NOCTIS

  Staring at the clouds, I woke up, the wind not to be found, birds chirping and the whistle of the wild chick beasts. A peachy and sweet smell came from my side, where I found strands of blue that reminded me of grass fields of the elven forests.

  The Hero, who was just a young woman, snored, her drool coming as a small string. I turned and wondered how her hair would smell nice but snore like a mana beast. Lifting myself, I found two little girls hugging my coat and the other my arm.

  Standing, I looked through the small hole that was in the cathedral, checking for any signs of people. Luckily, no one was in sight. The young girl along the twins woke up a bit after. Her lilac eyes stared first at me, then touched her lip. There, she panicked and wiped her mouth. She gave a clumsy smile.

  “M-morning.” She said as she sat straight. “Good morning, get packing, we’re leaving.” She tilted her head, looking at me confused. “Already? I just woke up.” Giving her a glare, she lifted placating hands. “Alright, don’t get grumpy.”

  As she lifted herself, she put her boots on, along taking some of the sheets in the little bag where they came from. I turned and walked towards the two girls who were still asleep. Gently tugging on one, she opened her eyes and by reflex grabbed my arm and hissed. As she took a better look at me, she calmed down. I smiled gently, though it may have been only to sooth her anxiety, it worked.

  She grabbed her sister and pulled on her ear. The other girl hissed and looked at me, blushing and hiding her face behind the arm of her sister. Mi and Ama both stared at me intently and I summoned some robes. Though they were my size, I began to cut them and used some of the clippers to put them together.

  “Put these on, it’s very cold.” Mi took the robes, and began to dress her sister with one, along putting on the small sock-like pieces that will work as boots. They both put on the buttons and looked at me.

  Though they were wearing suits of fur, it was enough to cover them from the zero-degree weather out there. Bon-Bon took a look at them and nodded.

  “That seems to do the trick.” She gave the thumbs up to both girls, who stared weirdly and tried to imitate her.

  “Do the trick.” Mi said as a whisper. The two girls began to hold hands, along Bon-Bon standing from one side. Letting the spell be released, I opened the doors, where the chill made the two girls squint their eyes.

  Stepping outside, I checked if the clothes I gave them would work, and it did. They didn’t show any discomfort or shivers. Letting a sigh in my mind, I began to walk. The freezing weather tried to bite my skin, yet this wasn’t a problem.

  The forest and ruins covered in white, the snow crunching beneath our feet, enough to make our boots fall an inch or two in. The forest was dry; the leaves made of ice and the whistles of the chick beasts sounding around.

  “From what I heard last night, how did you know the name of the Tokyo Hero that leads the war?” Bon-Bon asked me. Her eyes were gleaming with curiosity but mine with no light at all. “Who doesn’t know who Great One is. He is the who began the war and killed two races that were disciples of the Primordials.”

  “Oh.” She uttered as she squinted her eyes. “So, he’s known only for that.” She said.

  “He was once a great man, a man with the purpose to protect his classmates, and along that, the world who welcomed him with open arms.” Bon-Bon looked at me with a strange expression. “Great One, was that his title?” She asked me.

  “Yeah, one of the many he obtained.” Taking while checking the route. The path had been covered in snow by the storm; the tracks of the dirt being hidden.

  “Do you have a title?” Her eyes gave away her curiosity. “No, I haven’t had a title since I came here.” The snow crunching resounded more and more, making it known that we’ll reach the side of the mountain. As the trees began to be far more separate from each other, the view of a dozen mountains could be seen and all bathed in snow, the white expanding far as the eye can see.

  “Woah, never thought I’d see something like this before.” Her eyes sparkled with awe. The view showed a river cross the few mountains in front, disappearing from behind them. “It’s beautiful.” She said softly.

  Walking down the side, we could see a few beasts eating plants and berries. Others passed by in small groups as to find shelter. Ones resembled deer, having two tails and horns resembling branches of trees. Their fur camouflaged with the snow as they passed, each having amber eyes. Others looked like chicken that stood around half the height of the twins. The small horns coming out below their beaks. Along a sharp claw protruding from their legs which they used to protect themselves with.

  Some small animals had strange big eyes and two ears sticking besides its head as almost resembling elf ears, along a bunny tail and legs. The ears acted individually, checking for sounds or predators.

  The smell of the berries fell in my nose as they reminded me of cherries. Bon-Bon looked around the trees, watching each animal and even river that flowed, the sound of water passing by, being soothing to hear.

