"There's a village just ahead. It's where I reside." It took her a moment to fully grasp her feelings, but she responded calmly, sounding entirely ordinary. Hearing her assurance that she was leading me to safety put me at ease.
"Can you share some details about your village?" With the destination now known, I was curious about its characteristics.
"Well, the village we're headed to is known as Giant Tree Village. It's a small community that warmly welcomes all visitors. It is primarily inhabited by elves, as other races often find the environment less accommodating."
Giant Tree Village? Exclusively for elves? While I'd encountered stories portraying elves as unfriendly to humans, her mention of it being open to all intrigued me, prompting me to question what she meant by 'unconventional.'
"You'll understand once we arrive." She simply smiled while absentmindedly stroking me. At least, that's what I hoped for.
"About those monsters, is it common for them to be unusually strong?" Since she avoided answering that, I shifted the conversation to discuss the slime I encountered.
"The creatures we encountered are not typical. Typically, a monster possesses a magical core, which is essentially its life essence. If the core is shattered or removed, the creature will perish or diminish. Slimes usually have visible magical cores, making them relatively easy to defeat if encountered."
"I'm relieved I arrived early. My mission was to uncover the source of trouble in our village. It's incredibly challenging to hunt down monsters without any leads. I was prepared for it to take weeks or even months." Despite knowing it shouldn't affect me, my gratitude towards this woman diminished with each passing moment. Though she likely didn't intend it, her words implied she was glad I was caught up in the chaos, making her task easier.
Now I understand why they say never to meet your heroes. All they seem to do is disappoint you. Those words resonated strongly in this situation.
"I apologize for the delayed introduction. I'm Roy Adler." We hadn't exchanged names yet, and it felt odd to refer to her solely by profession or race, considering she had saved me.
"That's right, I had forgotten since I was thinking. I'm Janis, and I hope we get along." She said as she snuggled my body comfortably.
With Janis carrying me, I allowed myself to relax into her embrace, content to let her take the lead as we made our way toward Giant Tree Village. Despite the unconventional mode of travel, I couldn't deny that it offered a certain efficiency, allowing us to cover ground more quickly than if we were to walk together. In uncertainty, I found solace in Janis's presence, and I am grateful for her companionship as we embarked on this journey together.
"Wow..." I exclaimed in awe as the village came into view, its scenic scenery leaving me speechless.
"Isn't it amazing?" Janis remarked proudly, her eyes shining with evident affection for the place she called home. And indeed, it was easy to see why she held such admiration for Giant Tree Village.
As we stepped inside the village, I couldn't help but marvel at its unique charm. The road beneath our feet was crafted from a giant stump, a testament to the village's close connection to the surrounding forest. It was a sight to behold, and I couldn't shake the wonder that washed over me.
"Why didn't we spot this place sooner?" I asked, marveling at the grandeur and beauty of the village. It was hard to believe we had overlooked such a remarkable sight until now. Indeed, Giant Tree Village truly justified its name, nestled within the branches of a colossal tree and emitting an otherworldly charm that was simply captivating.
"That's simple," Janis replied, her tone matter-of-fact as she explained the village's hidden nature.
"This tree is undetectable unless you come within a certain range. Covered in magic, it would ward off mindless monsters." Her explanation shed light on the village's elusive existence, and I couldn't help but marvel at the ingenuity behind its concealment as we continued our ascent along the elevated pathways.
As we climbed higher, I was in awe of the village's construction atop the colossal tree. It was a remarkable fusion of engineering and magic, a testament to the resourcefulness of its inhabitants.
"Why don't we go to my place first? It's inconvenient to go out with you looking like this," Janis suggested, her concern for my well-being evident as she glanced at my disheveled appearance. I nodded gratefully, appreciating her offer of shelter amidst the unfamiliar surroundings.
As we made our way through the village's winding pathways, I couldn't help but wonder at the world unfolding before me. Giant Tree Village was unlike anything I had ever seen, and I felt privileged to experience it firsthand alongside Janis.
Janis carried me to her house. I couldn't shake the feeling of being a spectacle, our unusual display likely attracting attention from the other villagers. I wondered how I should react if I were to interact with them, feeling uneasy at the thought.
"We're here. What do you think?" Janis asked, breaking me out of my reverie as we arrived at her house. I took in the sight before me, comparing it to the homes I was familiar with on Earth. While it may have lacked some of the modern amenities I was accustomed to, I couldn't help but appreciate the cozy charm of Janis's cabin.
"It's a cozy place to live in," I smiled, acknowledging the sturdy wooden structure that exuded warmth and comfort.
Stepping inside, I was pleasantly surprised by the spaciousness of the living area, which seamlessly combined a kitchen and dining room. The bathroom, while reminiscent of a bygone era, added to the rural charm of the place. As I ascended to the top floor, I noted the presence of three rooms, each offering a cozy atmosphere in this unfamiliar world.
"I know this is sudden, but I have a report to compile regarding the slime. Why don't you take some time to freshen up? You've had a tough day. Once I fetch you some clothes, I'll step out. It won't take long. I'll be back shortly," she reassured me.
I was taken aback that she would leave a stranger like me alone in her home. Wasn't she concerned I might steal from her? Thankfully, being a person of integrity, the thought of stealing would weigh heavily on my conscience, especially from someone who had saved my life.
"If possible, could you bring clothes that are more understated?" Before she departed and potentially selected attire that didn't suit me, I made a request.