Marcus and Nexus took a shower before diving in.
The hot spring had an area of 20 meters. There were small terraces built where the water would flow. The water was around 5'5 feet deep and there were large boulders in a few places in the water. A high bamboo wall partitioned the men and the women's springs.
The sun was now setting. Pastel colored skies were decorated by the seemingly thin clouds on the horizon.
The two men were now relaxing in the hot spring. Their head rested on the side as they were looking up. Naturally, there were other people there.
"There is something going on in this place." Nexus spoke.
"Oh? Is it about the forest up north?" Marcus who was closing was quite curious about this topic. But that doesn't mean he wants to go there.
Nexus shook his head"No, I'm sure the forest is clear. What I'm talking about is this place."
Marcus opened his eyes "This place?"
"Yep, this place." Nexus began telling Marcus about what's happening. He saw the woman who greeted them devour the people underneath.
He also had a suggestion. "This place is devoid of any Commanders. The strongest one they have is the female I told you about and she's only rank 8 Elite. Her subordinates are ranging from rank 1 Elite to rank 4 Elite. There's also a special one that's rank 5. We'll let Eva take out the ones who are rank 3 and below. I'll take care of the rank 4's and 5. You fight the rank 9. Simple as that."
"These people are messed up. I do agree with you that Big Sis needs to train. The 2nd rate country is going to be a lot more rough compared to this place." Marcus had no idea about the woman being like that.
Nexus sighed. His deep black almond eyes stared at a distance.
------
The gang was back in their rooms after a few hours. Nexus and Eva sat by the table and he told her about everything that's going on and also his suggestion.
"It's a good chance to temper. What do you say? Don't worry, if anything goes wrong, I'll come right away." Nexus looked straight into Eva's eyes.
Marcus went to the small terrace that each room had to not disturb the two.
Eva nodded. "This is a chance for me to get stronger. I know that since the moment I followed you guys and abandoned my mediocre life, I would need to work hard and strive. Why would I not want to take this chance?"
Nexus smiled. "It's settled then. Take this." Nexus handed her a pill.
Eva took it "What is this?"
"You wouldn't be affected by poison, aphrodisiac, toxic, drugs, and other related liquid or pill in the mortal realm." Nexus was worried about things that might happen in the future. At least with her taking this, his worries will lessen.
Eva's mouth went wide, such a miraculous pill. This means she doesn't have to be wary of her drinks or food that anybody might have spiked drugged it.
"What about you guys?" She asked
"For me, I don't think any poison will affect me down here, I would pity the poison that would go into Marcus's body. That pill is really no big deal. Pills that make you immune from poisons mortals create are numerous in the Heavenly Realm. Please save your thanks. There's no need for it." Nexus stood up and grabbed a futon to lay on.
"You really are a sweet guy." A beautiful smile was on Eva's face as she said that to Nexus. Too bad he was not looking at her or else he would've had to grab her and take her into his arms.
Eva swallowed the pill. Her body started becoming hot. But that's it. Nothing really major.
Eva went to the terrace where Marcus was standing, leaving Nexus laying on the futon, grinning ear to ear.
-----
Marcus looked at the moon that shined brightly in the dark sky. The stars twinkled as they surrounded her. It seemed as if they were asking for her favor.
"Missing home?" Eva slid the door open and stepped out.
"Yes," Marcus nodded "When I was younger my mom would tell me stories around this time to make me fall asleep. You see, I was a kid who hated sleep back then, so my mom had to stop her work and come to my room and give me a bedtime story."
Eva chuckled " Nexus was right. 'Baby Brother' does suit you. If you don't mind me asking, what stories were they."
Marcus had a melancholic smile on his face. "There were lots. As time went on, she even made her own versions of my favorite ones."
"Name one." Eva placed her hand onto the railings and looked up.
"Hmm, the story about how the sun loved the moon so much that he kept sacrificing himself every day for her. It's actually just a silly bedtime story. Mom's version is a lot happier since I hated how sad the other one was." Marcus tried to remember her mother's words.
"I'm all ears." Eva looked at him. She could see the bit of sadness in the boy's eyes.
Marcus took a deep breath and tried to remember how his mother told it.
"Once upon a time..."
-------
Years ago in the Heavenly Realm in a grand bedroom. A child was a throwing tantrum.
"Mom, tell me a story!" A young Marcus who was laying on the bed shouted.
"Alright, settle down." Leia sat down at the bedside. Her vermillion-colored hair cascaded down her shoulders as she tucked Marcus in.
"Which story do you want this time?" Leia asked as she pinched the boy's nose.
"The sun and the moon!" The boy giggled.
"That again?" Leia sighed. "Alright, but you have to sleep after this."
"Once upon a time, the sun fell in love with the moon. A love that was unattainable, for he knew that the moment he leaves, the moon appears.
But he didn't stop hoping.
Every time he was about to set and would catch a glimpse of the moon, he'd say, 'Maybe this night, holds a little hope for us.'
Every night he would see the stars surrounding her, singing silent lullabies. How he wished to be one of them.
So he prayed, he prayed to the gods. To every single god that there could possibly be.
On one normal day, a voice sounded in his head. It told him that it could fulfill his wish but only if he would give some of his life force to the voice. The sun immediately agreed. So the voice granted him his wish.
The moon found out that they could be together was naturally overjoyed. The voice both transformed them into humans. For the first time in forever, they could finally touch. Their hearts have never been this close. They could feel each other's warmth. He, the sun, never thought this day would come. He finally got his wish.
The day ended and they finally have to go back up in the sky. The sun once again implored the voice. The voice however warned him that sometimes, it's best to learn to let go. However, the sun rebutted that that's not how love works. The voice shook his head and did the same deal.
The same thing happened day after day. But the moon finally noticed how the sun did not shine as much.
He finally told her about the deal he made with the voice. This made the moon feel all kinds of emotions. She told him that what he did was stupid and should never do it again.
'Everything will be alright in time.' She said. Her voice, full of sadness." Leia finished the story.
"This is also the reason why our sun doesn't shine brightly anymore." She added.
Young Marcus however, was already down for the count. Leia kissed his forehead and went back to work.
-------
Marcus finished telling the story and Eva was already tearing up. A sniffle could be heard from behind them. They turned their heads and saw Nexus's eyes were moist.
"Are you crying?" Marcus asked.
Nexus shook his head. "No! My eyeballs are just sweating."
Eva laughed at the side. "Should we get ready? The 'free' dinner will soon start."
"Speaking of which, do you guys think there is something bigger to this?" Marcus asked.
"I hope not," Eva muttered.
They went back into the room to get ready.
Tonight was Eva's first fight, her first field battle. They had to remind her of a few techniques.
---------------
In the room where dinner is served, people already started to arrive.
On the far side of the room, a woman and a man stood beside each other.
The woman turned her head to the man and asked, "How many people do we have in total?"
The man bowed slightly and reported, "14, we have 14 delicacies for tonight."
The woman smiled, her eyes were on the crowd.