Milo stands in front of a Vitae. A living tree operated by a person who has the ability to command them. This one in particular is armored by copper plates and usually guards the city of Arksh.

“Doctor Stiv. It’s good to see you again.”

“Corel. How are things?”

The officer guarding the train station took the document Milo handed over and stamped on it. “Very peaceful, Doctor. You’ve been gone for two months.”

“Sister Romina looking for me?”

“She is quite busy.”

“Well, she should be.”

“Here’s your papers,” said Corel.

“I’ll be going now!”

Milo watched Corel’s Vitae leave. The biobotanical machinery was quite fascinating. There are machines which imitate them around, usually powered by these crystalized stones called sprite stones. These sprite stones are what runs the steam of the engine and seems to light the houses on the buildings.

On the entrance of the train station. Milo’s welcomed by the sight of the four-wheeled vehicle that looked like large carriages without animals pulling them. Rugged and bulky, the cobble streets of Arksh are always full of it.

Milo watched one leave the train station’s lot. He follows the sidewalk and exits by the iron gate on the left side of the fencing. Arksh City is built vertically. Most of the houses are built like giant trees with round chambers that climb vertically and are reinforced by these materials he has no clue about.

It’s like someone grew trees and created this network of buildings. He has been around many towns as of late and none of them can compare to the tree-like buildings of Arksh and their natural elegance. He could compare them to bamboo and spiraled trees.

Of course, there are parts of the city that are much more familiar. Two-story townhouses made of brick and stucco. Build to last and endure the weather.

He was somewhat fascinated by the mixture. Though he had to admit when he saw an iron giant walking the streets casually and flying sailing ships. He sincerely thought it was quite fantastic, though he seems able to see tiny creatures once in a while who are quite friendly. He did not have any talents for magic. Milo did notice how accurate and refined his senses and movements were. Then again it’s probably this body he is in.

It’s like he’s been with it for many years! He didn’t feel any discomfort or body dysmorphia. Whether it’s reincarnation or transmigration. He really didn’t know. But Milo knows he can’t get intimidated by the changes and put on goals.

And right now his goal is to help Sister Romina’s church once in a while. He was not obligated to help, but Milo couldn’t stand not helping at all.

Milo’s on a shop-lined street. His first visit was to a bakery owned by a believer of the God Sister Romina followed. Poking his head inside the shop. The baker recognized his face immediately.

“Doctor Stiv! It’s good to see you!”

“Mr. Lonelo. How are you?”

“Good! Good! I haven’t see your face for months, Doctor,” Mr. Loneo’s hand shook Milo’s. “I see that you’re quite busy as of late!”

“Indeed. Travel can take a long time and some of the places I visit seem to be so out of reach sometimes.”

“And you persist! Really! It’s good that you’re willing to continue!”

The Mence is composed of a thousand islands. So many islands that are disconnected from each other. Noiter was the continent of where he was now living. The Aon Republic was made of this complex union born from a legendary voyage.

This world was large. He had seen the maps and just thinking about the other continents made him wonder what’s out there! Though he’d like to see the world. His duties came first and it wasn’t so bad. He still had many places he hadn't been.

“Well, I’d like to adventure myself,” he said. “Not to mention it feels good. To help people.”

Mr. Lonelo gave him a sincere smile. “Doctor, if I heard that from someone else. I would ignore him. But I believe you when you say that.”

“Now you’re just laughing at me.”

“Nonsense,” Mr. Lonela remarked, picking up the usual breed. Milo could see he was adding a few extras. “What I say is true! Usual men would run away and leave without a word!” he laughs. “But not you!”

“I see. Then I must strive to always be good so you put on extra bread!”

“Perhaps I will!” Mr. Lonelo’s beaming with such an energy that sometimes he couldn’t keep up with.

Milo can only sigh inwardly and turn his attention to this bulb covered in a thick bark-like material. “I see that you have been convinced by the Missus to spend money on an extra bulb.”

“It was getting darker. Aiya, she had called me a cheapskate so I had to defend my honor!”

Milo wondered if there was no need to be so dramatic about wanting to get a bulb. Then again, he did have times where he had met with superstitious men and women who wouldn't allow him to perform some things in fear of angering spirits. Though he had to make sure they understood he can see them which leads to them allowing him to perform such services required.

“Which brings me to my worry now that I have come to worry about it, Doctor!”

“Oh? What is it?”

“Can you speak with the sprite?”

“I can try.” He approached the bulb and then slowly peeked inside. He could hear tiny laughter then curious tiny faces looking at him in wonder.

Hello. Are you okay there?

We are! This is a nice place! It smells nice!

I see. Then it’s good that you’re there?

We are.

