I opened my eyes and the vast sea of stars greets me, the only thing that I never tire of seeing as I once more I wake up in the vast lifeless plains. Once more in the void. Ever since I woke up in the middle of the woods I find myself here whenever I fall asleep. But different from my earlier visits in this barren wasteland, this time I feel in peace.

Before, a voice whispered in my ears, urging me to walk towards it until I reach the edge of this floating piece of rock. Still even when I have nowhere else to go, the voice still calls out to me, beckoning me to reach beyond. As days go by, the whispers continued until I can even feel it inside my head as the plains begin to stir with malevolent energy. The feeling was so overpowering that I dread going to sleep for a week now just to avoid going back to this god forsaken barren wasteland. But now, for the first time in three months, I find the void plains is still once more. No more whispers filling my mind. No wild energy running rampant all around. The void plains is still barren but at least I can finally view the starlit sky without disturbance. Finally I found peace.

I lay on my back once more and drown myself on the magnificent spectacle right in front of me. I wonder how I came back here. I vaguely remember myself fighting a large wolf right after I choke the life out of a boar with a leg choke from behind while I pummel its head with a rock. After that everything was like a blur. I remember bits of memories of me fighting various wild animals and... a bipedal animal... A monkey maybe? A monkey... who knows martial arts?

Argh! My head throbs in pain and I clutched my head as I try to remember what has transpired. Once I was able to calm myself down I just continued to lay down. If I am here that means I lost consciousness. That mean one of two things. One, if my body gets transported here whenever I go to sleep means that I am safe as long as I am here for the animal who was able to knock me unconscious will be surprised that I suddenly popped out of existence. Two. Only my consciousness get transported here and my body is now the dinner of some carnivorous animal, which means I don't have a body to go back to.

What a conundrum. Go back to my body and hope that I have a body to come back to or stay stuck here in the void. I stay on my back, giving once last look at the magnificent view in front of me. I can't always stay indecisive. Either I am still alive or dead, there is only one way to find out. I closed my eyes and willed myself to go back to the material plane.

I open my eyes once more and found that the star lit sky is no more. In their place is a ceiling made from wood. The head splitting head ache that constantly assaulted me for months now is gone and I feel rested for the first time since I was stuck in this god damn forest. That is a welcome change I guess.

I sat up and look around and saw that I am in a wooden cage of some sorts and all I can think is FUCK.

What the hell? How did I ended up behind bars once more? All I remember was fighting wild animals. Now that I think about it, I am now wearing a clean set of clothes rather than the rags I am wearing for months. Putting aside the thought that other people saw me naked, I ponder on my next move.

I look around to assess the situation. I am in a camp in the middle of the forest. There are 4 tents but I don't see anyone around. Is this camp abandoned? Where are my captors? Oh well. First things first. I need to get out of this cage. The cage I am in is made of wood that is about 2 meters high and just as wide. I found the latch in the door but it is locked so I won't be able to escape that way. Maybe if I kick it hard enough, I can break at least one of the wooden bars and squeeze myself on the gap and escape. I mean, I broke wooden boards back when I was training before. This is nothing.

I stood up and delivered a front kick to the cell bar. It was like kicking a concrete wall and does not budge. Shit. Need to put my back into it then. I delivered another front kick to the same bar but this time I put all of my weight behind the kick. The result was the same. I continued to kick at the bar even going to the other end of the cell to give me a little bit of space for a short dash and kick. Still the bar remained undamaged. It was like I am kicking against steel instead of wood.

For minutes I continued to bang against the cell door without effect until I was exhausted and needed to sit down. That was weird. Before I can continue running and fighting for hours without getting tired. But now strenuous activity for not even an hour was enough to get me dead tired.

As I lean on the cage to rest, I heard a rustling noise in the bushes. Is it another wild animal? Or is it my captor. A feeling of trepidation fills my very being as I await to see who is behind the foliage. For what was like an eternity, a short bearded man appeared. He was a burly man at least 120 centimeters and have close-cropped hair with a fire red long braided beard. The guy must be a dwarf. He was wearing a leather vest with a bunch of pockets and a bandolier with glowing gems of different colors much like the one in his gauntlet.

The dwarf was muttering about something when he finally noticed me and walk towards a pot near the camp fire. "It seems our guest is finally awake eh? I was afraid Kurt put you to a coma after he kicked your arse so hard three days ago." He said as he grabbed a bowl and filled it with what I can tell is stew and cut some meat he pulled out of his pocket and mixed it with the bowl.

So I guess that answers my question about the martial artist monkey. I got my ass kicked and I can't even remember how.

The dwarf then proceeded to walk towards me and handed me the bowl and spoon. "Here. You must be famished. After all you were asleep for three days with nothing but broth for sustenance. I put some of my dried meat ration in your bowl, like a proper stew so I hope you are not vegetarian like our monk and elf. God knows how they survive with nothing but vegetables and fruits. Meat is what keeps our body strong that is what I always say."

After smelling the delicious aroma of the stew, I felt my stomach rumble with the hunger I didn't even noticed earlier. "Thank you." I muttered as I grab the bowl and proceeded to eat the stew. This is the first proper meal I had for months of surviving on raw meat and blood so I ate the food ravenously.

