“I want to go back to my own world. So, it’s just a matter of finding a direction and walking out of the village?” Laura’s voice trembled with disbelief, her wide eyes reflecting the flickering firelight. “It’s that simple?”

“Yes,” Fording affirmed, nodding with a sense of calm conviction. “I’ve tried it a few times, and it truly is that simple.”

A wave of relief washed over Fording, lightening the burdens he carried. The thought of returning to his family, even if just for a fleeting moment, ignited a flicker of hope within him. No matter where this world took him, the knowledge that he could return to his wife and children brought him solace. He contemplated the future; for the time being, he could observe this new land without fear. Would it pose a threat to Azeroth? For now, such concerns seemed distant, and perhaps staying a while to explore wouldn’t be so bad.

David, however, remained unaware of Fording’s growing attachment to this place. As the protagonist of a world plagued by invasions and chaos, he understood why Fording might choose to settle here, even as an observer. David himself was blissfully ignorant of Azeroth's troubles, preoccupied with his own challenges in this strange land.

“Then how do you get back?” David’s curiosity sparked, the gears of his mind turning. While Laura was fixated on her desire to return home, David’s thoughts veered toward another question: how did Fording manage to return after his initial departure?

“It’s simple, really. As long as I think about coming to you with my heart, I’ll find my way back,” Fording replied, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

“Are you saying you just... wander aimlessly?” David asked, a frown creasing his brow in confusion.

“No, it’s even easier than that. You can just stand still,” Fording chuckled, the humor softening his rugged demeanor. He hadn’t expected the simplicity of it all when he first stumbled upon this method.

As David listened to Fording’s explanation, understanding dawned. For those who had visited before, as long as they focused on that place, they could return simply by willing it. The process felt more instinctive than deliberate, much easier than navigating their way back to their own world. In contrast, to leave, one needed to step beyond the village's boundaries. Wandering in circles within the village would yield no results.

“I’ll try it!” Laura declared, her excitement bubbling over. Breakfast forgotten, she dashed out of the cabin, eager to test the newfound knowledge.

David hurried after her, standing at the door to observe as she sprinted into the distance. He wanted to see what would happen when she left, how the experience would unfold.

He didn’t have to wait long. Soon, Laura’s figure began to shimmer and fade, her outline growing translucent before vanishing completely, as if the very air had claimed her.

“So, that’s how it works...” Fording murmured, a look of fascination crossing his face. It was his first time witnessing such a departure; he hadn’t seen himself vanish when he arrived.

“Did you feel anything when you left?” David inquired, curiosity piqued. What did it feel like to drift in and out of existence like that?

“I didn’t feel anything at all. It’s like walking, and then suddenly being in a different place,” Laura’s voice echoed in his mind as she returned to the village, her figure materializing before them once more. “It’s incredible!”

The wonder in her eyes matched Fording's earlier expression, their shared realization igniting a spark of adventure. With the knowledge that they could traverse this strange new world at will, Laura's thoughts shifted from worries about returning home to a burgeoning curiosity about the mysteries surrounding them. What lay hidden nearby? Perhaps ancient ruins or forgotten altars held the answers.

But she also remembered her companions. There would be time for exploration later, once they were reunited and rescued from the island.

With the worries of the world behind her, Laura suddenly felt a gnawing hunger in her stomach.

It wasn’t just her. Fording felt the pangs of hunger, too. As a guest in this humble abode, he hesitated to search for food, unsure of the village’s provisions. A powerful paladin like him was used to plenty, but now he found himself in a simpler situation.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

“Perhaps we should see what prey is around?” he suggested, glancing toward the door.

“No, there’s still some venison left from yesterday in the kitchen. It should be enough for the three of us,” David replied, remembering the whole deer they had prepared. They hadn’t eaten much the day before, and with Fording joining them, they’d have more than enough for a hearty breakfast.

David led the way to a wooden barrel filled with water. He retrieved a basin and some clean cloths for washing, and soon they were gathered together, cooking roast venison and a savory soup made with wild vegetables.

All three of them enjoyed breakfast together, the aroma of cooked food mingling with the fresh morning air. David’s mind buzzed with visions of the village he aspired to build. He saw himself welcoming newcomers from distant lands, exchanging knowledge, and honing special abilities like holy light. Each bite of breakfast fueled his resolve.