Milo turned to Lonelo. “The sprites say they are quite enjoying the bread, Mister. They must really enjoy the smell.”

“Do you think they eat bread?”

Milo turned to them. “Do you eat bread?”

Maybe! They are clouds!

“They said they might eat them.”

Lonelo nodded curtly. “Then it seems that I must leave offerings to the sprites!”

“Maybe that is for the best. They are rather fickle creatures and also the naivest.”

He had seen in travel on roads men appeasing the sprites. Sometimes they have to make sure that they are satisfied and are willing to carry them.

Other than wheeled vehicles and those following rail tracks. The crawlers which are quadruped transporters that can travel harsh terrain and even swim if they want to.

Honestly, it’s only cities that have carriages like this and a few areas. The roads are being cleared and paved, but there are places that are simply inaccessible.

“I have taken too much of your time already!”

“It’s nothing.”

Milo took the baskets of bread and carried it with him to the direction of the Church.

The Church is located on this side of the city. It was an area the Church occupied and you could say that it’s a place where the orphans are taken.

Which left Milo to wonder if he was just a big orphan as well. Entering the fenced gate, he always saw the furball of a dog waiting on the side, raising its head.

Then he saw one of the children napping on the side of the fence alongside the dog, opening his eyes.

“Ah. Doc is back! Doc is back!”

The little one ran to the orphanage. It didn’t take long before an army of children who were dressed in handmade clothing came rushing at him like a flock of chicken being fed with corn.

Milo was overwhelmed. He could only raise the basket as tiny arms surrounded and clung to him. A young woman around her mid-twenties ran after the children in worry. However, seeing Milo, she walked slowly and cleared her throat for the children to hear.

“Children. What did I tell you about running?”

The children knew there was one authority to this ship. Some might say it’s Father Padriel, but they knew it was their Sister Romina who held authority.

“We’re sorry.”

Milo holds up a hand. “It’s alright. I think they missed me, Sister Romina.”

“Brother Milo. You’re too kind to them!”

“Aren’t you the same?” Milo took a knee, and handed over the bread to the kids who lined up. “You’re too kind to them that I think they might become too cheeky.”

Milo held the bread over a child’s head. “Are you a cheeky child?”

The little one shook his head. “I’m not!”

“Good!” Milo handed the bread.

Seeing that she can’t do anything about it. Sister Romina watched on the side. Some of the people working on the church grounds come over as well, thumping Milo on the shoulder and going back to work.

The rest of the bread went to the workers on the field. Milo had extra for Sister Romina and even to the good boy guarding the gate. With the bread basket emptied. Milo watched the boys and girls leave.

“Glad to see they are doing fine.”

“Indeed. It puts my heart to rest. How are you?”

Milo raised a smile. “Fine. I had to stay in a tiny community for a month since they were suffering. I also had to stop by some places along the way.”

Milo took out a bank note. “Here’s my contribution to the church as well, Sister.”

“You don’t have to, you know? The state does take care of us and our yield has been better as of late thanks to some of your strange ideas.”

The acres of land held by the church was quite large. The church uses the land and the farmers tend to it. They earn money and contribute to the church. Most ended up working for the church and the rest worked in the city. The Church of the Merciful God was quite self-sufficient. They require the effort of the farmers and the servants of the church.

Though there are times where some don’t agree with the yield. Thankfully, arguments can be settled and there haven't been any serious incidents.

“They do work, Sister. You must admit that, at least.”

“Indeed. Are you sure you weren't a farmer before?”

“Heh. I’m just a humble medic, Sister.” Milo took something out and then showed it to her. “I also got my badge.”

Sister Romina’s face beamed. “That is wonderful! Now we can truly call you a Doctor now!”

When he left Arksh City. He had planned to get his license this time. He had to travel to the Capital to get his badge. After passing a series of exams, both written and practical. He was officially deemed as a practitioner of medicine. He was lacking somewhat because of certain terms and naming conventions, but he was able to perform masterfully on the practicals which left the examiners to agree to pass him. Honestly, he could have just wandered as a Cleric of the Merciful God, but it was best if he had the proper license as well. The benefits of being part of an organization is quite wonderful.

“I’m sure Father Padriel would be happy to hear that.”

“Is he fine?”

“Fit as a fiddle. You know how it is. He's strong as a bear hound!”

“Indeed.”

Milo put away his license and slipped his thumb on his belt. “It’s nice to be back home.”

“And you always say that when you come back, Milo.” She smiled and joined her hands together. “I thank God you made it back.”

“I have to greet Father Padriel and the Sisters. I’m sure they’d be happy to see their big kid coming back home.”

She chuckled. “I’m sure they will. And make sure you change, okay! I’ll have Sister Aldia take care of your clothes.”

