehow attuned to my very essence. "Not exactly the arsenal I imagined, but I'll take it."
Each item seems to pulse with potential, whispering promises of strength and protection. The sword hums with energy against my palm, the chest armor feels sturdy yet light, while the boots hint at travel and endurance. "Just my luck," I chuckle, holding up the meat stick. "A lunch for a lost soul trying to navigate the unknown."
I can't help but imagine the faces of Caleif and Kira, cracking jokes about how unprepared I must look right now, scrabbling in the dirt like a fool in a strange forest. Yet there's something comforting about this absurdity, a touchstone in a world that often feels far too heavy.
Cradling the health potion carefully in my palm. "Well," I mutter, my determination igniting anew, "let's see if these upgrades are as good as they look." I take a deep breath, turning back to the path leading out of this forest, feeling a flicker of hope ignite in my chest. "Here's to not being a normal guy anymore."
I rise to my feet and straighten my back, resolve hardening in my core. I might not be home yet, but with this newfound power and the chance to reunite with Caleif and Kira, maybe—just maybe—I can navigate whatever dangers lie ahead. With that thought solidified, I press on through the thick foliage, each step guided by the hope of discovery as the horizon calls me into the unknown.
The weight of the armor settles against my chest like a familiar embrace, and I wiggle my feet into the sturdy boots, feeling the faint pulse of power surging beneath my skin. I sweep my gaze over the clearing, searching for any sign of Caleif and Kira but find only the ancient trees that loom above like silent guardians, judging me. A swell of unease washes over me, but I shake it off—this is my moment, and I can't let uncertainty hold me back.
With a deep breath, I pull the chest armor tight against my torso, the metal clicking into place like a puzzle piece finally snapping home. Each strap fits perfectly, hugging my body with an intensity that sparks an electric thrill down my spine. The pieces I found in that strange chest—my sword, armor, and boots—now feel like extensions of myself. They're no longer mere objects; they resonate with potential and power, melding seamlessly with the hellfire that smolders just beneath the surface of my skin.
Shrugging off the weight of worry, I turn to head deeper into the dense underbrush, stepping lightly over gnarled roots and tangled vines. Every sound amplifies in this eerie silence—the rustle of leaves above me, the whispering wind weaving through the branches, and the faint chirping of creatures hidden among the foliage. Despite the wonderment of this new world, a flutter of anxiety tickles at the back of my mind. Where are they? What if they didn't follow?
Determined not to get lost in fear, I focus on the way the sun breaks through the canopy overhead, casting dappled light that dances across my armor. If I can't find Caleif and Kira right now, I might as well explore the surroundings and gather my thoughts. I forge ahead, each step igniting my instincts with urgency and purpose.
Then suddenly— a small slime leaps from the undergrowth, wobbling and undulating with a quirky enthusiasm. I instinctively raise my sword, the steel glinting in the sparse sunlight, feeling the weight of it in my hands. "Okay, let's see if my new powers have any merit." I swing, watching the blade pass clean through its gelatinous form, the translucent substance wobbling in place before collapsing back to the ground.
What the hell? Confusion washes over me. Is this a joke? Glancing down at the goo, I frown, my instincts battling with my logical side. I can't help but think, What do I do now? If I freeze the slime, I can hit it with the sword and break it down. The thought ignites a flicker of resolve deep within.
"Let's see what you can do."
I lift my sword, feeling the weight of it settle comfortably in my grip. The slime wobbles, almost as if it's mocking me, and I swing down hard, aiming to cleave the gelatinous creature in two. The blade slices through it—but instead of feeling that satisfying resistance, it simply slides right through, leaving the slime unscathed and jigglier than ever.
"What the hell?!" I gasp, stumbling back as the slime splats back into its original form, undeterred. "You've got to be kidding me!" My frustration boils over, and a string of curse words erupts from my mouth, each one more colorful than the last. "What do I need to do to kill a damn slime?!"
I take a breath, trying to rein in the panic rising in my throat. "Okay, think. I have abilities. I'm not supposed to be some random guy swinging at goo. There should be something I can do!"
The thought strikes me like a bolt of lightning. I need to check the status window. With a quick flick of my wrist, I summon the interface, and the familiar blue rectangle flares to life in front of me. A moment of relief washes over me, but it's short-lived when I see that the tutorial prompt is gone, replaced by a list of quests.
[Quest List:
1. Defeat the Slime – Reward: 50 XP
2. Find Caleif and Kira – Reward: Unknown
3. Explore the Forest – Reward: Unknown
4. Uncover the Mystery of This World – Reward: Unknown]
"Great, quests," I mumble, scanning the list. "At least I'm not completely helpless." The first quest stands out like a neon sign, practically screaming for my attention. "Defeat the Slime."
