Gregory was stunned, he blanked out – he could hear yodeling echoing in the valleys of his consciousness...

No matter how you put it, it was just something that was kind of baffling to wrap your head around.

I mean, I had my suspicions from nature being a bit too alien and foreign, but... He's not joking, right?

The conversation of the two continued

"Wouldn't it be useful knowing a bit of magic though? I understand that you're fine with your current skillset, but it could be convenient, right?"

"The dream of magic is convenient. However, reality is far less kind. I did do a bit of body refining, which is useful enough."

"Oh, body refining? What style did you do?"

"Eh, just the normal. Eat some herbs, do some training."

He's serious...

... He's really serious

And what the hell is body refining?

"Ah, with your knowledge in foraging I bet you know some good spots for magic herbs."

"Nah, I know how to find food and survive. I bought beffs. Just some cheap ones, never had the patience to slave for money.

Got lucky with a few fruits and wild food I found, as well."

"Oh, magic fruit?"

"It's one of the exciting things about leaving the roads for the wilds. I was decently lucky to survive to this age, and encountered a few peculiar finds along the way."

"Really? And how dangerous would you say the wilds are in this area? Do you think the biggest threats are bandits, animals, monsters..?"

"Definitely monsters. I've been lucky enough in that regard. For the others I use my legs to run away. That's why body refining is useful.

Managed to build myself a decent set of legs."

The man was getting more used to conversating now compared to when they first met a while ago. It seemed like he had warmed up to the chatting.

Unexpectedly, Gregory was the one who found the conversation quite challenging.

Body refining to survive? He doesn't even twitch when I mention magic herbs or magic fruit either...

I'm really in some sort of fantasy world, aren't I? Unless this old man is entirely crazy, while being strangely composed and coherent.

Those tizon though... I'm preeeeetty sure that there isn't some kind of weird relative to yaks or bison that live in subtropical climate or whatever.

He had to try this some more

"I don't recognize the species of your deer companion either. Is it also local? Does it also do body refining?"

This time the grayed man furrowed his brows and looked at him with a bit of confusion, the sun-kissed face of a middle aged man showing plenty of distinct lines.

Gregory tensed a bit, as he realized he might've said something too apparently out of order this time around.

"Ye're from really far away, yea?" The wanderer didn't seem to put too much effort into appraising him and looked forward again

"For animals, we call it beast absorption here. And he's strong enough, a prime gazeel. I can see further and plan more, but he's attentive and got good hearing. We have a sort of cooperation going. Lets me relax a lot more when he's keeping watch."

Gregory briefly paused to collect his nerves. He focused on his curiosity instead of his worries to continue the conversation in a relaxed tone.

"That does sound good. We all need a good friend.

And the gazeel, what sort of uhm... habitat do they prefer? Savannah? Forests?"

"Their herds mostly live in the Rounded woods to the northeast. Decent distance to human settlements over' there.

You should ask to see a simple map in the village. With some pointers where the dangerous wildlife tends to stay.

I don't know how strong you are, but it's good to know at least a bit what might ambush you."

"What about bandits or robbers then?"

"They normally wouldn't bother with distant regions like these.

If you head to the bigger towns and cities it might be a good idea to change clothes and wear something a bit less conspicuous."

The comment on his clothes got him another glance, as if the man was emphasizing his words.

Gregory could totally see what he meant. Being too exotic in appearance could be quite detrimental to his health, if someone decided to kill him and take his belongings.

He figured that when in a completely unknown world, it was best to keep a low profile.

"I appreciate you filling me in. As you've realized, I am not really from around here. It feels better having some idea of the situation.

I'm probably done with, what did you call it? Going off the road for the wilds? At least for longer stretches."

"Mmmh. We all do what we have to do."

The response from his travel companion was something of a grunt as he was squinting in the sun, seemingly getting a bit introverted

for a moment. If Gregory was reading him right, he was thinking of something in the past. Maybe arduous travels, and then taking a break in civilization.

At least he was hoping it was something like that. And not that the man being disappointed in Greg being a filthy casual who wouldn't travel like a real man.

If anyone lacked respect for him, it was probably this weird deer eyeing him from the side.

He figured that it wouldn't hurt looking less like a sop though. Being in a foreign environment, he had limited contacts, meaning he should care for those he had.

"I'm probably just a bit tired. Some rest and a bath, and I will soon perk up again..."

"It isn't much further to the village. Don't push the pace too much if ye're weary."

