The companions followed Nerar for hours, until the terrain began to change. The red sands gradually blended with smooth gray stone, and on the horizon appeared houses carved into the mountains, built in strange geometric designs and emitting a faint blue glow. Nerar stopped before a massive metal gate that opened to the touch and said calmly,
"This is my uncle Finar's home. Here you will eat your first real meal, and I will present you as honored guests—not as lost strangers."
As soon as they entered, everyone was amazed by the interior design. The walls glowed with a soothing light, and the furniture seemed to float slightly above the ground. An elderly man emerged—despite his age, he had a strong build and sharp, intelligent eyes much like Nerar's.
Nerar:
"Uncle Finar, I've brought you guests you never imagined you'd see… they're from the First World."
Finar froze in place, and a tool slipped from his hand as he dropped it. He approached Ortinus slowly and touched the fabric of his cloak in astonishment.
Finar:
"The First World? Do you mean Lios's world? The world of seas and green forests? Impossible! How did you cross?"
Ortinus:
"Through your friend Lios's experiment, Master Finar. We are the 'exchange' that occurred."
Finar (with an apologetic smile):
"Welcome… welcome to my humble home. Nerar, you weren't exaggerating! Pikos, is it? I see in your eyes a hunger no one has ever seen before. Please, the table is ready."
They sat around a long table, and Finar served them dishes unlike anything they had ever seen—fruits that glowed with light, meats cooked with techniques that made them melt in the mouth, and a soup that changed color with every sip.
Pikos (devouring a piece of meat):
"I swear, if I return to Actanos, I'll exile the palace cook! Finar, is this meat from another planet?"
Finar (laughing):
"It's snow-stag meat, treated with Ziula spices. Nerar hunted it yesterday. Eat, my boy—you look like you haven't eaten in a century."
Darius:
"Tell me, Finar, does everyone here have smart homes like this? I tried talking to that chair, but it didn't answer me."
Nerar:
"Chairs are for sitting, Darius, not for chatting. But yes—we rely on crystal energy for everything."
While they drank aromatic tea after the meal, an air of calm dignity settled over the room. Romilius asked,
"Nerar, you said you're a warrior, and your uncle seems to be a scholar. Who exactly are you in this world?"
Finar straightened in his seat and said,
"We belong to the Simoru family. In the history of Ziula, we are known as the 'Guardians of the Passages.' Our ancestors discovered the first temporal rifts. But our family was marginalized because we believed in the existence of your world, while others mocked us."
Nerar:
"Lios didn't reach Ashil alone. My grandfather gave him the secret maps. We owe Lios an apology, because his experiment dragged you here—and that's why my uncle and I will do everything we can to return you."
Ortinus:
"So your family is a family of explorers and rebels."
Finar:
"Exactly, Prince. In our world, those who seek the truth are called rebels. And the Simoru family has never stopped searching."
Darius tried to lighten the history-heavy mood:
"You know, Finar, in our world we have a joke. A man asks a sage, 'How do I reach the end of the world?' The sage replies, 'Keep walking until you hear the sound of yourself falling!'… It seems we heard that sound and ended up here."
Finar laughed loudly:
"And in our world we say, 'If you see a stranger from the First World, make sure he doesn't have the keys to his house!'… which is exactly what happened to you."
Pikos:
"I've got a joke too! Why does food never run away from me? Because it knows its eternal fate is my stomach—and it doesn't want to waste time running."
Laughter filled the room, and for the first time since his father's assassination, Ortinus felt a strange sense of comfort. He looked at Nerar and said,
"You respect my clothing now, don't you?"
Nerar (smiling):
"I respect your courage, Ortinus. As for your clothes… I still think they need a lot of adjustment to suit the snow."
Finar:
"Rest tonight. Tomorrow, Nerar will outfit you with garments of our making and provide you with energy rations. The journey to the frozen region begins at first light—and there, jokes won't help you against the beasts of frost."