Not only did the mercenaries simply move past them as if they didn’t exist, they didn’t seem bothered at all. It was as if they were seeing normal people passing by. However, it didn’t make sense at all to Arthur.
‘Did they not notice that we’re strangers? Or were they busy?’ He asked himself as he watched them walk farther and farther away. Then, when they were far enough, Arthur finally turned to the others.
“Did you see what I just saw?” He asked.
“I did. They really didn’t seem like they cared at all.” Herculia replied as he rubbed the back of his head.
“… I expected them to at least stop and inspect us. But, uh, I guess they aren’t interested?” Emmy muttered.
“…”
Nobody knew how to react to what happened. So, in the end, they started walking again in confused silence. There was really nothing else they could do except to continue moving into the city.
However, nobody forgot about that detail, especially Arthur and Isla. Something told them this wasn’t a mere coincidence or anything like that.
Reaching the open gates, the group looked inside. As they expected, the city was bustling with movement. Even from afar, the noises coming from inside were very loud and distinct.
Countless humans walked about their days, filling the endless streets of the region. Vehicles of all kinds carried goods to the shops and buildings spread everywhere they looked. The streets were built out of sleek stone that looked quite high-quality and clean. The buildings varied in colors and decorations, giving each one of them a distinct appearance and distinct features.
Beautiful light poles stood along the maze of streets, casting a beautiful light upon the city.
“Wow…” Stepping inside, the group stopped and took everything in. The bustling environment reminded them of the major cities in the real world except… The fantastical side of it made it even more mesmerizing and way more special.
“Let’s go, I want to see more of the city!” Emmy said excitedly as she walked ahead.
“Hey, wait for me!” Herculia rushed after her.
“We want to go too!” Finlay and Serko screamed as they rushed after the others.
“Don’t run off on your own,” Danny said as he looked over at Isla. “We should follow them.”
“…” Isla started walking after them, and that was when she noticed that something was off. Immediately, she stopped and looked behind her. “Arthur?”
The boy had been standing still the entire time as if he were lost in thought. Ever since they stepped into the city, he had been oddly silent, unlike his usual self. Isla did notice that but she didn’t think much of it as she was focused on the new world they had entered. But, now she could not ignore it anymore.
“Hm?” Hearing his name being called, Arthur looked up.
“Is everything ok?” She asked curiously as she turned around to face him.
“…” Arthur pursed his lips as he looked down. “Ah, it’s nothing. I was just thinking about something.”
“Is it something you can tell me?”
“…” The boy was a little surprised by her question. Isla wasn’t usually the person to ask questions when she felt like someone was trying to hide it. Yet, for some reason that wasn’t the case at that moment.
“It’s… How should I put this? Now that we arrived at the city, it dawned on me that our deal is over.” He said as he rubbed the back of his head.
“… That is indeed true.” Isla blinked.
The deal they struck when they first started the journey was to help each other reach the capital. That was the deal and now that they reached their destination, that deal was officially done. Arthur and Isla felt a little weird about it. After spending a considerable time together, they didn’t really think about what could happen after the journey was over.
Isla did offer him to join her team or at least consider that option for the future, but she never contemplated how she should treat Arthur once this deal was over. Were they still friends? Strangers? Enemies? Allies?
It was indeed a tricky situation and one that made them feel off.
“I did promise you that I will think about the offer you gave me. You guys helped me a lot and I do like spending time with you. But, my plan for the future isn’t something you would want any part of. It will put you in huge danger, and it will put everyone else in danger.”
“What do you mean?” Isla frowned. The way Arthur was talking made her concerned. This entire time, Arthur had never shown that he was taking the game as seriously as they did. He was simply there to have fun and experience this beautiful world. Yet, for some reason, at that moment, he seemed almost… fearful.
‘What could it be that makes him feel fearful? What danger is he talking about? You can’t die in the game.’ She mused.
“It’s… Fuck, ok, I will be frank. What I’m going to do may or may not turn this entire place upside down. It’s going to cause a lot of chaos if it works and it will certainly affect you and your plans. It’s something I’m not even certain is possible to execute yet. That’s why, I’m going to spend my time here working toward that goal.” Arthur said.
‘Infiltrating the Abyssal Bastion… It’s starting to dawn on me how much of an insane task that will be.’ Arthur thought to himself.
Before embarking on this journey, Arthur had no idea of how the scale of power in this world could skyrocket into the sky after leaving the first-step village. Yet, now that he had experienced a taste of how truly ridiculous the Divine Realm can get, Arthur could only shudder at what he would have to face once he stepped into that hell of a place.
‘I need to get stronger… Way stronger than this. I’m not good enough now. I have to spend the rest of my time before my meeting with Miro and Nina getting as strong as possible.’ Arthur clenched his teeth.
This entire time, getting stronger was simply a side quest that he didn’t give much focus. But, now, it was time to get very serious about it.
Isla saw the myriad of emotions passing through Arthur’s eyes and it dawned on her that the boy was truly serious about what he was saying.
‘Something that could turn this place upside down? What could it be? What is he planning?’ Isla felt an urge to ask more about it. But, seeing how unwilling Arthur was to disclose any information, she felt that it was not appropriate to ask at that moment.
Instead, she decided to say something different.
“How long do you think it will take you to finish this task?” She asked.
“Huh? Uh, I don’t know. It could take months.” He said.
“Then, once you’re done with that. You’re free to join me.” She replied. “If you also need help with whatever you need to do, we’re always open to give a helping hand.”
“What? No, I can’t do that. It’s too much trouble as I said.” Arthur blurted out.
“You’re underestimating how determined my team is, Arthur.” The girl shook her head. “Especially when it comes to one of us and you’re a part of that team.”
“…” Arthur blinked in shock.
“So, don’t hesitate to ask for help. We are always here. Don’t forget that we’re also going to become academy students tomorrow. I hope you don’t think this is some kind of farewell, do you?”
“No, it’s not…” Arthur replied in a daze. He was truly struck hard by those words. Even though they were simple and clear, they twisted his heart in ways he didn’t even think were possible.
He had been treating it like it was truly farewell at that moment. But, that was far from the case. Arthur was still going to see Isla and the others tomorrow and perhaps the day after. He can talk to them and if possible, share adventures again with them like he did before.
‘Why did I think that this was the end? I’m very silly sometimes, man. We can definitely do many other things in the future.’ Arthur slowly smiled as he nodded his head.
“Yeah, you’re right. Sorry, I wasn’t thinking straight there.”
“There is no problem. We’re partners after all.”
“You’re right! I won’t hesitate to ask for help if I need it then.”
“Good.”
“Also, one more thing. I need to log out earlier than you guys, I have some stuff to prepare for tomorrow.” Arthur said.
“Go ahead. We are going to find a place where the two dwarves can stay and then log out ourselves.”
“Understood.” The boy then opened the menu to log out, only to hear one last thing.
“See you tomorrow, Arthur.”
Looking up, he saw the expression on Isla’s face and he smiled. “See you tomorrow.”
Then, it all became darkness.
A//N: With that, we are finally starting the academy and all the chaos coming with it. Don’t forget to support the book if you liked the chapter.
