Robin leaned back in his chair, satisfied. The lunch spread had been nothing short of spectacular.

perfectly grilled meats seasoned with exotic spices, freshly caught fish that melted in his mouth, and side dishes filled with vibrant local produce. Each bite had been a journey, the flavors unfamiliar yet comforting, as if the meal had been designed to evoke a sense of adventure.

“That was amazing,” Robin murmured, pushing back from the polished wooden table. His companions echoed his sentiment with nods and murmurs of agreement.

Chief Elias chuckled. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“It was incredible,” Robin replied, smiling back. “Your chefs are magicians in their own right.”

Elias let out a hearty laugh. “I’ll be sure to pass on your compliments.

Robin glanced around the room as he sipped the last of his drink.

Robin couldn’t help but smirk. “You know, for all the talk about rejecting modernity, and not liking the new environment, but you guys took full advantage of it.

I’ve noticed your people are quite adept at picking and choosing what suits them.”

Elias raised an eyebrow, he was flabbergasted by this sudden question,but he quickly made a reply. “Adaptation is the secret to survival. We reject excess, not progress. There’s a difference.”

After lunch, Robin allowed himself a brief nap. The giant tree they were staying in was naturally cool, its hollowed-out interior providing a comfortable haven. No air conditioning, no fans, just the whisper of a breeze slipping through cleverly placed openings. It was so peaceful that when a servant gently knocked to wake him, Robin found himself almost reluctant to leave his cozy spot.

“Master Robin,” the servant began with a respectful bow, “Chief Elias wishes to see you. He would like to show you and your companions around the settlement.”

Robin stretched, still shaking off the remnants of his nap. “Sounds good."

Soon, Robin’s entourage was assembled. To Robin’s mild surprise, Seraphina joined them as well. Usually talkative and upbeat, she had been unusually quiet since their arrival. She hung back as the group prepared to leave, her silence creating a noticeable shift in the dynamic. Robin thought about asking her if she was alright but decided against it. She’ll talk when she’s ready.

As they left the base,The air was filled with the sound of rustling leaves and distant conversation from villagers. Waiting at the base of the tree was Chief Elias, accompanied by his entourage.

The chief greeted Robin with a wide smile, his arms open in welcome. “Young master! Hope you rested well?”

“yes, i did. The environment was fantastic.” Robin replied, smiling back.

Elias let out a hearty laugh. “ Now, come! Let me show you what makes our home special.”

The group set off along a wide path lined with colorful banners and bustling activity. Villagers paused to bow as they passed, and Elias greeted everyone warmly, asking about their families and well-being. Robin was struck by how genuinely the chief seemed to care about his people. He also wondered if all these are real or staged to make him look a better man.

They walked through houses and small shops.

Their first stop was the market, filled with vibrant stalls.locals called out to potential customers, showcasing everything from exotic fruits to intricately woven fabrics. But what really caught Robin’s attention was the section dedicated to magic stones and rare ores.

The stones glimmered in a rainbow of colors, some faintly glowing, others shimmering like tiny stars trapped in rock. “These stones,” Elias explained, “are the lifeblood of our society. They power tools, weapons, and even some of the potions we create. We’re fortunate to have access to rich mines.”

Some places in this region in the past were totally untouched because it was a huge desert. But now after terraforming It's become too easy to conduct mining operation.even thought these people do not have the right or access to all the mines but they still have some. And new mines are discovered everyday. That's why they're stacked up with stones and rare oars.

As they moved through the market, Robin’s eyes were drawn to a heavily guarded building nearby. Soldiers in gleaming steel armor stood at every entrance, their expressions stoic. The building itself was marked with glowing runes that seemed to pulse faintly.

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“That,” Elias said, noticing Robin’s curiosity, “is our teleportation portal. It connects us to other settlements and trading partners. Without it, we would be stuck with many resources and nothing to do with them. Although we hardly allow outsiders, we still conduct business once or twice a year . It’s one of our most valuable and vulnerable—resources.”

They continued their tour, stopping next at an alchemy lab. Inside, the air was thick with the tangy, almost metallic scent of brewing potions. Alchemists worked at long tables, mixing ingredients and chanting incantations over bubbling cauldrons.

“With the coming-of-age ceremony just around the corner,” Elias explained, “our alchemists are busier than ever. Enhancement potions are in high demand, especially for the younglings preparing for their trials. The best performers will receive rare potions as a reward.”

Robin watched as one of the alchemists carefully poured a glowing blue liquid into a series of small vials. This feels oddly familiar, he thought, recalling the painful enhancement procedure he had undergone not long ago. The end product seems same but the ingredients and the process seems different.

Next up was the smithy, a place that seemed to radiate heat and energy. Blacksmiths hammered away at molten metal, sparks flying with every strike. The rhythmic clanging of hammers created a kind of music, raw and primal.

“Our smiths are some of the finest craftsmen in the land i believe” Elias said proudly. “This weapons are highly sought after, not just for their quality but for the rare materials we use.”

He gestured to the racks of swords, spears, and daggers on display. “Please, pick something. Consider it a gift from our people.”

Robin hesitated. “I’m not much of a fighter,” he admitted, glancing at the weapons. “But Andrew here knows his stuff.”

