The New World

Nathan followed Kaela, Garrick, and Jynn through the old grass fields. His body still ached from his encounter with the Veylgrin, but the potions and teas had worked wonders, and he was finally strong enough to walk without assistance.

The grove opened up into a wide clearing, and Nathan stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening. The training grounds were unlike anything he'd ever seen. Wooden dummies lined one side of the clearing, their surfaces scarred from countless strikes. A small archery range stood to the left, with targets painted to resemble various creatures—some familiar, others terrifyingly alien. In the center of the clearing was a circle of smooth stones, etched with runes that glowed faintly in the sunlight.

"Welcome to your new classroom," Kaela said.

"This is where we'll teach you the basics of this world—and how to survive in it."

Nathan swallowed hard, his grip tightening on the Book of Threads. "Is their no way I can go back?"

"No, you were chosen. There's never been a instance that a traveler went back into their own world." Garrick said, stepping forward.

"But because you're stuck here, you need to learn how to survive. We'll begin with the rules. We are in the Kingdom of Eryndor, where everything is governed by balance. The land, the people, and the government—it's all connected. Break that balance, and you risk your life"

"And the books?" Nathan asked, glancing down at the glowing green cover of his own.

"The books are tools," Jynn explained, his voice eager. He held up his own Life Tome, its pages filled with diagrams and notes. "Most people use them to learn trades, practice magic, or record their lives. But for Travelers like you, they're something more.

"Every Traveler were chosen because they had talent. From Military leaders to genius businessmen, they were the best of the best."

"Me? The best? I'm far from it" Nathan said.

"You might not know now but you'll figure it out someday." Garrick said, igniting a sense of hope for Nathan.