As they walk, Mira fills the silence with casual conversation. “So, where are you from? I have never seen anyone like you before.”

Lune hesitates. The truth is complicated, and she’s unsure how much to reveal. “I—I’m from a place far from here. I had... I fell asleep, and the next thing I knew, I was here. I don’t remember much.”

“You have weird sleep habits” Mira doesn’t press further, realizing Lune didn’t want to talk about it. Instead, she continues, “My mother is an amazing healer. She’s helped many people from our village with her skills. She might be able to help you sleep normally.”

Lune smiled a little, finding it funny that Mira is so concerned about her so-called “weird sleeping habits”. Mira keeps chatting about the village and its inhabitants, not caring that they are out so late in the evening.

The two eventually emerge from the forest, and the outline of a small, quaint village comes into view. Simple cottages with thatched roofs line the streets, their windows glowing warmly in the fading light. Lune’s heart swells with relief at the sight of civilization.

Mira leads Lune to a modest cottage at the edge of the village. A wooden sign above the door reads “Healer’s Haven.” The warm light from within spills out, casting a welcoming glow.

“Here we are,” Mira says, opening the door. “Mom, I’m back!” She calls into the house.

Inside, the cottage is cozy and inviting. Shelves are lined with jars of herbs and bottles of various potions. The scent of healing herbs and something sweet fills the air. A middle-aged woman, dressed in a simple brown dress and apron, looks up from a desk cluttered with medical supplies.

“Mira!” the woman exclaims, her voice filled with both relief and concern. “You’re late. What happened?”

Mira rushes to her mother’s side. “I found someone in the woods. She has weird sleep habits and needs help.”

The healer’s gaze shifts to Lune, who is now standing just inside the doorway. Lune’s appearance—disheveled and pale—immediately prompts a look of concern from the healer.

“Please, come in,” the healer says kindly. “My name is Zara and I am a Level 37 Healer. Let me see what I can do.”

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Lune steps inside, feeling a mix of gratitude and apprehension. She takes a seat by a large, cushioned chair while Mira’s mother prepares a workspace. Zara places a hand over Lune’s head before muttering a spell. Her touch is gentle and the magic circle efficient.

As the healer works, Lune’s mind races. She can’t help but notice the strange phrase from earlier, ‘Level 37 Healer’ . What does that even mean?

“That's strange” the healer mumbles, done with her examination. “Why isn’t my skill working on you”

Lune hesitates, deciding that she won’t get answers unless she gives up some information. “What do you mean by ‘Level 37 Healer’ and ‘skill’?”

Zara pauses her contemplation, surprised by the question. She adjusts her glasses and looks at Lune with a thoughtful expression. “You’re not familiar with levels and skills? Doesn’t everyone receive a status when they are a year old?”

Mira, who’s been quietly watching, puffs out her non-existent chest “Yeah, Mom. Even I have one. I am already a Level 2 Healer”

Lune feels a flush of embarrassment but pushes through. “I... I must have come from a place where such things don’t exist. It’s very new to me.”

Zara nods, trying to be patient and understanding. “Alright. In this world, skills and classes all have levels. Healer is a class while [Examine] is a skill under the Healer class. Classes are unlocked at 5 and you can change your class at any time, at the cost of your level resetting. A Level 1 Healer is a beginner, and as one progresses and gains more experience and training, they can advance to higher levels. Each level unlocks new skills for their class. Skills are gifts provided by the gods to help people in various ways. They are usually learned through studying or leveling up.”

Lune processes the information, her brow furrowing in concentration. “So, it’s like a system that decides a person’s knowledge or strength?”

“Exactly,” Zara confirms. “The higher the level, the more sophisticated and effective the skills become. It’s a way to gauge a healer’s or mage’s capability. If something is interfering with your healing, it might be because your condition or background is outside the usual parameters of our world’s magic.”

Lune nods slowly, starting to grasp the concept. “I see. That makes more sense now. But how do people generally increase their level?”

Zara considers her answer carefully. “It varies. Some people train their abilities through practice, others kill monsters, creatures with magical powers and levels of their own. It really depends on a person’s class.”

Lune smiles appreciatively, feeling a bit more at ease with this new information, despite not fully understanding. “Thank you. That helps a lot. I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know about this world.”

Zara gives her a reassuring smile. “It’s alright. You’re in a new, unfamiliar place with strange customs. If you have any more questions, just ask.”