“It’s embarrassing.”

“Please. We took care of you while you were sleeping, Mister. We have your bare button more than anyone else!”

Hearing her talk about it reddened Milo’s face. He didn’t want to be picked on by her so he dashed away before she could continue retelling the day they took care of him tirelessly and earnestly.

***

The Parish has its own dormitories. The Sisters tend to live inside the cloisters while the non-monastic people tend to live in the rectories and houses.

Milo has his own room. It was a single bed room that faced the fields and had a view of the coastline. The Parish itself was quite elevated and during the night Milo would be able to gaze on the lights and hear the sound of nature.

After 6 PM he would see the dances of the sprites. Like dots of light changing their colors to match the mood. He had mistaken them as fireflies before and honestly if he didn’t see them up close and had spoken to them once in a while. He’d still believed they were just cheeky fireflies.

Still, sitting on the bed, watching the view from this room never does get old for Milo. He had been on the road for a while and even he had been blessed to have a place where he can rest due to his profession. There are times where he sincerely missed the place the Brothers and Sisters of the Parish gave him.

It was soothing to the soul. Though there are days where he had to admit that the silence of the Parish can be quite overwhelming especially in the night. He could hear the prayers of the brothers and sisters.

Everyday they would bring a candle with them and find a place on the parish grounds to reflect and meditate. They would bring their bible and read them earnestly. Meditating under the silence of the sky and the whispers of the wind.

Meanwhile the kids are probably with one of the sisters in the classrooms with their warm blankets, being read the words of their God and told stories and learn some lessons. He thought at first it's quite monotonous, but it’s surprisingly a rather fond method of the brothers and sisters to calm down the little ones and make them go to bed.

Not all the Brothers and Sisters here in the parish have taken a vow of celibacy and since there were no rules about having children. Some of the Brothers keep their family with them inside the parish so they can have a quiet life. The Church is quite accepting. Though most of the Brothers and Sisters in this Parish are those who have lost some of their loved ones and have vowed to serve God and its faithful followers.

So it’s quite a harmonious community and being here again after such a long road was a pleasure. Milo had missed the view and the people around him. He had nothing in this world and the people here are his family.

Silence soothed Milo’s soul and yet as he found himself still. He thought back to the family he left in his previous life. The thoughts stirs him sometimes, but he could hope they are doing well.

Taking a seat on his study table. Milo took out his journal and penned down his thoughts.

The trip back home was good. I had to stop in a few villages and towns on the way back, but I was able to go home after a long journey. I managed to get my license from the capital and now I’m officially an authorized practitioner of medicine. I am glad that my hard work paid off and now I can also gain some benefits from the organization.

Milo adjusted the lamp on his side and squinted at the page. I finally saw Sister Romina and the kids again. Oh, I saw Lonelo as well and like always, the bread he baked was delicious. I still remember my embarrassing thoughts, thinking the food here would be quite bland and archaic, but after traveling farther than usual. I have removed those naive thoughts. Perhaps this world isn’t as modern as I’m used to, but the culture, the people, and its superstitions fascinates me.

On the way home I saw a long-legged grass-eater and its family eating off the trees. I saw mossy ruins and landmarks that I surely wouldn’t be able to find in my old world. There are many wonders this world has to offer and I must say it has always been a new experience every time I go out.

But as I travel from Karta to Soraka, from the Cush to the Curr Grassland. I heard some troubling news. The Mence is contested and lately I heard the Mottana are troubled by menaces. Thankfully, I have few encounters and some of the lands I’ve visited were peaceful enough.

Milo dotted the page and took a glance at the dotted lights forming shapes on the air like someone drew a canvas.

I manage to catch up to Father Padriel and the people in the Parish. I ate a hearty meal and spoke to Father Padriel about the yield and the various business he needed to do outside of Arksh. Father Padriel is by no means old and tired, but it’s best if I handle some of the chores since I usually travel outside of the city. It’s much more convenient and I’m sure he has many things to worry about now that he’s helping the city reform the creek, one of the villages on the outskirts.

I liked that my room was as clean as ever. I’m guessing Sister Romina had access since I wanted to make sure she’d be able to take care of the plants I have on my balcony. They are good people and I’m thankful they found me and saved me. To think that I’d missed the sound of quiet and their prayers nearby.

Milo skimmed the words he jotted down on his journal, tied the cover, and hid it in the secret compartment of his pack. Laying his back on the bed. Staring down the ceiling. Milo finally felt the exhaustion from his trip and slept like a baby.

Early morning in the Parish of the Merciful God starts with the roosters crowing. The farmers rose early, carrying their tools and wagons to their fields.

