As we navigated through the bustling streets of Alteria, the energy and diversity of the city struck me. People from all walks of life bustled about, engaged in their daily routines, and the city's vibrant atmosphere was infectious.
Despite our attempts to blend in, I couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration at being part of this dynamic urban tapestry.
As we strolled along, the houses, stalls, and buildings that dotted the cityscape became the main attraction.
Each structure showcased impressive artistic design, adding to the overall charm of the city. The architecture was a testament to the city's rich history and culture, and it was impossible not to be captivated by the intricate details of every building we passed.
After a full day of exploring the city square and taking in the sights, we eventually came across a cosy tavern nestled in a nearby corner.
The promise of a warm meal and a moment of respite was too enticing to resist. With a shared glance, Claudia and I decided to step inside, eager to experience the local ambience and perhaps gather some information about Alteria's happenings.
Stepping into the tavern, we were enveloped by a warm atmosphere and the lively chatter of locals filling the pub. As we approached the counter, I couldn't help but notice that many of the patrons had turned their attention towards us, their expressions carrying a hint of hostility. Whispered conversations that were too quiet to discern filled the air, creating an uncomfortable tension.
Undeterred by their unfriendly glances and hushed remarks, I held my ground and pressed on toward the counter.
I focused on the task at hand, determined to ignore their negative energy and continue with our mission to gather information. Despite the unpleasant atmosphere, I remained resolute, my gaze fixed ahead as Claudia and I made our way through the tavern.
"A table please, and bring us two sets of meals as well," I requested politely, maintaining a composed demeanour despite the unfriendly gaze around us.
As the tavern keeper prepared our table, I turned to one of the locals sitting nearby and struck up a conversation "Heard any rumours lately?"
The man's expression shifted, his initial wariness giving way to a more guarded stance. "Rumours, eh? Depends on what you're lookin' for. This city's got its share of secrets."
Claudia and I exchanged a quick glance at each other, our interest piqued by his response. We were well aware that in a place like Alteria, where intrigue and mystique thrived, uncovering these secrets might lead us closer to understanding the undercurrents at play.
"Well, I ain't sharin' without a price, kid," the man replied gruffly, a hint of challenge in his tone.
I smirked, reaching into my bag and pulling out a small sack of coins. "How 'bout I offer you a sack of it? Hmm?"
A chuckle escaped his lips, and he leaned back, studying me with a more appraising gaze. "Haha, you know my language, kid. So, what do you want to know?
I leaned in, my curiosity driving me forward. "The people who were called the 'Cardinal Heroes', the ones who've been summoned by the Emperor to the Labyrinth. What happened to them after that?"
"I didn't hear any information about the Emperor bringing someone else to be thrown in the Labyrinth," the man began, his gaze distant as he recalled his knowledge.
"But I did hear of a group of well-trained individuals who went to Ravensfield. I haven't heard much about it, though. Besides, I'm not interested in fairy tale stories. Go ask that mysterious guy over there; he might help ya."
(I think he's mentioning Daichi and the others, if his information is correct then I believe they got out safely…)
"Thanks for the Information, sir" I replied, acknowledging his assistance with a nod.
I walked toward the mysterious individual who was sitting in solitude. The unknown person was adorned in formidable armour.
I surmised that they might be one of Heisen's Imperial soldiers. As I observed the armour encasing their entire body, from head to toe, I found it challenging to determine whether they were a girl or a boy; uncertainty lingered in my mind.
The armour they wore was a Heisenian at Imperial Guard-issued Juggernaut suit. Its exterior was crafted from the rarest material one could ever find.
The helmet concealed their face while providing an extensive peripheral vision. As I gazed at the helmet, I couldn't discern their true identity, but I knew that they could see me from within their enigmatic enclosure.
"May I join you?' I inquired.
"Mhm…" came the terse response.
