Adrian blinked as the group stepped through the shimmering portal, the remnants of the battlefield vanishing behind them like a distant nightmare. As his feet touched solid ground, he found himself standing amidst a vast farmland, the air suddenly sweet with the scent of fresh earth. The pale blue sky stretched endlessly above, and the rolling fields seemed to go on forever in all directions, a sharp contrast to the blood-soaked desert they had just left behind. Birds chirped cheerfully from distant trees, and their melodies brought a surprising sense of calm, a reminder of simpler times Adrian could barely grasp anymore.
The serenity of the scene did wonders to slow Adrian's racing heart. He inhaled deeply, the fresh air filling his lungs as he cast a glance around at the group. This world feels... different. That much was clear, but there was something more. It wasn't just the scenery or the tranquility—it was a feeling, an energy in the air, something he couldn't yet explain.
Beside him, Captain Mohan, the grizzled old man who had pulled him from the battlefield, walked with confidence. His weathered face, marked by scars and years of experience, remained calm as he surveyed the path ahead. Mohan's stride was purposeful, as though nothing could shake him, not even the horrors of battle. Adrian had seen it in his eyes—this was a man who had witnessed far worse than Adrian could imagine. Yet, his presence was a strange comfort.
Ahead of them walked Fiona, the orange-haired mage who had conjured the portal. Her staff tapped lightly against the ground as she led the way toward a distant city whose tall walls loomed on the horizon. Her emerald-green cloak fluttered slightly in the breeze, and her bright eyes sparkled with a playful energy, as if the battle they had left behind was already a distant memory for her. She walked with an ease that Adrian envied, like she belonged to this world in a way he never could.
Breaking the silence, Adrian turned to Mohan, his curiosity getting the better of him. "What's your name, sir?" he asked, his voice tentative, still unsure of his place among them.
Mohan grunted, glancing sideways at him. "Address me as Captain Mohan," he replied, his voice rough but not without warmth. "I command this unit. Fiona here's one of our best mages."
At the sound of her name, Fiona turned slightly, flashing Adrian a grin. "Nice to meet you—again," she said, her voice lilting with amusement. Her eyes twinkled as though she found Adrian's awkwardness endearing.
Adrian felt himself flush slightly and bowed his head in an attempt to regain some composure. "I'm Adrian Falter," he introduced himself, though his voice wavered slightly. Despite the calm surroundings, the weight of the unknown pressed down on him.
Mohan's eyebrows rose slightly at the mention of Adrian's last name. There was a glint of recognition in his eyes. "Falter, you say?" His tone was curious, almost probing. "A last name, eh? Only noble families carry those here. You must come from somewhere important, lad."
Adrian's heart skipped a beat. His mind raced as he struggled to find a response. How could he explain that he came from a completely different world—one where last names were commonplace and battles like the one they'd escaped existed only in stories or games? The truth seemed impossible to share, not yet.
"I... don't remember much," Adrian said, his voice faltering under Mohan's gaze. "My name's the only thing I can recall."
Mohan's eyes lingered on Adrian for a long moment, searching his face as though trying to read the truth beneath his words. After what felt like an eternity, he gave a curt nod. "No matter, lad. You're with us now. We'll help you figure it out."
Adrian exhaled, a small wave of relief washing over him. He wasn't ready to face the truth of his situation yet, but at least, for now, he wasn't alone. "Thank you, Captain Mohan," he said, his voice steadier than before.
As if sensing the moment's seriousness slipping away, Fiona chimed in with mock indignation. "And don't forget about me!" she called, turning to face Adrian and Mohan. With a playful nudge to Mohan's side, she latched onto Adrian's arm, her smile mischievous. "I'll be helping too, you know. We've got your back."
Adrian felt his cheeks grow warm at the sudden attention, unsure of how to respond to Fiona's teasing. "E-eh? Yeah, of course..." he stammered, looking away, flustered by her playful tone. Fiona giggled, clearly enjoying his awkwardness.
The group continued their walk toward the towering city walls in the distance, the horizon dominated by the massive stone fortifications. Adrian couldn't help but stare in awe as they approached. The walls were thick, imposing, and seemed to rise endlessly into the sky. Guards patrolled the battlements, their armor shining in the late afternoon sun, their spears and swords reflecting the light as they kept vigilant watch over the land.
This world seemed so foreign, so utterly different from the one he had known. The strangeness of it all washed over Adrian as they passed through the city gates. The noise and bustle of the streets hit him immediately. It was alive—bustling with life in a way that Adrian hadn't anticipated.
"Welcome to Arvendale, lad," Captain Mohan said with a sweeping gesture toward the city. "Our city, and our base of operations."
Adrian tried to take it all in at once. Crowded market stalls lined the streets, merchants loudly haggling with buyers over their wares. Children darted between the legs of busy townsfolk, their laughter ringing through the air. Street vendors called out to passersby, the smells of fresh bread and roasting meat mingling with the fragrant scent of herbs and spices. The energy of the city was palpable, vibrant. But underneath all of it, Adrian could sense something else—a tension, a quiet unease that tugged at the edges of his awareness.
"Thank you for bringing me here," Adrian said, though his words were a bit hollow. He was still reeling from the enormity of it all—the city, the battle, and his very existence in this place.
As they moved deeper into the city, Mohan pointed out various landmarks—important buildings, the grand spire where the city's council met, and the bustling plaza where festivals were often held. Fiona had parted ways with them, leaving Adrian alone with Mohan.
"You sure you don't remember anything?" Mohan asked after a while, his tone casual, but Adrian could sense the captain's curiosity. "Not even a glimpse?"
Adrian shook his head, though it wasn't entirely true. He hadn't lost his memories—he remembered everything about his world. He just didn't know how to explain that he wasn't from this one. Not yet. "I don't," he said, his voice low. "It's all still... a blur."
Mohan nodded, though his expression suggested he wasn't fully convinced. He clapped a hand on Adrian's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry, lad. We'll figure it out. Stick with me, and you'll be just fine."
Adrian managed a faint smile. He wasn't sure what lay ahead for him in this strange land, but the weight of the unknown seemed a little lighter now that he wasn't alone.
As the sun began to sink lower, casting long shadows over the streets, Mohan slowed his pace. "You know, I feel like we're meant to help each other," he said, his voice thoughtful. "Why don't you stay with me for a while? I'll help you recover your memories, and in the meantime, maybe you could lend a hand. Join my unit. What do you say?"
Adrian hesitated. His first instinct was to refuse. What could he possibly offer them? He was lost, completely out of his depth, and the thought of contributing to a military unit seemed laughable. "I'm not sure I'd be much help to you," Adrian admitted, glancing down at his hands, which felt foreign in this world.
Mohan chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't sell yourself short, lad. I've seen enough in my years to know when someone has potential. And besides, we look after our own here. You'll have a place with us, no matter what."
Adrian felt a warmth spread through his chest at the captain's words. He hadn't expected such kindness, especially not in a world as harsh as this one seemed. "Thank you," Adrian said quietly. "I'd like that."
They continued their walk as the city streets began to empty, the energy of the day slowly winding down as night approached. Adrian knew that this world held secrets he had yet to uncover, mysteries that would take time to understand. But for now, as the last light of day faded and the stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky, he felt a sense of hope. For the first time since arriving here, he wasn't entirely alone. Whatever lay ahead, he would face it with these new companions by his side.