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Chapter 40

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"Here we are!"

Nye happily exclaims that the three wise men had a mix of differing emotions when they finally reached civilization after long trekking through the forest's vast and endless trees. While Seth and Bruno were mesmerized by the structure of the houses around them after entering the place, Genno's heart ached for familiarity, but at the same time, it didn't match what he saw of his own birthplace.

This has long rivers that divide the entire morning village altogether; some are smaller while others are bigger, along with the lights coming from the windows of those who reside inside these houses, likely asleep or awake doing their normal activities.

Whatever it is, they were nonetheless relieved by getting proper long rest. After all, the three of them do deserve their share of respite after being chased by the undead while traveling across the vast countryside and forest itself.

Their legs and back ached like never before, but they knew it would soon be gone when the men got good sleep. "Beautiful..." The poet breathed softly, captivated by the view presented before him, while his eyes sparkled at every detail he noticed around the area.

As though enchanted, he walked slowly towards it like he was drawn by unknown magic or spell that was compelling him to approach a mysterious vehicle, as the automaton who offered to be their guide simply giggled in amusement at the man's fascination over something so simple yet gorgeous.

Seeing Bruno act so enamored by it and the details of their surroundings, it filled his heart with the beauty that people can create through their imaginations. Art and creativity are what make people unique in their own way, not to mention special in their own way as well.

It is a vehicle that resembles a broken modern car; however, it has large wheels that appear to be more suited to travel through dirt roads than pavement. In addition to the roofless cabin, the automobile's design looked incredibly bizarre and alien for any person to recognize.

In a world so dark and dreary, it was always necessary for a person to have some shred of optimism within themselves. As he has reminded himself prior to encountering Nye, he always needs to take note of the small things in life and what makes them special. Sometimes, that is all he has left in himself.

Bruno's thirst for knowledge isn't simply limited to discovering more about the world and its cultures, but also about anything that fascinates him to no end. Especially with unknown structures he has never seen or heard before, the more he sees the world, the more he feels inspired by its beauty and diversity.

Checking the vehicle and walking around it in a circular motion, his eyes were locked upon its metal hull before climbing into the seat itself. Sitting there with excitement growing on the man's face, he can't believe this is actually happening! A dream he wished to experience but never got a chance to, "I never would have guessed this is to be a form of transportation," having finally understood what it is by a brief study of its appearance.

Hearing this, Genno was confused at this answer, while Seth was more perplexed at seeing vehicles from his world; it made no sense in his mind. Such a creation as that can't simply exist in this era. So he wanted to believe it himself. "A car?" Seth raised his eyebrow in confusion. "How can that be here?" In disbelief of it being here at all places.

And yet, here it was in front of him, the young man's mouth agape in astonishment: "I have so many questions," finding everything getting weirder than before after encountering a walking and talking sentient robot. It's surprising to think they have this kind of technology, although it's more advanced than their world is.

Seeing their shocked expressions, she grinned playfully at them, "Silly boys, we aren't like you a lot!" Waving her finger at them as though she were scolding children, the automaton was jovial like always: "We have been alive far longer than humans, after all!" Proudly stating herself as she crossed her arms in display.

Having had enough of studying the vehicle, Bruno left the automobile and approached her with questions lingering in his mind: "Where did you come from? How did you get something so advanced that we never had in our time?" Firing his inquiries at her.

Still with a grin, she is enjoying these reactions they are showing: "It's super complicated, buuut!" Spinning around herself with elegant movements, the automaton stops in her tracks and says, "All you need to know is that the three of you need to sleep first," pointing at them with her index finger, "but of course, after taking a shower, have something to eat before bed."

When they were about to ask further about it, she walked away, forcing others to follow her without knowing where their guide was heading. Leading them down a cobblestone pathway, they eventually arrived at a large building with two glass windows, a front door, and a small yard beside it.

Passing through the iron fence that encircled the front entrance, they entered the house before going inside. Seth, Bruno, and Genno lessened his shoulders as they glanced around the interior of the main room, feeling rather thankful for having a place to live.

The living room of the house is relatively spacious, with a sofa placed against the wall. There are also a couple of bookshelves and a small table that occupy the space, giving it a cozy and comfortable feel. The floor is hardwood, and the walls are painted white, making the room appear brighter and airier.

There is also a fireplace with a mantle on top and a few photographs decorating it. Overall, the living room is designed for function and comfort rather than decoration. The rooms and hallways are also sparsely furnished, as if to indicate that there is not much use for them.

Despite being a bit worn out, the furniture and decorations are well maintained and not in disrepair. There is a TV mounted on the wall opposite the couch and a few DVDs scattered on the coffee table, indicating that it is used quite frequently.

Seth cannot believe what he is seeing in everything in here; all of this looks modern from where he came from. It is a nostalgic sight for him, but it also makes him feel more uncomfortable. He isn't sure if this is all just some cruel trick played by his subconscious or whether there are actually some advanced species that live in secret from humanity as a whole.