I should have known I had to take care of that first. I glance back at the jelly-like creature, which is now wiggling in a way that feels almost taunting. "Fine, let's try this again," I mutter, and I focus on the sword, willing it to respond to my command.
Suddenly, a new prompt flashes in front of me:
[New Ability Unlocked: Elemental Strike!]
"Elemental Strike? What the—" I barely have time to process the message before a surge of energy pulses through the sword, electric and alive. I grip it tightly, feeling the power coursing through me.
"Alright, slime," I say, a grin creeping across my face as I channel the newfound energy. "Let's see what you think of this."
With renewed determination, I swing the sword again, this time aiming not just for the slime but for the very essence of it. The blade glows momentarily, and as it makes contact, a wave of energy floods the air.
The slime shudders, rippling violently as the elemental energy explodes outward, and I watch in awe as it splits apart, dissolving into a shimmering mist before evaporating entirely. A rush of exhilaration ignites within me, and I can't help but laugh, half in disbelief and half in triumph.
"Take that!" I shout, adrenaline surging through my veins. The thrill of victory feels intoxicating, and I can't help but let out a whoop of joy. "I'm not just some random guy anymore!"
As I catch my breath, I hear a rustling nearby, followed by an all too familiar voice breaking through the stillness. "Kamen? Is that you?"
I whip around to see Kira emerging from the thicket, her expression a mixture of relief and disbelief. "What the hell happened to you? You look... different."
"Long story," I reply, still buzzing from the victory. "But I found some gear and unlocked an ability. I just defeated a slime!"
Kira raises an eyebrow, her skepticism evident. "You defeated a slime? By yourself?"
"Yeah! With this!" I hold up the sword, grinning like an idiot. "I can channel elemental energy now. It's insane!"
"Okay, I'll admit that's impressive," she says, stepping closer. "But where's Caleif? I thought she'd be with you."
"I don't know," I reply, my heart sinking slightly. "I thought she'd follow, but—"
Before I can finish, a rustling behind Kira catches my attention. My heart races as I turn to see Caleif stepping through the underbrush, her eyes wide with relief. "Kamen! Kira! I was so worried!"
"Caleif!" I rush forward, enveloping her in a tight embrace, and she melts against me, the warmth of her body grounding me in a way I desperately need. "I didn't know if I'd find you again."
"Neither did I," she says softly, pulling back to look at my face. "But I'm glad you're okay. I felt something shift in the forest, like a wave of energy." Her gaze flickers to the remnants of the slime. "What did you do?"
"Defeated a slime," I say, puffing out my chest a bit. "And unlocked my first elemental ability."
Caleif's eyes widen, a mix of pride and astonishment. "You did? That's incredible! We'll need to harness that power."
"Yeah, but I still don't know what's going on," I admit, glancing between them. "This forest is strange, and I have no idea where we are or what's waiting for us next."
"We'll figure it out," Kira assures me, positioning herself between us. "Together."
"Together," Caleif echoes, and I can see that familiar determination lighting up her eyes. "But first, we need to keep moving. The forest is alive, and I sense that we're not alone here."
I nod, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. The trio of us sets off deeper into the woods, hearts racing with the thrill of adventure and the promise of discovery. Whatever waits ahead, we'll face it together—and with my new abilities, I finally feel like I have a fighting chance.
"Let's just hope our next encounter isn't another slime," Kira jokes, and I can't help but laugh.
As we move deeper into the forest, the tension of the previous moments begins to dissipate, replaced by a shared sense of purpose. Kira leads the way, her eyes sharp and alert, while Caleif walks closely beside me, her presence grounding. Every rustle of leaves or snap of a twig sends a thrill of excitement through me, fueled by the adrenaline of our earlier victory over the slime.
The trees loom tall and ancient around us, their gnarled branches intertwining like fingers grasping at the sky. I'm becoming attuned to this new environment, each step in the soft earth feeling more confident, and I can almost sense the energy flowing through the ground beneath my feet. I take a deep breath, letting the rich scent of damp earth and wildflowers fill my lungs, and I feel a flicker of contentment—this place feels alive, and so do I.
"Look out!" Kira suddenly shouts, breaking my reverie. I snap my head to the side just in time to see a small creature—a goblin, if I'm not mistaken—slink out from behind a tree. Its beady eyes glint with mischief, and it brandishes a tiny dagger as it lunges at us.
