Meanwhile, I got the food and water my host had promised me. A lovely girl carried a tray into the room, while a young man brought warm water in two large buckets. I pounced on the food like a hungry wolf.

A gnome entered the room. He hobbled over to me and tossed a hefty purse onto the table. I hoped it contained many pleasant yellow coins, but reality disappointed me. The pouch mostly held silver and bronze. There were only a few gold coins. Apparently, the guests at this establishment aren't wealthy. Or perhaps the gnome acted cautiously, taking small coins to avoid drawing attention. I find it hard to believe.

"How long did it take you to amass such wealth?"

"None of your business." the dwarf snapped back.

There was a lot of irritation and anger in his voice. I even sensed a hint of threat. His angry eyes promised me a lot of trouble.

"Fine... We won't be able to become friends then."

I abruptly reached out and grabbed the gnome by the throat.

Loa made an attempt to break free, but this time I didn't restrain my strength. I didn't give him a single chance. The demon started disintegrating into fragments of energy and quickly vanished. There's no place for such creatures among normal people.

Voodoo, a vile magical school. In my world, they tried to justify and even popularize it. Just reading descriptions of sacrifices and rituals makes everything clear. Extensive practice of turning a living person into a zombie. A vast array of curses. I shuddered with disgust.

Perhaps I should keep an eye on this innkeeper. Maybe he won't stop at what he's already done. But on the other hand, what business is it of mine? It seems like he hasn't done anything truly bad. Summoning a demon? Did he really know what he was doing? Is it my concern? The mages have long taken on the role of judges. Now let them bear that burden. I came into this world not by my own choice and I'm not obligated to carry goodness and justice everywhere. I am a shaman, not a superhero.

I washed myself and laundered my clothes. I hope it will be dry by morning. I lay down to sleep and instantly fell asleep.

Unexpectedly, I found myself at the doorstep of our apartment in my world. Everything was mine, everything familiar. At first, I didn't realize what was wrong. Something tightened in my chest, and I looked at my hands. Hope flickered for a moment, but it vanished. Hands were transparent. I felt a profound sense of sorrow. I needed to hurry. I could sense time slipping away rapidly. I knew what would happen when time ran out. I entered the children's room. Everything was just as it had been before.

My eldest son was sitting at the table. It seemed he was doing his homework. An empty notebook and a geometry textbook were open in front of him. He sat there, staring at one spot. His eyes were red with tears. It seemed like he had been sitting like that for a long time. On the table, I saw a photograph of myself with a black ribbon in the corner. Something unpleasant pricked at my heart.

When I entered the room, my son suddenly turned around, but he didn't see me. The boy froze, staring into the doorway and seeing nothing.

"Calm down, John," I whispered softly. "Don't be afraid, it's me."

I noticed that my son's eyes seemed clouded, and he slightly turned his head to the side. Then he began to move his head back and forth, as if trying to catch a glimpse of me from his peripheral vision. It is indeed easier to see the otherworldly that way. How does he know? I never taught my family anything. My children weren't even initiated into my pursuits. They were too young for that.

"Dad? I knew... You was there... I didn't imagine it..." John jumped up from his seat.

My son looked at the doorway in confusion, tears streaming down his cheeks. Instinctively, I infused my body with energy. I didn't think, it just happened, and it worked. I quickly approached him and took him by the shoulders.

"Forgive me, John! I didn't know it would turn out this way."

"Dad," he said, embracing me.

I hugged him back, but immediately felt a wave of weakness. I could sense my strength rapidly diminishing. Maintaining physical contact was incredibly costly. I exerted effort and pulled away from him.

"I'm sorry, it's difficult for me to come here," I said. "I suppose the interactions drain my energy. I still don't know how it works. I can disappear at any moment. John, gather yourself and answer my questions. It's important. How much time has passed?"

"Several days," my son wiped his cheek with his hand. I saw the determined look in his eyes. He resembled me.

