Upon getting in to the caravan, Kaiser instantly stopped and stared. The exterior had done little to prepare him for the insides, which felt impossibly vast and extravagant. Even the air itself felt to glow slightly, as if the caravan carried a unique environment of its own. A soft golden shimmer came from the lanterns, their flames held aloft by elegant glass orbs that hovered midair, casting warm light over them.

  Hanging from the ceiling were cages of all shapes and sizes, each containing creatures Kaiser had never imagined in his wildest dreams. One held a small, crystalline bird that glowed faintly with iridescent hues, its feathers catching the light in a prismatic display. Another contained a creature that looked like a serpent made of water, its liquid body rippling gently as though responding to some unseen current. A third cage housed what seemed to be a miniature storm cloud, crackling occasionally with tiny bursts of blue lightning, yet entirely harmless within its gilded cage.

  The walls were lined with racks of clothing so finely crafted that Kaiser couldn’t even begin to estimate their worth. Robes of deep crimson, embroidered with gold running, tunics sparkling with gems that seemed to glow with starlight, and storm clouds that seemed to change color with the skewness of light. One particularly grand piece—a black coat with silver trimming and a collar that looked like it was made of frost—caught his eye the most, making him think about what he would look like wearing a grand piece of clothing like that.

  On a rack near the back were several weapons displayed with care, each exuding an undeniable aura of power. A bow made entirely of living vines sat nestled among them, its string taut and faintly glowing green, as though it pulsed with the energy of the forest itself. Beside it rested a sword that seemed to drink in the surrounding light, leaving its edges barely visible, as though it existed only in shadow.

  "Clean doesn’t even begin to describe this place," Kaiser muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief. "It’s spotless."

  "Thank you!" boomed Glunko, who was at that moment guiding Kaiser further inside. His wide grin revealed nothing but pride. "It’s my darling slime who deserves the credit!"

  At that exact same moment, a small turquoise translucent blob of blue liquid crawled out from under the one of the supporting shelves. The creature wobbled excitedly, as if responding to the praise, and emitted a cheerful gurgling sound.

  “Meet Lubi!” Glunko gestured toward the slime with excitement. “She’s been with me for decades, you know. Keeps everything clean as a whistle!”

  The slime paused to wiggle in Kaiser’s direction, then immediately set to work polishing the floor beneath one of the cages. Kaiser blinked at the strange sight, his lips parting to speak but finding no words.

  Glunko went on, sidling over the edge of the caravan with a flick of his webbed hand. Instantly, a sheet of that appeared to be wool, unfurled from the caravan's floor, like a billow of soft, plush carpet. Kaiser crouched down and ran his hand over it, but the texture was… off. However, it was impossibly soft and it was not the wool such as he could call it.

  "What... is this, exactly?" Kaiser asked, the awe in his voice barely masking his excitement.

  “Ah, that’s a trade secret!” Glunko’s booming laugh filled the caravan. “Let’s just say it’s comfortable, isn’t it? Perfect for your young friend here.”

  Kaiser hesitated, then nodded, gently laying Aria onto the newly formed bedding. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake, her breathing steady. For the first time since she'd met him, she seemed to be truly at ease.

  Satisfied, Kaiser turned to Glunko. “Thanks. She needed that.”

  “Oh, it’s no trouble at all!” Glunko grinned, clapping a hand on Kaiser’s shoulder with surprising strength. “You two have been through a lot, haven’t you? I can tell. That’s why I offered to help—heroes like you deserve some kindness every now and then.”

  Kaiser arched an eyebrow at the noun "hero", but did not question it. He stalked Glunko to the front of the caravan and the merchant directed the horses there. The seating was cramped but well padded and quite comfortable, plus the open front allowed an unimpeded view down the road in front, which was now brightly lit by a soft glow emanating from the lanterns lightly hanging from the top of the caravan.

  "So," Glunko began, his tone casual but his curiosity clear. "You said you’re from the Southern Liberatorium. That much I figured—but originally? Where were you born, lad?"

