The ruins of the tower were covered by a blanket of night. I stood at the top of the tower, mesmerized as I looked up. Above my head, the starry sky unfolded in all its pristine splendor. It was an incredible sight. It seemed as though if I reached out my hand, I could grasp one of the myriad glowing points. I didn't know much about astronomy, so I couldn't say for sure whether this sky resembled ours or not. A large moon of green shade hung above the treetops. With its appearance, the large celestial body confirmed that I was in a different world. I didn't notice any rapidly moving lights in the sky. There were no satellites or airplanes here. What a beautiful starry sky, I will never tire of admiring it. I really wish I could fly, but I'm human.

Darkness reigned around me. An ordinary person wouldn't be able to see anything. But my ability allowed me to see interesting things. Among the dark trunks and foliage, a glowing, flexible silhouette flashed by. It reminded me of a ferret or a marten - a flexible forest animal from my world. Was it a spirit? Do they hunt too? I heard the voice of an owl very close by, the bird hooting amusingly. The silhouette of a large bird swooped down from a high branch of a pine tree. The hunter had spotted its prey; someone was unlucky tonight. I always loved and admired birds. Maybe I could have an unusual pet like an owl? Why not?

The little spirits didn't disappear. They continued to engage in their strange activities. It seemed they didn't pay attention to the change of day. The spirits shone from within with a soft light, like big fireflies. This created an incredible sight. In the darkness, magical spots floated slowly between the trunks of the trees. I wonder if I'm the only one who can see such beauty? It's very useful. Where there are little spirits, there is no such thing as absolute darkness for me.

Somewhere in the distance, a wolf howled. Immediately, someone very large and fierce roared in another direction. The predators went hunting. Not everyone is destined to survive this night. I hope I won't be among their victims. I don't want to be someone's meal.

I took a deep breath. What an incredible, delicious air. Wonderful nature, untouched by human activity. The locals do not realize how valuable it is. I am a person from another world, I have seen dirt and dead regions, deforested forests, poisoned rivers and polluted seas.

I returned to the room and sat down next to the fireplace, where the fire crackled happily. I hung a pot over the fire and soon there would be a brew made of fir branches and cones. Too bad there's no tea.

I felt the approach of the house spirit. After a few seconds, the tower's owner appeared in the center of the room. He stood there for a moment, hiding his hands behind his back, before walking towards me. With dignity, Atzhas bowed and placed the rabbit carcass next to me.

"Here," Atzhas said, seeming a bit embarrassed. "It's customary to offer a treat to valued guests."

"Wow! Thank you, buddy. " - I was sincerely delighted. The Domovoy looked pleased with my reaction. - "This is quite a treasure! Where did you get it from? Do I owe you anything for it? "

"Stop making things up! We are friends!" exclaimed the cunning Domovoy. After standing for a while, he approached the fireplace and reached out to the dancing flame. "There are plenty of rabbits around. If you need more, just say so. Don't be shy."

"Are you sure?" I decided to clarify. I didn't trust him, seeing his cunning nature. I had a rough understanding of the functions of a household spirit, but for some reason, Atzhas fell out of this world picture. What was he doing here all this time? What does he want from me? And other questions were in my head.

"Evan, grandson, may I call you that?" he turned to me and making honest eyes. It was hard for me to hold back laughter, but I managed. "Our acquaintance was supposed to end completely differently, so I owe you."

"Explain, grandpa." I emphasized the word with my intonation. It was perfectly clear that this psychologist was trying to gain the child's trust with such cheap tricks. I won't disappoint him. He wants to get something from me and it becomes increasingly obvious.

"I will be honest with you. I have been living in this tower for two hundred and sixty-three years since the day it was partially destroyed and the last owner was killed," he said.

"Mhm," I nodded, confirming that I was listening attentively.

"All these long years, I have had a conflict. What am I saying? War!" the Domovoy waved his hand. "You'll ask me, 'with whom?'. With the forest spirit, the owner of this forest, the Leshy. A terrible creature! He's trying to drive me out of here by any means necessary. Why? I won't say. I swore an oath, I'm sorry."

