The villagers had their fun practically carrying me inside of the village. As we passed by the gates and simple watchtower posts, I got a good view of the entire place. The village looked very quaint with a neat style of architecture reminiscent of my original timeline. Even though most of the place was made of wood, I could see some larger houses and buildings which were made with stone material and of a fairly good quality at that. However, my mind was quickly brought back into the moment as the people were cheering along the way with even the children running around happily. Honestly, I was beginning to feel like I didn't really deserve all this.

Some of the men started to chat with me as they led me to the center of the village in what looked like a small administrative building. It must be the place where the village head lived. When I got inside the building, I was greeted by an elderly-looking man who looked about sixty years in age with graying shoulder-length hair and a thin beard who was sitting on a rudimentary wheelchair. He smiled at me and motioned for me to sit down.

"You must be the young hero who everyone's talking about..." The old man said rather gently though I could still see a glint in his eyes "Some of the men from the frontline had informed me that a young warrior had arrived on his lonesome and managed to help in freeing the village from its predicament. I, as head of the village, speak on behalf of Dansville when I give you my sincerest thanks, Mister...?"

"...Oh! How rude of me, My name is Charles..." I introduced myself by bowing slightly as was courtesy during my time "I must be the one thanking you all for this most gracious of welcomes."

"Hahahah...!" The old man started laughing when I talked and it was very confusing. Did I say something funny?

"You don't need to be so stiff, boy!" The old man gave me a friendly slap on my right arm "I'm just a common peasant, merely the head of a village. By the way you present yourself, I'd guess you're a nobleman?"

I seriously did not know how to answer that. Technically I was, but that was from a whole different world. Maybe I'd just answer with a no.

"I'm just a simple traveler..." I explained which definitely raised a few eyebrows there

"Well, if you don't feel comfortable yet, I'd understand. It must've been rude of me to suggest that. You seem like a good kid, is all. My name's Alfred, but everyone just calls me Old Al. If I may ask, what brings a fine warrior such as yourself to our humble abode?"

"It's a funny story actually. I was just traveling on the road when I saw the village in its predicament and I decided that I should do something to help and so here I am. I'm glad to see there weren't any unnecessary losses."

"Which was a big help from you. And I'm sure you're expecting a reward, and I would hate to see you going empty handed."

I wasn't really thinking of a reward that much. I mean, the state of the crops outside the farm and the damages these wolf attacks inflicted must've been quite significant. I'm not trying to be some boy scout, but, demanding something from a village down on its luck like this, I'd feel especially like an ass. And so I decided to only ask for a few things which were necessary.

"May I trouble you for a place to stay for the night and maybe some supplies for the road? I'd even be willing to pay if that's alright though I technically don’t have much on me." I said while scratching my head to see if it wasn't too difficult of a request. I wasn’t lying about not having much. After all, I still wasn’t familiar with this world’s sense of currency and couldn’t tell whether or not the money I had could be considered much.

"Well that's a given! There's actually an empty room in this building you can use to stay the night. It's not much, but I'd wager it's better than sleeping on the road. As for supplies, we can manage to give you a week's ration. Jasper! If you'd be so kind, and Rosie if you would prepare the room for Mr. Charles."

Old Al had sent for his men to get the things I'd ask for ready and there was even a pretty young girl who looked like a housekeeper. Although, she didn't really make eye contact with me and was constantly blushing. Maybe the weather was a bit warm? Pfft, I wasn’ that dumb. But still, seeing a shy young lass who was most probably her age was something to see. Most of my friends back at the academy only looked young but they were just as ancient as I was a lot of the time.

"Don't mind my granddaughter Rosie." Old Al said with a smile "She's a sweet girl if a little shy with strangers. She just turned eighteen a few days ago. I've been taking care of her ever since her parents passed away when she was little, although now it's her who's been taking care of me. These old blasted legs..."

"What happened?"

"Oh, an old hunting accident, pay no mind to it." Al dismissed the issue about his legs. I took it as him not wanting to discuss it any further.

The old man looked quite knowledgeable about the land and I really wanted to ask a lot of things concerning the situation like for starters, where the hell I was or at least the big picture of the world. Maybe it would be too much to ask of the head of what looked like a small village, but judging from the large main road nearby, It should have the occasional passerby and travelers. But wouldn't it sound weird if I asked too many questions? Some of the things I don't know and I would like to ask would make me look like I'd been living under a rock for all my life. Well being from a different world, I'd been just as good as living under a rock anyways. In regards to my worries, I decided to test the waters with Alfred.