I stood before Claudia, and together we faced the masked individual. Their gaze was full upon us, and as I inquired about the rumours circulating in Alteria they remained silent for a moment, their visage obscured by the helmet's imposing design. Despite their lack of verbal response, their body language indicated a degree of attentiveness and curiosity. It was as if they were considering whether to share the information we sought.
"Can I ask you a question? I don't know if you'd feel offended by this, but are you a girl or a boy inside that suit? I inquired cautiously.
"Umm… before anything else, let me take off my helmet so that we can have a proper conversation," the masked individual replied, their voice slightly muffled by the helmet.
The unidentified person, who had been a mysterious bystander, humbly removed her helmet to formally introduce herself to Kazuki and Claudia. As she revealed her true face to both of them, Kazuki was taken aback, confused and flabbergasted by the unexpected outcome of the unnamed woman wearing a Juggernaut suit.
Underneath the helmet, the woman's gorgeous features were revealed: long, silky blonde hair framed an elegant face with sharp yet strikingly alluring features.
Her baby blue eyes created an astonishing glow in her pupil, holding a mysterious glint that seemed to hide her true nature.
Her assertive and confident personality was a natural charm when engaging with other strangers. Her slim and sexy appearance also contributed to her assertive and engaging demeanour.
"Hmm… look surprised, are we?" she teased with a playful glint in her eyes.
I let out a sheepish chuckle. " It must feel refreshing to take off that helmet of yours. Almost like you're breathing fresh air for the first time in a while. Hello! I'm Kazuki, and this is Claudia. Nice to meet you."
Asclaron's helmet-less face exuded a sense of relief and camaraderie. "Greetings, Kazuki and Claudia. I am Ascalron, the Battalion Commander of the XVI Tenenxis Battalion. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintances."
Kazuki quickly composed himself, realising he had been staring at Ascalron's face longer than he intended.
"It's nice to meet you as well, Ascalron," Claudia responded with a warm smile. "We're just travellers passing through the city."
"Travellers, you say? Well, now that I think of it, where are you guys from? Out of Heisen, of course, because you don't look like citizens, merchants, or ordinary travellers."
Kazuki hesitated for a moment, considering how much he should reveal. "Well, you're right. Both of us aren't from Heisen. You see, I am a part of the Cardinal's party, the one where the Emperor tasks us to clear the Ravensfield Labyrinth."
Ascalron's eyes widened in surprise. "You're part of the Cardinal's party? That's… unexpected. You two don't exactly match the description of the Cardinal hero."
"Yeah, but while we attempted to clear the Ravensfield Labyrinth with the Heroes' party, we almost got ourselves killed. Well, I almost got myself killed. I was abandoned and betrayed by the same party who I called 'my friends'."
"That's quite the story. I didn't know the Emperor's assigned Cardinals were that cruel," Ascalron commented, her tone contemplative. "I mean, I'm a Heisenian Armed personnel myself. I've seen worse in my experience. My duty as a soldier is almost coming to an end anyway."
"Really? Well, we could use a woman like you in our group. It might not be exactly like your battalion, but it's a good start. The official members are me and Claudia, and we could use, no… we need a shielder like you," Kazuki said, his tone sincere.
Ascalron leaned back in her seat, a small smile forming on her lips. "Hmm… since you insist, I'll take your offer. Count me in. It's best to be working with ya!"
I offered a handshake to Ascalron, the newest member of the Shangri-la Pontifex. Little by little, this Bureau will grow; I can envision its future shifting from bad to worse, from darkness to light.
With Ascalron's addition to our team, the path ahead seemed both challenging and promising.
Our goals are still undecided, waiting to be uncovered, but the strength of our bond and shared determination will fuel our resolve, as we depart from the warm sanctuary of the bustling streets of Heisen, an unknown and dark path awaits us.
The issues and rumours have begun to spread from city to city, town to town. As words slowly reach the Imperial court's ears, what unexpected events will unfold? All will be revealed in time, as the story continues to unfold.