48 Tartarus (Part 3.5)

Xyn and Criswell walked beside the carriage as it moved.

During and after the encounter, Xyn had learned a lot of things. One of them was that those creatures were called Demi-humans, which didn't surprise Xyn too much. Well, the term Demi-human was normally used to call those type of creatures from the shows he watched.

Firstly, the goblins, those little critters were all familiar to him. Their form was commonly how goblins were depicted in tales, legends, and shows. The goblins were small, their skin was green in what he saw in shows, however, the ones they encountered were dark green, even so, they were easily recognized. Their faces were also vicious, with a pair of their fangs coming out of their mouths, their nose was long and pointy, and their ears were a little longer than humans and pointy.

They only wore a piece of cloth to cover their lower bodies. From a single glance, Xyn could already see they were dirty, so dirty. They used small blades from which humans could call them knives. Also, they act stupid, however, that doesn't mean they are really stupid.

Next were the giant creatures called Ogres. There were many depictions of Ogres, therefore, Xyn could not easily recognize what those were. Luckily, the girl named Ela said its name. The ogres were about two and a half meters tall with a large body. Their skin was dark brown, with their size, they all had muscles which determines that they possess immense strength. The used clubs made from wood as weapons.

Their faces almost resemble a gorilla, their fangs were going upward and were exposed, their ears were short yet pointy. Just like the goblins, they seemed like they did not possess high intelligence, or in another word, stupid. However, that didn't mean Xyn would fully think of them that they cannot think in various scenarios.

Fighting, no, killing those Demi-humans caused a feeling of relief in Xyn. He was relieved in the fact that those were weak to the point that he can easily kill them, too easily. If they were strong, Xyn would have a whole lot of trouble. Not only that, he could never easily believe that those were strong, there would just be no way in hell he could easily accept they were strong to the point they were on par with him or almost as strong as him.

There was the case about a beast and it was quite bizarre. It was the oversized wolf, it was quite a surprise for him to see something like that. He might have seen giant wolves in shows he had watched but he never expected he would actually see one. Well, something that was not his own summon. Apparently, Cludio called it Worvest so that must be its name.

As they faced the Worvest, Xyn's guard was almost to the roof. He may have looked calm, but he wasn't, why would he be calm in a threat he had no idea about. In fact, he already cast a strong defensive spell just in case, and he would just need to deploy it at the needed moment.

Although he anticipated that he would no longer need to deploy the spell when Criswell was in front of him, he still prepared the spell in order to have a backup plan. Criswell was the highest in terms of defensive and offensive amongst the guardians, so Xyn had faith in her defensive abilities.

In the end, once again Xyn was relieved. The beast never managed to damage Criswell in any way thus meaning her barrier wasn't damaged. Which means the beast was not powerful enough to damage Criswell.

Xyn never saw nor heard of a beast like that. He had never heard of animals capable using magical attacks – no, the word animal would not be proper to refer it, so it seemed the word "Beast" is the proper word to use, or perhaps "Magical Beast."

Due to that, the question of whether this was the same world grew within him even more.

However, he stared at the one thing which was totally something from his original world. It was the creature which was pulling the carriage. It was—

"Sir Nightfall, you can ride with us on the carriage if you want. Walking is more tiresome, after all. You can ride on the back."

The man named Cludio said to him.

"No, we're fine walking. Besides, we carry heavy stuff, it might make your carriage heavier especially with the stuff already on it. So you don't have to worry about us. We are used to this anyway."

"I see."

That was true, especially with Criswell in the armor it would make the carriage heavier. Also, he and Criswell don't tire anyway, so there was no need for them to ride on the carriage, to begin with. Besides, Xyn was more comfortable to walk on this unknown place which he had no idea about, he can be on his guard more when standing.

Xyn returned his sights on the creature which was pulling the carriage.

If this is a different world, then why is there a horse? It just doesn't match up. Or is this some sort of parallel world or something. Well the sun has the same color as on Earth.

