Northern paid rapt attention as Gilbert began speaking.
"Seven months ago, we all came to Stelia. I'm guessing that was around the same time you entered the rift you just closed down."
Gilbert looked directly at Northern as he continued.
"This place where we're currently stationed is known as the Lotheliwan Kingdom. It had previously been lost to a horde of monsters. When we arrived, we needed somewhere to settle, but everywhere was swarming with those beasts.
"So I took the initiative and led the students here. Together, we were able to slay the monsters and reclaim this portion of the kingdom, including the castle."
He paused briefly.
"Much later, we began receiving refugees - natives of Lotheliwan and neighboring clans who had lost their homes to the monsters' onslaught.
"They filled us in on the state of affairs and how the rifts came to be..."
