Stone's Edge

Somewhere in an unknown land.

Maks rises after a moment's thougth and streches. Warm sunlight filters through distant treetops, the sky is filled with a familiar blue color and beneath his feet, firm earth carpeted with lush grass. He turns towards the wall, which are in fact the crumbling walls, remnants of a once a fortress. He's still in full tournament armor. That alone makes it feel too real. This isn't a dream. Not anymore.

"Ruins are usually deserted... yet the path here is oddly well-trodden. Is this some isekai scenerio Ania always talked about? Or have I crossed into the afterlife? Whatever the truth, I need to move."

He walks along the broken ramparts, passing a shattered column and the foundantions of a small entry gate. Further is visible, a some sort of central courtyard, some fundaments of buildings and a ruined well. On the ground are visible rusted metal scraps, this place could once forged tools or even weapons. At the gateway, there's also a small pillar which bears an inscription. Though he has never seen this language before, he somehow is capable of reading it:

Harazamos

Various heraldic crests surround the name.

"Strange. I can read it? Multiple crests... different noble houses ruled here or maybe something else entirely?"

Maks steels himself and sets out toward the distant village. As he walks, echoes of his past flicker through his mind. The clang of halberd, the referee's cry and at the very end the message he once received on his phone.

With each step, the sodden earth squelches beneath his sabatons. He pauses, lays shield and axe aside and scans the fields. In the distance, a family herds the goats, too far away to notice him.

Suddenly, a boy emerges from the path ahead. As the boy closes the gap, Maks sees the youth man of around 20 years old, he wears a simple tunic, cotton trousers, a small knife at his belt and carries a basket. The boy studies Maks with wide-eyed curiosity.

"Greetings, traveler", he says hesitantly. "You've stood motionless ever since I first spotted you. Need help?"

Maks lifts his visor and answers

"Hello. Yes, I could use some help. Idon't know where am I... or how I got here..."

"Will he think I'm insane?" Maks thinks in panic, while adjusting his helmet.

The boy nods, understanding.

"I come from the village Stone's Edge. Behind you are the ruins of the old fortress. I can lead you to the village, we have clean water in the well."

"Gladly. But wait-- aren't you even a bit surprised I'm completely lost?" Maks asks out of confusion.

"Not at all" the boy smiles. "You're likely a victim of the God Araketes. Legends say he can tamper with parts or even full memories of people. Ah... by the way, I'm Thomas"

Maks reflects

"Unfamiliar faith... Thomas sounds like west cultures. I shall keep in secret about Earth"

"I remember a lot except where and how I arrived here. They call me Max."

Than he continues into his thoughts

"If this truly is a Western culture, I should sign my name with an "x"... in case they don't recognise my version."

Together they head toward Stone's Edge.

About an hour later, Stone's Edge.

The village is small but diverse. Villagers practice various trades. Thatched cottages form a circle around a central square, from which three roads radiate. At the center stands a stone well, where women gather water and exchange gossip. Children play nearby. Suddenly, a loud clang echoes, a blacksmith's hammer. Max turns as he notices the sound at once.

Thomas realises the curiosity of Max:

"There's Saban the blacksmith" as he points the direction "He's skilled with armor. If you need repairs, he'll be glad to see some weaponry, as it's been a long while since he's seen such equipment"

Max quickly muses

"Saban... That's not a west name. It sounds Arabic. Maybe this world blends cultures? Trades here seem more varied than in medieval villages back home. Interesting..."

He approaches the smithy. The forge glows red-hot, a length of metal gleaming in the heat. Saban stands poised over his anvil, tools arrayed at his side. With a rhythmic whistle, the smith hammers the metal, then plunges it into water.

"What bring you here, stranger?" He asks in some kind of aggressive tone, setting down his hammer.

Max introduces briefly, then removes his armor and hands it over for inspection. During the examination, he notices his helmet's rear padding is now intact. Strange, but nothing surprises him anymore.

Blacksmith calming his tone slightly says:

"This metal is rare here, the one's been exhausted in empire" as Saban observes each part of armor. "It grants great strength and endurance in fight. I haven't seen such craftsmanship like this in ages. That's a very fine work. As thanks, to give me little joy by seeing that armory of yours, I'll pay you a lunch at Yaruka's place."

Max thinks:

"Now it is Yaruka? Sounds Asian. This world truly is a melting pot huh? Nonetheless I could use a good meal."

"Thank you, sir" as he replies.

Shortly after, in the village's inn.

They enter a small building with a few wooden tables. Yaruka greets them, a petite woman with warm eyes, a genuine smile, long red hair and striking yellow eyes. Saban shows a gesture to order 2 dishes. She heads to the kitchen knowing to prepare the dish of the day. The aroma of herbs and simmering broth fills the building, making Max's stomach growl.

Yaruka returns with two steaming bowls of soup.

"This is a specialty of today's menu of Erendor, enjoy your meal" - as she says while placing the bowls in front of the customers and goes back to counter.

"Erendor?" As Max asks the blacksmith.

"Yes, that's the empire which rules these lands"

Max leans over the bowl and breathes in the scent, he can sense the oregano and carrot. The soup seems to be rich in flavour and kind off hearty. Each spoonful seems to wash away his fatigue and hunger of today's small journey. When he finishes, he returns the bowl to the counter and thanks Yaruka, whom raises an eyebrow in surprise. Saban also shown a surprise look. Then Max walks to the outside but he could still hear the lady's comment.

"Not many behave like the old extinct knights these days, unlike the actors at the arena."

Max stands in front of the building and thinks

"Actors? So there are tournaments here, but staged? Chivalry, but extinct? Savoir-vivre no longer being a thing? On Earth, tournaments proved skill and risked bloodshed... not just theater. Not to mention the proper manners"

He noticed Thomas nearby and approaches him.

"How can I join one of these arena games?"

"You need the village or city council's approval. I can show you where it is here. Although it is getting dusk so you should do that tomorrow. If you need lodging, there's one offering near the smithy."

"Without payment? As you haven't mentioned the price."

"Yes, the owner never takes benefit from the travelers whom seek the place to sleep in."

Max arrives to the place and goes into his room. That night, as he lies down, Max plans his next day in thougths before falling asleep:

"Tomorrow, I'll go to the council, see what that 'arena' is. Maybe they'll let me enter one. Nonetheless I need civilian clothes, local currency and more information about this world. If this is the world meant for the rest of my life... then I'll find a place in it. On my terms."