  The twins began to get close to the river, yet they looked like they were checking for something in. A few fish splashed and one squirted some water onto the face of Ama. She jumped and came to me about to burst in tears. I lifted my hand and wiped her face, the water being cold as her nose began to turn red.

  “Be careful, going near the river is dangerous and you should be wary of the fish that jump.” I said softly. Her cheeks began to lose the redness as she was able to cover her face with the hood.

  The river was similar to a highway, long and even wide. The cold winds were still blowing, the snow becoming more solid from the water that dripped near and making ice.

  Much of the walk was silent, yet some horns could be heard a bit, which I began to look discretely to prevent the girls from getting scared.

  The horns stopped eventually, and when I looked where the horns came from, I understood something. They were the military of one of the kingdoms. The sudden silence came to take the surroundings.

  They must’ve learned about the Gray Scales. We walked a bit further, reaching the forest of another mountain, one that was known to be quite large and almost impossible to travel through. If what I think is correct, the soldiers will never head towards this side to prevent any casualties on their side.

  Though I think they may be the Joyce forces, I won’t take risk in believing it completely. Walking closer, the twins stopped, their heads turning to look the river and towards where I stood.

  Without them even being able to react, I grabbed their hands and pulled them in. As we walked inside the forest of black trees, mana was cut off completely in the area. They all noticed it and turned to look at me in horror.

  “What’s happening?” Bon-Bon asked me as her eyes glowed. “This is the way to reach the other side before nightfall. If we followed the river, you’ll only have to be turning a whole circle and never reaching the end of the other side.”

  She scoffed. “How can you tell?” She asked as she looked back where we were. “Because I had been wandering in this forest for the past century.” She stopped her pace then nodded.

  “Point taken.” We began to walk once again, her pace the same as mine, the little girls now holding onto my cloak. Taking their hands, we walked in the forest, in which was surprising for them to see it filled with mana beasts and even some other little creatures.

  The snow barely touched the forest, yet a creeping calmness came over. Mana wasn’t as dense here, I could even see the little to none particles of mana that drifted in the air. The twins held tight to my hands, along Bon-Bon staying right behind me. The ominous forest kept close, as if it were watching us. What I knew from my experience, the air in this forest was already heavy, making anyone come inside to be at full alert.

  But that’s not the only thing that could create tension, as the beasts and animals around us are as well in here to hide from the threats outside. This was a very known safe place for preys and beasts that wished for a pause in the dangers of the wilderness. But for humans and others as them, it could be quite difficult to hide in here.

  Taking an hour now, I can tell Ama is getting more scared. “Bob-Bon, we should rest for a minute.” She was staring out but reacted the moment she heard my voice. She was getting affected by it as well. Mi and I haven’t felt anything, which is surprising as Mi was the same age as Ama. I began to start to form a bubble of mana in my palm, in which I gestured Ama to come to me.

  Her eyes showed fear, yet Mi brought her. As I placed the bubble of mana on her head, I began to push some of my own Cosmic energy —a small hint of it— in which she took a deep breath and looked at me. She faintly smiled and looked more relaxed.

  “What did you just do?” Bon-Bon asked me. “As you can tell, mana isn’t very much capable of being produced in this forest. Just like when you lost connection to your circuits, living beings like us can’t handle the pressure of knowing or feeling we don’t have mana.”

  She took a sniff, then licked her finger, her eyes glowed and she nodded. “Oh. That makes sense now.” She said as she began to make a seat of ice.

  “How come you’re not affected by such tense lack of mana?” She asked as she took a seat. “I spent some time without it.”

  My answer seemed to not satisfy her curiosity. “Oh, and how was that?” She asked. She was quite straightforward with wanting to know. I ignored her.

  She lifted a brow then just scoffed. “When Ama feels better, we’ll begin to move again.”

  “C’mon, you didn’t answer my question Noctis.”

  She stared at me, her gaze intense as if she were ready to interrogate me. I just sighed.

  “Back when I was one of the few surviving the war, I was left and had not been able to use mana for a while. Someone did a similar thing like they did to you.” My hands clenched and relaxed, repeating slowly.

  “So, a Hero?” I shook my head, then looked at her. “A Behemoth.”

  She tilted her head, then was about to open her mouth, until I lifted my hand. “You could say they are aliens on a different planet, they’re similar to Heroes yet they’re not.”

  “I see.” She said, this time unable to say something after that. “Are there beings similar to us? Probably the same planet?”