Laura, seated across from him, contemplated her return journey. With David’s help, she could reach out for assistance when needed. But could she bring her partner along to this refuge? A blend of curiosity and uncertainty gripped her. The allure of this magical world beckoned, yet she knew safety was paramount before venturing deeper into its mysteries.

Fording, quietly observing, relished the thought of solitude. Here, in this forgotten corner of the world, he could live a peaceful, stable life. No one knew him here, and he could visit his wife and children whenever the longing became too great.

After breakfast, Laura stood, determination etched on her face. “I need to head back. I have to find my partners and figure out how to contact the rescuers.”

“Bring this,” David replied, his tone serious. He handed her a spare hunting bow, a barrel of arrows, and a short knife. “You’ve faced danger from strange people before. That island isn’t safe. You need to defend yourself.”

Laura fastened the sheathed dagger at her waist, slung the quiver over her shoulder, and grasped the hunting bow. “Thank you so much, David. I’m really glad to have met you.” She embraced him warmly.

David cleared his throat, a hint of embarrassment creeping in. “Cough~ you don’t need to be so polite.” He didn’t push her away, allowing the moment to linger, warmth spreading through him.

With a slight blush on her neck, Laura stepped back, turning to leave the village, bow in hand.

David stood still for a moment, watching her go. As he straightened his back, Fording’s smile caught his attention.

“What?” David asked, a mix of curiosity and apprehension swirling inside him.

“It’s nothing... Just curious if your invitation for me to stay here is sincere or just polite words,” Fording replied, his eyes twinkling.

“Of course it’s sincere! You’re really welcome here!” David’s heart swelled with hope. He longed for Fording to stay, knowing that time spent together would be an opportunity to learn the sacred knowledge of the Holy Light.

David’s mind raced, grappling with the realities of their situation. To transform this pioneering camp into an official village of the Kingdom of Tilan, they needed more people. The barren land, harsh climate, and remote location had deterred farmers. But perhaps by shifting their focus, they could attract others from different worlds—like Fording, who sought solitude.

“As the village chief I'll take care of you in the future,” David said, his grip firm as they shook hands.

The moment their hands met, a fleeting sensation washed over David. What was that? He hesitated, searching for an answer. An illusion?

Setting aside the strange feeling, David began to outline the village’s layout. “We have four temporary wooden houses—three are occupied. The last serves as a storage area and workshop.”

Fording nodded, listening intently. “To the west, there’s a large river teeming with fish. North, a forest filled with wild vegetables and fruits.”

David paused, his gaze drifting towards the tree line. “I’ve only explored the forest’s edge. The depths… I don’t know how dangerous they are.”

“The east and south are plains, but if you follow the riverbank south, you’ll reach the Iron Tree Forest,” David continued, sharing details about the area. “It’s vast and serves as a barrier to the Tilan Kingdom.”

His pioneering camp was far from Iron Tree Fort, possibly the northernmost point in Tilan Kingdom—if he could successfully build a village.

“There are just the two of us in the village now. Though we lack crops, hunting and fishing can sustain us for the time being,” David said, expressing his vision. “To thrive, we’ll need new wooden houses.”

Fording agreed, his brow furrowed in thought. “The nearby forest has ample wood for building.”

Although stone houses would be better, Fording wasn’t a mason. He could manage a wooden structure, but anything more complex was beyond his expertise.

“There are some tools left in the blacksmith's shop,” David replied, optimism bubbling within him. “Though the blacksmith took many, we still have enough.”

As they gathered their tools and prepared to venture into the forest, David grasped his bow, noting an unfamiliar sensation coursing through his fingers. He nocked an arrow and pulled back the bowstring, aiming at an imaginary target.

“What’s wrong?” Fording asked, concern creeping into his voice.

“Nothing!” David replied too quickly, his heart racing. He felt the weight of a realization dawning upon him. He must have received a reward from Laura, but how?

He knew it was Laura’s influence—Fording, being a paladin, had no connection to bows and arrows, while Laura’s primary weapon was a bow.

“Speaking of which... that strange feeling when shaking hands with Fording earlier—it might not be an illusion after all,” David mused, his curiosity piqued. What could Fording have bestowed upon him?