"Are you hurt anywhere?" Umilythe asked. She cupped her hand, holding Julian's face with gentle care. Scrutinizing him.
"No. I'm fine. It's thanks to you that I managed to get through it unscathed," Julian laughed.
"I guess that is true. I have to give myself some more credit."
"I'm thrilled you're alive, Umilythe."
"Likewise. It seems like now that Ere Majam is gone, you're the only person I have in my life."
Lusha van Jolen cleared her throat loudly. Julian and Umilythe got up, dusting their backsides.
"There's probably some villages. East of here, that you kids can take refuge at," she said, before turning around.
"Lusha van Jolen. What will you do now?" Julian asked.
"... I'll do what I can."
. .
.
A day had passed. The former slave camp was reduced to rubble, empty. The death of Ere Majam was a major one, read about in the noble newspapers.
Most, if not all, of the slaves had sought out refuge in a village that had recently been raided by orcs or goblins. It had been the perfect place. Damage to the buildings was minimal, and several wells provided clean water.
"It's amazing. To think a new slave would be the one to not only free all of us, but even kill the head slave master. Do you know what that means? Slave camps across the peninsula are undergoing riots! At this rate, slavery as a whole will just be forced to end."
Finley and Julian sat on a fence that surrounded the village. The sun was beginning to rise.
"Ah, yeah. I didn't expect that. But I'm definitely glad. I don't think anyone should have to live like this. Even in the short time I spent, it was... horrible," Julian responded quietly.
A quiet, comforting gust of wind passed through the two boys.
"Thank you, Julian," Finley sighed.
"If you're really thankful, I have a favor to ask."
"What is it?"
"There is so much of this world I have not seen yet, you know? I was thinking about it for a while. I could live the rest of my life with my friends here. But until now, I didn't realize some people actually saw me as a courageous guy. I won't be a coward. I want to see more in this world. I'm scared of dying, sure. But I'll push through."
"…"
"So don't tell Umilythe. Please."
"… You're seriously the worst, Julian. Alright."
"Thank you, Finley."
Julian hopped off the bench. Just like that, he began walking. He did not know where he was going, but he walked. Out of childish wonder.
"Good luck, Julian!" Finley yelled out!
. . . .
. . .
. .
.
Agh… my head hurts.
Julian was suddenly woken by tugging. On both of his arms. It didn't bother him, though. It was far too bright, his eyes felt sensitive.
Then, he felt jumping. Children, jumping on his back!
"Ah- ow! Ow!"
His eyes shot open, and he quickly rolled over.
"I-I'm sorry mister! We thought you were dead!" A young boy said.
Finally taking in his surroundings, he saw two children. They looked to be around six years old, or so. Both had dark blue hair, with innocent black eyes. A boy and a girl
They're… Demi-humans.
Julian noted this, looking at the cat ears on their heads.
"Ah… goodness. Nevermind. Who are you kids? Where am I?"
"My name is Avor. My sister's name is Lifi. You're pretty lucky, mister. You're right next to the forest of evil and doom!" the young boy said, pointing to the forest behind Julian.
A wave of memories flooded back into Julian's head.
I had gotten hungry… and eaten some mushrooms. Okay. Then I became… intoxicated from the mushrooms? What mushrooms do that? I just have to be glad they weren't poisonous.
"I'll take you to my village. If that's alright with you, mister."
"Yeah, no. That's perfectly fine."
Upon reaching said village, Julian immediately went to talk to someone of age. The question that he had asked before never got answered.
"Excuse me… sir. Where am I?"
A boy near the same age as Julian stood in front of him. His hair was brown and dark, slicked back. A single strand of hair fell down, over his dark brown eye.
"Ah. You must be a foreigner. The carriage broke down? Though, that's pretty strange. I don't know any routes that go through Eastern Venichian. Although, at the same time-"
"Do you have a map?!"
"Yeah."
Out of his pocket, he pulled out a rumpled piece of paper. Finally, Julian would get to see what this fantasy world looks like.
Are you serious…?
This is just a map of Europe!
Julian yelled inwardly. It was indeed just that. A map of Europe on a bigger scale.
The kingdom of Venichian was located in the northern region of Spain.
"Welcome to the rural area! Out here, there's not much to do, my friend. But these are some lovely people. Demi-humans all around. No type of discrimination. The names Saldair."
Saldair stuck a hand out.
"Julian."
It was now that Julian was seeing his attire. A very light grey tunic, held with tassels. This was worn along with black pants and slippers.
Julian shook his hand.
"Nice to meet you, Julian."
It was then that Saldair gave Julian a tour of the village.
. .
"Thank you, Saldair. You've been a big help."
Not that the village was that big, or confusing, anyway. Julian remarked. He kept it in his head.
"No worries. Hey, if you need help with housing, you could probably head to the inn. If you're deciding to stay permanently, you could crash with me until you get settled."
Wow. This guy is so kind. Someone like him would definitely be popular in high school, right? Nice and helpful.
"Th-thanks. I'll let you know."
They parted ways as the sun was about to set. And just as soon as Julian turned the corner, just as Saldair was at a far enough distance, he was lucky enough to witness a fight.
It was between two boys, around his age.
A messy, crimson-haired boy, with dark black eyes grabbed the collar of a poor innocent boy. The innocent boy, besides the horizontal cut under his right eye, was not really distinguishable. Black hair, black eyes, a simple, scared face.
And I thought I was a side character. Well, looks like I'll have to do something about this, hm?
"Hey. Why don't you leave the guy alone? Hm?"
Julian walked closer.
"Hey, I said!-"