Anatalia thought carefully before answering Finn's question.
"Otherworlders are what people from other worlds are called."
Anatalia didn't want to speak much, but after seeing Finn's expression that held curiosity, she explained further.
"People only feel like otherworlders are myths and beings that might have existed in the past. Most people hear about them from stories that are told. But I always believed they are real, even to this day and your existence has proved me right."
"Before you met me, why did you believe it was real? I believe you must have a reason." Finn asked.
Anatalia acknowledged with a nod and said, "I do have a reason. First, there's a Human I liked, he is also the reason that I don't hate the human race. The tales I've had of him made me like him this much.
"He was a human who stood against the gods and sacrificed himself for the weak. He was the embodiment of good in the world filled with bad. He is still the best Hero to have ever existed, the hero, Haru.
"I stand on the fact that he is from another world, the humans on this world can't be like him, ever."
Upon hearing this, Finn thought, 'Eh? Wait, the Haru that I spoke too? Is he really that big of a deal?'
Without giving Finn the opportunity to ramble inwardly, Anatalia continued explaining. "The second reason I believe otherworlders truly exist is because… the people that ordered the exploration of this region were talking about it. They said new otherworlders appeared."
Evidently puzzled, Finn asked, "What? Do you know what they meant? Are you sure this is true?"
"Yes, I'm sure," Anatalia affirmed. "The people around me had high standing and they knew a lot. My hearing is good so I overheard their conversation. I believed if I wanted to be freed, otherworlders who were known to be Heroes might be my help."
Finn didn't interrupt, prompting her to add, "For this reason, I actively tried to know more about this and what I could figure out is that Liverthin, a kingdom neighboring the empire had managed to earn the favor of otherworlders."
"Is that so?" Finn asked a rhetorical question, but Anatalia still replied, "Yes."
'Could it be that what happened then actually brought them to this world?' Finn contemplated this, but eventually shrugged, 'Oh well. If I need answers, I'll just go get em.'
Since there was no longer anything they were doing here, Finn told Anatalia to prepare that they would be heading out when the sun had peaked.
It was only then did Anatalia decide to nap for a bit.
When the time to depart was near, Finn woke her up and gave her a black hooded robe gotten from one of those men to conceal her appearance.
Seeing her own reasons why it would be beneficial to wear it, Anatalia accepted it.
Anatalia sat on Finn's back, grabbed on to his fur and left the cave they were in.
There weren't many direct roads from here to the town and Finn wanted to avoid main paths and obvious hidden paths, so they traveled through an indirect route to head to their destination.
The journey went on without issues, they avoided monsters because of Finn's abilities. After midnight, they decided to take a break so they could eat. They also discussed more about this world and Earth.
Signs of dawn were becoming evident and they set out again.
The borders between this region and the Thalorian Empire, their current destination, were mostly divided by waters.
To cross this waters and reach land, Finn sacrificed his mana and turned to a big Jellyfish that had a huge bell so Anatalia could sit on it without getting worried of falling into the waters.
Crossing the waters took almost a whole day as they only arrived on the land of the Empire.
There were less mana beasts randomly roaming around this land so it wasn't hard for them to navigate their way.
Finn's movement speed didn't reduce and by the time night fell, they had arrived.
They stayed a bit far from the town, but Finn's senses could still reach. They were staying here because they wanted to finalize something before stepping in.
According to what he was told, Anatalia didn't know much about anywhere aside from where she used to stay, she wasn't that exposed.
She only knew this place because her previous supervisors usually branched this town on their way back from exploration.
This town was busy because of its nature close to the waters, attracting adventurers and merchants. Because of this, they wouldn't stand out much in this town.
Although being a demi-human would attract attention in smaller towns or villages, they weren't that uncommon in this town. Compared to Anatalia, Finn stood out more.
He was too beautiful, is what Anatalia said.
Hearing this, Finn quoted something from his previous world, "Heh, with great power comes great responsibility."
"Huh?" Confused, Anatalia blurted out.
"Nothing, never mind," Finn said. "Anyways, there's nothing much I can do about my appearance honestly, I can only change my size."
Anatalia nodded. "Do that then. That'll be less attractive."
Finn reduced his size to less than 2 meters, now looking like a wolf that was beautiful.
With that settled, Finn and Anatalia walked side by side, towards the town.
There were two guards standing at the town's entrance. They saw two figures coming from the water regions, although it didn't happen much, they were familiar with such.
They confirmed the appearance of the beastfolk and her mana beast.
Anatalia was still young, only recently turning sixteen. To have such a beast with her at such a young age gave them the impression that she was either strong, rich or she was one of those that physically aged slowly.
"Welcome to the town, miss."
"Please, make sure your beast doesn't harass the people."
The two entrance guards said respectively.
Anatalia stared at Finn for a slight moment before replying with a smile, "I'll make sure of that."
Her gaze and smile made Finn mutter to himself, 'What the hell do you think I am?'
"That's good, then." A guard replied.
Having already spoken to Finn about this, Anatalia asked, "Can you suggest an inn that'll accommodate my beast and I?"
"Definitely. The Tidal Tavern would be your best bet. Once you enter, turn left, and you'll see signs that'll lead you there."
"Thank you."
"No problem, miss. Have a nice stay."
After getting the guidance of the guards, Anatalia and Finn found their way to the inn.
They asked people for help on their way, and the people nicely answered.
It didn't take them up to 15 minutes to reach their destination.
Using the money Finn got from the supervisors, they paid for a room on the top floor of the building.
The workers led them to their room and left them.
As Finn entered, he smiled with satisfaction. "Finally, I'm here."
A/N: I really appreciate you reaching here! So far, what do you think of this work? Also, I'll be locking the chapters any time from chapter 35. :-D