Chapter 293 - Exchanging Stories

Rynold flipped through the pages until he reached the back cover. He looked at it intensely, then back to the man sitting across the table. Rynold's expression slowly turned from confusion to an outright blank stare. If he had thought correctly, Rynold didn't know what to think of it.

"Judging by your expression, I suppose you have figured it out, yes?" the man looked at Rynold with a smirk on his face. There weren't any hostile or underhanded intentions with the smile. No. As far as Rynold could tell, it was one of joy. Although, Rynold didn't really know why he would sport such a thing. "It is a bit outlandish, I agree. However, I do believe it to be true."

"You're not lying, are you?" Rynold asked, finding the thought to be unbelievable.

"Of course not," the man answered, "While you may find it hard to believe, it is not at all impossible. Civilizations have risen and fallen throughout centuries, with only a few of their traditions and cultures have carried over to the next. Languages as well, of course. While the English language has certainly changed throughout history, I believe it is still spoken and used."

"No, no, I get that. I've studied enough history to know. It's just that this book, and the others for that matter, was what, exactly? Probably written in the 1500s or so? That's not too long ago, right? I mean, by then, people didn't necessarily believe in the gods anymore and focused on other things to help society evolve. That's hardly a time for someone to write books about magic and all that."

The man raised a brow, intrigued by Rynold's analysis. He then leaned back on his chair, contemplating silently. Rynold, on the other hand, was getting a bit antsy. He was far more interested now than before and about books no less.

"It dates back farther than the 1500s, Rynold," the man said, his tone unnecessarily suspenseful and mysterious, "While I cannot tell you precisely when, these texts far predate what you might consider modern. Case in point: the communities dedicated to maintaining the divine order and arcane are no longer with us. They have, unfortunately, gone extinct, faced out. While there are certain individuals who carry on their mission, they are far less capable than those back in the day."

"Are you... reminiscing?" Rynold tilted his head as he asked.

"No," the man shook his head, almost too fast for a response, "Whatever it is, I believe that these texts hold no relevance in the modern-day. While I am, indeed, surprised to find someone as young as yourself to have Mana in his veins, I believe you are one out of millions of humans who don't know any better."

"I'm afraid that's not the case anymore," Rynold sighed before explaining the simplified version of what had happened to the world. He tried to stay as objective as possible, of course, but it was getting more difficult as he went on. It was unavoidable at some point. Rynold would have to include some personal anecdotes. Doing so would have painted a better picture, albeit a bit more cynical than necessary.

In the end, the man fell silent. He didn't have anything to say to Rynold after all that. It was a bit too much information, after all. Rynold didn't really blame the guy for falling silent.

"I, uh, get that it's a lot. A lot of people didn't adjust that well either. So, you know, it's, well, it is what it is. Whatever happens, you're not entirely involved with all that. I'm sure you don't expect the world to turn on its head as it did. Being stuck here for the past hundred years or so, I can imagine your surprise. But, at the very least, you don't have to deal with all of that now, right?"

Rynold's poor attempt at convincing the man did nothing. He just sat there, all quiet, barely making out a word. Rynold didn't really know what else to say at that point or do, for that matter. He had no idea what was going on in the man's head. Until, that was, when he spoke in a hushed tone.

"The world's gone to shit, huh?"

It was quiet, at a volume much less than the casual speaking voice. Even then, those words were clear. Rynold heard every word that came out of the man's mouth. And, for better or for worse, Rynold didn't really expect the guy to curse so calmly. Considering what Rynold said, Rynold expected the guy to have a much livelier reaction than that.

Although, Rynold honestly agreed. The world had rightfully gone to a hellfire pit of utter shit. There wasn't any denying it, not by a long shot. But, even so, Rynold didn't really miss the old world. He didn't miss the whole sitting on his all day. Rynold may have had poor and depressing experiences this past year. But, he'd still choose this life over his unambitious pathetic life before.

"Yeah, it has," Rynold smiled and nodded, fully agreeing to that comment, "But, hey, it's the life we live, right? It kind of sucks, but it has its moments too."

"I'd imagine so," the man nodded and sat up from his backrest, "Anyhow. I suppose you're roaring to leave, yes?"

"Hm," Rynold didn't respond right away and thought for a second. "Well, not really. I can spend an hour, maybe two. What's a few hours, right?"

"Ah," the man smiled, unable to hide the joy in his eyes, "I appreciate your accompanying this old fellow. When I was a child, I would have never spent a few minutes at best with an old nut."

"Yeah, well. I don't have much to go back to; I don't think," Rynold said, lying as he breathed, "Besides, I'd like to pick your brain. Don't take it the wrong way, but I'm curious. Call it a fascination of mine to ask people of their insights."

"An intellectual, are we?" the man smiled and nodded, "Please, ask away."

"Okay, uh. Well. Mind telling me why you flinched when I started mentioning the gods? Of course, you don't really have to answer, and I wouldn't really know if you're telling me the truth or not. It's just a question. Nothing more."

"Well," the man said that one word before clearing his throat. Rynold immediately recognized how awkward it must've been to bring something like this up. But, Rynold didn't have a clue how he would rephrase it. Plus, Rynold didn't necessarily like beating around the bush.

"We have history. If you have lived as long as I have, you are bound to have some interactions with the primordial beings. My relationship with them is nothing more than one of business. However, it has been quite some time since I've last communicated with them. I suppose it was around that time the surrounding forest became infested with those creatures."

"You're telling me that hasn't been there all along?"

"Unfortunately not," the man shook his head as he turned to face the window, "The forest surrounding the castle used to have an entire ecosystem with creatures of a variety unlike any you have seen. It wasn't until the sky turned black that the forest and creatures turned to something else. Granted, I don't spend much time outside the castle. Even so, I knew something was amiss. However, no matter how far I've scoured, I cannot find the source of the darkness."

"Sounds like you've got a corruption problem."

"Indeed," he nodded, "Whatever it is, I have nothing to fret. The walls surrounding the castle are, well, you've seen how they are. I'd like to think that I have nothing to worry about, protected from any external threats. Whatever comes, I will be ready."

"I sure well hope so," Rynold stood up from the chair and looked out the window. He stared at the dark forest outside, barely visible from where he stood. "Watching it from up here, it sure does look peaceful, huh? Compared to how it really is inside."

"Hm, I'd think so," the man stood up from his chair as well, moving close to where Rynold was, and looked out the window, "It is fairly quiet, no?"

"Yeah," Rynold nodded and stood silently by the window, watching as nothing happened. "I got to admit. Looking out here, heh, it reminds me of how I take some things for granted. Taking the time once in a while and stopping to look out into the world, it humbles you. Ah, well. I have to head back and be a busybody soon or later. This time, I just hope I could make a difference."

Rynold looked at the man, only to see him staring back at Rynold. The guy's expression was one of horror, and Rynold didn't really understand why. So, Rynold promptly turned around to see light coming from a small part of the forest.

"What the hell is that?"