Before I can react, Caleif is already in motion. She darts forward, her speed astonishing as she pulls a curved dagger from her belt and deflects the goblin's attack with a swift flick of her wrist. The creature yelps in surprise as it stumbles back, and I can't help but admire the fluid grace with which she moves.
"Nice one!" I cheer, feeling the rush of adrenaline kick in.
"Stay focused!" Kira warns, scanning the area for more threats, and I nod, adrenaline sharpening my senses. The goblin regains its footing, glaring at us with an expression that's a mixture of rage and fear.
"Let's make this quick," I say, stepping forward with my sword raised. I feel the weight of it in my hands, a familiar comfort. "I'll take the lead."
I swing the sword at the goblin, the blade slicing through the air with a satisfying whoosh. The goblin dodges, but not fast enough; I catch its arm, and it howls in pain. Caleif follows up, lunging at the creature with her dagger, and together we manage to corner it against a tree.
"Enough!" Kira shouts, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Let's end this."
With a quick thrust of my sword, I deliver the final blow. The goblin crumples to the ground, and I can't help but feel a mix of exhilaration and relief. I glance at Caleif, who wears a satisfied smile, and Kira, whose expression is a mixture of pride and disbelief.
"Good teamwork," I say, lowering my sword and taking a breath to steady myself.
"Not bad for a day's work," Kira replies, wiping her brow. "But let's keep moving. There will be more where that came from."
I nod, and we press on, encountering small creatures along the way—more goblins, a few wild animals—each encounter testing our skills and honing our instincts. With every victory, I feel the knot of uncertainty unraveling, replaced by a growing confidence in my newfound abilities and the bond we're forging together.
Eventually, after what feels like hours of navigating through the trees, we stumble upon a small clearing. A flickering light catches my eye, and as we step into the open space, I see a campfire crackling merrily in the center, smoke rising into the evening sky.
My stomach growls audibly at the sight, and I can't help but chuckle as I realize how hungry I am. "Look at that!" I exclaim, my heart lifting at the prospect of food. "This could be our lucky break."
Nestled beside the fire on a makeshift spit is a large chunk of meat, slowly rotating and sizzling, its aroma wafting toward us like a siren's call. I approach cautiously, my mouth watering as I imagine the warm, savory taste. "This looks amazing. We should—"
"Hey! That's my meat!"
The shout pierces the evening air, and I whip around to see a woman emerging from a tent nearby. She's dressed in rugged clothing, her hair wild and unkempt, but there's a fierce determination in her gaze that makes me stop in my tracks.
"Uh, sorry?" I say, raising my hands defensively. "We didn't mean to intrude. We were just—"
"Just what?" she snaps, taking a step forward and crossing her arms defiantly. "Planning to take my dinner? I went through a lot to catch that!"
My stomach growls again, and I can't help but feel the tension in the air shift. "We didn't know it was yours," I reply, trying to keep my tone light. "We're just hungry travelers who got a little lost in the woods."
The woman's expression softens slightly, and she uncrosses her arms just enough for me to see that she's not entirely hostile. "Travelers, huh?" she says, scrutinizing us. "What are you doing out here?"
"We came from a strange place," Caleif interjects, stepping forward with her usual confidence. "We're looking for answers and—"
"Strange place?" the woman interrupts, her eyes narrowing. "You mean the city? You're not from around here, are you?"
"Not exactly," Kira replies, glancing between the woman and the meat. "But we could use a meal. We can help you with whatever you need in exchange for some food."
The woman considers this, her expression shifting between skepticism and curiosity. "Alright," she relents, glancing at the meat cooking over the fire. "I could use some help with a few things, but you'll have to earn your keep. I'm not just giving away food."
"Deal," I say, feeling a surge of hope. "Just tell us what you need."
As the tension begins to dissipate, the woman leads us closer to the fire, and I can't help but feel that maybe this is the beginning of something new. We might not have all the answers yet, but for the first time since arriving in this strange world, I feel like we might actually have a chance.
"Alright then," she says, a hint of a smile breaking through her tough exterior. "Let's see what you're made of."
I shake my head as I crouch down, my fingers brushing against the cool earth, searching for anything that might resemble medicinal plants. "If I knew I'd be doing this," I mutter under my breath, "I would've rather have starved. This is bullshit."
As if summoned by my words, a voice calls out from somewhere in the underbrush, light and teasing. "Keep talking like that and you won't get any more meat!"
I let out an exaggerated sigh, rolling my eyes as I continue picking through the foliage. I pluck a few leaves that look vaguely familiar, mentally cataloging them for later. I can't help but think that I'm far more suited for battle than for this scavenging nonsense, but if it means I get to eat, I guess I can bear it.