  I shrugged. “Who knows. We were brought from Earth, there must be other living beings that are the same as humans, don’t you think?”

  “Yeah, but how can that be possible?”

  “Why not?” She stared down at the snowy ground, thinking or probably progressing more of what is true or not.

  “You really can’t deny the fact that there is a world in a universe or dimension somewhere that has been living without us knowing. This world is proof that anything is possible. Conspiracy or not, you’re living it right now.”

  She stared blankly. I almost let out a chuckle as she looks the same as when she was snoring. “I think that’s enough resting.” I said as I lifted myself. “Let’s go. The more we hurry the faster we’ll reach the end of this forest.”

  II

  BON-BON

  Staring at him holding the hands of the two hands of the twins. He looked like a father, one that was cold outside, which hides his kindness.

  I slapped my cheeks. Calm down delusions.

  “We are almost approaching the refuge house.” He said as he patted Ama’s head. She seemed to enjoy his patting as she smiled ear to ear.

  “What is a refuge house?” I asked him. “It’s where people would stay when the war was going on. It’s as well a memorial place for villagers. Though they haven’t touched the memorial over 200 years.”

  Memorials, such as the same one in the undersea HQ. “Like a statue?”

  He nodded. “Yes, in Cypher they like to leave a memorial for almost all those who have passed or have done something that did something honorable.”

  He took a few steps before a concrete ground was shown, a dark grey that wasn’t covered in snow. Above us, there was a ceiling. I couldn’t see it at first by the thick trees, pillars, seven that were shown to have words.

  “Woah, this is the memorial?” I asked as I touched the pillar that was close to us. The System translated the word, Bennet. Along his name, there was a number. 9 years old.

  I felt sad suddenly. “Seems you noticed.” He said as he patted the girls from the snow on their legs. “Why did you bring us here?” I asked him. “To rest for a minute. Ama needs to be given a pulse of mana.”

  Ama went close to Noctis, along placing his hand on her chest, the echoes of mana. She took a breath and sighed. “This is the memorial you were talking about? It’s big.” I said.

  “This is a very known memorial built by people of the Diaz Kingdom, which was where most of the children came from”

  He gave Ama some mana, her breathing being calmer again. He patted her head, her expression being of joy and appreciation.

  “Diaz, is that the kingdom with demons?” I asked. I read some of the kingdoms, some of them were really pretty from what I saw in the books and videos.

  “Yes, these children were demons as well.” Unlike demons in our world that are portrayed as evil and cruel, these were nothing like them. They are intelligent beings that are of the same branch of humans and the beast-kin.

  “So, what happened?” He stayed silent for a moment. “It was on the 12th war between Heroes and Behemoths. Seven children got left behind as the battle between a Hero and two Behemoths were destroying and forming mountains. Through that time, the children were dying by the cold and the quakes of the battle.”

  The twins and I stayed silent, his voice narrating the events of the seven children stranded in the mana-less woods. “The first child to go was only six months old, the little brother of the eldest, Bennet.”

  I stared at the cemented pillars, each with a name and the age they had. Benny, six months old. “Ones died of starvation, another from eating poisonous berries and another being swallowed by the earth that quaked by the battle.”

  He began to summon water, dripping it on some flowers of blue and purple color. The flowers shivered at the touch of water, lifting with life. “The last one, Bennet, died from hunger and dehydration, he gave all the others the portions of his food, along have buried them where the pillars stand. His last steps were where his pillar is.”

  The pillars though they were in a round formation, each was close and others far. Bennet’s pillar was too far from the others. That may explain why the structure was all misshaped. It wasn’t because of time but because how they were buried.

  “That’s horrible.” I said while covering my mouth. “That was war brings. Nothing but disaster.” The flowers bloomed as opened, each one dancing as if moved by the wind.

  “Yeah, you may be right.”

  “But that’s what surprises me of these people, they don’t hold onto hate, nor do they blame others, they will always move one and strive to become a better world.” Noctis turned to touch the pillar with the name Benny, along him showing a small bow of his head.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  “Do you think our people aren’t like that?” He turned; a very empty pair of eyes stared right at me. “I may not know your experience but from the time I come from, everyone is divided, the world was more about division and self importance. Though that is alright to a degree, pushing each other didn’t help the world much.”

  He tapped the pillar gently and sat near the edge where we could see the trees outlined. “But at last, this world is something similar to breathing fresh air, I never get tired of it.”

  His genuine response told me he wasn’t a person who lived a peaceful life back on Earth. Yet, he didn’t seem like a dangerous man, I think.