"When was the funeral?"

"Yesterday."

"Good. Sit down and write," I began dictating the passwords for the wallets, letter by letter. He diligently repeated them aloud and wrote them down. I made sure it was done correctly.

"Well done. Give them to your mother and tell her that these are passwords for cryptocurrency wallets. She'll understand. How are you all holding up?"

"We're managing," my child said in a very mature manner. "She didn't believe me when I told her you visited."

"Naturally," I weakly smiled. "Tell her... No need. I will... maybe... I don't know."

"How did you do that? Are you a ghost? Like in the books?"

"No, John. I am alive..." I shrugged. I felt the urge to hit myself. Am I alive? But for them... "It's a new life. I am in a different world. There are knights and mages there."

"Unbelievable. Can you come back, Dad?" Hope flickered in his voice.

"I will try," I said, unsure of what to say in such a situation to my child. "I will try very hard."

"John, is everything okay?" My wife peeked into the room. "Who are you talking to?"

I didn't see what happened next. I was pulled into a vortex, into a single point. At the last moment, I noticed a house spirit peering out from behind the door.

I woke up feeling completely shattered, as if I had unloaded ten wagons. My hands and legs barely obeyed me, but I was very satisfied. It had been around two weeks in this world, but only about three days there. Time was on my side. I had passed on important knowledge. My son was doing great, and I was confident he would do everything right. I would find the portal and be able to embrace my family.

In the room, I noticed four kvits. Spirits floated aimlessly around the room. I somehow managed to get out of bed. Walking like an old man, I made my way to the table. On it, there was a jug of some local beverage.

"So, it seems the astral drains energy from me? " I muttered.

A kvits landed on the table in front of me. The spirit bounced off the surface and slowly soared upwards. I grabbed it, feeling a surge of pain in my chest as I used my energy. I didn't think at all about what I was doing. The void inside me, seemed to widen and threatened to consume me at any moment. I felt terrible. I had simply absorbed the spirit. The kvit absorbed into my palm, and faint traces of energy flowed through my hand, dissipating into my chest. They managed to slightly satiate the monstrous void within me. Soon, there were no spirits left in the room. I caught and absorbed them all.

I left the room and quietly made my way through the entire inn. I tried not to draw attention to my hunt. There were no other patrons, and nobody paid any attention to my movements. I managed to capture six more spirits, and I felt a sense of relief. I closed the room and descended downstairs with my belongings. The innkeeper generously served me yesterday's porridge in a bowl and even added a piece of meat without hesitation. He also placed a plate of sliced vegetables and a mug of some berry concoction. The food helped replenish my strength. I no longer felt as completely drained and fragmented as before.

I walked out onto the street and made my way towards the city center. My worn-out appearance drew attention, and people stared at me, which made me uncomfortable. Even the local street urchins looked slightly, but better than me. The guards didn't show any interest for now, but I was sure it wouldn't last long.

The street I walked along was wide and clean. Almost every ground floor was occupied by shops, taverns, stores, barbershops, confectioneries, and much more. The signages were colorful, and in some places, they were magically illuminated. The road was separated from the pedestrian area by a neat fence. Horses, wagons, carriages, and other forms of transportation moved along the roadway. No one was in a hurry, and everyone traveled with care. I didn't notice any unusual modes of transportation. The movement was not regulated by anyone or anything, and everyone went wherever they wanted. There was a particular disorder at major intersections, but somehow, everyone managed to navigate through them.

I encountered several patrols of guards wearing dark gray uniforms instead of armor. The only visible weapons they carried were neatly sheathed rapiers. Once, an important gentleman in a hat passed by me, holding a briefcase in his hand. He was accompanied by three fully armed guards. As I got closer to the city center, I began to come across mages wearing dark cloaks with white collars. Some of them adorned their garments with intricate patterns. I observed a well-maintained city and an advanced society. Everything I saw had a resemblance to the later Middle Ages in my world, perhaps the late 18th century, albeit with its own unique characteristics.