"Hmm... interesting." I stirred the boiling decoction with a branch. "Go on."

"So... On a beautiful summer day, a boy appears at my tower. Do you know who I'm talking about? " - the spirit looked at me again. - "Well... You never know what might happen!? I confess, at first I was delighted. Then I remembered the Leshy and his tricks, let the great chaos curse him. My life is completely miserable because of him. The forest spirit would never allow a child to approach this tower."

"Why? "

"Can't you guess? I'm telling you everything as it is!" the tower's owner lowered his gaze, as if he was ashamed. The great actor is lost in the forest wilderness. "I figured out that everything was complicated. But what's wrong with you? I decided to scare you, to find out who you are. What else could I do? It's clear as day that the Leshy prepared a tricky trap. Look at yourself! Just an ordinary boy, a talentless peasant child. And? Your chi flares up like the sun!"

The Domovoy fell silent and stared at me intently. I pondered. Much of the owner's speech was very interesting. First, the energy of the soul is called "chi" in my world, too. Coincidence? I don't think so. Somehow the worlds intersected or still intersect. Second, spirits cannot see energy until I use it. They cannot distinguish me from an ordinary person. It is important to know this. Third, spirits are not harmless at all. The Domovoy himself admitted that he wouldn't mind eating a child. I knew this, but I was once again reaffirmed. I must always be vigilant, trusting no one.

"Very interesting story! What's next?" I encouraged him to keep talking.

"I felt like I was going to give birth to a cat when your chi flared up. Hail chaos, you defeated my mental suggestion and didn't kill me! Something terrible was being prepared in your right hand. What was it?"

"Why did you try to fight? You could have hidden and waited until I left. Or you could have quietly strangled the sleeping child at night. You know how to do that."

"Yes, I could have. " The owner of the ruined tower didn't lie. "But it immediately became clear that you could see me. And the Leshy? I didn't know his plan. Why did he bring you here? Maybe he instigated you to do something bad. "

I waved my hand, allowing to continue further. I poured myself a steaming cup of pine brew. The crude utensil I found on the first floor.

"I thought a little and came to a conclusion." the Domovoy grimaced, but continued. He probably didn't like my lack of words. "Were you given to the Leshy as a gift by some villagers? But you showed him your talent, your strength. And the forest lord got scared. He came up with the idea of drag you here. He's a master of playing mind games in the forest. He can lead anyone along his paths to anywhere. Did you guess what he was planning? You were supposed to kill me and leave, and he would become the owner of the tower. But you deceived the cunning bastard's expectations! "

I took a sip from the cup of the brew. The conflict between the spirit of the ruins and the Leshy is clear. Why is the forest spirit so clung to this place? Why doesn't the Domovoy let him in? They could have come to an agreement, but no. Is something valuable being kept here? It's very interesting what Atzhas is keeping. Will this secret be useful to me? What benefit can I get?

"Listen, I don't understand. " I tossed some more logs into the fireplace. I was thinking of how to better phrase the question that interested me. "The Leshy tried so hard to drive you out of this place, was there no one stronger than a child? "

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

"Of course, many have been here, grandson. " the Domovoy voice took on a tender tone. "But they were mages! Regular warriors aren't even worth mentioning. You are special! "

"Why? " I made a stupid and simple face.

"You are a shaman! " the old man patted me on the shoulder. Meanwhile, I drank my potion and thought about how to extract more information from him.

"How does a shaman differ from a mage? "

"Firstly, a shaman can see spirits. Do you see them? " I nodded, and the Domovoy bent one finger. "Secondly, a shaman uses their own chi. Magicians, on the other hand, use the energy of the world, which they absorb and accumulate in their own source. Do you understand? " I nodded again. The spirit bent a second finger and thoughtfully raised his eyes upwards. "Thirdly, a shaman can communicate with and interact with spirits, if they are sentient. Not all spirits are like me. " I nodded once more, and Atzhas bent another finger. " Fourthly, a shaman can make a deal with a spirit. The shaman gives the loa life energy, and the spirit gives something useful to the shaman. For example, knowledge or aid in a difficult moment, or strength. It depends on what they agree upon. "

"Very interesting, grandpa," I said, encouraging him to continue. "What else?"