"... Say, do you think the village inn would accept bartering in exchange for services?"

Gregory was thinking about his remarkable lack of currency.

"The village we're headed to is friendly. If the tavernkeep isn't feeling generous you can just chat with some villagers until you find a willing host."

People did that? Greg could probably fall asleep on the floor, so he wasn't too worried. Some basic shelter was all he needed.

Preferably not somewhere stinky like a pig sty

A young man in an alien landscape, with unknown cities and foreign culture. The unfamiliar could be new and exciting – awaken the curiosity in a person. Interesting as it may be, it would also take its toll on you. Gregory had traveled abroad before, but now he had to entirely open up his mind to what this world could be like. Apparently there was even magic, and ways to enhance your body.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

This is crazy. Like, for real...

Hey, I just arrived here - and this is crazy - but here's my number...

Why didn't I keep my phone in my pocket? Could've been really nice.

Although the battery would run out, and then it'd just be a target for theft.

I wonder if there's electricity and industrialization. Even if there's electricity, their current and sockets might not have fit those of earth.

This isn't earth right? I changed worlds, and this isn't some sort of superpower future..?

"Could I ask what the economy is like in this region. Like the prominent industry of the nearby city?"

"Industry..? There's the regular: Smiths, farmers, merchants, tanners, cobblers..."

Does't sound like modern industrialization then. No noticable specialization that he's aware of, just various local tradesmen keeping up with the necessities. It might also be that he's not that familiar with life in the city.

"I see..." Was Greg's simple reply as he kept on pondering as they walked.

As he got nervous again about what he was going to do to live and survive, he initiated conversation again to distract himself.

"How do you like this region then? Has a good mix of being able to visit the beach, as well as some fields like these, yeah?"

"It's pretty good. Peaceful region. I'm not the kind to run circles in the hazardous areas. Had enough hazards, and am old already."

"Peaceful, good... Barbequing what you gathered by a fire, living the good life."

"Something like that, yeah." The man patted his deer companion as he replied. He seemed to have the stability and composure that came from experience, as well as being comfortable with yourself.

Maybe life isn't too hard here if you learn to forage and some basic survival skills. Would be amazing if I could find some kind of tutor, but this guy seems to want to drop me off in civilization. I'm lucky to have met him, but unlucky that he isn't the type to take someone under his wing.

A party of three, a road of one, and forests and sky as far as the eye could reach. A few mountains looking impressive on the horizon. The road ran through fields that gave place to woods, giving good visibility until the treeline – which was good for travelers who prefered to not get pounced on by hidden predators.

"See the smoke rising?" This time it was the wanderer that interrupted Greg's inner musings.

"Not too far now."

Gregory, however, didn't feel relief from the promise of rest from the walking, he was realizing that he should use this chance to try to learn more.

"Do people speak many different languages here?"

"Nah, 'ts mostly standard with a few specific others as a second language. Since it's a bunch of settlers from the Kingdoms, many of those traditions have carried over."

The Kingdoms? I'll have to ask around for some maps to look at. Lacking a basic understanding of the geography and context is quite troublesome. It's back to school for me. English seems to be called "standard", and it sounds like I can get around without assimilating a bunch of new language.

"You mentioned using a book to identify plants when foraging, are those common? Do you think I could get one of those in the village, or would I have to go to a larger place like a city?"

"Hard to say, depends if there's a peddler that happens to bring one."

"I'm thinking that I would like to learn more about gathering and foraging. You said you didn't like studying? Did you go to a school?"

The man seemed to go deeper into thought, putting his hand on his animal companion and petting its fur, light to accomodate the warm climate.

Wish I could pet that glorious fur and its cool pattern as well. If only it wasn't so stand-offish towards me.

Drawing a deep breath, it seemed the man had thought things through and now replied

"No school, no. I picked things up here and there – tested, talked to old, wizened villagefolk... Observed animals and what they ate.

It's been a long journey, step by step.

A good guidebook does help quite a bit."

I don't think hitchhiking would get me very far, and I don't have my towel.

Gregory's legs were feeling quite heavy at the moment, and he was a bit short of breath. They had been going uphill a slight slope for a while now. It wasn't that steep, but it got to you eventually.

Now the sounds of civilization reached human ears – the deer had been hearing them for a while already.

Metal on metal ringing from the smith's workshop, and some other bustle of human initiative. That person with a loud laughter, children playing...

Sounds that would endure getting carried by the wind.

