Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice entered my ear. I spun around to find a man with brown hair and golden eyes smiling in amusement at us.
My heartbeat was racing wildly, but I managed to compose myself.
"Well, hello there," the stranger murmured, walking towards us.
I raised my sword forward in warning. However, the next moment, he vanished from my sight. I suddenly felt a presence behind me, but it was too late, a blade touched my throat.
"Drop your weapons, no funny business, child."
With no route to escape, I gritted my teeth and did as he said, slowly lowering my weapon and placing it on the ground.
"Good, now tell your partner to do the same," he ordered
I turned to Zei, nodding in her direction. Thankfully, she understood and reluctantly lowered the dagger, placing it on the floor as well.
The man released me from his grip and lowered his blade. "There we go, now we can have a conversation without any hindrance."
Zei rushed towards me, worry etched on her face. "Are you okay?"
"It's fine, it's just a little cut," I said.
"Don't take it personally," the man added, "It's just a precaution, I don't intend on hurting you otherwise." He glanced at our weapons, inspecting them briefly. "Where did you get these weapons?" he asked curiously.
Neither of us replied to his questions, to which he just sighed and went inside the tent.
We sat in front of the gas stove, still drenched. Zei was shivering because of the cold. I gently placed my hand above hers in an attempt to comfort her.
After a while, the man emerged from the tent holding a few items in his arms. He sat down across from us, wearing the same casual smile on his face.
"Before we proceed, I would like to reassure both of you that I am not here to hurt either of you."
"I am not going to assault you or your partner, I am not that kind of man, you both can relax," the man uttered.
He opened the packaged food and began preparing it over the gas stove. The smell invaded my nostrils, making my stomach grumble.
"How about we start with introducing ourselves first? I will go first. You can call me Kristen. What about you?"
After hesitating for a while, I finally spoke " Rayne"
"Zei"
"Hmm, interesting names," he nodded. "Now that we know each other's names, here, take it and get changed."
He handed us both a towel and a pair of clothes, and a hairbrush. Zei and I looked at each other, confused by the sudden turn of events.
"Oh, for heaven's sake, I am not going to harm you, both of you are completely drenched, your clothes are ragged and torn. You might get sick or catch a severe cold, so hurry up so hurry up get changed."
"The girl can take the left tent while you take the right one."
We hesitated but eventually accepted the offer and went inside to get changed.
I inspected the clothes, and they seemed to be fine, so I quickly got changed after drying myself with a towel. The beige long coat was warm, and the black shirt with tan coloured pants was very soft and comfortable to wear. After brushing through my hair, a luxury I hadn't had in weeks. I stepped back outside.
I enjoyed the warmth coming from the gas stove, the smell of food invaded my nose, and my stomach started rumbling.
Kristen simply smiled and handed me a cup of instant coffee he just made. "Don't worry, I didn't poison it," he said jokingly.
I took a cautious sip, and it was sweet, creamy, and comforting despite just being instant coffee. It was not the highest quality, but it was perhaps the best cup of coffee I've ever had.
Zei emerged shortly after wearing a white shirt with black pants and a fitted blazer. She glanced at me and gave me a faint smile. For some reason, I could notice her face was a little red as if she was blushing.
She came and sat beside me, and Kristen offered her a cup of coffee as well. She was reluctant to take it.
"It's fine," I whispered, reassuring her.
Trusting me, she took the mug and sipped down the coffee, a relaxed expression apparent on her face.
"You both are fine with packaged food, right? Honestly I am tired of eating the same damn packaged food for over two weeks it's driving me crazy" Kristen said with a sigh "But that is all I have right now"
We shared a quiet meal, and the food was simple yet comforting.
After we were done, Kristen leaned back and looked at us with a kind smile.
"Thanks again for everything," Zei said softly. " Your hospitality means a lot."
"Don't fret about it, one should always help others in need, especially in these tough times."
"We can't thank you enough for your kindness," I added.
Kristen gave a short laugh. "Well, now that we have our stomachs full, how about you answer some of my questions?" Kristen said, as I could feel his anticipation.
I tensed slightly. "What… is it that you want to ask us?"
His eyes narrowed. "Just what the hell are you guys doing here in Veirulia? You know this is a restricted radiation zone, right? People can't survive here for more than a day."
"He leaned slightly. "Even Runecasters can't stay longer than three days without the Rune of Indemnity. And you two don't have one."
Zei and I exchanged confused glances.
What were Runescasters? What was a Rne of Indemnity?
Instead of getting answers. We'd uncovered more questions.