  Ama and Mi went to sit next to him, he patted each one, his eyes started having that light blue once more. “Well, I can’t argue with you about that. Master Grey and the others were very welcoming.”

  His eyes turned to me, then they turned back to the ground. “Master Grey, she is still the bright teacher huh?” He asked to himself.

  “But I have people who are back on Earth, I want to be back with them.” I said. My fingers locked between each other. “I see. You’ll make it, I guarantee it.”

  I stared at the mysterious boy, one who I just barely met, and could understand that he was already settled his mind in what he wants to do. It felt as if he was old, old like a grandpa, yet his young face told me he was still the same teen that came into this world.

  “We should head out, we will manage getting to the end of the forest.” He said as he patted some snow off Ama’s coat.

  Taking a small path that went to the other side, I saw how some of the mountains somehow moved. It was strange. It was scary and some part of me told me to ignore it, yet my mind kept that in my thoughts.

  “You seem to have noticed.” He said. He looked at the mountains, sliding his fingers into an X shape. “The mana-less forest and mana outside are distorting like water. Because of that, the mountains seem as if they were there, when in fact they were closer than you can imagine.”

  I rubbed my eyes, dizziness over how mana and magic worked. “So we are already this far ahead?” He nodded. It may seem that we walked for a few minutes, but in reality we were already walking for hours. Mi and Ama seemed to be a bit exhausted, to which Noctis walked slower.

  As the next turn came, I began to see particles, the presence of mana began to appear again. Ama took a deep breath and sighed in relief. Was it really that quick to leave that place?

  Taking the path further ahead, I could see a path made of black dirt. That black dirt seemed to show a long road to what appeared to be a giant wall. With my sight, I could tell the wall was made of concrete and marble, the beautiful white marble with a hint of yellow that shined like gold in wave patterns were put together with green concrete. And on the near right, I saw what seemed to be a pair of giant white doors with two letters.

  Though these letters are of a Cypherling language, I could read them. The two letters were “South” and “Gate”.

  “Prynia.” Mi said. I turned to look at Noctis. “That is Prynia. We will be able to reach it by the end of the day.”

  I was surprised to see it was similar to a normal medieval kingdom. Well from what I could see. “Prynia. Is that the name of the ruler or…”

  “No, it’s the name of a spirit that gave the people water in the first war. Prynia means pretty doll, though many changed it to precious girl. The people loved her and named the kingdom by her.”

  Walking through the snow hill, we found a small river pass by, in which small seven fin fish swam by. “They look so similar to the ones on Earth.” I said as I took a closer look. “Jul’Va. They are the koi fish of this world. Their fins are very strong and can swim up waterfalls and even can use them as a defense as they’re strong enough to slap a regular person’s jaw out of place.”

  I gulped. Good thing I’m not a regular person. “Are they edible?” He looked at me with a disappointed expression, then nodded. “Though I think you should leave them be, they are somewhat a very valued species to the people.”

  I chuckled awkwardly and began to walk. As we took the small passage to head to the other side of the river, I found a trail that was black, on which we followed.

  The path managed to link with the one we saw from afar. Before I could walk, I saw Noctis lift Ama, holding her like a child and hold the hand of Mi.

  As we took the path, I realized how big it was. It was wide enough to be a highway. “Quite big.” I said. He nodded. “That’s because it leads to the Prynia Kingdom. There are others that are less big and longer that crosses through the main parts of the mountains. Though it will take months to reach walking.”

  I chuckled. He probably already had taken those many years to walk all those paths. “How long would it take to reach Joyce walking?”

  He stayed quiet for a minute. “Cypher is twice if not three times bigger than Earth, along having more earth to walk on and having quite the mountains and desserts. I can’t really say how long, but I guess around one year and a couple months.”

  I let my jaw loose, which he stared at me with a nonchalant expression. “What?!” I walked hurriedly to him. “You mean it will take us that long to reach it?!”

  He shook his head. “I plan on taking the paths that one of my connections knows and will help us take a huge amount of time from walking.”

  I let go of his shoulder. “Oh.”

  He sighed. “It’ll be easier to reach Joyce in taking those paths. It will help us reach one of the kingdoms that has transportation and reach the main kingdom faster.”

  I looked at Noctis with a different tone. He was already steps ahead. Thinking we would walk all the way, he knew what to do from the start. I guess I judged to quickly.

