even gods are prey.

"I couldn't tell you exactly what's amiss- it's like a hidden instinct. The air felt it was not as it should be." What did Ink call it? Literal vibe check? Just random gut feelings that things were off and he needed to do something? His magic had always been sensitive like that.

A offers a polite smile, really just relieved the two of them have gotten onto common ground. Dream always aimed to get along with anyone he could. "Well, what is this place for starters? I've never seen this place before. I've explored worlds quite a plenty just none like this."

The answer for that was likely that he hadn't crossed this part of the multiverse....the double-edged sword of it being so....vast.

His expression shifts to more just general curiosity, "And if I may....I would like to know more about you. You seem to know who I am and forgive my ignorance, but I really can't say the same."

Does he feel... guilty for not knowing more? In a way, it seems Dream has accepted this clearly, someone important and should know more about it.

"Hn." The devourer gave the other a few subtle whiffs, but smelt no reason to distrust his words. He left it off with a nod and not much more.

He answers each question in order, far more patient than he was a few moments ago.

"This... universe? Is what some outlanders call, 'Underdevour'." He air quotes, "We are currently just beyond the borders of Rumahular Forest— though that likely means nothing to you so I will stop there." No point in naming the continent or where exactly they were on the planet. What use was it to someone so clealry unfamiliar with the realm in it's entirety?

Smelling guilt, Eradic sighs. "It is to be expected. I avoid leaving my realm unless necessary. The more people know my name, the more dangers I have to consider. It's a headache I wish to avoid." He tells Dream, in a way, reassuring the other that it was not his fault for not knowing. The guilt was a delectable smell, but he'd rather not end up hangry and nipping at the currently ignorant guardian out of impulse.

"I have told you my name and title. I am not much more than that; overseer of this land." He hums, knowing better than to tell the other of his kind. Best case scenario, he's seen as an overly egotistical king with a God complex. Worst case? Another fight he has to clean up.

"I suppose I was once convinced I was a Guardian of some kind. Not of anything that concerns the balance of the world, like you." The devourer gestures towards the guardian. "Just my birthplace. It is, after all, one of the few things that stayed... consistent." The land never betrayed him. He's only here because the land existed and sheltered him. His home, his territory- his, his, his. Building an empire was just an easier way to ensure he held claim and control over it.

At the concern of a certain blob of (delicious) tendrils, Eradic scoffs and shakes his head. "If your brother were to even brush up against my realm, I would know. You guardians are very difficult to ignore. Disruptive, even." And the universe is far too cruel to deliver a full-course meal to his doorstep, so there was also that. "If he were here for even a moment, I would have greeted you with a stack of complaints."

He rarely ever held conversations with those he sees as prey, so he found it difficult to understand the rift between the guardians. Especially since his own brother...

A pang of sadness shot through Eradic, but he quickly represses the thought. He turns towards Dream, eyes sharp as always, "Does that assure you? Or would you like to check? Hn?" He'll humor the other so long as Dream remained easy to work with.

There was a moment in which their only reply was an inquiring hum. They looked to the side in thought. “Magic really isn't the norm where I'm from. Among humans, anyway. So I'd rather not draw any unwanted attention to myself.”

"It would make sense if your world is one dominated by humans. There tends to be less magical individuals within humankind compared to monsterkind." He hummed back.

Upon reaching the town, Eradic fell silent and walked with his head held up. He seemed to be glaring at anyone daring to block his path or come close.

He only spoke once more when they reached a cozy-looking building, with a white fox monster settled behind a receptionist's desk.

"We're at the inn." He tells them, walking up to the desk and looking down at the fox monster, who smiled warmly up at him. They said nothing, dropping a set of keys and waving towards Bedeku before leaning back and watching the front door. Eradic walks back over to the human and gestures for them to hold their hand out so he could drop the keys in.

"Your room is on the third floor. Stairs are that way. Just find the matching symbol on the key and slot it into the hole." He tells them. "If you're hungry, come down here and talk to the receptionist there," he points at the white fox, "their name is Sage, and they're my... acquaintance."

"Friend." The fox hums, voice sweet.

Eradic sighs, "don't test it, Sage."

“I've just been... doing what feels natural. What little I know, I taught myself. I've never exactly had anyone explain these things to me.”

It was admittedly refreshing to get to speak about the topic with someone. Usually they just kept these things to themself, given how... magic wasn't the norm with humans nowadays.

They gazed up at Eradic, nearly staring for a moment. His offer to help them get back seemed to have caught them off guard.

“I... suppose I should try that.” They wouldn't mention their headaches whenever they strained with their magic for long. Or the possible nosebleeds...

"Hm. The fact you could even manifest it is a feat on it's own, with that in mind." Or perhaps magic functioned differently in other worlds. Here, there was a night chance of never finding it, or expelling too much. "Here, magic is both common and uncommon. Nearly everyone has potential, but very few are able to control it. It is like telling your heart to beat, manually." Difficult.

He scoffd at the statement, "It will be an inconvenience nonetheless, but you are welcome. It has been a while since I gotten to play with multiversal travel. It would be a good refresher."

He turns his head up. The gates of the town greet them both.

"We're here." Eradic looks towards Bedeku, "don't stare too much at the people here. You can do that, yes?"

They can't really help the sigh of relief that leaves them upon being put down. Given their circumstances, they figured it would be better to listen for now.

“... Noted.” They ran a hand through their hair in a bit if an anxious manner, while doing their best to keep up with his strolls.

“Well, yeah, I do. It was a, uh...” They look down to their hand. “... A mishap, I suppose.” They snap their fingers for emphasis, a small spark of red magic showing. “I haven't got the... best hold of my abilities.”

They seem to hesitate, not wanting to appear too incompetent, especially since they had wanted it to appear like they could handle themself only a moment prior.

Eradic hums, seeming quite interested the moment the magic came into existence. "A human sorcerer? Uncommon around these parts. Explains why you were so noticable." He nodded his head, seeming facinated.

"How are you practicing and manifesting your magic?" The devourer asks, a curious glimmer in his eyes which matched a scientist more than a ruler. "It should not be difficult to get you home if you have adequate control over it. Just some tracing and location control... even just the former would be enough. I could send you back after."

The initial aggression seemed to have disappeared in an instant- at least, for the moment.