"Is it alright if I ask a lot of questions? And I mean an unreasonable amount," I asked cautiously in order not to annoy Al "But if you're tired, I wouldn't want to be a bother."

"What nonsense are you talking about, boy?" Al said as he grinned "This old man here loves to talk and tell stories. I'm warning you, Charles, once I get going, it'll be very difficult to stop me. You sure you want me to start opening my trap? Hahahahah! Well, fire away, boy!"

"Okay, this might sound silly, but..." I said, bracing myself for the reaction I might get "Magic is real, right?"

"Well of course it is, what are you on about? We have a few healers in this village in fact!"

"Okay, okay... But have you ever heard of 'traveling between worlds?'"

When I said this, old Al looked at me for a while before bursting out laughing followed by the other people in the room. I knew it. At that point he thought I was insane. I tried laughing along with him, but the old man was perceptive and caught on to the fact that I was being serious. He looked at me more intently, before speaking.

"Everyone, our humorous hero here is a bit tired from the intense battle he had to fight. It may be best if we allow him to rest."

And with that, the building was emptied with only me, Al, and Rosie left. The other villagers must've thought I was making quite the joke. When they left, Old Al breathed a long sigh before asking me for the whole story to see if it would make sense. Giving into the fact that it was too late to back out now, I told him the whole story of what I'd experienced since coming to this strange land. While this was already insane, I still left out the more game-like aspects I’ve experienced and the meeting with Intea from my story telling or else that'd be a whole nother different discussion. After finishing my story and describing my peace in the simplest way possible, Al only stroked his beard calmly before smiling.

"In all my years as an adventurer, I only remember the stories of an age millenia ago where strange and powerful people started to appear on Orbis." Al finally said "I don't really know much outside of what was commonly passed down to us through the magisters and scholars but it's said that those people came during a time when Orbis was in chaos and their appearance shook Orbis to the core. It's actually quite a famous story as many of these heroes became the basis of many kingdoms still standing today. Or at least that's how the stories went. To think it actually had a shred of truth in them..."

What Al said was actually quite astonishing. To think that in a forgotten time long ago in this world, a similar thing had happened. Although, judging from Al's tone, most folk would consider such things myths or at the very least highly embellished histories.

"Well I was only an adventurer back then so my knowledge on these things are limited. If you'd like to learn more about these old stories, I suggest you go to the libraries and colleges in the major cities. The mages and scholars there might know things that would prove helpful to you. But then again they may not."

"Well, I figured as much. But they wouldn't really let any random stranger inside to ask suspicious questions now, would they?"

"I suppose not, hahaha..." Al laughed

"Anyways, I must thank you for not immediately dismissing me and labeling me as an insane lout."

"Nah, I still think you're pretty screwed in the head." Ouch, that actually hurt "But there's one thing I'm sure about you, you don't strike me as a dangerous individual. Your heart's in the right place and you saved my home. That's reason enough to give you the benefit of a doubt."

Al started stroking his bearded chin before he looked up to me again. He pointed out a very glaring problem for me right away. And that was my lack of any proper backstory or identity in this world.

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

"Although I may be a little partial to you and your story, you shouldn't go around telling random people you come from a different world. Best case they'll think you're crazy, but if you're really unlucky, you'll land yourself in a dungeon. And you'd run into quite a pickle if someone were to ask about your identity. I mean, you could always lie, but considering the fact that you lack even the basic grasp of the lands around here, even that would seem hard."

"I gambled a little bit telling you all that, honestly. But I get your point. I need a backstory and quick.. Do you have any ideas?" I asked the old man who just continued to give a cheeky smile

"Well then that does it! You're going to be my new grandson!"

How in the world did he come to that conclusion?! I mean what the hell?!

"You look like a striking young lad. And my granddaughter is - I believe - a very beautiful young-.."

"Look, I'm going to stop you right there, Al! Again, I'd like to remind you that WE'VE JUST MET!"

"AHAHAHAH!! I'm only teasing you, boy! Grow a sense of humor, why don't ya? But I'm still very much serious about adopting you."

This old coot doesn't realise he's talking to someone who's literally centuries old. Whatever, I'm just going to shut up. Al's looking like he's having a great time and who am I to stop him?

