Chapter 120 Cultural exchange (1/2)

There are so many things wrong with this situation. In my peripheral vision I can see humans pointing fingers, whispering fearfully in response to my intrusion. At the dais to the front of the chamber the impressively robed figure recovers from his shock and launches into what sounds like a truly impa.s.sioned diatribe, full of furious gestures. The man is practically screaming in his fervour, spittle flying from his lips as he exhorts the crowd.

The people are beginning to respond to him as well, turning to listen, the fear slowly dropping from their faces. Their expressions slowly changing from unease to a rapt attention and then to something I could say is religious ecstasy.

Meanwhile, all I can think about is that stupid statue.

How the heck did they get those features so perfect?!

It isn't even Ian McKellan dressed up as Gandalf, as he did for the Lord of the Rings movies. It's just Sir Ian, albeit with something of a beard. The statue depicts him standing, wizened eyes and lined face depicting both wisdom that comes with age and the warmth of a kind soul. His arms are outstretched, one reaching forward in invitation and the other held wide, as if gesturing to the wider world.

He is wearing robes, which clearly fits with the character, and upon the ropes there are hundreds of lines of text, carved so small and intricate that I can only imagine the effort that went into producing such a statue.

That is so weird. I'm aware that other people from my world have come to this one as monsters, is it possible that some have come as humans also? Perhaps one of them also recognised the voice as that of Gandalf and decided to jokingly use his image to found some sort of religion?

I mean, this is clearly a church of some kind, they even have the stained gla.s.s windows, through which I can see the faint rays of something I had barely experienced in this world, sunlight! The windows are incredible though, each depicting a different scene which I a.s.sume relates to their faith.

In one I can see miserable humans working and fighting. Next to that there is an image of Gandalf descending from above, words pouring from the cloth of his robe to fall upon a joyous populace. Next to that the window depicts dark creatures, monsters I presume, emerging from the ground where they are met in battle by powerful and st.u.r.dy looking humans, lines of text exploding from each battle like special effects.

Actually, looking closely I can see that words have been st.i.tched into the robes of the priest also, lines and lines of them in an impressive looking golden thread. I hadn't noticed at first but as the light s.h.i.+fts over his robe the texts glitters prettily.

They really go all out here in this church! Intricately carved statue, skilfully made stained gla.s.s, expensive robes and high vaulted ceiling. The full treatment!

”What is wrong?” I hear the Queen ask.

I must have been still for longer than I thought, causing the Queen to become concerned.

”We've reached the surface, which is good news! We are surrounded by humans though, which I'm not sure is ideal?” I respond.

The Queen thinks for a moment.

”What is a human?” she asks.

Err.

”A living creature… that isn't a monster?” I hazard.

”Hmmm” the Queen ponders.

”Can we eat them?” she eventually asks.

….

.....

Now that is a question. Regardless of whether or not I feel comfortable eating people, something which I am really not sure I want to make a call on in this moment, would they even give Bioma.s.s, seeing as they aren't monsters? Do they give experience for killing them?

I wonder how much…

No! Those are living breathing people Anthony! There are women and children in this crowd! Don't think about them as juicy sacks of experience!

Even if they think about you that way....

Wait.

Don't pursue that thought.

Shaking my head I try to focus on the humans whilst I formulate a reply to the patient Queen.

”I'm not sure if we can eat them or not. Wait down there with the family for a moment, I want to make sure we are safe”.

Hesitant to make any large movements I begin to slowly push myself further out of the hole I've dug into the floor.

It just so happens my movement seems to correspond with the crescendo of the priest's impa.s.sioned speech. The middle aged looking gentlemen has gone completely red in the face and he seems to be struggling for breathe as he continues to raise his volume somewhat beyond what I imaged was normal human capacity.