After spending some time watching Eldric train, Lucas decided it was time to head back to the old house. He didn't say much before leaving. Since they were planning to go to the main city later anyway, he figured there was no need for a long explanation. He just let Eldric know he'd be at the old house if needed.
The walk back was quiet, giving Lucas some time to think. When he finally reached the clearing where the house stood, he stopped in his tracks and stared.
The house looked even older than he remembered. Grass and weeds had taken over parts of the wooden exterior, clinging to the walls as if trying to pull the house into the earth.
'Damn… just how old is this place?'
He walked a little closer, his eyes tracing every detail of the worn structure. The creaky boards and sagging roof gave it the air of an abandoned witch's hut—exactly the kind of place you'd expect in a story.
As he stood there, taking it all in, a sound broke through the stillness.
Thud.
Lucas froze. The noise had come from behind the house. It sounded like something heavy—maybe wood—being dropped.
'What's that noise?'
For a moment, he debated what to do. But deep down, Lucas already knew he wasn't going to ignore it. He'd always been like this, drawn to strange noises and unexplained happenings. Even when it nearly cost him his life in the past, his curiosity always won out.
'Sigh… if I don't check it out, I'll never get any sleep tonight.'
Reluctantly, he made his way toward the back of the house. Each step was careful and deliberate, his ears straining to pick up any additional sounds.
When he reached the back, he stopped again.
"Huh?"
There was another structure behind the old house, partially hidden by overgrown grass. It didn't look like a house, though. It was larger and more practical, with a design that reminded Lucas of farm buildings back in his world.
This must be where they keep animals—or maybe tools?
He stepped closer, taking in the details. The building had a massive, gate-like door, slightly ajar.
'Should I see what's inside?'
His rational side screamed at him to turn back, but his curiosity overruled it, as always.
'Am I crazy?'
Even so, Lucas found himself walking toward the building. Slowly, cautiously, he moved closer to the doorway. Once he reached it, he pressed himself against the side and peeked inside.
What he saw made him blink in surprise.
An old man stood in the center of the building, packing something into a wooden box. His white beard was long and neatly groomed, his green eyes sharp despite his age. His pointed ears gave him away immediately.
'Wait… is that Dr. Sebastian?'
Lucas squinted to get a better look.
'What's he doing here?'
Sebastian seemed preoccupied, carefully arranging herbs into the box. Once satisfied, he lifted the box and carried it toward a carriage parked nearby.
Lucas stayed hidden, watching in silence.
Should he help? It would be the right thing to do, but would Sebastian find it strange to see him here? Lucas hesitated, torn between wanting to help and not wanting to be intrusive.
But then, his better nature took over. He was always the type to lend a hand when he could. Back in his world, even though he hadn't had many friends, he'd always been eager to help the adults in his neighborhood.
'Why am I even thinking about this?'
With that, Lucas stepped out from his hiding spot and revealed himself.
Dr. Sebastian turned, clearly surprised.
"Lucas? What are you doing here?" he asked, his expression softening. "Ah, I see. Wandering around, are you? You must be curious about this place. Are you having a good time?"
Lucas smiled politely. "Yeah. By the way, do you need help with that? It looks kind of heavy."
Sebastian glanced at the wooden box and then at Lucas. He chuckled. "Oh, well, if you're offering… Sure. Just load these boxes onto the carriage for me."
"Of course."
Lucas moved to help, carefully lifting the wooden box full of herbs and placing it in the carriage. As he worked, a question popped into his mind.
How was Sebastian planning to move the carriage? There were no horses around, and the old man certainly didn't seem strong enough to pull it himself.
He's not actually planning to pull this thing himself, right?
Unable to shake the thought, Lucas finally asked, "Dr. Sebastian, you're planning to deliver this somewhere, right?"
Sebastian nodded. "That's right."
"But… how are you going to deliver it? You're not planning to pull this carriage yourself, are you?"
The old man stared at Lucas for a moment before bursting into laughter.
"Lucas, what are you talking about? Do you really think I could pull this carriage? An old man like me?"
Lucas stared back with a straight face. 'Of course not, old man. That's why I'm asking.'
Before Lucas could respond, Sebastian raised two fingers to his lips and let out a sharp whistle.
The sound echoed for a moment, and then the ground seemed to tremble slightly.
Lucas turned, his eyes widening as a massive creature came bounding toward them.
It was a bird—though calling it a bird didn't feel right. Standing at least seven feet tall, it had powerful hind legs built for running and leaping. Its feathers shimmered in the light, blending into its surroundings like natural camouflage. Its body looked like a strange mix of cassowary and raptor, sleek yet intimidating.
Lucas's jaw dropped.
'What the hell is that?!'