I saw a massive door still standing tall amidst the ruins. The door looked incredibly sturdy, adorned in golden hues with intricate and beautiful carvings. Strangely, it remained untouched by the destruction surrounding it, as if shielded from the forces that brought down the buildings nearby.
With an irresistible curiosity, I took a step forward and slowly opened the door. Astonishment washed over me as I beheld what lay behind it—a breathtaking sight unfolded before my eyes.
I found myself inside a remarkably beautiful city. The streets were paved with neatly arranged stones, and towering buildings displayed awe-inspiring architecture. Lovely gardens adorned with colorful flowers and murmuring fountains enhanced the city's charm.
I couldn't comprehend how such a stunning city could exist amidst the ruins outside. Perhaps, the golden door was a gateway to a hidden world, a place meticulously guarded and concealed from human eyes.
As I strolled through the alleys, someone approached. Wait, was he a half-human? He came closer with gentle steps, his eyes filled with wisdom and warmth.
"Hmm? A human? It's the first time the city has been visited by one," he said with a soft yet confident voice.
I felt a bit puzzled because I had seen humans moving about since I arrived.
"The first time?" I replied cautiously. "But aren't the people here humans?"
The demi-human girl nodded gently, her smile full of kindness. "No, they are not humans. They are magical beings like dragons, fairies, and others, taking on the form of humans."
I was taken aback and intrigued by her explanation. "So, they are not actually humans but magical beings in disguise?"
The demi-human girl nodded, smiling warmly. "Yes, they have the ability to transform into humans. They do this to interact more easily in the city."
She introduced herself as Mei and asked for my name. "Nice to meet you, Asha Novenia Rosella," I replied.
Mei smiled warmly. "Pleasure to meet you, Asha. What brings you to this city? Are you looking for something? Your attire suggests you come from a distant world."
"I don't know, passing through a gate, I suddenly found myself in this city. I apologize," I answered with a smile. "But this place is fascinating and beautiful."
Mei looked at me with curiosity. "Is that so? You arrived at an inopportune time, though. There's a conflict brewing in the central temple of the city. The temple has become the battleground for two factions of magical beings with differing views on Enial usage."
I became intrigued by the information Mei shared. "Please tell me more about this conflict," I requested.
Mei paused for a moment before responding. "There are two main factions in this city. The first faction believes that Enial should be used wisely and only for good purposes. They respect the balance of nature and abide by the rules set by their leaders."
"And what about the second faction?" I asked with curiosity.
Mei sighed. "The second faction believes that Enial should be used to gain power and dominance. They seek to take control of the city and exploit the power of Enial for their personal gain. The conflict between these two factions is escalating, and the city is torn apart."
Mei looked sincerely at me. "Hmm, what if you help me go to the second faction known as Lix? It might also help you get to know the city better."
I pondered Mei's offer seriously. Although I had just arrived in this city, I felt intrigued to understand the ongoing conflict and see if I could assist in any way.
"I'm interested in helping you," I told Mei.
Mei smiled and replied, "The Lix faction is on the other side of the city, so we'll pass through some interesting places along the way."
I agreed, and together we embarked on a journey through the beautiful streets of the city. During our journey, Mei further explained the existence of Enial in this world.
"Enial is a potent source of magical power in this world," Mei explained. "Through Enial, magical beings can control the elements of nature, heal wounds, or even create new energy. However, the use of Enial must be balanced and wise to avoid disrupting the harmony of nature and life in the city."
"Do all magical beings in this city have the ability to use Enial?" I asked.
Mei shook her head. "Not all of them. Only a select few magical beings have an affinity for Enial and can harness it. They undergo special training to develop their abilities and understand the responsibilities that come with using Enial."
We continued walking and reached a beautiful bridge that spanned a serene river flowing through the heart of the city. The peaceful water and majestic buildings around left me mesmerized.
"This bridge is one of my favorite spots," Mei said. "From here, we can admire the beauty of the city and enjoy the tranquility rarely found elsewhere."
I observed the surroundings with wonder, realizing that this city was truly unique and exceptional. I became even more excited to proceed on our journey to the Lix faction and witness what would unfold.
After crossing the bridge, we walked towards a more bustling part of the city. The increasing noise and activity indicated that we were approaching our destination. I felt tense yet eager to see what would happen when we arrived at the Lix faction.
We finally stood in front of a grand gate guarded by intimidating magical beings. Mei spoke to them, introducing herself as a representative of the Shen faction.
The magical beings at the gate seemed skeptical upon hearing Mei's introduction. They exchanged glances briefly before finally granting us entry into the Lix territory.
As we walked past the gate and entered the Lix district, the atmosphere changed compared to the previous parts of the city. The buildings appeared gloomier and darker, adorned with mysterious symbols emitting an intense aura. A tense and mysterious scent filled the air.
Mei walked confidently by my side, displaying impressive bravery. I tried to match her steps, even though my heart was racing. We were greeted by other magical beings, their unfriendly faces and suspicious gazes adding to the tension.
"I must warn you, Asha," Mei whispered to me. "The Lix faction is known for its strict views and ambition for power. We must remain cautious and keep our goals clear."
I nodded, understanding the importance of staying vigilant in this unfamiliar environment. As we continued, we finally arrived at the central temple of the Lix faction. The place was an imposing structure, adorned with dark ornaments carved into the walls.
Inside the temple, we met the leader of the Lix faction, a formidable magical being with an impressive appearance. He gazed at us with sharp eyes, trying to assess our intentions.
"What brings you here, Shen's envoy?" he asked with a deep and resonating voice.
Mei calmly replied, "We come in an effort to understand more about the conflict between our factions. I believe that through dialogue and understanding, a peaceful resolution that respects everyone's interests might be possible."
The leader of the Lix faction listened attentively, his expression hard to read. After a tense moment, he finally nodded.
"You look different, Shen's envoy," he said in a low voice, a cunning smile forming on his face. "And it seems you bring someone interesting with you, don't you?" He directed a sharp gaze full of secrets towards me, as if he knew something that remained concealed.
In my bewildered gaze, I couldn't hide the tension. What did he mean by 'someone interesting'? Was there something happening behind the scenes that I wasn't aware of?