Tranquil erudition

Where am I? Wait, this doesn't feel like the first time I have had this feeling. But, I can't remember. I was sleeping at home. But now I am in this place.

I have to say, this place is calm. The setting sun, the orange atmosphere, wind slowly blowing, trees behind me and an open field ahead of me, it's a picturesque place.

One question remains though. Where in the holy world am I? I look carefully, there's no one around.

"Maybe I should just walk. I have been thrown into places like this before so let's explore it a bit more."

With that said, I started walking. This place really puts my mind at ease. It's as if time doesn't exist here. There's only this beautiful sunset and tranquil nature present.

Walking ahead a bit more, I come across a building. A 4 storied building, reminds me of a typical high school or government office. And there's someone sitting nearby.

A guy with blackish hair is sitting near the building, on a tree stump. That's a uniquely natural chair. I can't see his face very well because he is leaning forward and reading a book.

He is really engrossed in it. I stop where I was and stare at him. He flipped a page and gazed at me.

His gaze, it's analyzing me, inquiring me and beckoning me. I don't know why but my body started moving on its own and I walked up to him.

"Welcome! You are the first visitor I have had in a while. Please, have a seat."

He said with a gentle tone. His voice is angelic. Not too high pitched neither too flat. It was akin to a well trained aria. But aren't arias generally females?

I can't say if he is a man or a woman. He strongly gives off androgynous vibes. His build is like a man's but his beauty, it would give even a beautiful woman a run for her money.

I sit down on a tree stump which had appeared behind me. I didn't even notice it appear.

"You truly are a unique one. Calmly analyzing the situation and trying to come up with solutions for any troubles that may arise. You are a cautious one."

He said. Yeah, I think he is a man.

"Well, I have no gender anymore. But I was a man when I came here and I only remember my time as a man. So you can say that I am a man."

He read my mind. Then I don't have to stay silent anymore.

"I guess you already know who I am."

"Yes, Clive Belmont. Son of Cliff Belmont and Claire Belmont. The current harbinger of death, destruction and chaos from the Free World. A unique existence that many are interested in. Of course, that includes me too."

"You said so much about me but you didn't give me your name."

"Ah..apologies. It has been too long since I have had any sort of outside contact. I am Kirin. You can call me Kirin as well." (Kirin)

"Then Kirin, where are we?"

Let's get straight to the point. Having a question isn't like me.

"You are currently in my world. Although this place has nothing more than this piece of land. I like it compact so I never branched out. A nice place, don't you think?" (Kirin)

"It is a nice place but why did I end up here?"

"You were in danger. So I brought you here. Someone asked me to. But don't ask what type of danger you were in. I can't say it." (Kirin)

He looked rather serious so I didn't ask.

"Let's have some tea. What will you take?" (Kirin)

"I don't have a preference. I can eat almost anything as long as it's edible."

I was never picky with food.

And a tea table containing many unusual treats and tea appeared.

"I tried creating whatever resembled tea the most. Let's try it." (Kirin)

He poured the tea into cups and offered me one. I take the cup. The tea, it's red. Not brown nor black, it's red. The aroma is floral but a bit sour as well.

I take a sip. It has a tang to it and the floral scent covered my mouth. It's sweet and sour.

"It's a good tea and all but it would take me a while to get used to it." (Kirin)

"I think it's not bad."

"This is my first meal in a long while. Maybe my taste buds aren't functioning properly." (Kirin)

I take some treats as well. It's a rhomboid looking thing. I take a bite. Sweet like sponge cake but it has almonds in them. Well, it's good.

"So, you love to eat as well." (Kirin)

"Yeah. I don't eat that much but everyone says that I love to eat. I do love to eat though."

I finish my tea and take another of those weird cake like stuff. It's good but I don't know what it is.

"What do you usually do?"

"I just stay here. I like to read. So much so that I never go out. The only person I contact regularly is the librarian. But even he is running out of ideas. If you ever need any book, just let me know." (Kirin)

That's reassuring. And after that he sent me home where I woke up in the morning.

After Clive left, Kirin looked at his book.

"The new kids sure are interesting. He is unique. And his actions will lead to a change once again. Maybe then I will get to read new stories."

And so said the mysterious man. He who started the way of erudition, he who yearns for knowledge more earnestly than anyone else, shall witness the tide that the new generation will bring. Until then, he will stae his thirst for knowledge and remain tranquil.