  The walk was rather quick as Ama was resting in the arms of Noctis, Mi showing no sign of slowing down and seemed happy to hold on to Noctis’ hand.

  As we head a bit farther, I saw the wall, and from where I stood, they were already looking massive. It was impressive each brick made of marble was cleanly rectangular and was around eight feet tall each with a width of twelve feet. Massive for an ordinary human to lift and put.

  “How can those bricks be moved? I haven’t seen any machinery around.” I said. Noctis had his deadpan expression as always, then he tilted his head. “Magic?” I stare at him deadpan and paused.

  “I know that was a dumb question, but you gotta at least have asked yourself the first time you saw their architecture.”

  Noctis walked without saying a word for a second, then just shrugged. “Well can’t deny that. It does seem similar to that of Greek or Roman architecture. But they have had their ways of working. Like the machinery in the past centuries has evolved rapidly to the point it is fueled by mana and doesn’t destroy the environment at all.”

  “I see. Then you mean they have advanced so much to create these things?” As we went closer, I could see a few people already at the gate.

  “Yes. They started the moment their civilization began to build itself again. Grew to create technology that would later mix with the ideas of Heroes of Earth.”

  I began to understand. As we reached the line of people, many stared at Noctis. Some ladies even patted down off some dust from their traveling robes. Some even covered their faces, but I could hear their hearts, such a rapid beat.

  A few feet ahead, there was a carriage that had no animals or beasts moving it. It was as if being functional by an engine. It was strange as it was only on two wheels.

  Noctis was shown to be the main reason the people would gaze at us. But why would they look only at him?

  Is he a criminal? No. That can’t be the case, they stare at him with awe and mystery. Each person just took a glimpse or two. But then as they did, they would notice his eyes.

  Though startled, they began to seem more curious. Then I saw how some of them began to whisper, though it wasn’t as to his appearance, but to something else.

  The whispers stopped as Noctis turned to smile at them and did a curtsy nod, in which they did the same. Then a young man in a uniform seemed to approach us. “Black hair? Quite rare to see in a lifetime.”

  Noctis stayed quiet and began to tilt his head. “I’ve heard that once or twice.” He said, his voice rather soft and polite. “Yes, black hair is truly rare like the blue stars in the sky.” Noctis nodded.

  “I must say that is very true.” Noctis walked a few steps as the line moved forward. There, a few guards in uniform and armor stood. They were dressed in green painted armor far different from that of Joyce soldiers. These wore a helmet that had the sides as waves curved. The helmet had a visor made of a mirror like glass and along their body, a chest plate, gauntlets and leg armor held together with a black suit underneath.

  It seemed as if the armor was futuristic. Their weapons were strange spears with a strange sphere near the blade, in which it hummed with a beautiful yellow color.

  “Have you come to Prynia for refuge?” The young man asked Noctis. “No, I have a commission from this young lady.” The boy opened his mouth and nodded. “Oh, I see. She must be a noble if it’s a commission.”

  Noctis nodded. “Something like that.” The boy then didn’t try to take more information. “Has everyone been ordered to take refuge?” Noctis asked.

  “Yes. The new Heroes seem to have taken in account that the Usurpers have plot to attack from the back door of the kingdoms.” Noctis seemed interested.

  “Have they already struck?” The boy nodded. “Yes, Gran’Dal was attacked a couple weeks ago. And I heard that some troops of her highness of Gran’Diosa. A few battleships of the Usurpers have been taken down.”

  Noctis took a second to think. “Was it all a test by them?” The boy shook his head. “They had intention of taking down the ships of Gran’Dal in which they did succeed, however her highness was very smart in baiting them.”

  I was confused. ‘Her highness’ was a term for the king and queen was it not? “The war began and in a rough start.” Noctis said. The boy nodded. “Yes, apparently…” the boy got closer. “The Heroes shall begin to strike the usurpers tomorrow, and they will probably reinforce the wall.”

  My ears heard something that scared me. What are they planning? Are they insane?

  “That seems quite bold of them.” Noctis said. His eyes told me he was trying to find the reason. “But they are Heroes. As long they work together, anything is possible. I was heading to Prynia to pray for them.”

  The young man seemed sincere, his hand placed on his chest. “That’s very nice of you.” Noctis said. His dry responses weren’t heartless, yet the boy didn’t feel uncomfortable, in fact he was shown to keep up the chat.

  The walls began to tower over us, in which I just stared at them for a good while, the doors open and with a small bridge that seemed to be made of pure steel.

