Along the trip to the inn, I still failed to see any sign of modern society, no light poles, and the road was still pebbles at best; nevertheless, the buildings were improving, though that’s probably because we seemed to be heading towards the centre of the town.

… That’s an unusual symbol on the walls of that… Church, I suppose? I wonder what they worship?

White banners were drapping from the church's walls with the emblem of a red crown with a balance leaning on one side carved in its centre.

Do they not like equality in this religion? It seems like a bold and unusual stance for a church to adopt.

“So then, what’s your name, little one?”

This cunt.

“Before I kick you in the balls, stop calling me little. Also, I’m Clay. What about you?”

“Leif Thorvald, pleased to meet you! hahaha.”

“Pleasure is all mine. By the way, is there a reason why no one here speaks English besides you?”

“English? What’s that?”

“The language we’re using right now….”

“Never heard of it. Where is it from?”

“How do you not know the language you’re speaking so fluently? Are you pulling my leg?”

“FUHAHAHA, do you seriously not know? Have you never heard of the Oath of Babel?”

“No? What in the world is that?”

He removed his hood and pointed to his ears, revealing two exquisitely carved earrings that vaguely resembled a spiralling tower, with a faint red glow emanating from the summit.

“Any adventurer should have these. Without one, how did you even get here?

It interprets human speech and converts it into the language the owner needs.”

WOW?! that’s actually sick. Why didn’t we have something so useful back in my world if they created something like this here??

“Here, take one. You only need one for its effect to work. It should make things much simpler for you.”

“Thank you so much. I’m not sure how I can repay you.”

“FUHAHAHA, don’t worry, they are super cheap.”

“Also, you asked how I got here? Where exactly is… here?”

He was perplexed by my stupid question.

“Ayla, in the kingdom of Tayma. See right here on this map.”

Kingdom? Is this, therefore, the past? However, we never had technology like this. And it didn’t look like any island on earth.

Wow, this is one poorly drawn map. What is even going on at the top? Have they never ventured north? He can’t be from around here either, since this is a sailing chart with a clear way to Ayla. Was this made by a toddler?? Why’s the path also so shitty.

“Thank you, I see.”