"On a more serious note, though, It'd be much easier for you to brush people off if you have proper backing. So I'm not about to take no for an answer. From now on, you'll be known as Charles of Dansville."

"What would the other villagers think of you doing this willy-nilly?"

"Don't you worry about them. If you continue to prove yourself and help around, they'll warm up to you even more. So do you have any further questions on the matter?"

I'm not even going to bother arguing with this old coot anymore. I only stroked my forehead and shook my head before I sighed in defeat and finally reneged to Al’s offer. After talking about a few other less important subjects, it's been agreed that I'd be residing in this building for the time being and would also be helping the villagers with some daily tasks when I can. Old Al would also be tutoring me a bit on the history of the local area and other geopolitical topics that he said would be of great importance for me to learn. I know he said he was once an adventurer but now I'm very sure he has a lot of things he's hiding up his sleeves. I tried checking his stats and levels, but they were undetectable to me. It was a clear indicator that he was quite above me in terms of power, but I don't know what sort of condition he got himself in to be put in a wheelchair being disabled like that.

Putting those thoughts aside, I asked Al why the wolves in the area were so aggressive and if they had always been like that to which he only grimaced and shook his head.

"No, this is totally a new phenomenon." Al said as he sipped a cup of tea "The animals of this area rarely gives anyone trouble. In fact this part of the country had always been deemed the safest. Wolves are normally solitary animals, keeping to themselves and away from this settlement most of the time. We did use to have the occasional wolf attacks on our livestock but nothing of this scale. All this only started happening about a week ago when an army of wolves much like the one you defeated earlier laid waste to our farms outside. Ever since then, our food supply has begun to run out and we fear to even venture out now."

"What of soldiers from the local lord? Surely he'd have some interest in defending his territory from such attacks?"

"Like I said, our people now fear just to venture out. And I did manage to immediately send out a man on a horse to the nearest walled town from here only a couple of days away on horseback if you keep a good pace, but I haven't heard from him since and that was our best horse too. I can only assume the poor lad's been killed though I still pray for the best. And don't get me started on Baron John Surlock! That man's a right cunt and he knows it! Fool's more interested in filling his own purse with our hard-earned labor than doing anything to actually protect us. He's probably only just started to realise how dangerous the roads have become, but I can't expect anything more than him just bolstering the patrols on the road for a bit. No, we can't depend on him. Besides, I think last I heard he was busy stuffing his face up the Duke's backside at Ardunon in his private residence there and you'd best believe he'd stay there once he's heard of the dangers on the road. The Duke's a good enough lad, but the response would be too slow if we were to fully depend on the Ducal army."

Self-serving, arrogant and greedy. Aren't they just what makes up your typical noble? I jest because I was also a noble, but dear Lord if it wasn't true that the nobility at times breeds the most degenerate of all creatures.

Anyways, following Al's line of thought, I could tell there's something more that he's pointing out.

"I have a feeling though that the wolf problem isn't truly over, is it?" I asked noticing the fact that in his serious mode, Al began showing signs of being very cautious and alert with his more bubbly demeanor all but vanished leaving only a serious look on his face.

"I'm afraid not, Charlie boy." He said solemnly "You said that the wolves were led by some sort of general-type beast yet when you killed it, the army didn't lose nearly as much strength or coherence that you were hoping for, is that correct?"

"No, sir."

"Then the only logical explanation is that there's someone or something else aiming to eliminate us."

"But why?"

"Boy, if I knew that answer, do you think I wouldn't have gone to deal with this problem on my own?"

"Honestly I-..."

"Don't finish that sentence." Al said as I was about to point out the fact that he was in a wheelchair so that might've been a beginning for a crack at our new relationship. But I digress, Al didn't really take much offense to it.

"Anyways, we need to start your lessons as soon as possible! Before we get to our meal, It'd be good for me to start teaching you the basics. And no. No unnecessary breaks. If you must go to the toilet, I'd really suggest you do so now. It's gonna be a long day.”

Yep. I could imagine as much. Though, I wanted to protest considering I haven’t had a proper meal and I was quite famished. As if sensing that I was about to protest, Al softened his expression and he backed down on immediately shoving the information down my throat.

