Matthew walked on the sidewalk as he occasionally glanced at the river to his side.
Like a serpent, it twisted and turned before vanishing behind the mountain. As he walked, he noticed many people discussing about yesterday's void anomaly.
Soon the houses started to become less dense as more offices and cooperation filled the streets.
Matthew stopped at a nearby billboard as a few workers were getting down.
It was a large picture of a man posing with both of his hands spread out like wings. The large billboard really highlighted his deep purple eyes and his slight black hair with violet strands.
He wore a charming and warm smile. Matthew recognized that face immediately.
It was the poster child of the famous band 'The Rising Sun', Icarus.
His month-long international Tour would be extended to a month and a half. And his final stop would be at Hanma. Specifically Hima. It was advertising the date and venue.
Matthew snapped a picture with his phone. It was a nine-hour drive from Kail to Hima.
The team would reach the city on the 17th of July next month.
Just a few days after Ann's birthday.
Ann is a big fan of Icarus. It would be one hell of a gift to give her on her birthday. He searched the website and looked for the price.
"Bloody hell. 70 Drms!" Matthew cried out. A few people gave weird glances while some gave a solemn and understanding nod.
Matthew was outraged at the price. For comparison, his family needs only 300 Drums for an entire month.
And his family is considered well off. Not filthy rich but not poor either.
Matthew sighed and pushed the thoughts away and walked on.
"It would be a miracle if I get a ticket or two for free."
Matthew sighed and soon turned a corner to head toward his destination.
As he turned the corner a few men caught his attention. Wearing white robes with violate trim they stood on a pedestal as they preached.
"Knowledge invites corruption.
Faith leads to salvation.
Have faith in The One and ignore the temptation of knowledge."
Matthew saw a few men and women bowing before the pastors before saying their prayers and listening to the preaching.
These are the priest of The One.
The One, the unifying religion. Maintained by the Council of The One. They act both as a religious group and a governing body. After the Forgotten War, they established Research & Counter to Unusual Void Anomalies or in short RCUVA.
Hanma is one of fifteen country under the jurisdiction of The Council of the One. Their words are the law.
"Let the New Creator guide you to a new age. So sing and praise our New and One True Creator." One pastor looked at Matthew as he finished his sentence.
'I should get the hell out of here. These zealots give me the creeps.'
Matthew ignored him and walked on, unwilling to get caught in the preaching. So it didn't take long before he reached his destination.
It was a shop squeezed between two large skyscrapers. A small two stories shop. It had a black tinted glass with a wooden door.
Matthew crossed the streets and walked right in.
A musky smell of wood and herbs assaulted Matthew's nostrils. Matthew smiled at the familiar smell and walked in.
The store was cramped with different things. It was designed like a gypsy store but with a modern aesthetic.
There were many things around him. From talismans to weird dolls. On one of the walls was a framed certificate.
It was authorized by RCUVA. Apart from fighting against Void Creatures and eliminating threats to humanity, they also act as enforcers and Holy Knights for the church of the One. And they hate Cultists and Heretics.
Matthew reached the counter.
Behind it sat an old lady with a wrinkled face.
She wore a pointed hat and black dress with purple shawls draped over it. Her eyes were covered with a veil.
Matthew could hear the faint sound of snoring as he sat across her.
With a slightly devilish smile, Matthew cleared his throat,
"Good Morning! Heikel! What nice weather we are having!"
He watched as the old woman practically jumped from her seat as she frantically looked around before seeing Matthew.
Although he couldn't see it, he could feel her gaze as she let out a huff and said,
Matthew giggled as he sat in the chair nearby.
"Brat! I only have a few years to live. Do you intend to put me to an early grave?"
She shook her head as she stood up.
"I would never. I don't have enough money to give you a proper burial."
She simply scoffed as she got up.
"Have you eaten yet?"
"I did."
Matthew watches as she swiftly brews a cup of coffee and gives him a cup.
"You're still alive I see?"
She sat across from him. Matthew couldn't see her face but he could hear the relief in her voice.
"Why? Disappointed?" Matthew jest.
"*snort* I would be if you died before telling which dammed bastard you encountered."
"Well, good thing I'm gonna disappoint you even in living."
Matthew took a sip. Heikel tilted her head.
"Meaning?"
Matthew put the cup to the side and explained everything.
"So let me get this. You walked up through the forest."
"Yes."
"Then you found the cave and next thing you remember you're outside and seven hours have passed?"
"Plus I lost my bag and there was no cave."
Matthew was now sitting on the counter.
Heikel went silent as she stood up and walked near a book.
She started to flip through it as Matthew glanced from the side.
"What's this?"
Matthew suddenly pointed at a picture in the book. It was of a dog with seven eyes and ten horns.
"Not now."
Soon she finished flipping.
"That doesn't make sense. But..."
She grabbed Matthew by the shoulder.
"Ah...is your age acting up?"
Matthew asked as he felt the intense stare of Heikel.
"What's your name?"
"What?" Matthew was so confused but Heikel grabbed him firmly and asked again.
"What's your name?"
"Matthew."
"Full name."
"Matthew R. Becker."
"When did we meet?"
Matthew glanced up trying to remember.
"Uh- I don't exactly remember the date, but it was during the eclipse. You gave me some sunglasses and told me not to look at the sun."
Heikel leaves him before pacing around the room. She murmured something to herself when Matthew said,
"Heikel, calm down."
Matthew walked to the nearby counter and sat on top.
"I mean, all that happened was me losing some memories."
Heikel took a deep breath. She wanted to say something but hesitated.
"Heikel."
Matthew looked at her as he spoke,
I told you before. I don't care what happens to me. As long as I find my mother or what happened to her."
Heikel grabbed her forehead as she sighed.
"Your witnessed The Event."
Matthew tilted his head as Heikel continued.
"I don't know what triggered it. But it is there to keep you mind enact."
Matthew frowned and asked,
"The Event?"
"There are many mysteries in this world Matthew. The Event is one of them." Heikel explained.
"But what event did I witnessed? And why it would affect my memory?" Matthew was still not clear.
Heikel shrugged.
"Your guess is as good as mine."
"So what now?" Matthew asked.
"Well...looks like you need to do this the old-fashioned way." Heikel sighed.
"Old fashioned way?"
"Track down leads and see how it goes," Heilel suggested.
"How do you follow a lead? And what leads?" Matthew's question send Heikel into a deep thought. After a brief silence, she spoke,
"Come to the back."
Matthew raised his eyebrows,
"You have something?"
"Yes. It's not safe to talk about this in the open."
Matthew watched as Heikel walked inside and waved for him to follow.