Kira's nearby, rummaging through a pile of sticks and leaves, muttering about animal bones while Caleif picks through the dense underbrush. I watch her for a moment, her concentration etched into her features, and I can't help but admire how fiercely she's adapted since we arrived in this strange world. She's become a warrior in her own right, and it makes me feel a surge of pride to be fighting alongside her.
"Find anything useful?" I call out, trying to keep the mood light despite the mounting frustration of our situation.
"Nothing but sticks and mud," Kira replies, her voice tinged with exasperation. "I thought there'd be more here, considering how many monsters we've already encountered."
"Maybe they've all migrated," I joke, but it falls flat, the weight of our circumstances pressing down on me. I take a deep breath, pushing aside the unease gnawing at my gut as I focus on my task.
Glancing at the status window that hovers just at the edge of my vision, I remember the goblin I defeated earlier. I tap the screen, and the numbers shift slightly, a reminder of the power I've regained.
[Quest Complete: Defeat the Slime – Reward: 50 XP]
"Fifty XP?" I mutter, surprised. "That's not bad."
As I'm lost in the numbers, I hear Caleif's voice drift toward me, carrying a hint of irritation. "Kamen, focus. We need to gather enough materials for the woman at the camp."
"Yeah, yeah," I reply, shaking my head to clear it. "I'm on it."
I spot a cluster of flowers with vibrant petals that catch my eye. "These might work," I think aloud, kneeling to inspect them. They're delicate but sturdy, and I recall reading somewhere that they have healing properties.
"Just be careful," Kira warns. "We don't know what's poisonous or not out here."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," I say dryly, but I'm already reaching for the flowers, tugging them gently from the ground. "If I die from picking flowers, I'm going to haunt you both forever."
"Please don't," Caleif replies, her tone lightening. "That's a burden I'm not ready for."
I chuckle, the camaraderie lifting my spirits as I gather more herbs, tucking them into the small pouch I found in the chest. With each handful, I feel a sense of purpose returning, an anchor in this chaotic world.
Just then, Kira calls out, her voice laced with excitement. "I think I found some bones! Over here!"
"Nice!" I shout back, adrenaline surging. "Just don't let them bite you!"
As I move toward her voice, I can't help but feel a growing sense of relief that we're all still together, still fighting.
Once I reach her, I find Kira holding up a few weathered bones, their surface glinting in the dappled sunlight. "These should work," she says, examining them closely. "They look like they're from a larger creature."
"Good find," I reply, the thought of using these for whatever the woman at the camp needs fills me with a sense of accomplishment. "Let's see if Caleif found anything useful, too."
I turn, searching for Caleif among the trees, my heart racing with both anticipation and anxiety. "Caleif!" I call out again, my voice echoing slightly in the stillness of the forest. The way the branches sway above me feels almost ominous, like they're trying to pull me into their depths.
"Over here!" a voice replies, and I follow the sound, pushing through a thicket of brambles and leaves. The moment I find her, relief floods over me. Caleif stands at the base of a grand oak, her hands full of various herbs and plants, a determined look on her face.
"I found some medicinal plants!" she exclaims, her eyes bright with excitement. "These should help with whatever injuries we might encounter."
"Nice work!" I say, and I can't help but grin at her enthusiasm. "I've got a few herbs myself." I tilt my pouch toward her, revealing the colorful blooms I gathered. "We're going to be the best-prepared travelers this forest has ever seen."
"That's the spirit!" she replies, her smile infectious. "If we can impress that woman at the camp, maybe we'll earn our keep and get a decent meal."
I laugh, the sound feeling good in the air. "Speaking of which," I say, glancing back toward Kira, who is still holding the bones. "What do you think? Are we going to impress her?"
"Definitely," Kira says, her voice filled with a mock seriousness that makes me chuckle. "With all this loot, we'll be the envy of every wandering adventurer out there."
"Right?" I agree, feeling a sense of camaraderie swell within me. The weight of our earlier concerns starts to lift, replaced by the excitement of our little scavenger hunt.
"Let's head back," Caleif suggests, tucking her plants securely in her pouch. "We've got enough to show we're capable. Plus, I'm starving."
"Me too," Kira adds, glancing at the sky filtering through the leaves above us. "It's about time we found out what's cooking over that campfire."
As we make our way back, the forest feels more welcoming, the path clearer. I notice the energy around us shifting, the way the birds chirp a little louder, the wind rustling the leaves in a playful manner, as if encouraging our return.