“Alright, you’re tired. I’m old but I’m no fool. You’re bound to be starving after all that fighting if not outright fatigued.” As he said that, I noticed Rosie had entered with a plate of food. I was excited to finally see proper food but when I saw that it was bread with some form of meat on the side I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit disappointed. Noticing this, Al could only smile bitterly “It isn’t much but it’s all we can afford for now, Charlie. You should understand…”

“Oh no, of course I’m grateful for even the slightest bit of hospitality afforded to me, Al!” I panicked as I knew I was being rude and discourteous. “Perhaps the fatigue from earlier is starting to catch up to me, hahaha..”

“Pffft…” Al couldn’t help but hold in a laugh as he saw me practically wiggling around for an excuse “Oh don’t be so stiff, it’s not the fanciest of food due to the supplies and all but you’d be surprised if you eat it. Go on boy!”

“Oh of course!” I nodded my head and immediately signed the cross on myself to say grace for the food. After saying grace, I immediately worked to grab the first bite. Al wasn’t lying, the bread looked simple but it was leagues beyond the stale bread I had this morning and the meat was a nice addition to the plate. But while I was eating I noticed Al giving me a curious smile.

“Is there something on my face, Al?” I asked after swallowing the food in my mouth

“No, I was just curious. You said you came from another world, but what you did just now before eating…”

“Hmmm?” At first I was quite confused but then it dawned on me “Oh! It’s a habit from my old world. It’s a religious thing where I-...”

“I know what the bloody hell praying is boy, I’d be damned if I forget even a second of Archbishop Villenoir’s incessant lessons, though God rest his soul…” Al began speaking before noticing that I in turn had a confused look on my face “Oh, there I go blabbering again and confusing ye, please eat on, hahaha.”

I nodded and gave a smile before slowly starting to finish the food. This brought up a topic that I myself was meaning to ask later on. On the topic of religion. From what Al said, he was clearly familiar with my method of praying. From the crucifix I had seen earlier, I would be lying if I said I didn’t at least expect it but this was truly a visceral experience. I still didn’t really know how to feel as this was supposed to be a clearly different world than I used to live. At least with resurrecting in the modern era, all I needed to do was read and catch up with the big picture of a few centuries give or take.

“So they have Christianity over where you’re from?” Al asked with curiosity

I was still chewing my food but I was clearly surprised that they called it Christianity too. “Erm, yes, I’m a catholic christian…”

“Catholic?” Al raised an eyebrow

“Yes…? It means that I’m a part of the universal church that Christ established, at least in my own world, most strikingly we believe in the Papacy and its infallibility and…”

Al’s expression grew even more surprised for a second before he looked left and right and put a finger in front of his mouth to make me go quiet. I instinctively shut up but my expression said it all so as to ask what was the matter.

“In this world we would call that a member of the so-called Catholic and Apostolic Church of Sanctum. You are in the Kingdom of Feldonia, we no longer put ourselves under the yoke of Sanctum and it isn’t the safest to let that fact be blurted out…”

“Then that would mean you’re…”

“We’re protestants, yes. In fact our Kingdom is one of the major Protestant states in all of Orbis.”

I was honestly shocked that the world was going through the Protestant Reformation. I only nodded my head to Alfred’s explanation. If it was me before I came to the modern era, I would most definitely be perplexed and hard pressed at the prevalence of the reformers, but that portion of shock was lifted at my resurrection in Protestant America and a post Vatican-II world.

“I… this is a lot to take in, Al.” I said with an awkward smile as I had finished the last of my food

“At first I wasn’t sure of what you were saying about different worlds but seeing the complete surprise on your face about these issues, I’m beginning to be more and more convinced.” Al said “But nevertheless, if you’ve finished eating, Rosie’s prepared a good bath for you back there and after you wash yourself from a much needed bath, feel free to get some rest in the room after.

Following Al’s directions, I took off the dirty rags called clothes on my body as I entered the bathing room. It was a simple bath that looked more akin to a barrel. The heated water was very much appreciated and the animal fat soap and washing rag were a great necessity to scrub all the blasted grime off my body.

I must have indulged myself quite a bit in the bathing room as when I got out, Al was nowhere to be found. I shrugged and entered my room. The clothes prepared for me were simple garments but most importantly they were clean and felt comfortable and that’s good enough for me.

Feeling exhausted I immediately collapsed myself onto the bed and though it wasn’t as comfortable as modern beds, anything would beat sleeping on the cold hard ground. Today was an adventure indeed and the fatigue built up was not lying. I didn’t even get to fix my sleeping posture before my heavy eyes made way for my consciousness and all that was left was sleep.