There’s a place to clean yourself up in the morning. Most of the kids wake up early and bathe by themselves while the rest of Priests are taking their time for a bath. Milo bathed and put on new clothes and wore a fresh shirt that for once did not smell like the road.

You could hear the handbell echo throughout the parish. The kids trotted quietly on the corridors and sat on their tables. Milo sat on the table in front of the dining hall. Father Padriel, who wore the livery of his God, stood up and raised both hands.

“Lord, we thank you for your bounties. We thank you for guiding our good brother, Milo back to your stead. May his life continue to be virtuous, and be full of kindness. Lord of Mercy, we thank you for this day, and the future ahead.”

The hall made a silent nod. The sister next to Sister Romina, Sister Assie, rang the handbell thrice. In the center of the hall is where the food is placed. They took fruit from the table and carried it to where their plates were. The children talked in hushes. Which made Milo somewhat guess where their energy comes from.

Bacon and eggs and a serving of creamed corn. Taking a bite of the meal made Milo realize how hard he was living. He had to save up on expenses during the trip and sometimes he had to make do with what he could forage on the side of the road.

“I sure missed Sister’s food.”

“I bet you do,” Sister Assie, sporting a rather brash smile.

Father Padriel raised his head after taking a piece of his food. “The road must have been quite dangerous.”

“Safer. But there are places where you have to be careful. There are creatures who still roam the land.”

“Oh my. Is the Kin a problem?”

Milo thought back to some of the places where the Kin was present. He had witnessed Rangers and Bounty Hunters almost gutting and gutting the Kin. They were a problem in some places where they are mostly active, but the Inquisitor usually brings the hammer down.

The Mence is usually safe. Free from the troubles of these creatures, but there are times where Milo had to steer clear from them.

“The ones blessed by the moon are driven to such crimes. It is a shame that it is their nature.”

Milo smiled. “And you’re probably the only one who’d pity them, Father.”

“Hush now, Son. You know it better that the Lord of Mercy sees all equally.”

The Lord of Mercy has no name.

Mortal’s have names, but the Lord does not need them. But most of the locals he had met called the Lord of Mercy, Náð. Which can be read as Compassion and Merciful.

Milo was quite surprised he was able to read the language here. If anything his comprehension seems to be quite adept than his previous life. Which is great since he didn’t have to worry about how to learn how to read and write a language.

Though there are times where his words seem to be quite off. Like he’s using borrowed words inappropriately and sometimes misunderstandings can occur to which he has to square up and prove he really was simply using the wrong words for the right reasons.

Father Padriel sips on his water. “Other than the demikins. What else can you tell me about the news outside?”

Milo gave everyone at the table a serious look. “I heard that there are states hoping to be independent from the Republic after they failed to deliver.”

“That’s not unusual,” said Assie. “It’s hard to navigate the Mence even now we have crossers.”

Milo shook his head. “Not simply that. I think they are legitimately hoping to part with the Republic.”

“That’s troubling,” Sister Romina remarked with worry. “It’s not been long since the Elven have started to recognize the states. If they leave now some of the states might follow them.”

“They might join the bandwagon,” Father Padriel said. “They think it might be the righteous thing to do, but they are fooling themselves.”

Milo agreed. “Somewhat. I don't think their freedom is quite lacking. They simply want to leave the republic now that there's still time.”

“Then should we save some grain, Milo?”

“I don’t think so. Seeing that you haven’t heard of it. Then it isn’t a concern here in Arksh. And I think the process is going to be long and hard. From what I heard, there’s opposition in their circles, not because they are loyal to the Republic, but it means they’ll have to redo their trade agreements and make connections without the backing of the Republic.”

“So it’s a pipe dread for now.”

“For now. Others might take interest, but right now they aren’t foolish enough to think that liberating themselves from an alliance would come with no consequences. Without the Rangers protecting them and the supplies coming from the Center of Noiter.”

He had a long time to acquaint himself with the local politics and the talks of the town. From silly rumors to serious conversations and worries for the future.

Milo is a traveling Doctor. He had little interest in who has what, who needs what, and how they get it. To him politics is nothing more than an advanced form of economics. Someone or something doesn’t have something they need, they will try to get it, however they can. It’s simply groups working to get what they want or need.

That was not his lot and honestly what can a single man do?

He might be someone who came from another world, but what can he do about it? Yes, he travels to places and it might affect his livelihood if things become rough. But Milo had experienced losing his life for righteousness and he truly hopes he doesn’t replicate the same mistake he had done in his past life.

It is a beautiful world full of beautiful people.

And he truly wants to see more of it.

Maybe Milo's afraid that this is all cruel dream.

Spending it on things that didn't matter to him seems foolish