June 20, 2666, Hera.
I opened my eyes and saw Mei holding my hand gently. "Hi, Mei," I greeted softly.
"Hi," Mei replied with a warm smile on her face. "How are you feeling today? Are you getting better?"
"I feel a little better," I responded, taking out my Enial still mixed with Darkness. "Although some pain still lingers."
"Mestreya suggested that we go to the Liosan Empire on the eastern continent for better treatment," Mei said, holding my hand tightly while smiling.
"Yes," her smile warmed my heart. I felt fortunate to have someone like Mei by my side. "Thank you, Mei."
We both then got up from the bed and began preparing for our journey to the Liosan Empire. I put on comfortable travel attire and secured Enial in my pouch. Mei also brought some supplies and equipment that we might need on the journey.
Once we were ready, we left Nex and bid farewell to the others, then headed towards the nearest port. We planned to use a ship to reach the eastern continent where the Liosan Empire was located. They were renowned for their knowledge and expertise in healing and Enial, and I hoped they could help me.
At the port, we searched for a ship bound for the Liosan Empire. After some time searching, we found one that was about to depart. We booked our tickets and boarded the ship, hoping that our journey would go smoothly.
We found seats on the deck of the ship and gazed out at the calm sea. The gentle breeze caressed our faces, providing a refreshing sensation after spending days indoors.
I thought our journey to Liosan would be uneventful. But as we sailed, the clouds grew dark, thunder echoed. Rain began to pour heavily, and the waves in the sea became fierce. The ship rocked violently atop the large waves, making our journey unstable and challenging.
We tried to remain calm and held onto our seats tightly. Other passengers looked fearful and panicked, but we gave each other strength and confidence. Mei momentarily released her grip to wipe the raindrops off my face.
"We'll get through this, Asha," she said, her voice trembling amidst the loud wind and rain. "We'll reach Liosan."
I smiled at her, feeling warmth in her words. Despite the storm raging against us, I knew we had enough strength and determination to face it. Together, we could overcome any obstacle in front of us.
The ship continued to sway amid the wild waves, but the skilled crew worked to maintain its stability. The thunder roared closer, illuminating the dark sky dominating our view. I tightened my cloak and focused on the purpose of our journey.
An enormous rumble shook the ship. We looked toward the source of the noise, and before our eyes emerged a fierce sea monster.
The monster stood twenty meters tall, with sharp claws and a hide as strong as steel. Its red eyes glowed with uncontrollable ferocity. Massive waves formed with each swing of its claws into the sea.
Passengers on the ship screamed in fear, and panic filled every corner. Our ship was tossed about under the monster's power, as if it would sink into the deep sea any moment. Then, someone with gray hair tried to calm the situation, so it wouldn't draw the monster's attention.
He bravely walked to the front of the ship, standing before the frightened passengers. His voice sounded calm and full of conviction as he spoke.
"Don't panic! Stay calm and stay in your seats," he said loudly. "We will fight this monster together."
He looked around, searching for objects that could be used as weapons. Suddenly, his gaze fell on a large iron rod used to pull the ship's anchor. He took the rod and transformed it into a glowing sword.
With the radiant sword in hand, the gray-haired man stepped forward to confront the fierce sea monster. He stood tall, with a determined and courageous gaze. The monster raged, launching powerful attacks, but the man deftly evaded each one.
With his skills in battle, he launched swift and accurate counterattacks. His sword emitted a bright light as it clashed with the monster's claws.
I wanted to help, but Mei stopped me and told me to stay here, taking cover like the other passengers.
"You stay here; your Enial is still contaminated with Darkness. I'm afraid something might happen to you again," she said, with concern in her eyes.
I understood Mei's worry and chose to entrust the fight to the gray-haired man. I knew my Enial was still tainted with Darkness, and using its power in such a battle could be extremely dangerous. Although my heart was restless, I knew Mei would do her best to protect me.
Meanwhile, the battle between the gray-haired man and the sea monster raged on. Their movements were skilled and resilient. The monster appeared increasingly angry and fierce, but the gray-haired man didn't give up.
I watched tensely, unable to help but be impressed by the man's courage and skill. He was an extraordinary figure, capable of facing danger with composure and determination.
Then, Mei provided assistance from a distance with her Enial. The light energy emitted by her Enial surrounded the gray-haired man's body, providing him with additional strength and protection. His sword glowed brighter, and his attacks became faster and deadlier.