"You are indeed a hungry one ain't ye? Here have some more." The dwarf filled my bowl once more with the delicious stew. "The others will be back soon from their foraging so best we eat all the leftovers so we can cook a new batch of food. I hope Philip caught fresh game. My ration is running low." The dwarf muttered as he empty the last content of the pot into my bowl.

So there are others. Other than the fact that I am behind bars, this dwarf warden is kind in my opinion. This dwarf is treating me nicely. Feeding me good food instead of just plain bread like when I first found myself behind bars so that is a big plus in my book.

I felt full after I finished a third serving of stew. I put down my bowl and thanked the dwarf. "Thanks for the food." I said as I hand over the spoon and empty bowl to the dwarf.

"No worries lad." The dwarf answered.

He was so nice that I wonder for what purpose they captured me. Before I can ask I hear more noise coming towards the camp. The dwarf grabbed his bag and took out what looks like a rifle and proceeded to place a white gem in its socket, causing it to glow and pointed the rifle towards the origin of the noise. After a few heartbeats, a pair of men appeared. One is man that was a head shorter than me, wearing a robe that looks like the one mages wear. The other was a bald guy that is about as tall as me wearing what appears to be clothes worn by monk. They are both carrying baskets on their backs with the monk's basket was filled with vegetables and fruits while the mage also have what looks like herbs and mushroom with couple of carcasses of dead animals burnt to a crisp.

"You're back." The dwarf relaxes and helped the two in unloading their haul. I heard the mage boasting about the game he caught only to be scolded by the dwarf for the burnt game only good for charcoal. The two continued to bicker as the monk approached me after he put his basket near one of the tents.

"I am glad you're finally awake. How are you feeling?" The monk asked.

"Aside from being stuck in a cage like an animal, I am fine I guess." I answered.

"I apologize for the poor accommodation. Alas, we have no choice but keep you locked up in a rune cage considering your abilities." The monk bowed in apology.

What abilities?

Seeing the confusion in my face the monk put his hand on my shoulder and asked. "Do you not remember what happened before you fell unconscious?"

I shook my head and for a moment the monk was deep in his thought. But before he can answer, another noise came from the woods.

This time it was another man wearing a full plate of armor with a bow in his hand and a sword in his hip carrying a dead deer on his shoulder. He was at least 2 meters tall and judging from his facial feature, is at least in his early 30's. The dwarf from earlier stopped his bickering with the mage guy to quickly take the deer from the knight while muttering something about not doing field dressing. The dwarf then proceeded to go to gut and skin the deer while shooing the mage away who in turn proceeded to grind herbs and cut the mushrooms.

"Excuse me. We will talk later. I need to help the others in preparing supper first or Ortho will get grumpy again. Also, don't worry. We don't mean you any harm. Although I can't free you, you don't have anything to fear." He then took his hand from my shoulder and went towards his companions. He started speaking with the armored guy first, who looked at me before continuing with what he is doing while speaking with others just out of earshot. The mage guy almost rushed towards me when he saw me but the others restrained him and continued their conversation while working. I don't know why, but when I look at the mage guy, his eyes reminds me of Eleazar.

Remembering the old coot made me remember memories, both good and bad, that happened to me ever since I came to this planet. Facing against a crazy megalomaniac while trapped inside the void plains. Meeting his asshole of a brother who plots his nonsensical revenge. Making sure Eleazar don't cut me up for the sake of sating his curiosity. Meeting with a wonderful family which reminds me so much of home. Fighting to the death with a friend. Escaping from captivity. Waking up in the middle of nowhere only to be plunge neck deep in a deadly battle with nature. Now here I am, back from where I started. Locked up once more.

At least my current captors look like the decent bunch. I don't feel the slightest hostility from them, well except from the mage who is eager to finish his chore quickly, grinding herbs and chopping the ingredients to put into the pot. In his hurry, he accidentally cut his finger deep and he quickly ran over to his bag and poured a red liquid on the wound. The effect was immediate as the bleeding seem to stop and he proceeded to bandage his wound all the while the dwarf laughed at his companions expense.

My mind then wanders to my love ones back home while silently watching as the group continued their work when suddenly a woman landed in the middle of the camp. With her back towards me, she proceeded to walk towards her colleagues. Even when I can't see her face my attention was locked on her. Her brown hair tied in a pony tail reaches up to her lower back sways with the wind. She was at least 2 meter tall, slender, and with sun kissed skin. She was wearing a leather vest, long brown pants and leather boots. She was holding a bow with her right hand and a quiver in her back so she is definitely a ranger. She walks with grace and purpose.

I don't know why but I was mesmerized by her. She proceeded to speak with her companions. I noticed her pointy ears so she is most probably and elf. The knight spoke something to her and she turned around and look at me. Just like that, the illusion was broken. Although I must admit that she is far more beautiful than all of the people I have ever seen in my life, it was the look in her eyes that disturbed me. It was the look full of resentment, like I killed her family right in front of her look.

What did I do to earn such a detestable look from an angel like being like her? I know I am not handsome, especially with my long unkempt hair and beard, but I am not so ugly. Maybe I smell?