"I can't believe we actually survived that Council meeting," I muse aloud, shaking my head in disbelief. The memory of Asmodeus's proposal still simmers in my mind, but I push it aside for the moment. "I thought we were done for."
"Trust me, I had my doubts," Kira admits, her brow furrowing at the memory. "But we pulled through. Together."
"Exactly," Caleif chimes in, her voice full of warmth. "And now we're more than just survivors. We're a team."
I feel a swell of determination rising within me. "And with every challenge we overcome, we grow stronger. We can handle whatever comes next."
With renewed purpose, we push through the final stretch of the forest until we finally emerge into the clearing where the campfire flickers invitingly. The woman from before stands nearby, her back turned to us as she tends to the flames, a fierce look of concentration on her face.
"Hey!" I call out, stepping forward. "We're back and we've got some supplies!"
She turns, a mix of surprise and curiosity coloring her features. "You actually found something? Impressive."
"Yeah, we gathered some herbs and bones," Kira adds, her voice more confident now. "Thought they might come in handy."
The woman's eyes narrow slightly as she takes in our offerings, and I can see the skepticism fading into something more appreciative. "Well then, let's see what you've got."
I step forward, laying my herbs on the ground beside her. Caleif and Kira follow suit, presenting their findings with a sense of pride that feels contagious. "These should be useful for whatever you need," I say, hoping to impress her.
The woman inspects each item carefully, her brow lifting in surprise. "You really did well," she admits grudgingly. "And I'm not just saying that. Most travelers can't find their way through the forest, let alone gather useful supplies."
"Guess we're not most travelers," Kira says with a grin, and I can't help but chuckle at her cheek.
"Alright then," the woman says, her expression softening. "You've earned your meal. I was just about to roast some of this meat I caught earlier. It should be ready soon."
"Sounds perfect," I reply, my stomach rumbling at the thought.
As we settle around the fire, the warmth envelops us, and I can't help but feel a sense of belonging. The laughter and banter flow freely as we share our findings and stories, and for the first time since we arrived in this strange world, I feel a flicker of hope.
"Here's to new adventures," I say, raising an imaginary glass.
"To new adventures!" Kira echoes, and Caleif joins in, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
The woman tosses a generous slab of meat onto a battered tin plate and slides it my way, her tough façade cracking just enough for something like amusement to shine through. "Eat up, hero. Won't do to have a half-starved knight passing out in the middle of the woods." The flames catch in her eyes, making them dance with gold.
I bite into the meat, and it's shockingly good—charred on the outside but juicy inside, seasoned with something I can't name. Not a hint of slime or goblin guts, at least as far as I can tell. I polish off the plate before I even realize how hungry I was, and by the time I look up, the others are already digging in with gusto.
Kira lets out a blissful groan. "This is actually edible. I'm going to cry." She's wolfing down her portion like she hasn't eaten in weeks.
Caleif chews slowly, her eyes fixed on the woman by the fire. "This isn't your first time hosting strangers in the forest, is it?" Her tone is friendly, but there's an undercurrent of calculation—Caleif never trusts easily, least of all when magic or otherworldly weirdness is involved.
The woman shrugs, popping a piece of meat in her mouth. For a few moments, her guard is down, and I can see the exhaustion scrawled across her face. "Not the first, won't be the last. But you three aren't like the usual lost city folk."
I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand. "Let me guess. Most people freak out, run screaming, or get eaten by the first monster that looks at them funny?"
"There's that," she says, smirking. "But most of them don't bring back actual supplies, either. You did better than most."
Her compliment makes something awkward and warm happen in my chest. "We're not normal," I admit, and leave it at that.
A comfortable silence settles over the camp, broken only by the crackle of the fire and the sound of chewing. I feel the tension in my shoulders ease, just a little, as the heat seeps into my bones. For a second, I let myself imagine we're just ordinary people on a camping trip, not refugees from a supernatural civil war or test subjects for a cosmic prank show.
"So what's out here, anyway?" Kira asks, licking her fingers. "Besides slimes and goblins and—" She eyes the mystery meat, then shrugs, "—whatever this is."
The woman leans back, propping herself on one elbow, and regards us with a new, almost conspiratorial glint in her gaze. "Depends how far you go. The deeper you get, the less solid the rules become. North side has rivers that never flow the same way twice. West has cliffs that eat sunlight. East, you'll probably die before you can blink. But there are beautiful towns near Astansia, Bosli, Redefra, and Pirifour. If you're wondering; they're countries. We're currently in Selinoth, figured you probably didn't know."