Evan walked slowly in the direction of the distant village he had spotted earlier while following the river.
After a few minutes, his steps brought him onto a wide, uneven dirt path. It looked as though heavy wheels had carved it over time perhaps a carts or wagons passed here often.
"Maybe this really is still the modern world were I still reside," he thought, clinging to that idea, "and I've just ended up in some remote countryside or rural area. But if not… then maybe I've been thrown into something stranger. Or into something mysterious place... maybe teleported? Or is fate just playing tricks on me, or making fun of me?"
The thought made his stomach sink.
To his right, the horizon stretched endlessly, covered in green grassland dotted with oak trees in the far distance. And above him, the sky was overcast, clouds drifting lazily, yet the sun still shone brightly enough to sting his skin.
Evan kept walking, sweat dripping down his forehead, the heat pressing against his body. But Still, determination pushed him forward, the promise of reaching that massive village.
Minutes passed.
The houses came into clearer view. Unlike the modern homes Evan was used to cement walls, glass windows, steel gates but these were different. Some were built entirely of wood, others of stone or brick.
Not a single pane of glass glimmered anywhere only the big cathedral in center of massive village.
The realization hit him like a blow.
He wasn't in the modern world anymore.
"This… this is a medieval times," he thought, a strange chill running down in his spine.
He studied the architecture with a sharper eye, recalling lessons from his history teacher. Romanesque structures with rounded arches and thick walls. Gothic lines marked by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and spires. Evan could even imagine grand cathedrals somewhere far beyond this village.
"Guess paying attention in history class wasn't a waste after all," he muttered under his breath. The conclusion was unavoidable he had been transmigrated, into a medieval world.
When he reached the entrance of the village, he stopped. A rusted metal gate loomed over him, dark with age. Just standing there sent a strange unease through his chest.
Then.
'Click clack.' 'Click clack.'
The sound of hooves grew behind him.
"Move, you stupid kid!" a deep voice barked.
Evan spun around just in time to leap aside. A man rode past on a cart pulled by two horses, hauling heavy bundles of wood. The rider was bearded, wearing a yellowed linen shirt beneath a worn leather jacket, gray trousers, and high boots.
Evan's heart raced. "Damn it, I almost got trampled by a horse this time!" He forced a crooked smile. "First a massve bear, and now a horse. What's next?"
The man glanced back, irritation etched on his face. "What a hassle," he muttered, urging his horses onward. The sound of the wheels and hooves faded into the distance.
Evan exhaled sharply, brushing damp hair from his forehead. Sweat beaded at his temples. "My fate's really something… nothing but misfortune. What's next, fate? Gonna kill me with a cat?" His voice carried like a proclamation, but underneath it was frustration.
That was when he noticed the stares.
Everyone passing through the gate men, women, even children had stopped to look at him. Their eyes followed his every movement. Some with suspicion, others with curiosity.
Evan's stomach tightened. He forced an awkward smile, bowing his head slightly. "Sorry for the commotion. I… I truly apologize." His voice was firm but respectful.
Slowly, the villagers began to move along, turning away and minding their own business. Relief washed over him. He pressed a hand against his chest. "I can't afford to cause trouble here. Even a small mistake could ruin everything."
He thought carefully."I need to know where I am. What nation, what land, what year. Without that knowledge… I'm just gonna be blind here."
But before he could take more than a few steps inside the village, a gruff voice called out behind him.
"Hey, lad! Wait a sec. We've got a question for you."
The metallic clank of boots echoed closer.
Evan turned slowly, his lips curling into another uneasy smile. Two men approached him, clad in chainmail armor with iron helmets. Steel greaves covered their thighs and boots. Their skin was light brown, their faces shadowed with beards and sharp mustaches.
Evan's heart dropped. "Have they already figured out I don't belong here?"
"What is it?" His voice wavered despite his effort to stay calm.
One guard stepped forward. "If you plan on causing trouble in this village, boy, we'll arrest you without hesitation. If you stir up a commotion, you'll be punished."
The other added gruffly, "That's all you need to know. Behave yourself, and begone from our sight."
Their eyes lingered on him with open dislike.
Evan bowed quickly, forcing a polite smile. 'Yes, sirs. Understood." He walked past them immediately, the weight in his chest loosening only after he was well out of their sight.
"Whew…" He muttered, relief dripping from his voice. "Thought they were going to arrest me. Guess it was just a warning. Still, I need to be more careful now."
He wandered through the massive village for half an hour, scanning every detail. Eventually, he found a shaded spot near the bustling marketplace, where merchants hawked vegetables, fish, bread, pork, fruits, trinkets, spices, and more. Traders shouted prices, children darted through the crowd, and the smell of fresh bread mixed with smoke from nearby stalls.
Evan sat and observed, learning quickly there economy. This world ran on coins. The lowest is Bronze, then copper, then silver, and finally gold is highest currency they have.
He tapped his chin, murmuring to himself. "Where am I supposed to get some money? I don't have a single coin…" His eyes drifted to his sling bag. "Maybe I could sell my ballpen or my paper. Even if it's just for a bronze or maybe If I get lucky I could gain a copper, that might keep me alive in this world for days."
His stomach growled fiercely, interrupting his thoughts. He winced. "Damn, I'm starving…"
He looked to the sky. The sun was sliding down toward the horizon. Hunger gnawed at him harder than fear.
"I need food immediately. If I don't figure something out soon… I'll starve to death before I even learn where the hell I am."
Then Evan stand and approach one of the trader stall.