Snoman, the ascetic facing the stone wall, turned his head and looked at Odys in some surprise. "You know of the great Sage?"
Beside him, Vice Admiral Iceberg instantly recalled what she and Odys had heard about the Sage in the War of the Gods Ruins.
Klein frowned. This was the first time he had heard of a being called the Sage.
Odys smiled. "Is it so strange that I know of him?"
Snoman turned fully around to face the fire and pointed at the man in asymmetrical clothing. "He says he's heard of the Sage in some stories."
Then he looked at the sleeping young man. "He's never even heard the Sage's name."
Edwina continued the introductions. "This is Mobet Zoroaster of the Solomon Empire, a gentleman who can take other people's ideals and dreams."
"No need to put it so delicately," Mobet said with a chuckle. "Hello. I'm a Dream Stealer."
He seemed easygoing. "Let me introduce our last companion. Longzel says he's from Backlund, but the Backlund he describes and the one I remember are completely different places.
"Longzel, wake up. We have new companions."
Longzel slowly woke and opened his eyes. After glancing at Odys and the others, he settled his gaze on Klein. "A Loenese?"
Odys's clothes blended Intis and Loen styles. Only Klein's clothing was distinctly Loenese.
Klein answered frankly, "Yes."
Longzel looked dazed for a moment, but quickly composed himself. "Do you know the Edward family in Backlund?"
"There are many Edwards in Backlund," Klein replied.
Longzel pressed him anxiously. "The Edwards who live... who live at 18 Drahair Street in the Northwest Borough."
Klein shook his head. "There's no Northwest Borough anymore."
"No Northwest Borough..." Longzel's voice faded. He sighed. "I don't know how many years have passed outside, but it must