Calico is a town nestled at the foot of the Imenso Mountains, a majestic range that stretches across the northern horizon. Situated on a relatively high plateau, the rays of dawn seem to come earlier. They bring warmth to the sleeping city.
The leaders used a canal to divide the southern and northern regions, built to carry water from the upstream side.
The creation of the southern region, which has become a destination for the middle class and wealthy through tourism and gambling, was the result of the city leaders' efforts. Meanwhile, the area to the north, where the majority of mine workers and residents lived, was built in a chaotic fashion.
Areas along the main road are more accessible to those with less money. The surrounding neighborhoods are also relatively cleaner and safer than the northern residential areas.
This cozy inn is set back from the main road and is about a 15-minute walk away.
The sun began to shine through the broken, wood-paneled door on the second floor of the inn. Soon, this room became visible. A boy and a young adult slept together on twin beds. In the soft light, the boy's face glowed as if he had just had a wonderful dream.
When Althur opened his eyes, he saw the outside light and the boy lying beside him. Everything seemed real.
He kept his composure as he tried to remember the dream that had just taken him.
On his previous journey, he had spoken of how such a force affects the human psyche. In the realm of the mind, it is faintly felt. Instinct told him that gaining this power would take him to a certain place. But grasping it in its current state only causes the desire to die. If he touches this power for long enough, it can make him disappear. But whether it was his consciousness, his existence, or both that disappeared is currently unknown.
"And that bloody guy." He could not even scold him, for that would be an insult to himself.
He had never touched the area before. In addition to the vague knowledge he had already received, it revealed a personality that wanted to end his own consciousness. "What the hell is that?" Even though it wasn't a really tense interaction, he was still curious.
Ultimately, how to use this knowledge is still up in the air. But at the very least, if possible, we should continue to explore the realm of the spirit. The main problem is this strange power that can invade and change a person's memory of a certain set of memories. It is more subtle than the myths of the gods.
How to prevent your memory from being affected and how to investigate clues are things he needs to focus on right now.
"About Brahms' power," he sighed quietly.
When he looked up, a pair of large, pigeon-like eyes were watching him. The boy smiled softly, as if in a sweet dream. His eyes were a little listless from a long night's sleep after the journey.
"Did you sleep well?" the boy asked.
"Fine. How about you?"
"I saw a deer. It was white, like in fairy tales. AIthur. One of those deer I see in a story on a newspaper."
"The White Doe. That's what I called the deer." The boy seemed excited.
Brahms went on with his story, all very restrained and concise. The frightened boy walked through a dark forest full of moths, then a white horse appeared and frightened his white deer. But in the end, he couldn't continue his adventure with the white deer because everything around him was dark. He panicked and decided to wake up.
"Do you think it will reappear, Althur?"
"It seems so. You named it too, didn't you?"
"Your gift is amazing. Not many people remember their dreams when they wake up. Not only did you have an interesting adventure, but you are able to tell all about it." Althur praised.
"You think so?" A little shyness in his expression, his cheeks fluttering with praise, makes him livelier than bisque dolls.
"I wish you could see the White Doe, too."
"Perhaps. Maybe in the future."
"How?" He asked.
"Just keep dreaming," Althur replied.
He listened as Brahms recounted his dream. It distracted him from what had just happened. He wondered, "Is this a coincidence or not?"
He looked outside, and the sunlight seemed to have completely dispelled the darkness and cold of the night. All that remained in the room was the smell of ash from the previous night's embers.
"Be ready. We might have another long day."
The boy nodded happily. Althur stared at Brahms as if the youth were right in front of him. He no longer looked at those round eyes but at the suit he had prepared the day before, hanging on the shelf.
The two had no intention of ringing the strange string but decided to go downstairs in search of a decent breakfast. As he walked down the hall, Althur saw Mrs. Mabel sitting at the reception desk. Her face looked fresh.
The lady hurried to her feet, looking better than she had yesterday. Her mistress reached out to pat Brahms's round head, but the boy ducked just in time. He hid behind Althur and avoided looking at the old woman.
"Don't be shy, little boy. So, you both slept well."
"I suppose so. Little Brahms had a nice dream last night. How about you, Mrs. Mable?"
"Oh, dear, you can tell. I had a sweet dream too. It may be an unexpected gift from this young man." This time, she looked at Brahms fondly. The elders had always loved his doll-like appearance. Seeing an elegant gentleman and a cute boy come in brightened the inn.
Althur asked for a simple breakfast. So, Mrs. Mable went and prepared it for both of them. The waitress, whom Lady Mable often called a knight, brought Brahms two full meals. It was soup with bread and some bacon.
As he and Brahms enjoyed their breakfast, several other inn guests arrived, and the area became a bit crowded.
The driver had told him of a few well-known taverns where he could get a drink and perhaps some information.
When he inquired about their location, Mrs. Mable frowned at him. "Oh, heavenly glorious tree, why would you go there?"
"Do you know the situation in the coal mines?" His voice grew graver and deeper.
"It's bad." She was quick to be honest.
"That's true. That's why I want to know, how bad is it?"
Lady Mable, still alert inside, looked at him appraisingly.
"I want to know about the mining situation and the living conditions of the workers."
"You know, Mrs. Mable, the government is always worried about the situation of the miners. They think that in order to light the streets of Phlegoneos, many people have to pay a price." He spoke with a strong voice, full of righteousness.
"Oh my, young man, you are..."
"Please, Mrs. Mable, you know we don't have to do this, so you can tell me a place you know."
"That doesn't seem to be the case since most of the places here are on the main roads for visitors." Suspecting that the person in front of her was a government inspector, she replied carefully.
"Maybe these places are in the northern region. That's where the miners and their families live."
"Anyway, please leave the little one here. I'll take care of him for you. This place is not suitable for infants."
"You are so kind. Mrs. Mable"
"Don't say that; I just hope you'll be honest in your work."
"I will." Althur promised firmly, though he never confirmed what he was doing.