As John awoken he felt weak, he felt like a normal human. "Ampol... Doren?" John questioned mentally. No response came. John returned to camp and talked to the guards. "We will be heading back to the city, after we reach the city, I'm making my way to a dangerous place. Those who don't wish to go can remain in the city. Those who want to follow I cannot guarantee protection. We leave as soon as possible." John stated. The guards nodded in unison and began packing. Within a few minutes they were walking towards the city again. They walked through the night and arrived as the city midday. "I will be resting until first sun, then taking my leave. If you wish to join me at your own risk then meet at the gates. If you want to stay, there will be no consequences." John explained. "Understood, sir." The group responded in unison.
Morning sun rose and John made his way to the gate. Three men were standing there waiting. "We may be leaving at this time, if you ever wish to return, you may. No punishment and no ill thoughts towards you. As stated, I cannot guarentee your survival." John stated. "We understand sir. We are following you to get stronger. We've made our peace and will follow fate as it happens." One of the guards responded with the other nodding in agreement. John and the guard left through the gate, heading north east. A familiar path to John but new to the rest. "I'm afraid I've given you the wrong impression, once we arrive at our destination, I must ask you swear an oath of secrecy. No one must know of where we are going." John claimed. The guards nod in understanding, there was no signs of fear in their eyes. When the sun began setting, they made camp. The guards spent the rest of the night caring for their weapons, while John meditated trying to establish a connection to Ampol and Doren. He could feel their presence but no power nor voice. John felt confused and helpless, his friends were out of reach. John never felt more alone. After trying to contact his other souls, to no avail he fell asleep.
John awoke to the feeling of warmth on his face. It was a familiar warmth, the sun's rays were on his face. John rose to his feet and returned to camp. "Its a 3 day walk from here with a group, tonight you each will do physical exercise to strengthen your arms and grip." John explained. As everyone finished packing they began walking, nothing happened during their walks, it was quiet. At night the guards trained to John's standards and John meditated. The trainings resulted in stronger swings and jabs. The meditation resulted with nothing new. "Last day men, we are doing your training through the day today. We will be finishing our day at a lake not far from where we are heading. Today, we hustle. If you cant keep up, return to the city." John ordered. "Yessir." They responded. Everything got everything packed up and ready to move. John began jogging, the guards followed. Keeping close distance. John knew the lake was close, so he began sprinting with everything he had. The guards never lost sight but couldn't keep up with John. Upon arrival at the lake, everyone was out of breathe, John grabbed some water to drink. One guard fell in the water and just floated around. The other two joined him. Made John chuckle that they were so relaxed while being so close to danger. Once the guards came out of the water, they sat in a circle around a campfire that John made. "This is where your oath begins." John explained. "Understood." They responded. "Our destination is just on the other side of these trees, we will be dressing in hooded cloaks and keeping our heads down. If anything happens, we will split, run in separate directions and meet up here." John explained while removing cloaks from his pack. The guards started looking nervous and anxious. "Any questions before we leave at first sun?" John asked. "Where are we headed?" One asked with others leaning in for answers. "On the other side of these trees is a city. Similar to Bale but it's not a human city. This is the Demon City of Neet." John explained.