Chapter V

Zane and I arrived at a beautiful spot by the river where he said we could catch some fish. I sat down under a tree, watching him as he waded into the middle of the river. He was trying to follow the movement of the fish to catch them with his hands. I couldn't help but think, maybe they don't have fishing rods here or they haven't developed the technique yet. Perhaps I could make one for him as a gift. It's something to consider.

As Zane focused on catching fish, I decided to start a conversation. "So, where exactly am I?" I asked.

Zane glanced over at me, then back at the water. "You're on the continent of Sylvaria. We're currently in Eldergrove Forest, which is protected by spirits. That's why not many people can access it, and why I was surprised to find someone else here who isn't from Eldergrove Village."

"Protected by spirits?" I repeated, intrigued.

"Yes," Zane continued. "This forest has been under the guardianship of nature spirits for centuries. They ensure that only those with good intentions can find their way here. It's a very special place."

"Wow," I said, taking in the information. "So, tell me more about Sylvaria."

Zane nodded, expertly grabbing a fish and tossing it into a basket by the riverbank. "Sylvaria is one of the five continents on our planet. It's a land of diverse landscapes and people, but what really defines us is our connection to the elements. The dominant magical elements here are light, water, earth, fire, and air. These elements are woven into our daily lives and our culture."

I listened intently as he explained. "At the heart of Sylvaria is the Kingdom of Luminas. It's the dominant kingdom on the continent and is known for its mastery of light magic. The kingdom serves as a beacon of knowledge and governance, maintaining peace and order among the diverse populations here."

"And the other continents?" I asked, eager to learn more.

"There are four other continents," Zane said, finally looking up from the water. "Each has its own unique characteristics and magical elements. For example, Elarion is mostly dominated by elves and has a strong connection to light and air magic. Thaloria, a coastal continent, is influenced primarily by water magic. Valtoria, with its rugged mountains, is home to dwarves and centaurs, and is dominated by earth and fire magic. Lastly, Aridorn, a desert-like continent, is dominated by fire and darkness magic, with its inhabitants being skilled in those areas."

He paused for a moment, then added, "Sylvaria, with its blend of elements and cultures, is known for its harmony and balance. The Kingdom of Luminas plays a crucial role in maintaining this balance, ensuring that the various magical practices coexist peacefully."

As I took in all this information, I realized just how vast and complex this new world was. It was both overwhelming and fascinating. "That's incredible," I said, genuinely amazed. "Thank you for explaining all of this to me."

Zane smiled. "No problem, Evan. There's a lot to learn about Sylvaria, but you'll get the hang of it. Now, let's catch some more fish and then we can head to go fetch some fruits before heading back."

I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity about everything Zane had shared. This new world, with its rich magic and history, was unlike anything I had ever imagined.

After we finished catching some fish, Zane took the basket and strapped it onto his back with some ropes. We set off again, this time to gather some fruits. As we walked, I couldn't help but ask him, "I don't mean to be rude, but how do you know all this when you live in such a vast forest? I mean, can I find a place with books in the forest? Are there any books in the village?"

Zane glanced at me and laughed. "No, no, there aren't really any books in the village. We mainly live in harmony with nature. We take what nature gives us. But if you're wondering how I know all this, it's because every year-end, everyone on the continent of Sylvaria goes to the Kingdom of Luminas to celebrate the end of the year and welcome the new year. When we go to the Kingdom, it's a tradition. When I was little, I went with my father, and we took the opportunity to learn. My family and I, and indeed the whole village, gather knowledge during this time. Knowledge is important, after all. That's how I know everything I do."

"Oh, okay. So, there are no books in the village? You've never brought any back?" I asked.

Zane shook his head. "Not really," he replied, smiling.

We continued walking until we found ourselves in front of several fruit trees, bearing fruits I had never seen before, and some that looked somewhat familiar. Some of the fruits were large and had a glowing hue, like the lumina berries, which shimmered in shades of blue and purple. There were also star-shaped fruits that looked like they were made of crystal, their translucent skin catching the light.

I was excited, taking in the sight of all these strange and wonderful fruits. Zane pointed out a few that we shouldn't touch because they were poisonous. "Be careful with those," he warned, pointing to some bright red berries. "They look tempting but are very toxic."

He then showed me the safe ones we could pick, like the golden sun apples and the sweet-smelling moon pears. We spent a pleasant time gathering the fruits, laughing and talking as we worked.

As we walked back to the village, we encountered a few wild animals, but Zane expertly guided us around them, explaining that we didn't need more meat since we had the wild boar from the previous day.

The entire experience filled me with joy. For the first time, I walked freely without worrying about how people looked at me or what they thought of me. I felt an exhilarating sense of freedom, able to enjoy the moment fully and freely.

We returned to the village with our baskets full of fruits, and I couldn't help but feel incredibly grateful for the day. Zane's company was delightful, and I felt a deep sense of contentment. This new world was full of surprises, and for the first time in a long while, I felt truly happy.