For farmers returning from their fields or travelers from their route it inspired a feeling of homeliness, of warmth and of rest. A welcoming village would mean a place of comfort, like a warm bosom. That was usually the case, however not for our party of three.

One wanted back on the road, one was too unfamiliar to relax, and one had never cared for human society anyway.

As they reached the crest of the hill, and the terrain the road is crossing lowers in front of them, Gregory sees the village in the distance.

He stops to wipe some sweat from his brow and take the sight in.

The first thing he notices, after the smoke trails, is the palisades.

Looks primitive.

Not brick walls, but rows of sharpened poles, angled outwards.

No particularly tall buildings, thatched roofs, roofs with living grass, hutlike housing...

Industrialization or the presence of modern features seems like a "negative, sir". Unless this is specifically some gang of hippies. I'm probably best off assuming as low levels of technology as possible. You never know with magic being present how they've developed things though. Maybe magic technology just is scarce enough that only a grand metropolis might have it.

"Ah, civilization once more. I really appreciate that you kept me company, by the way. I hope my chattering didn't bother you too much."

Gregory thought that he would be left to walk the last stretch by himself, now that he had visual contact.

"Yeah, let's head down." Always the curt figure, this rugged wanderer, however it seemed Greg would have company for a bit longer.

He started thinking fast. What info had he missed? Something that would help him blend in well with the villagers. Something that would make him less of a clumsy loon. He had to prioritize now.

Think, Greg, think! Food? Water? Maybe something about water, that's important... He seems to think the villagers will help me out though, so not quite as basic as that maybe.

Maybe if there's some kind of taboo? Wouldn't want to suddenly face an angry mob. I'll make a mental note to not preach of the sacred beaches of the watering hole.

"Would you say that there's any particular rules of hospitality and being a guest that I should pay heed to?"

"They'll set you up, no worries. They're a curious bunch, these ones. Just keep going as you are, and don't turn all rude or angry. They're used to a slower pace than cityfolk, so don't turn angry fast – or they will laugh at you for lacking patience."

Is he insinuating that I am cityfolk? Is it that apparent?

I wonder if it would be a good or bad idea to seem like a noble who's detached from the everyday life of common people.

"I should avoid starving then, unless my hunger gets the better of me. I'm planning to look into this foraging thing though, so I'll ask around if there's someone who will let me tag along. As long as I don't get food poisoned, I should be fine."

"Like I said, for mushrooms common appearance is better. A clear stem, like a leg, and a skirt. Hand them off to the villagers to check. Plenty of good berries and tasty leaves, just be careful."

Right, Greg had gotten a bunch of good tips as they walked already, gotta repeat some of these things to remember them. Apparently there's a black berry with a red top on a mid-sized bush with jagged leaves that's deadly poisonous. And some others like that which are high enough threat that he warned me of them. I'll probably have to deal with some amount of food poisoning. Especially considering that my gut flora is worlds apart.

After dutifully repeating various descriptions and pointers to himself, Gregory spoke up again.

"I have decided to recite a poem to reflect on this moment."

"Oh?"

After doing a round of repetition in his mind, he ended up getting a bit of a crazy idea that he should compose something, so he did.

"As the person and mind wanders, one faces wonders.

We hope for Mother Nature's lenience,

at her best convenience."

The graying man smiled heartily, making the sides of his eyes crease.

"Ain't that right."

Damn, wish I could be that handsome. Maybe I should work on some tan and stubble. Don't think I can do that accent though.

They were reaching the village now, the sun still high in the sky. The warm weather pressing enough that every light breeze was a bit of sweet relief. A brief meeting, in the grand scale of things, but something that would matter more to Gregory than he realized.

"Well that was a grand ol' time! Always interesting with a few adventures! You have my gratitude."

"It was nothing."

"Is your name secret, or can I ask who this reliable guide and companion of Patty might be?"

The animal shook off something invisible.

"I'm Lengtan."

"Well, it's been a pleasure, Lengtan. It is time for this Gregory, also known as Greg, to explore what a local village might hold.

I wish you fortune in your future travels."

"Same to you." The wanderer, Lengtan, had another of his handsome, slight smiles as he waved and turned to walk off, the deer also turning and following him.

Facing the village entrance, a wide enough opening in the palisades to receive wagons, Gregory was feeling a bit nervous.

No need to be anxious. I have prepared, I've done what I could. Now it's just time to face it.

Time to enter the village and see what life truly had in hold for him.