Chapter 12: Nameless Haven

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Nathan invited me to visit the small settlement he had built. I rode with him in his carriage, packed with goods from the Capitol—food, clothes, rations.

He sat beside me, reins in hand, guiding the horse steadily. These goods were for his people. The village wasn't far from the ruins of Gram—just a few kilometers away.

It didn't exist in the original Alfiria Saga, which made me all the more curious. When we arrived, I saw it: a tiny village, no more than fifteen homes standing. At the far end stood Nathan's house—larger than the rest, clearly marking his place as the village chief.

"My daughter dreamed of having her own territory," Nathan said with a quiet smile.

"When I heard what happened to Gram… my world collapsed. So I made a vow. I would fulfill the dream of my daughter, Marda."

He had sold all his wares to start this place, a year ago. He took in refugees and helped them build homes—one per family. He never asked for anything in return and farming became the village's main livelihood.

"New Hidden Save Point Unlocked."

My eyes widened at the system message.

"Hidden Save Point?"

This wasn't in the original game. No location was mentioned either.

"What's happening?" I muttered in disbelief.

We stepped down from the carriage in front of Nathan's home. Many villagers greeted him, bowing with respect. Children came running, and a few of them bowed to Nathan as well. Then they looked up at me—curious, cautious.

"Don't worry, he only looks serious," Nathan said, laughing. "Sir Leben here is actually kind."

The kids giggled and approached.

"Sir, are you a real hero?"

"Can I touch your sword? Hehe!"

"Let's play!"

Nathan gently stopped them. "Later, children. He's tired from the trip."

They groaned in disappointment but waved as they ran off, still laughing. I watched them go, and something twisted in my chest. I remembered the children of Gram.

Nathan noticed me staring. "Don't blame yourself for what happened, Leben."

I didn't respond. We simply entered his home.

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A few days passed. Most villagers had grown used to my presence. I helped them in the fields. I hunted wild boars and deer for food.

The children were always excited whenever I returned from a hunt with meat in tow. This village Nathan built was small—I could see all of it from the hilltop I often rested under.

I sat beneath a tree, watching over the place, my thoughts tangled. None of this followed the storyline of Alfiria Saga. I couldn't piece together what was happening. The events didn't align with the ones I remembered.

I thought deeply.

The game's opening narrative included a dragon that flew across the lands, destroying every village and forest it passed. Then there was the tree monster, which brought drought and ruin wherever it walked. My head ached as I tried to recall more.

By sunset, I descended the hill.

"Oh, Leben. How was the hunt?" came a voice.

It was Mr. Alter, the village guard. He was shocked at what I was dragging behind me—a massive Wild Giant Deer. I hadn't stored it in my inventory. I wanted the kids to see it. Their cheers made me feel lighter.

"You know, Leben," Alter said, "you're allowed to rest sometimes."

I gave him a small nod. The villagers greeted me as I passed. The kids ran to me, full of joy.

"When I grow up, I want to be strong like Kuya Leben!" Dylan said.

"I'm gonna marry Kuya Leben!" Ruru announced proudly.

"Let's play again later, okay?!"

"It's huge!!" one of them shouted, eyes wide at the deer.

I teached the children the word "Kuya". Its an honorifics to respect adult men.

When I arrived at Nathan's house, he met me with a sigh.

"Leben, you're always bringing something back. The village has more than enough food, you know."

"Let me help. I want to be part of Marda's dream, too."

I placed the deer into a crate. Old man Conor would come collect it later and distribute the meat to every household.

"Since you arrived here, life in the village has gotten a little easier, Leben," Nathan said warmly.

"Thank you."

"We're saving a lot on resources. Every home now has a Light Orb—it gives them light at night."

I turned to look at Nathan, who was now staring out at the village—his face full of pride.

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That evening, I helped the children catch buglits, similar to fireflies in my world.

We wandered toward the edge of the forest, glass jars in hand, chasing the tiny golden lights as they flickered in the grass.

"I got one!" Ruru squealed, holding her jar up triumphantly.

"They're like little stars," Dylan whispered, staring in awe.

I knelt beside them and pointed at the sky. "There are more stars up there. Maybe each firefly came from one."

Their eyes widened, and for a moment, they all fell silent, gazing up.

Later, at the village square, the villagers gathered for their evening meal. They shared fresh bread, stew, and roasted vegetables around long wooden tables lit by warm light orbs.

I sat at the edge, watching them laugh and chat, someone handed me a wooden bowl of deer stew and a slice of warm bread. It smelled like rosemary and home.

Nathan raised a mug of tea.

"I'm greatful for all the days we are all together like a real family" he said.

"To Chief Nathan!" someone added.

"To Leben!" They all laughed and cheered.

I sipped the tea quietly, letting the warmth fill my chest.

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The next morning, I walked around the fields.

Children played tag in the tall grass, tripping over each other and bursting into laughter. A group of women were hanging clothes to dry on a line, gossiping and giggling. A few of the older men were hammering wood and fixing a new shed near the well.

Everything felt alive. It was different from any save point I had ever unlocked before. I took a deep breath, letting the scent of flowers and damp soil wash over me.

Maybe it wasn't part of the original game. Maybe it didn't need to be.

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