I then lean to the side of the cage and subtly smelled myself if I smell bad. Which the result does not surprise me that I do especially I haven't taken a bath for 3 months. Although I find myself not smelling as bad as I thought I would only smelling like I haven't taken a bath for a day or two.

The party continued to speak with each other, leaving the dwarf to cook dinner where I can see him roasting a haunch of venison packed with herbs over the camp fire. I just ate but the smell of the roasted venison makes me feel hungry once more.

They continued their discussion as I suffer piercing glances from the elf. Why are you looking at me like that lady? I never experienced this kind of hatred from the opposite sex ever when I was a nerd back in my home world especially from a person I just met. Once the stew and roast venison was finished cooking, the monk filled a bowl with vegetable soup, a piece of bread and slice of roasted venison on the side and carried it towards me.

"Eat. You must be hungry." The monk passed me the food which earned him another piercing glance from the elf. Lady, let me eat my venison in peace.

I proceeded to eat my meal in peace and the others followed. The dwarf gave me a mug of beer to wash down the food, while the mage left a bottle of sweet wine. Although I wanted to believe that these people are good, the fact that they are keeping me behind bars makes me apprehensive of their motives.

Once we finished eating, the party began to gather in front of me with the monk beside the cage and placing his hand on my wrist. I was surprised with his sudden action but he motioned me to just relax. Since I don't see any other choice, might as well cooperate with them and hope for the best I guess.

"Before we start, let us introduce ourselves." The knight started. "My name is Peter and I am a knight. I act as the leader of our little party." He bowed slightly. He exudes an air of a noble, just like the parents of Clyde, or even the Prince when I first saw him speak with his colleagues. Although in this knight's case he shows pride mixed with humility. No sign of arrogance like the Prince's in sight.

"That is Ortho, our artificer. He is a genius inventor of the Dwarven Kingdom." He pointed to the dwarf who waved his hand in greeting so I waved back.

"The man wearing a robe is our party mage. Mark Anthony the pyromancer." He gestured at the mage who took out a quill and paper. Seemingly writing something down.

Peter then introduced another of his party member "This right here is Kurt, our monk. He was the one who subdued you in self defense when we first met." The monk put his palms together and bowed in greeting and I bowed back in return.

As he start to introduce the gorgeous elf he exhaled as if to release some stress. "Last but not the least is our ranger. Alora." I smiled at her but my effort only earned me another scowl in return.

After their introduction, they then started to wait for my introduction. "My name is Cloud Alistair. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

"We are not acquaintances." the elf Alora interjected. Seriously. Why is she so angry at me?

"Now, now. We agreed to be nice in questioning our guest here." Philip said while trying to calm Alora down.

"If you have questions, why don't you just read my mind with magic so we can finish faster?" I suggested. Although I don't like my mind being read, I also tire of answering questions that the person I am talking to knows the answer already. That is exhausting.

They all look at each other like I said something incredulous. They continued to exchange meaningful glances except for Alora and the mage who wrote down something in his notes again before answering. "You do know that mages that uses magic that affects the mind especially expert enough to read memories are rare, right? Not even mentioning that it is highly illegal to practice such magic outside of being the Chief interrogator of the royal army." Mark explained. "The penalty of using mind magic outside of official business is punishable by death, but not before they find out who teach you and who you teach this type of magic by using mind magic on you yourself." he continued. "Such a waste you know. Just think of how fast we can improve society if we can pass our knowledge and experiences with just a simple incantation."

"That is easy for you to say. You are so eager to have knowledge that you are willing to let other people see your secrets while also exposing yourself to being reduced into a vegetable state if the spell went wrong. Nothing can beat the knowledge you acquire with practical experience and hard work." Ortho the dwarf said to his friend.

"But that way is so inefficient. If we just further our knowledge on mind magic, we can reduce the risk to zero. Although some will suffer through this method, just think of what we can do in the future?" Mark replied.

Before they devolve once more to bickering, Philip intervened. "We are not here for one of your debates gentlemen. Remember why we are here." Once the two settled down Philip turned towards me. "Sorry for these two. They always get heated up fighting over trivial things. To answer your question, no we can't use mind magic to read your mind, and although we can't see if you are telling the truth through magic, we have a good alternative." He then gestured towards the monk. "Kurt here can tell if you are lying by monitoring your pulse. Don't worry, even if you don't want to answer us now, we could just wait till we arrive at the guild. They have ways to make people talk, and believe me, it isn't pretty."

Well I don't like the sound of that.

"I don't really want to threaten you, since you look like a decent fellow. But Alora here is anxious to know why you're disturbing the peace of the sacred Elven forest. Now, if you don't mind telling us your story. Start from the beginning." Philip said while he poured tea in his cup.

What the hell man. Just when I started to think that you guys are not a bunch of scary people, you go and threaten a caged man. Oh well. As usual, I don't have a choice but to comply. I then started to tell my tale starting on how I got here. Here's to hoping to convince them of my ridiculous experience these past couple of months, especially that elf Alora who looks like he want to skin me alive as I tell my story.

Honestly, why are the pretty ones crazy?