The atmosphere of the forest became more beautiful; from the animals moving from one place to another in search of food, to the rivers that shimmered in different colors.
Sunlight slipped into the forest at an angle, painting a magnificent scene… even the forest creatures moved steadily, as if they were silent guardians.
The two girls felt afraid of some of the creatures, so they moved a little closer to Faithless and Marianne… and as they walked, Lulia whispered quietly to her sister:
"Hey, Lily, don't you notice that the sovereign and his companion are really tall?"
Lily answered in surprise:
"Not just tall… even their physique is amazing. I wish I could be like the sovereign's companion one day."
Lulia struck Lily's shoulder hard and said sharply:
"You'll never be like her, she clearly comes from a rare lineage."
Lily responded angrily and hit her back:
"Don't hit me, you bitch!"
They started fighting, but the moment Faithless and Marianne looked at them, they immediately stopped and lowered their heads in apology.
Faithless smiled at them, and everyone continued walking quietly toward Emerald City.
After about half an hour of walking, they arrived at an open gate with the words "Emerald City" written above it, and beneath that, a mysterious phrase was placed:
"There is no safety when darkness appears."
They entered the city, and Faithless observed its strange design as if it came from another world.
The buildings were massive with a Victorian European style, the markets bustling with people buying fruits and vegetables.
Tall wooden columns stood with thick cords dangling from their ends, burned at night to light the streets.
There were also carriages with a strange gothic design, fitting two people, pulled by horses to transport passengers.
At the end of the city, a large palace rose on a hill, heavily guarded. Taverns were scattered everywhere.
The sky was adorned with strange clouds, reflecting sunlight that formed glowing threads reaching the earth.
Faithless paused and said:
"What a beautiful city… I can say it has an architectural soul similar to the capital."
Marianne replied, placing one hand over the other:
"Yes, it's beautiful… but at night, criminals sneak in to steal and kill."
Faithless nodded thoughtfully and said:
"So that's it… that explains the phrase on the gate."
Lily whispered with a trembling body:
"I hate this city."
And Lulia added with the same shiver:
"Me too."
Marianne asked calmly:
"What do you think about going to a tavern, drinking some wine, and picking up a few quests from the wooden board?"
Faithless answered with a gentle smile:
"That's the best idea."
The four of them continued walking through the noisy city streets:
"Fish! We've got fish for half price!"
"An old staff from the era of the Third Emperor!"
"Buy these statues and get one free!"
"We've got special tools for mages and assassins!"
After five minutes of walking, they reached a large tavern with windows on the ground floor, while the upper floor had none.
The four entered the tavern, which was filled with people; some drinking, some sitting with women, and others checking the quests.
As soon as Faithless and Marianne entered, all conversations stopped, and everyone began staring at them… especially Faithless, whose royal features stood out.
He walked up to the bartender and said:
"I want two." Then looked at Lily and Lulia sitting at a table and added:
"Make it four."
Marianne smiled and said playfully:
"You really are a sovereign with a big heart."
Faithless replied with a smile:
"Forget about that… let's drink before we start picking up some quests."
Everyone began drinking, while the stares of some women continued to drift toward Faithless.
Faithless stood up with Marianne and told the two girls to stay at the table while they checked the quests.
They arrived at a wooden board filled with missions.
Marianne pulled one and said:
"A mission to hunt creatures called Scarlet Horns… and we'll get a decent amount of money. What do you think?"
Faithless took the paper and placed a finger on his chin thoughtfully…
but his eyes caught another quest that made him smile—a slight but ominous smile.
He asked:
"Is it possible to take on two quests in one day?"
"Yes, the maximum is three quests… but what's with that scary look?" Marianne asked, smiling and looking into his eyes.
Faithless pulled the second quest paper, and it read:
"The Black Order: Whoever kills them and brings their heads will receive a large reward."
Faithless rubbed his chin and said with a mocking tone, his eyes glowing gold:
"No harm in turning the black… into a piece of blood."