  Kaiser stiffened, caught off guard by the directness of the question. His first instinct was to dodge, but Glunko’s wide, curious eyes—one positioned slightly farther to the side than the other—reminded him of how astute the merchant was. Lies might not cut it here. And perhaps... perhaps he needed to test the waters of this strange new world.

  Clearing his throat, Kaiser decided to tread carefully. "Originally? I was born in a small city called Cordova."

  "Ah, Cordova." Glunko hummed meditatively, and his voice changed to one of deep thinking as his long hands adjusted the reins “Doesn’t ring a bell. Can’t say I’ve heard that name before. What else can you tell me about it?”

  Kaiser leaned back a moment, his eyes seeming to scan around a bit in a search for an answer. “It was on the edge of the world—or at least, that’s what we called it. A small city, part of the Kingdom of Nebrosa. Nothing grand, but it was home.”

  At the mention of Nebrosa, Glunko’s entire demeanor changed. His wide mouth pressed into a thin line, and his bulbous eyes narrowed slightly in thought. He rubbed his chin with a webbed hand, his beard shifting as he mulled over the name.

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  “Nebrosa…” Glunko repeated softly, the word rolling off his tongue as though tasting its unfamiliar flavor. Then, as if going through a sudden insight, his body shot up. His eye caught on Kaiser and he made a quick but clear nod. “Sir,” he said, his voice laced with unexpected respect.

  Kaiser blinked, utterly bewildered. “...Sir? What are you talking about? You’re older than me by a century at least, aren’t you?”

  Glunko chuckled softly, but there was a seriousness in his tone as he replied. “Oh, it is not about sir’s due to the age or the stature. I mean sir out of sheer respect. I’ve come to a realization, you see, and if I’m right, well…” He stopped, drawing closer and his voice dropped. “You’re older than you realize, lad. Far older.”

  Kaiser frowned, his confusion deepening. “What are you talking about?”

  With a deep breath, Glunko straightened his posture, his webbed hand gesturing animatedly as he explained. “That so called Nebrosa hasn’t existed in over five centuries. Neither has any other kingdom outside the Liberatoriums. Central Liberatorium united the world five hundred years ago, following the War of the Gods. Each kingdom, each sovereign state, was subsumed or crushed. If you’re from any kingdom, then… you’re not just any ordinary man. Meaning you must be over five hundred years old.”

  Kaiser felt his heart drop into his stomach, but he forced his face to remain neutral. Inside, however, his mind raced. Five hundred years? Was this some elaborate joke? Or had he truly been thrown into a world far beyond his time? He clenched his fists tightly, willing his voice to remain steady.

  “That’s… quite a claim,” Kaiser said, his tone measured. “And why, exactly, would you assume that?”

  Glunko shrugged, though his eyes remained sharp. “It’s not an assumption, lad—it’s simple deduction. Nebrosa is long gone. A city on the edge of the world? Sounds like a fairytale now. And then there’s you, with that torn but unmistakable uniform and that aura about you—strong, commanding, and you carry yourself like a man from another era. That's the only conclusion that makes a lot of sense.”

  Kaiser leaned forward slightly, narrowing his eyes. “And you’re sure this isn’t just some… coincidence?”

  Glunko laughed again, this time quieter, and shook his head. “Coincidence or not, lad, the truth has a way of revealing itself. If you’re not five centuries old, then the way you’re acting is the spitting image of someone who would be. Either way, you’re not from this time.”

  Kaiser didn’t respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the horizon as his thoughts churned. Could it be true? Could he truly be five centuries out of place? The weight of it pressed down on him like an anchor, yet he knew he couldn’t afford to show weakness—not now, not in front of Glunko.

  After a long pause, Kaiser finally spoke, his voice quiet but firm. “If what you say is true... then I guess I’ve got a lot to figure out.”

  Glunko nodded, his expression softening. “Aye, lad. And whatever your journey holds, know that you’ve got my respect. The world’s a strange place, but I’ve always believed the past has a way of finding its way back to us.”

  Kaiser allowed himself a faint smirk, though his mind remained full of questions. “Thanks, Glunko. And for what it’s worth, I appreciate the ride. Maybe you’re right, and maybe you’re not—but either way, I owe you as of now.”

