***
For a quarter hour, Leonidas wandered the streets of the town, set on a quest for knowledge.
The merchants he encountered scowled at him until they spied his purse, at which point their expressions warmed considerably as they inflated their prices.
The townsfolk mirrored this behavior. Passing by him with nonchalance, it was only upon noticing his coin pouch that their expressions altered. Some managed to stretch wide smiles, straining to maintain a facade of pleasantry.
'Even in this world, greed is ever-present,' mused Leonidas with a wry smile.
As he strolled along, he engaged the locals in conversation to glean what he could about this realm. He tried not to act too ignorant, not wanting to risk being branded a madman by the people of Thyranda. He promised financial compensation for any useful knowledge shared; they cooperated eagerly.
From these exchanges, he learned that this land was called the Kingdom of Skygard—one of four continents that constituted this world. Each continent boasted distinct government systems— a monarchical elven kingdom, a democratic dwarven republic, and an anarchic land overrun with monstrous creatures.
Curious about Skygard's ruler, Leonidas questioned further but found none who could give a definitive answer. Some claimed the king was divine in nature, yet no one had ever seen him.
Mildly disheartened by this lack of information, Leonidas persevered in his pursuit for understanding. He sought to learn about Celestia. The commoners all held a limited knowledge, but from what Leonidas could discern is that Celestia is some sort of a mystical power whose origins or knowledge to utilize it aren't known by common folk.
Leonidas also learned about Maléficar—esteemed figures within the Kingdom who held immense power, both political and physical. One Maléficar stood as ruler over each of Skygard's four regions and maintained watchful vigilance over all that transpired within their jurisdiction.
Finally, Leonidas broached the subject of Evaluations with those he questioned. Upon hearing this question, the locals became visibly uneasy but divulged what they knew. The Evaluation was a mandatory test administered to adolescents, designed to assess their abilities and determine if they were blessed with harnessing the power of Celestia.
While Leonidas accumulated knowledge, the sun dipped steadily toward the horizon, tingeing the sky with hues of rose. The line of children awaiting Evaluation continued to dwindle, yet none were granted entry to the waiting carriages—a clear indication that none had managed to meet the Empire's stringent standards. From afar, Leonidas felt the hawkish gaze of a soldier watching his every movement, monitoring him intently.
Leonidas sighed; he understood the need for caution. Trust isn't earned quickly, and he couldn't fault them for their vigilance. Nonetheless, it still bothered him.
To his far left stood an enigmatic purple hut, the only one he had not yet visited. It seemed to radiate beneath the sinking sun. Windows were present, yet obscured by heavy violet drapery. Curiously, it was separated from its neighbors by a wooden barrier and appeared empty.
Leonidas arched his eyebrow, curiously, leaning in. He scrutinized what lay inside, but it was too dark, his squinting eyes unable to pierce through the abyss.
Suddenly, a pair of mysterious silver eyes glinted and a slender, miniature lion bounded from the darkness onto a counter. Its vibrant red fur contrasted sharply with its pale ears and eyes. The feline groomed its rosy-colored paws yet never wavered in its intense scrutiny of Leonidas.
Greetings, Mars.
Leonidas could hear a soft, feminine voice, though it wasn't from outside; rather, it was from inside. A voice had talked into his head! It was as if it were his own, but it wasn't; he was sure of it. Leonidas looked around instinctively, seeking the source but finding no answers among the bustling townsfolk or busy merchants.
A bead of sweat formed on Leonidas' brow. 'Am I going mad?'
No, Mars.
Leonidas widened his eyes. The voice has returned! Frantically, he glanced around his surroundings, attempting to find someone, or something that could help him come to a rational solution.
Look down, Mars.
"Who is Mars?" Leonidas snapped. He glanced downward, and the lion; the one who appeared moments ago, stared back. "Was it you?"
Yes Mars; it took you long enough to realize.
"B-but you're a cat!" Leonidas argued, his voice growing to a shout.
The feline tilted its head, as if amused. Suddenly, an abrupt light materialized, engulfing the lion's diminutive form. Leonidas shielded his eyes, curiosity and shock seized his mind.
As the light dispersed, the feline disappeared along with it. In its place, stood a human woman. Enshrouding her rosy skin, lay a luxurious, crimson robe. Eyes were of a potent, silver color, similar to her arrow-shaped ears. She was the most beautiful woman Leonidas had ever seen, her allure exceeding the daughters of
"Is this better, Mars?" She purred, her lips curving into a subtle smile.
Astonishment washed over Leonidas. "Y-you're… the cat!" He exclaimed, shakily pointing at the enigmatic, yet beautiful stranger.
"My name is Ëydaźa," she corrected, slyly. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mars."
Leonidas' puzzled nature was palpable, unable to form words. All he could do was stare, his mouth agape. It took him a moment to recompose himself, and he wearily asked, "Why do you call me Mars?"
"All will be revealed in due time," Ëydaźa replied, waving a graceful hand. "But there are more pressing matters at hand—far more important."
"Like what?" Leonidas asked. He couldn't help but feel curious.
Suddenly, Ëydaźa's silver eyes faded into a mesmerizing void, their luminescence intensifying. A tempestuous wind stirred around her, the very heavens changing their hue as the pink sky gave way to an ominous storm. Thunder roared from above, and Ëydaźa extended her hands, an enigmatic aura surrounded her, as she intoned:
In the era of relentless conflict's cruel plunder,
A deity of war emerges, torn asunder.
To lay waste to realms in a shadowy trace,
Unleash doom's tide in a vengeful embrace.
Deception veils his twisted destiny's slate,
In his wake, a lamentful sorrow shall await.
Dread shall loom as darkness draws near,
Yet resilience and affection too shall appear.
At the enigmatic crossroads of destiny's strife,
Two destinies entwine, the essence of life.
In the ultimate hour, when turmoil is rife,
Only two fates shall unfold: death or life.
Then, another blinding light erupted, more overwhelming than before. Leonidas was forced to shut his eyes once more, his fingers white-knuckling the edge of a nearby counter as he fought to remain upright. Wind howled around him, rain lashed at his skin, and thunder cracked overhead.
In the span of a mere heartbeat, it all ceased.
Leonidas slowly opened his eyes, his heart still racing like the drums of an orchestra. The stormy turmoil had receded, the world returning to its previous state of serene rosy skies. The thunderous cacophony had dissipated, and the biting wind had vanished into thin air. The townspeople and merchants continued their daily routines, as if oblivious to the spectacle that had just unfolded. But that was the least of Leonidas' surprise.
The purple-colored shop had disappeared.
It left no remnants of its trace, as if it had never been there before. 'Surely… I'm not going mad. This must be… Celestia! Yes, it is a trick.' He thought, desperately attempting to convince himself that he wasn't losing his mind. It felt too real to be fake.
He turned, and stood in front of a villager, his eyes staring at him frantically. "Where… where did that shop go?" He asked, pointing to the blank spot where the building once stood.
The villager gazed upon him, as one would at a lunatic. Then, in an irritated tone, he said:
"There was never a shop there. Are you mad?"
***