Chapter 3 - Part 6 (Book 1 - Fantasy World)

"Monsters and demons?" Han asked, intrigued.

"Yes, my Lord," Elis answered, an eyebrow twitching slightly.

“Where do the monsters and demons come from?” Han probed further.

The question was whether there was a demon realm or portal that allowed such creatures to invade this world. Han contained his excitement until his questions were answered.

Hearing the conversation, Tom regained himself and looked at Han.

Elis looked at Tom before telling Han, “My Lord, no one knows where such beings originate. There are some theories, but no proof exists to support them.” She slowly walked Han through what would be commonly known by the masses.

Tom nodded his head in agreement.

"Yes, my Lord. Periodically, the Adventurer Guild will set up expeditions and have adventurers go out to discover the source, but one has yet to be found. This caused many to think it's just a natural phenomenon, like rain or snow." Tom said.

Han raised a hand to the two, needing time to digest what learned.

"I'm curious how I can use this information to my benefit. The question is how serious such creatures are. Are Elis and Tom making a simple matter larger than it is due to the technological knowledge of this world -- or is it actually a grave matter." Han mused.

The problem was that Han came from a highly developed world. His views on what would be considered catastrophic would be materially different than someone in the current fantasy world.

Han looked to Queen.

“I want you to take your shadow assassins and have them search throughout this kingdom to determine if there’s a pattern to the demons and monster sightings." Glancing at Elis and Tom's family, "Also, have them look into the various villages and towns, along with the capital, to see if there is anything that should concern us.”

Without using his abilities, there was too little information about the world and its mechanics.

Han telepathically told Queen, thinking of something, "While gathering information about this world, keep tabs on various powers in case there are chances to create mischief. These rulers and nobles likely think they are untouchable, so it would be fun to knock them down a peg or two."

Han mentally smirked at the thought of the nobility.

“Master, by your will.” Queen bowed.

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The journey towards Leaf Village continued smoothly.

Most of the time was spent chatting about minor things, such as life in the kingdom and daily life.

Han took the opportunity to learn more about the world, asking Tom's family and Elis for information that typically would be common sense.

Tom and Molly were bewildered by the inquiry. But it didn't take them long to adapt -- likely thinking Han was an eccentric noble.

Since Han was ignorant in many areas, he was glad they didn't delve too deep.

"They do suspect something," Han smiled to himself.

Han did want to maintain some anonymity, but he did enjoy how others reacted to his wealth and powers.

"I just have to make sure not to abuse it too much," Han didn't want to ruin his fun at the moment.

Looking out the window, Han could see the sun readying to relinquish its control to the night, signaling how much time had flown by.

As if waiting for a lull, Andrea reported, “Master, we are approaching the village. There appears to be some form of security at the entrance. How would you like for me to proceed?”

Han thought back to what Elis and Tom had told him regarding the monsters and demonic activity. With this knowledge, he suspected that the security was related to purely protection against the eldritch threats.

Mentally shrugging, “Just explain we are simple travelers and see entry into the village. If they need some money for a fee, just alert me, and I will provide it."

Han glanced at Helania, Queen, and Brittany before saying to Andrea, "Remember, we are not here to lay waste to this village. Mind your manners.”

Disconnecting from Andrea, Han smiled at Elis and the family. “Well, it appears that we are nearing Leaf Village. Where do you normally stay in this village when you visit for business?” He asked Tom.

“My Lord, we normally stay at the inn, conveniently located near the entrance. They have a variety of rooms available to meet the needs of the different types of clients visiting the village for business purposes."

Seeming to remember something, Tom added, "The innkeeper is an honorable person. My Lord, you do not need to be concerned about your privacy being violated."

Han sensed the carriage slowing down.

Taking a moment, Han observed Andrea interact with the Guards.

The guards bowed and motioned for Andrea to proceed into the village.

"The father said the inn should be near the entrance. We'll be going there." Han ordered.

After directing Andrea, Han contemplated what to do next. He wondered if he should continue toward the capital. Still, another part wanted to continue traveling with Tom and his family.

There would be plenty of time to explore the world.

"But at the capital, they have the Adventurer's Guild. It could be interesting to try my hand at being an adventurer." Han smiled at the thought.

The carriage door opened.

“Master, we have arrived at your destination," Andrea said.

Elis and the family looked to Han.

"I'm sure that all of you are tired, so let us proceed into the inn," Han stood up.

After Han got up, the rest of them followed his movement.

One of the maids provided a bag to Samantha and Jake.

By their expression, Han guessed it was more of the desserts they had enjoyed. He nodded approvingly at the maid's decision.

Receiving approval from her Master, the maid blushed. When she returned to where the other maids were, a few whispered congratulatory words.

Han noticed Brittany staring at the maid.

"Brittany is doing a fine job with her subordinates," Han thought to himself -- noting that he should reward her later.