The kvits were encountered, but not as frequently as outside the city. They didn't differ much in their variety. Twice, I saw spirits perched on people. The hosts appeared to be in distress. It wasn't such a rare occurrence. Several times, I glimpsed loas in the alleys. Once, I witnessed a household spirit polishing a shop window with a cloth. I didn't pay much attention and simply walked past. A little later, I spotted a large black cat wearing glasses. The loa sat on the third-floor window.

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Everywhere was fairly clean, with greenery-filled vases and working street cleaners. Only the roadway looked dirty; after all, there were many horses, and it wasn't easy to clean up after them. Many windows on the second and higher floors had pots of flowers. I passed by a well-maintained park with a fountain in the center and paved pathways. Squirrels leaped among the branches, fed by ladies in dresses and children. It was charming. You wouldn't even say that this city is considered a dangerous province.

Rangers passed by me. The men were dressed in worn-out clothes, armed and carrying large bags. Probably their gear for combat missions. Occasionally, I encountered military personnel in light green uniforms, with some awards glistening in the sunlight. There were also ordinary soldiers in brigandines, wearing helmets and equipped with swords, shields, darts, and other weapons. They were probably rank-and-file fighters of the Second Legion. Most of them moved in small groups.

The city population looked peculiar in their colorful attire alongside the stern warriors and simple village laborers on wagons. It was as if people from the 14th century had been transported to the 18th century, and no one paid any attention to it. All that was missing were the dark wizards with their dreadful creations, and perhaps some harpies peacefully flying above. Not to forget the elves and dwarves. It would become a complete fantasy nonsense, resembling what is depicted in our movies and books.

I went the display window of one of the numerous little shops. Inside, I saw children's clothing and decided to go in. The small, skinny man with a mustache and slicked-back hair stood up from his chair as I entered. He was dressed in a flamboyant shirt, shorts that reached just below his knees, and a vest. His outfit looked comically extravagant, especially with its vibrant colors. It immediately reminded me of circus clowns. The man wore stockings and half-boots on his feet, which looked rather unpleasant. I couldn't help but suspect that getting accustomed to the local fashion would take me a long time, if I could even manage to do so.

"Young man, perhaps you've walked into the wrong shop?" the shopkeeper looked at me dryly.

I remained silent and clenched my fist. Between my fingers were two gold coins that I had taken out of my wallet in advance. The gesture may have seemed ambiguous, but the amount I showed satisfied the shopkeeper, and he paid no attention to my rudeness.

"What interests you, young man?" the man smiled broadly.

"A set of decent everyday clothing. Nothing flashy! Underwear and socks," I scratched my head in confusion. "So we'll see."

"Coming up." the shopkeeper said.

He pulled out a pair of enormous pants and an equally oversized shirt from under the counter. I could have worn them until I was fourteen, assuming I didn't lose them before then.

"Is there anything resembling military uniforms or ranger clothing in my size? " I raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"I'm sorry, young man. Usually, people ask for clothes that will fit them as they grow... I thought... " he hid the pants and walked to the other side of the shop. " I'll show you something shortly."

In the end, after an hour, I acquired a decent suit. The trousers were long and slim, providing me with comfort. The shirt had a fitted style, without any frills. The loose sleeves tapering towards the wrists annoyed me, but there were no other options. I found a suitable vest and a short waist-length jacket in a dark blue color. Initially, the man suggested strange patterns, claiming they were the latest fashion in the capital, but I remained resolute. I also bought short socks with ties. They didn't have elastic bands yet in this place. We were pleased with the comfortable underwear, also on the ropes, but it will not be difficult to get used to. I purchased several sets of spare clothing and a carrying bag. The shopkeeper asked for one gold coin and ten silver coins in total. I was even surprised by the relatively low price. Even if the shopkeeper deceived me, I wasn't upset with him. I thought acquiring clothing would be much more challenging.

