Some explanations

"Fantastic…" Chump let out a sigh. "Technically, I'm still a captive until I learn more about magic and its dangers. Plus, I'm not in the best shape. But speaking of the devil, what's your world's name, and who's responsible for all this madness?"

Chump held the pencil firmly, his teeth clenching into a curious, odd-shaped smile as his gaze locked onto Clem. Clem continued his explanation.

"Again, it's called 'Remenant'. To explain that, I must first elaborate on 'magic,' as you've been eager to call it. Our planet is named 'Mantre,' and the main continent is 'Roane Trev'. It's a substantial landmass that's fused. There are other islands, but they're not relevant right now."

Clem cleared his throat, drawing Chump's attention back to him.

"The Remenant is divided into three categories: those that affect inorganic matter, those that affect organic matter, and those that influence the spirit, senses, and the soul itself. This translation might be a bit rough in your language, but they'd be referred to as 'Remsikers,' 'Phyemsikers,' and 'Anemsikers,' respectively."

"With that in mind, there are seven kingdoms, mostly divided by these powers, each collecting their sub-elements and abilities. There's a kingdom for each group of people that can only use those specific types of magic. An empire for those who can use combinations of two main powers. And a democratic nation for people who can use all three main powers."

"For instance, if you can use both inorganic and organic magic, you'd belong to one of the empires?" Chump inquired.

"Yes, you catch on quickly, Mister Chump. Now, for an additional note—"

The glowing mark on his hand illuminated.

"—Yes, I can use two types of power myself. However, I'm part of a clan that predominantly uses one type. But this clan is within the democracy. Don't worry, you don't have to grasp everything immediately. It's mostly political. Just remember that this is the main basis for how people are divided among us."

"And these people…the leaders of each nation…decided…our extinction?" Chump cautiously questioned.

Clem looked downward, avoiding Chump's gaze. His voice turned soft, serene, almost a whisper as he spoke.

"Unfortunately, that's correct, Mr. Chump."

Chump clenched his fist with force, his eyes locking onto Clem's. He gritted his teeth, sweat forming as his smile twisted strangely. He closed his eyes tightly, gripping his knees with intensity, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

Then, with a forceful exhale, he let out all his breath in what could have been a scream if his vocal cords allowed.

After a moment of gazing upward and slowly breathing out, he rubbed the back of his head and said:

"I'm sorry, I needed that moment." He took a napkin to wipe his face before continuing. "Alright, can you tell me their names?"

"Mister Chump, I sense you might need some time before you're ready for this information. I'll explain everything eventually. But for now, we've reached our destination."

The train slowed down as it pulled into the next station. The tiny creature emerged from the control cabin, moving with small, bouncy hops. Despite the lack of light, Chump could make out the creature's appearance.

No bigger than an outstretched palm, the creature resembled a miniature rock when still. It had the shape of a small bunny, its body seemingly constructed from iron dust aligned in perfect parallels.

Tungsten provided the perfect composition for electric conduction. Static dust surrounded its tiny feet and hands, and its nails, along with likely its bones, were composed of natural miniature magnets.

While it lacked conventional fur, the dust on its body fulfilled that function magnetically, adhering closely. Its head, devoid of a conventional mouth, sported aluminum pieces forming silvery, shining eyes, and a round, squishy gold nose.

Six coiled copper cables extended from its head, terminating in small tin balls, resembling antennas. Instead of traditional ears, the creature had two white rock formations that always left a faint trail of salt-like dust.

"No way… Are these…Rochelle salt formations used as ears?! That's incredibly adorable and clever!" Chump thought, his tone tinged with astonishment. "Such a captivating creature..." he mumbled.

Whenever the creature moved, its iron dust shifted in perfect coordination. It aimed its arms at Clem, producing tiny sparks that tickled him, prompting Clem to emit a small, guttural giggle.

"Hey, stop it! Yes, you did a great job! Master Meisho must be proud of you~" Clem scolded, giving the creature a playful pat.

The golem cautiously held the small pet, gently patting it as it circled his body.

"There you go, well done. Now rest. It's my turn to operate the train. Mister Chump, let's disembark from this machine. Don't worry, there won't be anyone outside; this is my territory. We're close to our destination. However, I need to ask: What do you eat?"

Chump began gathering his belongings and placing them in the available handbags. Perplexed by the question, he responded with an uncomfortable tone.

"Well… Food, like a normal person, I suppose?"

"Hahaha, well, it's true that everyone eats some form of food. I mean, what specific type? For instance, I require a good oil for plants but rich in iron in my case. How about you?"

"I see." Chump nodded and continued. "I eat meat, and vegetables, and drink water. Mostly cooked, of course; our culture has a wide range of dishes."

"Excellent! Then I'll prepare a mix of these foods for you while you're here!"

Chump thought, "I have a bad feeling about this." Both crew members exited the train.

Chump took a deep breath, relishing the clean air of the village.

Though it wouldn't be extraordinary in their normal lives, at this moment, it was beautiful to his eyes. Green fields adorned quaint houses, with brown and green mountains in the backdrop.

Birds fluttered about without a care, while stray dogs and cats searched for food. And there were no corpses in sight.

However, a trail of destruction started near the station. Clem extended his hand in front of the young adult.

"How strange, this is my area, but I didn't authorize this kind of destruction..."