The sea monster was disturbed by the increasingly powerful attacks, and it seemed harder for them to fight back. The monster's movements slowed, and its attacks began to miss their mark.
The gray-haired man seized the opportunity and with one final powerful blow, he managed to crush one of the monster's claws. The monster roared in pain, and with one final stormy movement, its body collapsed into the deep sea.
Finally, victory was achieved, and the gray-haired man turned towards us with a triumphant smile on his face. I felt relieved and grateful for the help he provided.
"Thank you so much for saving us all," I sincerely said.
He simply nodded and smiled. "No need to worry. We are all on the same ship, and our duty is to protect each other. By the way, are you, Asha?"
I was confused by his words, "Hmm, do we know each other?"
"Do you not remember me? I am Arufan, the one who met you at the ruins of the temple a few months ago," replied Arufan.
"Arufan? I had no idea your appearance had changed so much," I replied.
"Hello, thank you for helping us and thank you for helping Asha that day," Mei thanked him.
Arufan smiled kindly. "No need to thank me. I just did what should be done to protect others. How are you now, Asha? Are you okay after that incident?"
"I'm a little tired and shocked, but I'm okay," I answered with a gentle smile. "Thank you for your assistance."
Arufan nodded. "Asha, can I see your Enial? I want to check how severe the contamination is."
"Sure," I took out my Enial from my pouch and handed it to him carefully. Arufan examined the Enial carefully, observing every detail.
After a while, Arufan lifted his head and looked at me seriously. "Your Enial is indeed contaminated quite severely by Darkness. However, I see some hope for recovery. At least, your Enial is not as bad as Izu's."
"So what should I do?" I asked him.
"Where are you headed? Liosan?" He replied with a question.
"Yes, our destination is Liosan," I answered.
"That's good then. Liosan is under the authority of the Greater Lord, and she might be able to help you," said Arufan.
"Greater Lord?" I asked, confused.
"Greater Lord is a kind of highest rank among all. Like a supreme deity, but she lives alongside other creatures," Mei replied.
"The Greater Lord possesses vast knowledge and extraordinary power. She can provide aid and guidance to heal your Enial," added Mei.
I felt relieved to hear that there was hope for my Enial. Meanwhile, Arufan returned my Enial to me carefully. "You must take good care of this Enial. Do not let the darkness fully consume it."
I nodded in understanding, placing Enial back into my pouch with care. We all returned to our seats on the ship, trying to recover from the recent incident.
The journey continued more cautiously. The ship continued to sail across the still choppy sea, but at least the rain had subsided, and the dark clouds started to disperse. I pondered on what would happen in Liosan and meeting with the Greater Lord. I hoped with all my heart that my Enial could be healed, and I could safely control its power.
Our journey continued for several days, and finally, the ship arrived at the port of the Liosan Empire. We disembarked from the ship carefully, grateful that we survived the storm and the battle with the sea monster.
The Liosan Empire looked majestic, with beautiful buildings and stunning architecture. The air around us felt fresh, different from the atmosphere we left in Nex. We were impressed by the beauty and clarity of this place.
"Okay, we part ways here. See you later, Asha, Mei," said Arufan, rushing off.
"Y-yes... By the way, thank you for helping earlier!" I called out.
Then we began our journey towards the center of the empire, searching for the place where the Greater Lord resided. We walked through bustling streets filled with lively and spirited local residents. Buildings around us were filled with merchants, shops, and various activities.
As we reached the heart of the empire, we saw a magnificent palace towering in the midst of the city. The palace was made of shining white marble, with gold-plated roofs that exuded extraordinary beauty.
Carefully, we entered the palace, walking through spacious corridors and approaching the palace guards stationed at the entrance.
"We are looking for the Greater Lord. Can you help us?" Mei asked politely.
The palace guard looked at us attentively and gave a friendly smile. "Of course, but first, please provide your identities and the purpose of your visit."
We provided our identities and explained our purpose of seeking help from the Greater Lord regarding the contaminated Enial.
The palace guard nodded in understanding. "Alright, I will inform the Greater Lord about your arrival. Please follow me."
We followed the palace guard through the magnificent corridors of the palace, passing through beautiful rooms adorned with stunning art. Each step brought us closer to the meeting with the Greater Lord.
Finally, we arrived at a spacious and radiant room. In the middle of the room stood a woman surrounded by emanating light. She exuded a strong and captivating aura, adorned in magnificent attire. This was Greater Lord Zhi Huan.
