There it was. Off in the distance, a giant gate, surrounded by a giant wall. It was the entrance to the kingdom of Ashetira. Amaya was able to see just far enough to make out that there were at least 19 guards standing around, wearing black uniforms. They were all checking passports and the luggage of the many people just arriving. At the very top of the wall was a lookout post with even more guards, keeping watch.
"That's one highly secure kingdom." Amaya thought to herself.
"With all the drama happening in the kingdom of Ashetira, this much is expected." Ace replied.
It then occurred to Amaya that there were other places in this world besides the kingdom of Therngo. And each place had their own fair share of issues. But it was weird how there was drama going on at both the kingdom of Ahsetira and Therngo.
"If you don't mind, I'm curious about the drama here." Amaya stated.
"There's been cases of modified monsters, having unique skills and abilities. I've spent so long searching for the causes, but I keep reaching dead ends at my investigation. However, there are many more issues going on as well. We'll talk more about it later. Right now we should be getting off."
The ship swayed side to side before coming to a stop.
Ace then remembered to verbalize a reminder for Amaya.
"Remember, don't say anything about your real identity. And don't show your strength off to anyone."
"Yeah, yeah. Don't worry, I remember." Amaya exhaled.
The two of them exited the ship and set foot upon the docks.
This was the first time in 2 weeks that they've been on land. This was relief for Amaya as she had gotten sea sick a couple of times along the trip.
She followed behind the footsteps of Ace, stepping in line. Ahead of them were many many others, waiting to get through the gates. But it was unlucky for Amaya and Ace, they were the ones at the very end. From the looks of it, there was going to be a long while of waiting before it was their turn to be inspected.
"Ugh. How many people are here anyways?" Amaya asked.
[You have used 'Analyze']
[Citizens: 97]
The number almost made her want to sobb.
'Yep...this is going to take a minute." She thought to herself.
Seeing the impatient look on Amaya's face, Ace chuckled.
"..Welp, it seems luck was not on our side. We arrived on the exact day most other ships arrived. If we'd came a day earlier or later, we might've been the only ones."
Amaya's figure hunched over, not wanting to wait any longer. Sadly, there wasn't much they could do besides wait their turn.
Finally, after waiting for a good hour, it was finally their turns.
Ace stepped forward and the guards let him through without checking anything as he was well-known.
Amaya on the other hand, was given a mean stare by the guard as they stopped her from going further.
"Passport."
"Oh. Right. Of course. Here." said Amaya, handing out her passport.
One of the guards took a good look at it, before asking "Where are you coming from and what's your reason for visiting?"
A genuine smile of excitement ran across Amaya's face. This was it, the moment she had been rehearsing for, the moment where she would let her skills of acting and deception do their work. Clearing her throat with a firm cough, she began to reply.
"I am coming from the kingdom of Therngo. I had been given a lengthy break from work, so I decided to spend my vacation here. I've heard much greatness about the food and culture, I just couldn't stop myself."
"Is that so? What's a dish you've thought of trying?" the guard asked.
Luckily, Amaya planned for this. With the state of this kingdom being cautious, she assumed they'd try to catch her in a lie. So earlier she'd picked Ace's mind about the kind of food here.
"Oh? You really want to know? I've thought of trying the famous crab patties. Many people talk about them, so it caught my interest."
"Oh, those. We get lots of tourists here to try them. Any places you thought about visiting?" The guard asked.
Again, Amaya was sure to get information about the sights here in Ashetira. So, she was overly prepared.
"Yes, actually, I've always wanted to come see the museum of the past. You see, I have a great interest in history related things."
The guard studied Amaya's gestures, demeanor and even the way she had talked, but they all seemed ordinary and gave no reason to suspect that she was up to something.
"Ok. I just need to check your luggage if you don't mind." said the guard.
"Oh, Not all. Here." Amaya replied, handing in her suitcase.
The guard opened it and started feeling around for anything suspicious, until he came across a pair of blue underwear. Seeing things like this was a daily part of his job, but he never truly felt comfortable when coming across a woman's undergarments.
"Oh...well, everything looks normal. You can have your stuff back now." said the guard.
"Thank you."
Amaya grabbed her suitcase and was allowed to pass into the kingdom.
(Kingdom of Ashetira | Town: Buryanston)
Now, she could finally say 'I've reached my destination.'
"Do you know where you'll be staying?" Ace asked.
Though she hadn't really looked into any Inn here, Amaya was sure she could navigate her way around.
"Not yet. I actually plan to travel to a different town before I look at an Inn to rest at."
"I see. If you find yourself in need of help, do contact me through a magic communicator. I do believe we exchanged signals on the way here, correct?"
"Yeah, I got it. I'll be sure to contact you."
"Very well. I suppose we could part ways now. I hope to see you again in the near future."
Ace gave Amaya a nod before he turned and walked away. For a man who's a living disaster of raw power, he wasn't all too scary. Amaya could see how some people could underestimate Ace. Back at the legendary-rank dungeon, she had done just that and was shown a demonstration of his skill. Even she was no match for him.
'Yeah, I hope I get to see him again in the near future. He's an interesting person, maybe he can tell me what I lack when it comes to combat.'
Amaya turned her head to look toward the sunset. The beauty of it was great while slowly coming closer to night.
It was about time she focused on finding her way to the marked location on the map she received from messenger for the dark mages.
Amaya could feel a pounding feeling of hope in her heart. She could feel it, she was close to getting Emi back. But first, she needed to hear the dark mages out.
Her feet brought her forward, walking her off into the distance.