Genno and Bruno, however, were too curious about their new surroundings and eager to learn more about the people who built them. Seeing things that hadn't existed in their time, finding a mounted television and disc players made them excited about exploring what else they had created. "So," Bruno turned his attention to Nye. "What next?" he asked the woman.

"Taking you three to the kitchen first, you all will need to be fed!" She exclaimed cheerfully as they made their way into the aforementioned room. The kitchen is fully functional and has all the necessary appliances, consisting of a microwave oven, refrigerator, toaster, coffee machine, juicer, and food processor.

Apart from those, there are also pots, pans, and utensils hanging on the wall and a stack of plates, bowls, glasses, and cups on the countertop. Everything is neatly organized and clean, indicating that she takes good care of them. The floors are tile, and the walls are painted white, giving it an airy and bright feel.

He was bewildered by everything he saw. How are these electronics even working in the first place? Seth does not see any wires or cables attached to anything else, so how can they be powered up without needing to plug them in? It is a mystery for them to figure out.

"Wow!" Bruno's eyes sparkled in delight as he took in the sight of the various appliances lined up on the countertops. He then proceeds to examine them in close proximity, noting every detail that he could for his future book: "You must tell me all about the village and their people; I want to know everything I can!" He pleaded, his green eyes wide in excitement.

Seeing his friend like this made him smile fondly. It was nice to see that Bruno is making new discoveries despite all of their hardships thus far. The poet remained excited to see what the future might hold for them in this foreign settlement. "The people of this village must be incredible to have developed such technology," Seth commented amusingly at them. "How come no one in Spheroidal ever saw this?"

Hearing this, she sighed in annoyance but quickly shook it off with a small laugh. "That's because Cirencester was supposed to be hidden until the three of you finally found me by accident," she explained as they went through the kitchen together. "No one had ever found me or the people until now." Nye spoke with a hint of melancholy in her voice.

Taking notice of this tone, Genno raised his brow while crossing his arms over his chest. "Why hide?" He asked curiously, "This stuff I am looking at seemed advanced to us for everyone to gain some use of it," wondering in regards to people here keeping secrets, "unless the empire is trying to keep something like this secret and making money out of it," suspecting her people might be in danger of the empire's corruption and greediness in wealth.

Shaking her head, the automaton smiles sadly on this comment: "I am their only protector and guide; besides, they do not trust the outside world, and I can't blame them for it." The woman's demeanor shifts slightly: "These people were once children who I rescued from their clutches and gave them shelter to make a new home for themselves," revealing everything as her eyes gaze down upon the floor: "They don't want to lose what they already found for the first time in their lives."

Her voice trails off as she remembers those days vividly, as though she witnessed them just moments ago. It pains her greatly to think that she has failed them countless times before. "It is why they don't trust anyone anymore," she says, sighing in despair at remembering what happened last time she interacted with outsiders, "and I can't blame them for doing so either."

"Are you willing to exchange our knowledge?" Bruno intervened in their conversation, taking an interest in this subject that is far too fascinating to ignore. "For a price, of course, what do you need that I can give you to know all of the secrets of your people and the technologies they use?"

With a flick of her wrist, she laughs in amusement at the thought of giving them anything. Seth and Genno couldn't help but stare in defeat at the response to this exchange, not knowing how to handle this situation but nonetheless remaining calm.

"I am afraid I can't do that," she began before noticing the two founders of their respective religions staring intently at her, their eyes full of anticipation. "However," they instantly perked up in hearing her add, "You boys can help me cook!" Mirthfully exclaiming to them, "Or not, its your choice~"

Bruno was frustrated but gave up; his curiosity could wait. Sighing in defeat, he reluctantly accepted to help her as long as he could learn more about her kind through other methods later. "Okay, what should we make?" He inquired and resigned to the task at hand.

Afterwards, Nye begins instructing them on what to prepare. Seth decisively leaves the kitchen and heads to the sofa placed against the wall, laying his back upon it while breathing a sigh of relief. This whole bizarre adventure had drained him significantly, not just physically or mentally, but emotionally as well.

So much has happened today that he can't fathom. They were attacked by the undead, had a philosophical conversation about existence, and were taken in by what seemed to be an android or robot from the future. In this surreal moment, he wonders how he could have gotten here in the first place or even survived at all.

He needed answers, and those can only be found within the next few days. releasing a loud yawn as his body relaxed, the young man slowly closed his eyes before falling into a deep slumber. He let the waves of tranquility wash over him as he drifted off into a state of unconsciousness.

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by 3 Armored Kittens · Prodromos v.1.1 - World Anvil 0.9.15.043 © 2017-2024 [en] | Anvil Time: 16:22, Dec 20 2024