Andrew stepped forward, examining the weapons with a critical eye. After careful consideration, he selected a finely balanced sword for himself, Norman, and Silas. Oliver chose a sleek dagger for himself and Elric, while Marla picked out a big kitchen knife.

The next stop on their tour was a facility where magic tools were crafted. The process was fascinating. Even though he saw people use magic tools he never knew how they were created.mages and alchemists worked together, inscribing runes onto raw materials to imbue them with magical properties.

As a gift, Elies presented Robin with a ring. “This will protect you from mental and physical attacks,” he said. “It requires no aether to charge it works automatically.”

Robin slipped the ring onto his finger, joining the defensive ring he had received from his family. “Thank you,” he said sincerely. “This is a gift I won’t forget.”

Even though Robin was one of the richest man in this side of the gellaxy but he still likes free stuffs and not paying for it.

Robin and his group continued their tour of the settlement, led by Chief Elias. After the exciting visit to the smithy and the magic tool factory, Elias took them to see other parts of the village, each stop providing a deeper glimpse into the culture and daily life of his people.

Their next destination was the big school they saw before ,nestled among the towering trees. It was a simple, with walls made from woven vines and wood that seemed alive, as if it grew naturally into place. Children of various ages were seated in classrooms, listening intently as teachers demonstrated the basics of magic by conjuring a glowing orb. Some students struggled to replicate the spell, while others managed to create faint flickers of light in their palms.

“Our education system focuses on balance,” Elias explained. “We teach both traditional skills and modern knowledge. These younglings will grow up understanding magic, crafting, history. It is our way of ensuring they are equipped to thrive in this ever-changing world.”

Robin smiled, watching the children’s wide-eyed enthusiasm. “You’re preparing them well,” he said. “It’s inspiring to see a community so invested in its future.”

From the school, they walked to the archives, a towering structure built into the trunk of another massive tree. The air inside was cool and carried the faint scent of parchment and wood resin. Shelves filled with scrolls, books, and crystalline memory orbs stretched as far as the eye could see.

“This is where we preserve our history,” Elias said, gesturing at the meticulously organized shelves. “Stories of our ancestors, records of treaties, maps of old territories it’s all here. Our people believe that knowledge is the foundation of wisdom, so we take great care to protect it.”

Robin’s curiosity got the better of him, and he picked up a scroll from a nearby shelf. It was written in a flowing, elegant script, detailing the migration of the tribe centuries ago. The chief noticed Robin’s interest and smiled. “If you have time later, you’re welcome to explore further. Knowledge, after all, is meant to be shared.”

Next, they visited the public library, a more modern facility where villagers could access not only books but rant then. Children and adults alike browsed the collections, and a few were gathered in small groups.

Robin was impressed. “I didn’t expect such thing here.”

Elias nodded, his expression thoughtful. “It is our way. We embrace what serves us and discard what does not. It’s how we’ve survived for generations.”

Their tour continued through other parts of the settlement: a healing center where herbalists and medics worked together to treat people .

communal gardens bursting with colorful fruits and vegetables; and an art pavilion where villagers displayed intricate carvings, paintings, and tapestries.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the settlement, Elias led the group to their final stop: a lively pub nestled beneath the roots of the central tree. The warm glow of lanterns lit the space, and the sound of cheerful chatter and clinking glasses filled the air. The pub was a hub of community life, where villagers gathered to share stories and unwind after a long day.

Inside, the chief guided Robin to a private table near the back. The staff brought out a tray filled with delicacies: roasted meats seasoned with rare spices, fragrant stews served in carved wooden bowls, and a variety of baked goods filled with sweet and savory fillings.

But the centerpiece of the meal was a bottle of deep crimson wine. Elias poured Robin a glass, the liquid shimmering faintly as it caught the light.

“This,” the chief said with pride, “is one of our most treasured creations. We call it lysian Nectar. It’s brewed from a rare fruit that only grows in the highlands, and we age it for decades. Few outside our settlement ever get to taste it.”

Robin took a sip and immediately understood the hype. The wine was rich and complex, with a flavor that seemed to evolve on his palate—sweet at first, then tangy, with a warm, lingering finish. “This is incredible,” he said. “I’ve never tasted anything like it.”

The chief chuckled. “I’m glad you approve. It’s said to bring clarity of mind and warmth to the soul.”

As they ate and drank, Robin and Elias fell into an easy conversation. They spoke about the challenges of leadership, the balance between tradition and progress, and their hopes for the future. He also wished to make their clans more familiar with science and want to improve without forgetting the tradition.

“You have the spirit of a wanderer,” Elias remarked, raising his glass. “It’s a rare thing, but a valuable one. The world and beyond needs people like you to bridge the gaps between cultures and bring new perspectives.”

Robin didn't know what to reply he just said "thanks."

As the conclusion was going,evening wore on, and the pub grew quieter as villagers began to leave. Outside, the sky was a deep indigo, scattered with stars that seemed brighter and closer than Robin had ever seen.

The chief bid farewell and said robin to rest and if he needed anything he can call him anytime.

As they walked back to their quarters, Robin couldn’t help but feel a sense of calm, despite being so far from his own world. This place, with its warmth, its history, and its people, had left a mark on him.

For now, he would carry the lessons and experiences of the day with him, knowing they were just another step on his journey.