I immediately changed into the new clothes and looked much better. I questioned the shopkeeper about where I could find footwear, and he directed me to a skilled cobbler. In good spirits, I left the shop. Along the way, I entered a barbershop and had my overgrown hair trimmed short. The procedure cost a mere twenty-five bronze coins.

I quickly located the shoemaker and bought a pair of high boots with laces. I also purchased lightweight leather shoes for the city. The shoemaker tried to sell me warm boots, making a tempting offer, but I remembered just in time that I was still growing. I had to postpone the purchase until autumn. The footwear came at a high price, as I handed over a whole gold coin. And it seems that these won't be my last expenses.

I strolled through the city and finally reached the center. Here, there were beautiful government buildings with columns. They were entirely made of stone and stood up to five stories tall. Some buildings were adorned with intricate reliefs and statues at the very top. Others were more austere and rugged, resembling true castles or forts. It seemed like the buildings were constructed in completely different eras. I was amazed by a large square with several fountains and a statue of a man in a cloak with a staff at the center. It was paved with smooth tiles.

I hid in the shadow of a large tree. Sitting on a bench, I drank water with jam and observed the lives of the townspeople. People emerged from the building across the street. Their figures immediately seemed familiar to me. I struggled to keep myself in place, resisting the urge to jump up from the bench and run away. Two men and a woman appeared deeply preoccupied with something. The grim rangers quickly disappeared from sight around the corner of the building. It seemed that even if I had walked past them, they wouldn't have noticed me.

"What could have happened to them?" I murmured. "The edge of the forest was just within reach. Naturally, they emerged unharmed."

Based on the meeting on the very first day, the city doesn't seem to be that big. I need to leave here, or else I'll come face to face with a sorceress, and the problems will only increase. Where can I go? There are three options: Stad, Gravk, or Traj. I won't consider the option of going deep into the country. It seems to me that it's better to be not far from the Great Forest.

I don't like Gravk. The sea is good, I love swimming, but the port is a very restless place. There are many sailors, smugglers, and a lot of crime. On the other hand, a murky place offers many opportunities, but it are also very shady. I don't need that.

Traj is a large city, a regional capital. It offers many opportunities, but the forest is far away and not accessible. Perhaps this city has the best schools and trainers, but I'll have to manage without them. Besides, prices there are likely to be higher, and I'm not in a good financial situation.

Stad seems the most interesting. The forest is nearby. Many warriors live in the city, so it should be a peaceful place. The training camp is right next to the city. Finding a trainer or school should be easy there.

I pondered the situation and approached the building from which the rangers had emerged. The beautiful stone structure was surrounded by an ornate wrought-iron fence. There stood a sentry at the entrance, armed with a heavy halberd, wearing a breastplate and a helmet. The sun shone down on the sentinel. It seemed that he was very hot, but he endured and stood steadfastly. Occasionally, he gazed longingly at the sky, waiting for the sun to finally hide behind a cloud. Next to the intricately carved door, there was a sign that read: "Great Forest Intelligence Agency (GFIA)."

"Rangers," I muttered.

Lunchtime was approaching, and not far from the government square, I entered a tavern that caught my eye. Its signage depicted a warrior in armor, engaged in battle with some kind of monster. I ordered a bowl of soup and roasted potatoes with meat. I sat at a table next to three elderly men. Unintentionally, I overheard their conversation. They made no attempt to hide it. The men were bidding their final farewell to their friend. I became intrigued by their reminiscences of their youth and their time served together in the legion. Quietly, I sat, enjoying the delicious food and attentively listening to their conversation.

The man's name was Bort, and he was a master of a certain hand-to-hand combat style. In their youth, he and his friends served in the Second Forest Legion. They often found themselves at the remote watchtower deep in the forest, where many things occurred. The men recalled numerous battles and lighthearted stories. One particular memory caught my attention. The elderly men eagerly recounted how Bort defeated a ghoul with his bare hands. He didn't use any weapons in the fight, only his defense. I couldn't help but be impressed by the man's skill, as it reminded me of our own battle against the necromancers.

