After walking on what felt like hours they finally saw a large clearing with a bustling town filled with all walks of life. Haruki was surprised that a normal town was built amidst the seemingly endless and bustling forest.
It was a quaint town with rows of timbre framed buildings and an eye catching temple that looked like a stone castle. It was Idyllic to say the least as it looked simple, but the more you look at it the more warm you feel. It was welcoming, with streets filled with food stalls as the people hawked on passerbys to try out their goods. Tailors, bakeries, restaurants and many more establishments make up of most of the buildings that could be seen. On the second floor of certain buildings were inns where droves of people would come and go.
Both bulky and lean people lugging around weaponry along side townsfolk who wore tailored garments with all sorts of fashion styles walked along with each other. The people who was following the female archer had their breath taken away. To some it was something of a fantasy come to life. To others it was a different experience entirely.
"Welcome to Elysium! The starting point of all who are affected by the Nexus Singularity. It started with a small pub to gather all those lost souls to convene and teach them about the ins and outs of this place, To the bustling town you see before you now."
The moment the reached the town gates respectfully bowed towards the woman. They then turned towards the people behind her. "Please form two lines, we need to create credentials for all of you." He said as more and more people followed their instructions.
Haruki lined up behind the excitable young boy as his eyes gleamed while peeking over the shoulder of the tall man in front of him. He was completely enamored by the town. Haruki was equally stunned. It was a little different for him. A man that came from a war torn period of time. It was unlike anything he has seen before. It was a manifestation of peace itself.
Before he knew his turn was up. The boy had already run off inside as he stared blankly at the guards. They both laughed at his stunned face. "I know young man. Quite a sight isn't it?" The guard then gave him a small rectangular card. "Name?"
"Kazama Haruki" he said simply. The guard nodded his head as his name appeared on the card out of nowhere. "Put a drop of blood on your card please." Haruki took the pin and pricked his index finger and let a droplet of blood on the card.
His picture along side his age appeared on the card. Along with it was a green icon. He stared at his age and it said 21 surprising him. 'Magus... It says here I'm 21. What's up with that?'
Haruki nodded towards Magus's words. 'No wonder people keep calling me young man...' Then all of a sudden he heard snapping beside his ear. "You with me kid? I'm about to explain the functions of that card. It serves as a guide throughout this town. If you decide to go to the adventurers guild then another icon would appear on that empty space on your card. That green Icon you see besides your name represents your standing in the town. If it turns red well, you go to prison. If it turns black well, I hope you never find out." The man said as he narrowed his eyes.
Haruki shrugged his shoulders as he entered the town. After entering the the gates he was immediately bombarded with people holding holographic signs above their heads.
"Come now and join the Culinary guild situated all over the world! We aim to make the greatest food in the world!"
"Blacksmithing Guild are looking for people with the burning soul to forge the greatest weapons in existence!"
"Adventurers! Do you feel it!? The Wind calling upon your soul to scour the lands and discover its hidden secrets!"
Haruki heard all sorts of pitches towards everyone. He was even grabbd by the shoulders of one gaudy looking guy.
"Young man! Do you feel it!? I know you do... Deep down you crave for something greater. Hush your mouth. I know what your thinking! The answer is YES! I SHALL MAKE YOU A STAR!" The man said as his face closed in on Haruki. Making him step back a few steps.
"H-hold on. I don't need that." He said with a wry smile as he avoided further interactions with the scarily enthusiastic man. He ignored everyone who started pining for him. He ran towards a dark alleyway to lose the ones that persistently chased him. He then saw the tall clock tower that seemingly overlooked the entire town. He dashed towards it and climbed it as fast as he could.
The moment he reached the top he saw a lone figure sitting on the edge of the small platform that overlooked the entire town. It was the amber haired woman that guided them towards this town. She was just silently staring at the quaint town with a soft smile, Ignoring everything else.
"Oh, I didn't realize this place was occupied." Haruki said with a cheeky grin as he climbed up on the platform. The woman opened her eyes wide as she stared at Haruki. "You're that breakfast man!" She said while giggling. "Why? The townsfolk too much for you?"
"I feel like they were about to eat me alive." He chuckled as he approached her. "May I?" He asked softly. The woman shrugged her shoulders. "Go ahead." She said while smiling softly towards him. He sat down a short distance away from her as he took a birds eye view of the town. He breathed in deeply and closed his eyes. "Beautiful isn't it?" The woman said as she stared at him straight in the eyes. He looked back at her gave her a pure smile. "It's one of a kind."
"You live here?" The woman shook her head, "I used to. Now I live someplace faraway." She said as she gave him a soft smile. She then stared at the town below her completely silent as she wore an enchanting smile. "This place feels fresh. Compared to the places I've been to. This place feels like... Paradise." The woman raised her head and faced him. "Fresh, huh?"
Haruki nodded his head. "Yeah... A fresh start." He muttered as he stared at the town. "Oh! Where are my manners! I'm Kazama Haruki. You can call me Kaz or Handsome for short." He grinned towards her as he extended his hand. She chuckled as she reached for his hand, "What's with that intro? You think all the ladies will fall for that? I'm... Bellona." She said as she shook his hand. Haruki shrugged his shoulders as he stared at the sun slowly setting towards the horizon. The two sat there in complete silence as they both comfortably watched the idyllic town of elysium.