  The toad merchant grinned broadly, his white beard catching the lantern light as he spoke. “No debt owed, lad. Just hold onto that strength of yours for when the world needs it most. Something tells me it won’t be long now.” Then another short silence came over them.

  As the caravan rocked gently along the dirt road, Kaiser found himself in an intense mental battle.

  Five hundred years. The number echoed relentlessly in his mind like a war drum. It wasn’t possible—was it? He knew his age; the last time he’d counted, he was fifty nine. His body had stopped aging when he turned thirty two, and that had always been his edge. But this? This was different. This wasn't just a matter of living longer than most; it was a matter of time tearing everything he was familiar with away.

  And that word: Origin.

  His stomach churned. Had he been knocked out for centuries after uttering it? That would explain the bizarre gap in history, the way this toad-like merchant, as well-read and prestigious as he appeared, had no real knowledge of Nebrosa—a kingdom that had once covered half the world. No merchant worth their salt would be ignorant of something that vast.

  His swirling thoughts were cut short, though, by Glunko's loud, jovial voice.

  “Well, I’ll give you this much, lad: you’ve held up better than most for someone pushing 500!” Glunko chuckled, his wide mouth curving into a grin, his bulbous eyes glinting with mischief.

  Kaiser gave him a stern look, but the merchant remained unfazed. “I mean, look at you! Skin is still tight, with no wrinkles in sight. If that isn't a miracle, I'm not sure what is. But—" He leaned in slightly, his grin becoming devious. "It begs the question: where the hell have you been all this time? Wouldn’t you say that five centuries is a bit too long for a snooze? What is the name of your kingdom again? Nebrosa? What kind of place was it?"

  Kaiser’s jaw tightened. He forced himself to keep his tone steady, but there was an edge of warning in his voice. "Glunko, I appreciate your hospitality, but you're pushing too hard. I’ll tell you what I can, when I can. But not now."

  Glunko’s grin faltered, but only for a moment. “Fair enough, lad. Fair enough. I’m a curious old frog, but I know when to let a man keep his secrets”. He gave Kaiser a knowing look before leaning back in his seat.

  Kaiser exhaled slowly. “Good. Now, let me ask you something instead.”

  “By all means,” Glunko said, motioning grandly with one hand.

  Kaiser’s gaze narrowed. “If you’re such an expert merchant, give me the basics. What kind of world am I in now?”

  Glunko's face lightened and he drew from the folds of his cloak, a scroll appearing. It was richly decorated, its edges bordered in gold, and its surface as smooth as silk. He handed it to Kaiser with excitement.

  “This,” Glunko boasted, inflating his chest, “is something special. Open it and see.”

  Kaiser unrolled it cautiously, and his eyes widened. The parchment shimmered faintly, the text appearing in fluid, glowing strokes as though written by an invisible hand. But what caught his attention most was the moving images that accompanied the words—miniature figures acting out battles, constructing cities, and exploring landscapes.

  “It's…alive.” Kaiser whispered, his words a fusion of surprise and amazement.

  Glunko chuckled, clearly delighted by Kaiser’s reaction. “Impressive, isn’t it? I got it from an auction when I was just a young toadling with a fondness for the past," he said.

  “You’re a historian?” Kaiser asked, glancing at him.

  “Was, and not a historian, but an archaeologist.” Glunko corrected, his chest swelling with pride. “Before I took up trading, I dug through ruins, piecing together the stories of the past. I’ve always had a soft spot for history—and, well, relics like that scroll there.”

  Kaiser’s gaze lingered on the scroll, the moving images holding his attention. “And you just… carry this around?”

  “Of course! Knowledge is a treasure, lad, and I’m a merchant at heart. I figured someone like you might appreciate a little enlightenment, and,” he added, leaning in conspiratorially, “in exchange for deepening my knowledge about you, I’ll happily deepen yours in return.”

  Kaiser snorted softly, rolling the scroll back up. “We’ll see about that.”

  Glunko chuckled, his wide mouth stretching into a grin. “Take your time with it. The world’s changed a lot in five hundred years. Best to start slow.”