"That depends on what Russia is like in your world, I suppose. I call it an alternate version because it's not what I'm familiar with. Back where I'm from, people usually refer to it as the Russian Empire―"

He took a step back, turning to motion at their dilapidated surroundings with a hand. The odd growling sound had yet to subside, and should the pair pay attention, they would likely realise it's coming from the boy's... Stomach.

How embarrassing.

"―and I've never heard of a Russian city named Nesreca before I was brought here..."

Gray eyes settled back on the new arrivals, sympathetic but also dead serious.

"...Like you."