As he walked around with Chiroph, Xavier reviewed a few pieces of information.
For example, Xavier knew a few things about the Domains. He ‘recalled’ that all Domains are connected through Divine Aether Gates. He also knew that the Domains had once been part of one vast expanse.
Xavier doubted that the darkness churning inside him would have told him about the vast expanse that the Gods had once ruled in unison. However, he was also unsure if the Messenger would have told him about the Domains’ history. That didn’t make sense. The Messenger never told him more information than necessary. As for the darkness…it wouldn’t bother sharing most information with him either. It didn’t want to teach him. It desired to devour him!
The Domains were also connected to the outside universe through the Branches and Roots of the Origin. The Origin connected all realms. It was something special that came into existence when everything began. The Origin, as well as its branches and roots, were closely tied to Aether as well.
Xavier remembered something about Aether, but he couldn’t quite grasp the memories related to Aether. It felt like the memories were locked away from him. As if they were sealed.
Xavier continued strolling through the place with Chrioph, his eyes still trying to imprint everything in his mind. A few other Zyphers greeted Chiroph and chatted with him before subtly eyeing Xavier. Chiroph introduced a few to Xavier, but he shook hands with them almost absent-mindedly. He did not sense any threat or danger around him, so he continued to look around and observe, his gaze flicking to his companions occasionally.
Glut and Umbra played around for a little before returning to him. Umbra curled himself into a ball and fell asleep on Xavier’s left shoulder while Glut perched himself on Xavier’s right shoulder.
Like Xavier, they seemed at peace but did not want to stray from him in an unknown place. He was glad he did not have to run behind them, which allowed him to observe his surroundings keenly.
Gathering more information was the most important right now. Of course, that included intel about the Domains and his future enemies – or if he could turn some Domains into Earth’s allies, but Xavier required more information about the Aether Gates and ways to get back home.
Right now, he couldn’t message his parents or anyone back on Earth. However, he knew that he could return home again. Probably.
I need to find another Aether Gate that leads back to Earth. That shouldn’t be too hard. Almost every village on Earth had an Aether Gate…and if they all connect to some Domain, I should be able to find one of them fairly soon. At least, some information about Aether Gates connecting to Earth might have reached some information networks already. Who knows?
Xavier was frustrated that he had been separated from his parents and friends but was glad to be alive. Luka injured him severely, and it was already a wonder that he didn’t succumb to his injuries. Falling into the Aether Gate hadn’t been part of his plan, but Xavier figured he might as well make use of this opportunity now that he was on the other side.
Most villages around Alsburg had a stabilized Aether Gate, and Xavier doubted that it was much different from anywhere else. The chances were high enough that he would stumble upon an Aether Gate leading back to Earth. Using the information networks nearby, he might as well be able to return shortly.
Even if the Aether Gate leading back to Earth wouldn’t bring him back to Haven or a nearby region, Xavier was certain he could find his way back. It was only a matter of time and how strong he was at the time of his return. That gave him hope.
“The Grand Forest and Polin are my next goals, then,” Xavier mumbled.
He had to grow stronger and gather more information. The Grand Forest provided the former, whereas Polin was a city near an Aether Gate. There should be a few more people to ask about Earth-related news and newly formed Aether Gates.
“The Grand Forest has many Aether Gates, but don’t rush foolishly into the forest, please. Many Aether Gates lead to the realms of the Mother of Monsters and the domains of the Heir of Darkness. Both rule over multiple domains and realms for the last century or two after mercilessly slaying our Gods of Protection and the God of Animals,” Chiroph warned Xavier as he heard what the young Outsider was planning to do.
Xavier didn’t reply to anything. He felt odd hearing about the Heir of Darkness. A deep frown plastered his face as the darkness within him writhed.
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Does that mean the darkness within me doesn’t like the Heir of Darkness…or is it on his side?
Xavier didn’t know, but he didn’t have the time to think about the answer either. He needed more information about the Grand Forest and the Aether Gates. He probably needed to know a lot more, but it would all lead him to one place.
The town’s Adventurer Guild.
It was a huge two-story wooden building, bustling with activity. It was probably the town's largest building, so locating it and finding his way to the same was quite easy. The building sat amongst huge trees that provided adequate shade to a large group of adventurers who would flock to the building for tasks or to chat with others. The ground floor entrance was quite simple and opened up to a large hall where he saw several people seated at their desks, scribbling away something with their quills.
He believed them to be receptionists jotting down information and creating records of who was assigned which task. A few were busy weighing goods and weapons on a weighing scale.
On the other side was a huge mission board surrounded by many people searching for an ideal mission and, in some instances, forming teams to complete the tasks.
A few people waved at Chiroph, who smiled back at them before he continued to show him around.
“This place is huge,” Xavier mumbled, and Chiroph replied, “Yes, the guild is hardly empty. Consider this an entertainment zone if you like.”
Xavier looked up to see people seated on wooden benches, clinking glasses, and having loud conversations. A few were planning their next mission. He did not go up to the second floor.
“Xavier, meet Snyder and Rhett.” Chiroph dragged his attention from the receptionists’ meticulous work and introduced him to someone.
“Snyder is a good lad and has worked as a messenger his whole life, just like Rhett. Now, they’ve both retired but still can be found here.”
Snyder raised a glass, “Can’t get tired of fun, can you?”
“Not,” Rhett clinked the glass, and both men drank the beer heartily.
Xavier briefly introduced himself and his companions, who were still sitting on his shoulder.
His eyes fell on a man standing in a corner, minding his business. He looked stronger and taller than the others,, but his buff body had battle wounds and scars. He had a bored look on his face, but when an argument broke out in the bar, he swiftly climbed up the stairs, jumped between the two men, and resolved the argument before it could turn worse.
“Who is that?” Xavier asked as he observed the man.
“Oh, that, he is a Champion. A few ranks above regular adventurers. He has completed some seemingly impossible missions that granted him the title and respect.”
Xavier nodded at that.
”Come on, let’s get you a drink. It is getting a little hot over here,” Chiroph muttered, dragging Xavier to the bar. Xavier was not interested in drinking but was not opposed to it either.
Chiroph ordered two large beers for them both and pointed at a table for Xavier to sit. He had barely placed the glass on the table when someone tapped his shoulder.
“Hey, Chiroph, how are you doing?”
Chiroph turned around to see a man smiling at him. He embraced him and replied, “Birk, my man.”
Birk smiled back at Xavier as Chiroph introduced him to the rest of the people seated on the table beside theirs.
“You see that lot there. That's Olivae, Za'rosh, Mya, Tanas. They are practically inseparable.”
They raised their glasses, took a huge gulp, and began chatting with Chiroph, while Xavier took a sip and began observing them. In the bar, there was a giant mix of different races drinking and talking to each other. Some were similar to Chiroph with their huge black wings and tall stature, while others could pass on as humans on Earth.
He focused his attention back on the group beside him. One of them had a horn jutting out of his forehead, one had scales for a skin, and he also saw someone with a tail swishing from left to right as the guy emptied a glass.
Xavier could not even begin to imagine what races they belonged to. He was already finding it hard to keep track of all the names Chiroph kept throwing at him. So, he decided to focus on their conversation instead.
The horned guy he believed to be Tanas suddenly banged his glass on the table and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
“We are going near the Grand Forest!!!!”
He yelled and pounded his chest like a gorilla. Following suit, the other group members did the same and began to shout.
Xavier continued to sip slowly as he realized that they were about to complete a mission near the border to the Grand Forest!
Interesting.