Abraham was completely mesmerized by his new surroundings.
Haldor's house stood modestly among towering trees, as if it were a natural extension of the forest itself. After inviting him inside, Haldor offered food and drink but before that, he asked Abraham to sit so he could tend to his injury.
"Sit down," Haldor said gently.
He gathered several herbs and plants, then brought over a warm cloth. Sitting beside Abraham Thornein, Haldor carefully cleaned the wound on his forehead. After that, he pressed a crushed mixture of leaves against it.
"Ouch…" Abraham winced.
"It stings a little. Endure it for a moment it will heal quickly," Haldor said calmly.
"Thank you…" Abraham murmured softly.
When he finished, Haldor studied him for a moment.
"Now," he said, "can you tell me who you are and where you come from? From your clothes and your confusion, I can tell you are not from around here."
"My name is Abraham Thornein," he replied."I'm… actually lost. I don't know where this is, and I don't know how I ended up here."
Abraham then told him everything the earthquake, the old tree in his grandfather's garden, the large crack between its roots, and how he had woken up in the forest and met Haldor.
When he finished, Haldor fell silent.
"That is… quite intriguing, Abraham Thornein," Haldor finally said."I have never heard of such a thing before. Very well. I will explain."
He gestured lightly with his staff.
"You are currently in the Aldebar Forest, within the region of Worin, which belongs to the great Kingdom of Valethyrn."
"A kingdom?" Abraham repeated in surprise."You mean… a kingdom ruled by a king?"
"Yes," Haldor replied. "Wait does your homeland not have kingdoms?"
"No," Abraham said. "I don't live in a kingdom."
Haldor smiled faintly.
"How fascinating. Listen carefully, then. You are in the Human Kingdom of Valethyrn, specifically the Worin region. In this world, humans are divided into four major kingdoms. To the south lies Caelvar, to the west Valethyrn, to the east Aurelmark, and to the north Dorneril."
"Wait… humans?" Abraham frowned."What do you mean by humans?"
"Humans, of course," Haldor answered."But this world is not inhabited by humans alone. There are many races, each with their own cultures and traditions Elves, Dwarves, Fair Folk, magical beasts, and many more. Even within a single race, there are numerous nations with different names and customs."
"That's impossible…" Abraham whispered in awe."So there are more than just humans here."
"And what about your world?" Haldor asked curiously."Is it very different from this one?"
"Very different," Abraham replied."In my world, there are only humans, plants, and animals. We don't have kingdoms just leaders. Life is peaceful… though politics and conflict still exist."
His voice faltered.
His chest tightened as memories resurfaced his parents' deaths, his grandfather left alone. Tears welled up and spilled down his cheeks.
Seeing Abraham cry, Haldor fell silent. After a moment, he placed a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Do not be sad, child," he said softly."It's alright. You may stay here until you find a way to return home."
Those words brought Abraham a small measure of comfort.
From that day on, Abraham Thornein began living in Haldor's house.
He learned many things about this world its regions, races, and the laws that governed life. But what amazed him most was Haldor's knowledge of plants. Haldor understood countless medicinal herbs and deadly poisons, as if he were both healer and physician.
Because Abraham had grown up helping his grandfather tend plants, he soon began assisting Haldor as well. He learned quickly, and Haldor was pleased by Abraham's diligence and his deep affection for trees and vegetation.
Yet there was something that truly caught Haldor's attention.
Any plant cared for by Abraham grew far better healthier, faster, and stronger even compared to those tended by Haldor himself. Haldor examined this carefully and knew one thing for certain.
This was not magic.
It was something else an innate gift.
Beyond medicine and botany, Abraham also began learning about magic. In this world, magic could be used in many ways, depending on one's talent, training, and perseverance. Haldor himself turned out to be an old mage who had chosen a quiet life in the forest.
Though he felt safe and comfortable, Abraham still longed to return home. He worried constantly about his grandfather. But he had no idea how to go back.
Haldor searched for answers through the ancient books he owned. While waiting, Abraham became his student.
At times, Abraham felt confused Haldor's face and mannerisms were strikingly similar to his grandfather's. The only differences were the long beard and his visibly older age.
A month passed.
By then, Abraham had studied nearly all of Haldor's books on plants. His knowledge of medicinal herbs had grown rapidly, and Haldor was genuinely amazed by his intelligence.
"Abram," Haldor called, using the nickname he had given him."Could you gather some Acropedia plants? They usually grow in the western forest."
"Alright," Abraham replied confidently.
He took the medicine pouch Haldor had given him and headed toward the western woods. About an hour later, he found the area where the plants grew. Since arriving in this world, his physical strength and endurance had noticeably improved.
After collecting several Acropedia plants, Abraham decided to head back.
Then—
A loud crash echoed through the forest, followed by a terrifying roar.
Curious and alarmed, Abraham moved closer and froze.
A man was fighting a horrifying creature with large fangs, glowing red eyes, and a body resembling a fusion of a wolf and a black bat.
"My god… what is that?" Abraham whispered in fear.
The man wielded a sword and wore simple clothing with pieces of armor. He managed to defeat the creature.
But suddenly, Another roar.
A second monster emerged and its gaze locked onto Abraham.
"Damn it!"
Abraham ran, throwing whatever stones he could grab. He stumbled and fell. The monster leaped toward him.
He shut his eyes, praying, ready to accept his fate.
Slash.
In an instant, the monster's head was severed.
"Hey. Are you alright?" a man's voice called out.
He extended a hand and helped Abraham to his feet.
"Thank you… you saved me," Abraham said.
"No problem," the man replied."I'm Ashrael Hollowbryn. Just call me Ashrael."
"My name is Abraham Thornein."
"What were you doing alone in the forest?" Ashrael asked.
"I was gathering medicinal plants."
"A healer?"
"Not really. I just know a little."
Suddenly, Ashrael winced and nearly collapsed. Abraham caught him just in time. He noticed old wounds infected and poorly healed.
"Your injuries are serious," Abraham said.
He cleaned the wounds with water and an antiseptic mixture he had prepared, then wrapped them carefully with bandages.
"Wow… you're incredible," Ashrael said in awe.
"You saved my life," Abraham replied."It's only right that I help you. If you'd like, my home isn't far from here. I can treat your wounds properly."
Ashrael smiled weakly.
"I would be very grateful."