  Noctis looked around, in which I did the same. Up on the wall, I saw a few soldiers similar to the ones on the side of the path to the gates.

  “Is it always guarded this tight?” Noctis asked. “No, it all began a few days ago by the announcement of the approaching war to come. If history taught us anything, it's best to fortify and protect as many as possible.”

  “Yes. It’s very important to keep everyone safe.” The boy nodded to Noctis.

  As the line got closer, the boy was approached by some older girl and boy who had pale blonde hair and orange brown hair.

  “Hey Jul, we are about to reach the gates. Do you have your papers?” The girl asked the boy who is named Jul.

  Jul took out a card that seemed to be made of metal. Then, along that, a thin stick made of what appeared to be wood fell from his hand.

  Noctis used what I could tell was his Etheric Sovereignty. The three youths stared at Noctis lifting it and handing it to Jul.

  “Thanks.” He said as he grabbed the stick. “No problem.” He said as a booming female voice was heard.

  “Next!” It was our turn. Noctis took a small nod and headed towards the small booth. The booth was rather big, fitting six people inside, each with a desk and a strange machine on the left side of the desks.

  On each desk sat an elf. Their ears sticked out two inches from their heads and each one had beautiful pale milky hair that had some golden and green threads of hair. They each had different shades of blue eyes.

  “Greetings. Prynia welcomes you travelers. May I see identification?” Noctis took out what appeared to be a card similar to that of Jul, but his was a black color. The runes a silver color and with it, he took out a dagger which was made of glass.

  The elf looked down at the two items, her eyes widening. “An Obsidian level adventurer. And a honor item.” She stared quietly. The other elves took a peek and stared with amazement.

  “A sir, are you a Hero by chance?” He nodded nonchalantly.

  “I would like to inform the guild master of Prynia of an important matter.” She nodded aggressively and turned to an elf behind her. “Please inform one of the captains of the arrival of a Hero.”

  “Hey, what’s going on?” I asked Noctis but he ignored me. We stayed there for a minute before another elf came. He was dressed differently from the soldiers and attendants.

  “Greetings Hero.” He saluted with his hand to the heart and bowing deeply. He was handed the two items. In which he placed on a small round object similar to a wireless charger of my world. It showed a hologram with runes that read his name, rank and list of missions made. It was quite a while as the elf as well read nonstop for a few minutes.

  The dagger was unsheathed, the blade made of what appeared to be a pure black rock. It was sharp, and on the blade runes in gold were carved. He sheathed it and held the items on his left hand.

  “Please follow me, Hero Noctis.” The attendants saluted Noctis, and we entered the gates.

  III

  The gates led to the entrance of Prynia. Two small buildings with a long pole that had a flag on it stood on each side of the entrance. The flag —having the shape of a two triangles attached by thread had yellow and green with a fairy with a crown sitting on the green piece— was flapping hard in the cold wind.

  “Hero Noctis, I shall take you directly to our guild master, please follow me.” The young elf said. I held onto his arm, Mi holding his other hand and Toby on top of his head. Ama was sleeping a bit more as she was clueless about her surroundings in his arms.

  Noctis and I followed the young elf to where wagons were parked in a line. There was still no building near by, but I could see some that were formed as a second wall. They seemed similar to apartment complexes, mostly the windows in zigzag formation.

  “We shall ride to the guild hall. Please.” The young elf said as he gestured for Noctis. Noctis grabbed my hand and led me in the wagon first. As I did, Noctis and the elf followed, and I could hear a faint hum.

  The hum fainted away, and the wagon began to move. From the view, the second wall made of buildings led to the true city. Prynia, filled with gardens on the sides and a wide path for carriages and wagons. The sides showed elves, some humans and even demons.

  They wore clothes made of cotton; some silk and most had a beautiful robe that covered them from the winter breeze. The entire structure of the buildings was made of pure rocks and stone. These were beautiful as they seemed to form a straight y line towards a building that is tall.

  The tall building made of what appeared to be pure stone was four stories high, along the sides, giant pillars shaped as fairies held lanterns that glowed with a beautiful yellow light.

  The wings of the fairies had shown to radiate sparkles almost like firefly lights, along where they kneel, a small sidewalk was shown to keep shelter if any case it rained.

  Along the road to the fairies, a small river passed by, in which it extended by small canals that took water through the street. It was formed into a circular street, and from where I was sitting, I could see a giant building peaking.

  “The guild hall is just a few floors down, we shall arrive shortly.” I just couldn’t hold in my curiosity any longer. “Is the guild hall underneath the city.” The elf chuckled and shook his head.