"What else?" Domovoy pondered. "The power of a shaman can destroy spirits, while mages cannot. The energy of the world does not harm the loa because we are a part of the world. And the energy of a shaman's soul is their personal strength. That's in fifths."

"In sixths?" - I exclaimed, having learned so much new information that I could barely contain myself from hugging the helpful Domovoy.

"A shaman cannot create spells like mages. Chi does not activate a mage's construct," said Atzhas. "Well, that's probably all."

"But how, then?"

"What? Shamans have their own techniques, using their personal strength." replied Atzhas.

"I see. How do you know all of this, Grandpa Atzhas?" I noticed a sly smile on Domovoy's face. "You live so far away, on the edge of the world."

"What are you talking about, child? " protested the owner of the tower ruins. "I was a personal assistant to the Archmage Novus himself! Do you know what kind of experiments we conducted with... Anyway, you're a fool."

"Wait, wait! You said that mages cannot see loa. How were you an assistant to a mage then? "

"Novus didn't see me. The mage found an old ritual for creating an altar that allowed him to communicate with me poorly and crookedly. Well, not really communicate, but those are just details. " - Domovoy waved his hand. It was clear that he didn't enjoy remembering this story. - "Novus was just a regular mage who lived in my house in the capital of the empire. I was caught in the grip of a nasty ritual. It all happened unexpectedly... Well, it's a long story. "

"Got it. So, tell me, grandpa, did I defeat you?"

"Still young. " grumbled the Domovoy and stared at the fire, breathing heavily with offense. "Well, you could say... You just have a unique power. But anyway, I took pity on you. "

"Thank you..."

"If you want, I can take you as my apprentice." Domovoy did not listen to me.

"Wow... " I pretended to be pleased, like a cat who had eaten all the cream in the basement. "What will we be learning?"

"I can't teach you everything. I'm really old." The Domovoy looked sad, hunched over and reached out towards the fire. "My bones ache as winter approaches and my back hurts. I'm afraid I don't have much time left."

"Can I help? " I asked cautiously, studying the spirit's acting skills attentively.

"If only you could share a little of your power," said Atzhas in an old man's way, chewing his lips like a deeply aged person. "It would make it easier for me, even for a short time."

"I agree," I nodded like a fool. "But, grandpa, I don't have much power. You see? I'm very small."

"We'll figure it out," the cunning old man smiled. "It's too late now, we've talked too much. Everything tomorrow."

"Tell me, Grandpa Atzhas, do you know anything about traveling between worlds?" I couldn't help but ask this question. I tried to hide my interest behind a bored look. "In the village they told fairy tales, but what can they know? You're so wise."

"Yes, I seem to remember something. The magicians who stopped here told some fairy tales." the Tower Spirit frowned. - "But it was a long time ago, I don't remember well. "

"I want to hear about traveling between worlds. " I added a touch of caprice to my childish voice.

"No, young man, it's already late. " the Domovoy supported my game, pretending to be a strict grandfather. " Tomorrow, everything tomorrow. "

"Okay, but don't forget." - my index finger pointed towards the chest of the spirit. At the tip of the finger, a golden spark flashed like lightning.

The Domovoy nodded and disappeared. I felt him outside of the tower. I don't think he will attack me while I sleep. It seems he is afraid of my power and I am needed him for something. It seems that mages, with their borrowed powers, are not dangerous to spirits. But both strong loas were scared of my chi. Shamans are dangerous to them, but both instantly made room for me in their plans. The house spirit likes to talk, I need to listen, I need information. The woodland spirit will appear very soon, I am sure. Yes, his plan failed, but that does not mean he will leave me alone. I am deep in his territory, with nowhere to run. He needs me, and the woodland spirit will appear. I wonder what the house spirit has been guarding for a quarter of a century? What does the woodland spirit want so badly?