Greater Lord looked at us with sharp eyes. "Asha and Mei, yes? I have heard about both of you and the reason you're here."
"Greetings, Greater Lord Zhi Huan," I greeted respectfully. "We come with the hope of seeking aid and guidance from you regarding my Enial contaminated by Darkness."
Zhi Huan smiled, and for some reason, I felt a bit uneasy with her smile. "I see that both of you have gone through many struggles and dangers to get here. I will do my best to help you."
We both felt relieved to hear those words. Mei took the initiative to explain the situation of my Enial in more detail to Greater Lord Zhi Huan. She described how my Enial became contaminated and the extent of the contamination.
Zhi Huan listened attentively. After listening to Mei's explanation, she nodded. "Hmm, I understand the situation it's in. It seems to be quite a unique case."
"What should I do?" I asked hopefully.
Zhi Huan replied, "First, you must prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Healing your Enial will require time and great effort. You must be ready to face obstacles and challenges that may arise."
I nodded, ready to face whatever comes my way. Zhi Huan continued, "Then, I will guide you through the process of healing your Enial. There will be rituals and exercises you must follow with utmost concentration and perseverance."
We wondered what rituals and exercises she meant, but Zhi Huan did not provide further details. She said, "The time is not yet ripe to reveal everything. However, if you are willing, I will begin the process of healing your Enial now."
We firmly expressed our readiness to start the healing process. Zhi Huan asked me to come closer while holding the contaminated Enial. I carefully took it out of my pouch and handed it to Zhi Huan.
Zhi Huan gazed at the Enial attentively, studying every detail. She sensed the contaminated energy and battled against the Darkness within it. After a moment, she looked up and smiled. "It's quite severe, but there is hope for it."
We felt relieved and grateful for the encouraging words from the Greater Lord. Zhi Huan continued, "Now, let's begin the healing process. I will guide you through meditation and special exercises to cleanse and restore the power of your Enial, Asha."
I followed Zhi Huan's instructions with full concentration and perseverance. I entered a deep meditative state, allowing the energy emanating from Zhi Huan to flow through my body and connect with Enial.
During the process, I felt a strong and pure energy flowing through my Enial. I struggled against the Darkness within it, cleansing it and restoring its true light.
The healing process lasted for quite some time, and I felt physically and mentally exhausted. However, I wouldn't give up. I had to stay focused and determined to remove the Darkness from my Enial.
Finally, the initial healing process was complete. I came out of the meditative state and opened my eyes. The Enial I held now looked clean and radiated with a brighter light.
Zhi Huan smiled. "Yes, at least the temporary handling process is complete. Your Enial must be continuously guarded and strengthened to prevent it from being contaminated by Darkness again. Come every Saturday, but not to the palace, instead, go to a place called Reather."
"Reather?" I asked, repeating the name of the place mentioned by Zhi Huan.
Zhi Huan nodded. "Reather, just an ordinary café that I run when I'm in disguise as a commoner."
"I will provide you with a special identification that will grant you VIP access to Reather every Saturday."
I nodded with gratitude. "Thank you so much, Greater Lord Zhi Huan. I am truly grateful for your help and guidance."
Zhi Huan smiled and nodded. "You have a strong determination, Asha. Keep your spirits up and try your best. I believe you will succeed in fully healing Enial."
After bidding farewell to the Greater Lord, Mei and I left the palace with hopeful hearts. We decided to take a short walk before searching for an inn.
Holding hands tightly, we strolled along, savoring every moment together under the dim night lights. We walked along small streets adorned with street lamps.
After some time of walking, we reached the calm seaside. Gentle winds brushed through our hair while gentle waves adorned the beach with beautiful ripples. We sat on a wooden bench near the water, gazing at the shimmering stars in the night sky. The atmosphere was peaceful and calming.
Suddenly, the idea of trying ice cream by the seaside crossed our minds. We walked to an ice cream cart nearby. We chose different flavors and enjoyed them with sheer happiness. The ice cream was delicious and refreshing, adding sweetness to our beautiful moments.
After finishing our ice cream, we continued our journey to find an inn. Walking together, we searched for signs of an inn around the city. After a while, we found a small inn located in the heart of the city. We entered and were warmly welcomed by the owner.
We were given a key to a comfortable room and spent the rest of the night together. Inside the room, we spoke softly, laughed, and shared stories with each other.
With hearts full of joy, we reflected on the beautiful day we had spent together. There are no words to describe how happy we felt at that moment.