He tried to think to understand, but he can't be sure. However, he had a big feeling that this was not the same world.

No, it's plainly obvious this is not the same world as before. Then it's safe to say that we got thrown into another world. I should say this world has a better atmosphere.

Xyn stared at the familiar creature again.

So, if this is a different world, then is that horse even called… a horse? Wait, aren't they supposed to have a different language?

Indeed, a different world instantly means a different language. It was like how another country had a different language, well even different region in a country can have a different language. So this world was no different. If they had the same language such as English, then it would be a great surprise.

Then it's quite possible that my dark element automatically translated their language so I can understand them.

To make sure, he must try it. So he had to make them speak and look at their mouth's motion.

"That's an amazing horse you got there."

Yes, that's the words he thought. It might be pathetic as a way to start of a conversation but he could confirm things that way. That was if that creature was indeed called a horse, and if their words were immediately translated.

Besides, if it was not called a horse, he would just come up with an excuse.

As he said those he moved forward beside the part where Cludio and the others were sitting so he can clearly see the motion of their mouths.

"Really? What made you think so?"

There goes the answer. Cludio immediately replied connected to his question. So it was really called a horse.

So it really is the same as from my world. As for his mouth, for a second it did look out of place from the words, but I need to observe more to make sure, I need to make him talk long.

"Well, during the demi-human encounter. Your horse didn't seem to panic."

"Oh I see. Well I guess I might have somewhat trained him a bit. I've taken care of him for several years after all. He's also a big help in our family business."

"Does he have a name?"

"Yeah, it's Dun."

"Dun. I like the name, it's simple."

"Thanks, I thought about it for a long time. In the end, I finally got a fitting name for it, plus it corresponds with his color. So I named it Dun."

"I see."

With that long conversation, Xyn had finally reached a conclusion. His mouth's movements did not correspond with the words Xyn heard. Therefore, the words they spoke were translated.

That's a surprise. But this is a different world! How smart is my translator anyway!?

With that, Xyn grew more curious about his power. However, now was not the time to ponder about it. They were having a conversation, so better to keep up the momentum.

"So what is your business? If I were to guess, you're a merchant?"

"That's right, though a traveling one. You could tell?"

"Yes, looking at all the things on your carriage, that thought crossed my mind."

"I see… So you said you two are travelers. Strange, I didn't see you behind us."

Xyn narrowed his eyes behind the mask as he stared at Cludio. Xyn already knew what his intentions were.

I see. He doesn't trust us. He asked me about being travelers so he can come to know more and might get a chance to see through us. True, who would trust a couple of strangers which popped out of nowhere. However, if he thinks we are some sort of bandits, then he already failed on trying to see through us.

"Really? Well, the time we saw you, the demi-human had emerged from the forest and was about to surround you. It was quite far, so we have to rush towards you. Before that, we sort of got a glimpse of you, but you didn't seem to look at the back, so perhaps that's why you didn't see us."

Cludio was quiet for a couple of seconds. He seemed to be recalling the moments. Well, too bad for them, for the several minutes Xyn observed them before they were attacked, never once they turned around.

However, Xyn was still holding onto his luck. Even though he made up a good story, there will always be holes in it. Luckily, what Cludio said made Xyn sighed in relief within his mind.

"Well, yeah I didn't turn around. And considering your strength, I could imagine you getting to us in no time."

"Ah, that reminds me. You mentioned Demi-humans don't usually come here. Why is that?"

"Ah, I guess you wouldn't know since you are travelers. Well, adventurers tend to come in this area often, so no monsters or demi-humans would remain here because they would be slain by adventurers."

The word "Adventures" caught Xyn's interest. Xyn quite had an idea about what they are due to the shows he watched. However, this a different world so he couldn't confidently say it's the same as what he saw.

He wanted to ask about them. The only problem was that it sounded like adventurers were common knowledge, so it would be off if he asked about it. Well, in shows he watched, adventurers were also common knowledge so that added on why he decided not to ask.

