“I don’t know about this…” Benni whispered to Darcy. “We know nothing about this guy. For all we know, it’s a trick of some sort.”

“But, what choice do we have? We have to trust him.” Darcy replied quietly. “He might be our best shot at finding the professor.”

“So, what is your quest?” Jack asked. “It’s clear as day you aren’t from Akiyama. What country do you hail from?”

“We…” Darcy awkwardly looked at Benni, unsure how to respond.

No, wait! Let me guess!” Jack held up a hand. “Everyone knows the continent of Haruhi has only eight counties and we’re all that’s around on the earth since the forbidden lands are completely inaccessible.”

“Forbidden lands?” Benni asked.

“Yes, the forbidden lands. I personally doubt they even exist. Really, did you sleep during school, boy?” Jack said with annoyance.

“Maybe let’s not say where we’re really from.” Darcy whispered to Benni.

“Agreed.” Benni whispered back.

“Anyway, where was I?” Jack continued. “Well I can easily rule out Canterwood and Cloudside Rim as you are neither talking horses nor are you dragons. You don’t have alicorn companions so Arcana is out too.”

Benni and Darcy looked at each other in confusion as Jack circled them. He walked several circles around them before resuming his train of thought.

“You are obviously not elves so that rules out Silvenoak. Your clothes, while a little odd, are not the wildly colorful garb of the gypsies of Diamande. You are clearly overwhelmed so you might be from the micronation of Kahea. You do not have the bizarre mannerisms of the poor souls who live in the Empire of the Night. Therefore, in conclusion you must be from Kahea!” Jack concluded with a flourish of his arm.

“Well...” Benni began, hesitant to say anything.

“Oh, no need to tell me much about your tiny little micronation. I’m not at all interested in it. After all, Akiyama is far superior to that little place you call home. Now, what is it you’re here to do?” Jack said.

“We’re looking for someone,” Darcy began cautiously. “A woman named Professor Irene Summerset.”

“Irene Summerset!” Jack exclaimed. “Who hasn’t heard of Irene Summerset? She’s a legend, what with her traveling around to pretty much every single place on the continent. No one’s really sure where she came from, but she’s very knowledgeable.”

“Have you met her?” Darcy asked, excitement coloring her tone.

“I have not, however I can take you to meet some mages that say they’ve traveled with her.” Jack said “I heard a rumor from another bard about them. And in matters of bards and mages, I am an expert.”