  “When Lady Prynia had protected the sanctuary of the city, she had created a crater where was her resting place. There, Prynia had been laid to rest, and where the formation of the guild hall began to be constructed. Her last wish was to create a city where nature could live properly.”

  He pointed to the curved small bridge in which we were passing by. “The bridge was made in order for us to not disturb the river as it follows down to the guild hall where Prynia lays and as well makes the water reach all of Prynia kingdom.”

  “I see. But doesn’t it affect where the guild hall stands, doesn’t it overflow?” He smiled and shook his head. “On the contrary, the small canal that heads down a system that pushes it above and circle the city.” I was surprised. It was a stream purposely to be returned and thus helps the city maintain water.

  The down hill was filled with buildings made of stone and others even on the edge of the stream. The road fully made of what appeared to be white pebbles and cement. Wagons and people riding beasts similar to a horse or even tigers passed by. Then, the view was clear.

  A beautiful building made of marble and a material that I could say was between jade and glass beamed light down on the ground, in a very impressive shape that helped in lighting up the halls. The building resembled a cross shape, the center building showing to reach all the way from where we were passing by. Nearly forty stories high, the windows all were tinted, probably visible from the inside out.

  “It hasn’t changed very much.” Noctis said. “Yes. It’s still the same hall for the past thousand years.” They nodded in agreement and looked down. The halls were shown to have pillars shaped as swirls and even the first two to knights dressed in a very gothic armor. The scent of lavender began to come to my nose, in which as we lowered down the road, gardens seem to be on the sides between the pillars.

  The people that came in and out were dressed in armor. Some held staffs, others were shown to be followed by crowds. They must be what are called adventurers.

  “Seems like there are some high ranks down there.” Noctis said as he looked down. “Yes. You are the only Obsidian rank that has come. The rest are Golden rank or Platinum rank.” It was very interesting.

  They were ranked into different categories, yet why is Obsidian rarer than the rest?

  “What’s the difference between all those mentioned?” I asked. The elf looked surprised, but still answered my question.

  “Obsidian, Iridescent and Alexeriote are the highest ranks and known to be ranked mostly by powerful and retired Heroes. Only five have been registered in the past 500 years. The ranks would take at least half the life of a human to reach and almost thousands of missions or participations in war to get there.”

  He took out a small stone made of pure was pure platinum. It was attached to his necklace that was made of a thick thread that was made with some material that appeared to be leather. The stone was shaped into a rhomboid shape and in the middle having runes.

  “As for mortal adventurers, we obtain these when reaching said rank of platinum or gold. Platinum is the highest any adventurer with high missions and achievements has gotten.” The young elf stared at the dagger.

  “For items such as this, it’s given as a token of high appreciation, which is only given by the Duke of Prynia.” Noctis stared at the dagger. His eyes were filled with emptiness, which was strange.

  “So have you met the duke of this kingdom?” I asked Noctis. “Yes. Around two centuries ago. It was as well when I was presented with the dagger. A representation of being a warrior.” The elf seemed surprised as well.

  Ama was staring around worriedly but just held tighter to Noctis as Mi poked her back. Toby came out and landed on top of the lap of the elf. The elf scratched her head; the purrs being heard from where I sat.

  As the descend of the road was reaching where we were to meet the guild master, I spotted that there was a lower level of floors for houses and neighborhoods. Tiny elf children played with a young teacher who seemed to be a human, she was chased as the giggled in the small garden that was on the right side. The garden had a playground, in which a building inside the lower floor was long enough to fit entirely there.

  It was similar like an ant's nest but modernized and having small waterfalls lower through some pipes and canals. It was beautiful as quartz lightened up the deeper insides of the levels.

  I was shocked looking at the streets underground that looked as if it wasn’t soil or rock.

  “How is that possible? I’ve never seen a structure like that.”

  “They made it as they learned that they could make stone of the rare clay that lied down. With the temper of the clay, they created a similar structure to a nest of ants, but theirs has been formed to bring all the city in a circular swirl formation where people began to build houses and schools. This is one of the two lower leveled structures of Prynia.”

  The elf and I stared at Noctis. He stared at us deadpan, and the young elf cleared his throat. “Yes. Exactly like that. Prynia has two lower leveled areas that have 200 meters down with elevators and even two roads that lead down. With that there are 50 levels down and the last level being a city of their own as well.”