I decided to draw some conclusions. I am currently in the body of a rural boy who spent his whole life in a remote place. He helped his parents and worked hard. He was satisfied with his life and did not think about the future as he had no prospects. The boy dreamed of discovering the gift of a mage and going to study in a big city. He did not dare to dream of more. If the magical gift did not appear. Boy would have continued to live like his parents, sowing and plowing the land. According to Evan's memories, his family had a rich farm. They had chickens, five goats, a horse, and even pigs. They were respected in the village and lived luxuriously without complaining. However, now there is no way back for me. The forest spirit ate Evan, and I saved his body. His story ended there. It's a shame for the child, but I'm not guilty, and I can't help him.

About me: I am a resident of a technogenic world where there is no magic, or it is so weak that it is considered a fairy tale. Only outcasts, enthusiasts, and scammers engage with it. My previous world is on the brink of colonizing other planets and a great breakthrough in robotics. Cars run on electricity and gasoline, planes fly, and artificial intelligence is developing very rapidly. Evil tongues claim that the digitization of humanity is about to begin and that digital fascism will ensue. It doesn't sound very cheerful, but you can still live well if you have money.

I am just an ordinary person. I haven't even served in the military. I have two technical degrees, some business experience, and a lot of knowledge about the occult. Will all of this help me here? Perhaps. Do I want to change this world? No. Do I want to rule it? No. I have a different goal! I want to return to my world, to my family. I need a portal. Is it a silly and naive idea? Yes, but I want it! I don't want to become the emperor of this world without my family. My two wonderful boys and beautiful wife are left alone. I'm stuck here, in the ruins of a tower on the edge of another world. I can imagine how hard it is for them. How will my eldest son cope with losing his father? And the younger one?! How will they grow up without me? My wife is strong, she will handle the difficulties, I believe in her. But the children. Hang in there, guys! I will definitely come back! If nothing works out and I can't find a way to return, what should I do? I won't be able to live with it. I cannot accept and live without them. I can only blame myself for all the troubles, but ... But about the dead, either say good or say nothing.

Right now, I cannot open a portal and return to my world. I'm not sure if it's even possible. I'm not even sure if I can make it out of the woods and find other people on my own. I'm forced to stay in these ruins, in this remote place. I need to explore this world and understand myself. Perhaps there are people who come to these ruins. I'll wait for them and ask for their help. Hopefully, they will be kind and won't abandon a child in need. Then I'll think about what to do next. I have to come up with a believable story about how I got here. I need to talk to the Domovoy and let him tell me a lot. I need information about this world. I'm sure Atzhas will help me with this. As for the Leshy, we'll see what to expect from him when he shows up.

I am dangerous to spirits. What about humans? How does chi affect them? I don't even know my own strength. I am a boy, twelve years old. Am I defenseless against ordinary people?! Magicians? Even large animals pose a serious danger to me. Will I be able to fight a bear? It's not a funny joke. I need to think and understand what I am capable of and how to become stronger.

I need to focus on the physical development of my new body. It's strong, the boy worked hard on the land. It seems like I'm healthy. Will I have a magical gift? It usually appears around the age of fourteen. If not, what should I do next? Is becoming a warrior a good idea? I need to find a way to defend and feed myself. It's easier for the strong to survive in all worlds.

How do armies fight in this world? The boy knew little. Will I have to serve in it or not? If so, I think it's better to become an archer or a scout. They are usually cool guys and don't stand in formation. I can't imagine myself with a spear and shield in the front row. A knight on a horse is charging towards me. Brr... Scary. The knight might die, bumping into my spear, but the momentum of his body won't be canceled in this world. He will crush me if he falls on me. Knights don't attack alone, usually there are many of them. If not this one, another one will crush me. Before the cavalry charge, the foot soldiers are usually shot by archers or crossbowmen. If they don't shoot me, cavalry will crush me. The prospects are grim. No, this is not my path. Wait! Why doesn't Evan know anything about bows and ranged weapons? A boy his age has never shot a bow before! And he doesn't even know what it looks like? This is strange! Thousands of years of history. Wars, hunting, conflicts. Couldn't humans and elves come up with a stick and a string? I'll find out what this means tomorrow. Right now, I need to rest.