Soon enough, I learned that the man had recently passed away. He left behind a daughter, a sports hall, and a lot of debts. Another major problem was the lack of students. In the world of swords and magic, there were hardly any individuals interested in learning hand-to-hand combat. And in this case, they would have to learn from a young woman. It was not surprising that everyone was skeptical about her and her ability to teach anything. The friends deeply regretted that the sports hall would have to close down soon. The men offered their help, but finding students was beyond their capabilities.

"Excuse me, I overheard your conversation by accident. " I addressed the elderly men. "Is it true that your friend defeated the monster barehanded? I simply can't believe it. It's beyond my comprehension how one can defeat such a creature with just fists."

"Well... no." the thin old man turned to me.

"He didn't win." said his friend on the left. "Bort held off the monster for a long time. He fought tirelessly until help arrived."

"The monster would have torn any of us apart long ago." said another seasoned warrior. "Bort held his ground with remarkable confidence, even without a weapon."

I was intrigued. What kind of unarmed combat style was this? Could an ordinary person truly withstand the ferocity and power that I witnessed near the tower? I obtained the address and stepped out onto the street.

I set out to find the sports hall, curious about what they could have come up with in hand-to-hand combat that hadn't been thought of in my world. We had a vast number of unarmed combat schools, and dedicated practitioners believed that it was better not to fight against weapons with bare hands. It was widely agreed that knowledge of hand-to-hand techniques merely provided a means of survival. If a person didn't possess any techniques, they had no chance. In this world, magic existed, as did undead creatures and other monsters. There were no laws prohibiting the carrying or use of weapons. To willingly forgo weapons in favor of fists, one must possess something extraordinary. I wanted to see for myself.

The city center was now behind me. The streets looked less tidy. Sometimes there were abandoned houses. In the dark alleys there were unpleasant people. Trash littered the streets. The people had changed. The locals looked poor. I could sense tension and nervousness in the air. Guards were rarely seen. They were marching in combat attire, bearing heavy weapons. The sight of elegant uniforms had long disappeared. I couldn't say that I was walking through crime-ridden slums, but the prosperity of the city center was long gone.

I soon found myself standing near large wooden gates. They were in dire need of repainting, but perhaps there was no one available to do it. On the side, there was a small gate, to which I knocked. The gate swung open, and I was met with a surprised look from a young woman. What can I say about her? She had a cutely face. She appeared to be around twenty years old, maybe slightly older. Her hair was ginger. She wasn't tall, but taller than me. The girl was dressed in slim trousers and a gray sleeveless top. She was barefoot. Everything about her seemed simple and austere.

The girl's hands would make any man in my world envious. They were muscular and incredibly powerful. My eyes stuck to her knuckle-padded fists. How many rocks had she broken? How many tens of thousands of times did she hit the wooden dummies? With those hands, she could easily snap my neck like a chicken. If you looked closely, her entire body seemed to possess that same strength. If I were to clumsily strike her, I would probably break my arm in three places, while she wouldn't even flinch. Someone will be fortunate to have a wife like her! I wonder how they view domestic violence here. Women`s...

"Hi there, boy! " the girl smiled sweetly. "What can I do for you?"

"Hi. I'm not sure..." I became flustered. Everything just slipped from my mind.

"Well, you must have come here for a reason." she chuckled cheerfully.

"Yeah... You see, I overheard by chance that there was a master of unarmed combat living here. His friends were talking about how he fought a monster in his youth. I became really curious about how that's possible. I... I'm sorry."

The girl's expression darkened, and her smile faded.

"Yes. " she nodded." My father was very strong. Come on in... I'll treat you to some tea, and we can talk.

The girl stood aside and I stepped through the gate.