  He felt pride as he said this. Well, I would be proud to live in a city that is underground built beyond what I have seen.

  As we suddenly halted to a stop, I began to hear murmurs and shouts around. “Come. This is far as the wagon will reach with the crowd.” The elf got off and so did Noctis with the twins. Stepping out, warmth covered from the winter. The streets were filled with elves, humans and dwarves moving towards a young man in red armor with red hair.

  Passing by, there was another crowd cheering for a young lady and man, both having the same features and white and pink hair. They wore similar blue armor that shined black.

  Reaching the two main pillars as the entrance of the guild hall, there was a knight dressed in full armor made of black armor and with golden marks. He or she turned, in which they nodded to Noctis. Noctis nodded back and everyone turned to look at us. Everyone stared especially at Noctis as his black hair waved by the air, his eyes cold and glowing blue.

  I turned to view the gardens on the sides; the beautiful rainbow-colored flowers and herbs danced with the wind and the scent of roses and lavender came to my nose.

  The path took us to the entrance, where two giants stood by the doors of golden markings and knobs. They held spears that pointed upwards. Each one dressed in white armor with visors that seem to cover their entire face and reaches down to their collarbone. Giants of 9 meters, and even still the hall was higher by three meters.

  Just as we entered, the first thing to catch my eye, was the tomb made of pure gold and beautiful white wood. It was two feet above the ground, hovering in a circular platform that hummed a lullaby. The tomb had a shield that showed runes.

  “Bless those who arrive to the city of Prynia, bless those who leave the city of Prynia, as that was the will of our lady. May she rest and return one day to see her children continue her dream of the city that once lied in clay. May she dance and sing, may she smile and laugh, may she dream and know her children will wait for her return.” Noctis lowered his head and said something between his lips.

  Mi and Ama for some reason did the same thing, making me worry if I need to know if that is tradition. “What are you doing?” I asked Noctis.

  “Just something some warriors say when in front of Lady Prynia.” I stared at him still in confusion.

  “It’s just a thing most warriors do give respect.” I nodded. “I see.” But it was strange that Mi and Ama did the same thing.

  As we entered, further inside, there was a hall with walls made of cushioned of a golden color and in front were seven round desks with attendants. Behind them, were stairs that seem to take everyone to the higher floors. Just as I was about to ask, behind the stairs I could see a row of eight elevators coming down and up simultaneously. I was just dumbstruck by that point.

  “Hello Vindel, have you brought the Hero?” One of the receptionists asked. She looked at Noctis and me. “Quite the pair.” She said as she blushed and did a curtsy.

  I lowered my head to bow, Noctis simply nodded. “Wait a moment. Lady Reizha will be free shortly.”

  Vindel stood there with us for a few minutes before the receptionist heard a ring on her desk. She seemed to tap and opened her eyes widely.

  “Lady Reizha seems to be free right now. Vindel, please guide them to the top floor please.” He nodded and gestured us to follow him.

  The elevator was shown to be empty, in which we entered it and began to ascend. The elevator seemed to run by magic. Vindel seemed to view the floors through the glass that made the front side of the elevator.

  For a few seconds we arrived the top floor. From where I stood, the view of the outside was clear. I just realized now that swirl down to the lower levels looked like a line of giant stairs along it making a rune.

  Stepping outside, the elevator, the hall and main waiting room was made of very beautiful white marble walls and a golden and green carpet that shined like silk. The ceiling, made of reinforced glass that was octagonal fitting the center lobby.

  Reaching the center, we found a group of elves piling on to one single elf, her golden pale hair tied in a small messy bun and her eyes green as emeralds. Her outfit was just a white buttoned shirt, tight black jeans and high knee boots.

  Her waist was shown to hold a very thin bladed sword similar to a rapier. It’s rather something new to see a weapon such as that.

  “Lady Reizha, you know that the resources for this many people will be difficult if we can’t buy fish or kelps for food. We don’t even have the ingredients for medicines.” A young elf woman with green hair spoke.

  “Other than that, we need more tools to craft ammunition orbs. This will be crucial to prevent the Gray Scales to attack the city.” An elf in a green military uniform with a golden cap on his gray hair.

  She seemed to be quite busy from where I stood. She look up, and the first to see was me. Her eyes lighten up and ignored everyone and went to pat Vindel on the shoulder.

  “Good job Vindel, I’ll take it from here.” Her strong and authoritative voice made me think I was in boot camp.

  “Greetings Heroes. My name is Reizha Uzuilra, welcome to Prynia.”