"Hm, I see now."

Then Cludio's daughter, the one named Ela entered the conversation.

"You were apparently powerful back there, sir Nightfall. Thank you very much for saving my idiot father."

She broadly smiled as she expressed her appreciation. There was genuine joy evident on her face.

Cute…

That word appeared on Xyn's mind as he gazed at the girl. However, he instantly snapped out of his captivation.

Such cuteness and beauty cannot hold me.

He said with confidence in his mind.

Come to think of it, they refer to me by my last name. Is that how it works here? Or a form of respect?

He said his full name because he thought there was no reason to lie about it. Lying in this trivial matter would only likely to bring trouble in the future. For example, they would think ill of Xyn if they discover that the name he gave to them was a lie.

In addition, Xyn took pride in his name, so he would not easily lie about his name especially in this kind of situation, a heroic situation. Well, there were also benefits in telling them his true name.

If these merchants remember his name, they might spread his name among other humans. That way, instead of thinking ill of his name, they would respect it instead. In addition, hearing Xyn Draven Nightfall's good deeds might lessen suspicions.

In other words, no people will think of him as a threat due to his heroic acts. Meaning, less danger will come. Well, due to Xyn's current situation, he quite got an idea of why he ended up in the current situation. It was because he blatantly acted like a Villain.

Therefore, if the time comes when he has to do something of what the people would consider evil, he will use his heroic deeds as masks.

Then Ela continued.

"Are you famous or something?"

"Ah haha, no. Not at all."

"Really? Well, I guess that's because you travel a lot. Why do you travel anyway?"

"Why…"

Xyn looked at the sky, trying to think about what to respond.

Why? I need to think of a sensible reason.

For a second, he finally responded.

"Well, that's because I want to see, discover, and know more about the world. It's some sort of embarking on a journey. Venture into a place you never known, like an adventure. And in that adventure, eventually, you will find a place where you belong, and there you will decide to stay, for the rest of your life."

There was silence for a moment then Xyn continued.

"Something like that."

"Oh I see, I understand now."

Ela said while having a bright smile on her face, and she continued.

"May I ask where you came from?"

"Somewhere, far away. A place, that is difficult to return to. A place where good and… bad memories reside."

He said like he was upset. Well, he truly felt that way. He was something like lying and honest to himself. There was a mix of deception in his actions, it was when he acted upset, although he was truly upset, there was no need for him to act more upset than he should be.

"I, I see."

Ela said as she sensed the sadness from him, then she decided to change the topic.

"So, are you and Lady Criswell together for a long time?"

"Yes, a very long time."

"Hoh? So are you two lovers?"

Behind Xyn Criswell stopped walking but continued after a second.

Behind, where no one can sense, Criswell was trembling.

"Hm, well, perhaps."

"Oh! I see I see! So she's a quiet one."

"She's often like that."

Well, the reason Criswell was quiet all this time was because Xyn said to let him handle the talking. Besides, between the two of them, Xyn had the most social skills.

"So she's like my brother right here. Except this guy is mostly quiet."

"What's wrong in being quiet. I just have nothing to say." Cel said.

"Hihihi, is that so?"

"Hmph."

"So, what are your destination?" Xyn asked.

"Hm, well we're going to a village to sell our goods."

"Oh, is that all? You must be from far away, so there must be more you seek to do there."

"Yeah you're right. We'll also be visiting my friends while we're at it." Ela said.

"Friends? I see you're a friendly one."

"Hihi thank you. Well, father has friends there too, and maybe Cel also."

"Maybe?" Xyn asked.

"My brother doesn't really talk with people there. But my friends consider him as a friend, so perhaps they're friends."

"Oh. I understand that."

"We can finally see it!" Cel said.

All of them looked forward and saw in the far distance some structures standing.

"What's this? You broke your silence at last. What are you excited about my big brother?"

"N-Nothing!"

"Hahaha."

Xyn peered unto the whole village from where he was.

A village huh. I might learn more there.