After a long ascent towards the surface, Hermiel and Gwendoline finally reached the top where a sturdy wooden door stood as the last barrier to the outside world. Hermiel pushed it open to unveil a breathtaking sight: a winding dirt road through a picturesque village, surrounded by quaint homes and draped in greenery.
Gwendoline gazed in awe at the expansive village that seemed to stretch endlessly. Verdant vegetation was everywhere, enveloping the buildings in a fresh embrace. The streets buzzed with joyous activity from bustling merchants and villagers going about their daily tasks.
Houses with charming facades seemed to bloom under the gentle touch of the sun, their colorful shutters and blossoming gardens emitting intoxicating scents. The red-tiled roofs blended harmoniously into the landscape, adding warmth to the scene.
Laughter and lively chatter echoed through the cobblestone lanes. Market stalls overflowed with fresh produce, tempting passersby with displays of juicy fruits, crusty bread, and aromatic spices. Cafes and terraces teemed with life, offering welcoming spots where locals gathered to share moments of joy and conversation.
Beyond the festive hustle, nature displayed its grandeur. Tall trees reached skyward, their branches swaying with the gentle breeze. Flourishing gardens showcased a riot of colors, blending the vibrant hues of flowers with deep, lush greens.
"Welcome to Haradi! The second-largest village in the country, known for its commerce and festivities!" Hermiel exclaimed.
"It's so beautiful!" Gwendoline replied, her eyes sparkling.
"Yes, its greenery and vast landscapes are part of its charm," Hermiel added.
The two decided to explore the charming village, conversing about various topics along the way. Hermiel guided Gwendoline to his home, revealing hidden gems of his village. As they delved deeper into the cobblestone lanes, a burst of merchant stalls brought life to the scene. The variety was such that it was nearly impossible to determine their exact number, as if these shops went on infinitely.
"Know that Abraham is safe, so your mission is complete," Hermiel began.
"Alright, that's good to hear."
"A lot happened in the forest, most notably, Jaïka was a spy for Abaguo."
"Jaïka betrayed us?" she exclaimed in surprise.
"Yes. Jacob confronted her and came out unscathed. You'll have to ask him for the details, I'm not entirely sure of all that transpired."
The pair continued their slow pace through the bustling crowd of traders. More and more villagers gathered around them, blocking their path. The aura of respect and admiration surrounding Hermiel grew with every step.
"Wow, you're deeply respected around here!"
"It's only natural. I'm an angelic human. We're revered due to our limited numbers and power. But respect isn't just about status; it's about actions too. I recall an encounter with Abaguo some time ago..."
"I hear everyone talking about Abaguo. Who is he?"
"He's an archdemon I faced four years ago, right here in this village. He even compelled the Archangels to grant angelic energy to Marshal Anabito, the second protector of this village."
"So, he's a powerful archdemon?"
"Yes, but there's more. He aspires to attain the power level of the Emotion Archdemons by transcending his existence. This makes him formidable. That's why federal agents from Edra and WADI are after him."
"Edra, WADI?"
"Ah, good questions. Edra is a democratic country with over 150 million citizens, also the world's second superpower. WADI stands for World Agency for Demonic Investigations, a powerful intergovernmental police force based in the three countries of Trillia. It was established by Milityasha Karpeva, the current leader of Argha, after the new president of Edra was elected. Though in reality, it's more complex than that. But I suppose politics might not be your cup of tea, right?"
"I wasn't too keen on it in my world, but since Trillia is my new home, I'm open to learning more."
"You have a thirst for knowledge, young one. That's commendable. But to explain the intricacies of our world would take hours."
"I imagine so. Anyway, what's WADI about? You were about to explain."
"Ah, I got sidetracked! Rosaria Ashford heads WADI. Just so you know, she was originally from the Kingdom of Rymis but changed her nationality for certain reasons. WADI's mission includes hunting dangerous archdemons across Trillia to imprison them in secret facilities hidden within Argha's snowy mountains. Even King Rymis III isn't privy to what happens inside. Moreover, WADI oversees intelligence and counter-espionage both inside and outside Argha, providing a level of security against demons and those who misuse magic and personal powers for illegal means."
"That's a lot of information, I must admit, I'm struggling to keep up!" she chuckled.
"It's quite intriguing, isn't it? Anyway, there are books full of useful information about this world's three countries, their history, and culture. You might want to check them out."
"I definitely will!"
"To conclude our forest incident summary, Yanis received something from the Archangels. We think he might be the Chosen One of the Archangels."
"Really? He didn't become the chosen one?"
"Sadly, no. We deduced what he received is a beacon that will activate only when he defeats Tony, his sworn enemy."
"The next two years sound challenging."
"Don't worry. I believe you'll grow stronger. Plus, you have two unique magical spells in your arsenal."
"Speaking of which, I can activate them, but I don't know how to use them."
"In time, you'll master them. Don't worry about it!" he reassured.
Following their enlightening conversation, they finally arrived at the temporary home of the Lost Ones. What lay before them was a quaint house nestled amidst a serene suburban neighborhood. Though surrounded by other residences, this home stood out with its understated charm, adding a touch of warmth and hospitality to the ambiance. The well-maintained brick walls radiated a warm hue, while the windows, framed by intricately crafted sills, hinted at inviting and luminous interiors.
"Here's your temporary abode! Your friends are waiting for you inside."
"Thank you so much for your kindness, Mr. Hermiel!"
"Ahah! I'm just doing my duty! Now, young lady, get some rest!"
"Aren't you coming in?"
"Alas, no. I have a lot of work ahead and reports to submit to WADI, the embassies of Edra and Argha, and King Rymis. So, until next time!"
With a benevolent and commanding smile, he bid young Gwendoline goodbye and left, standing her in front of the house's main entrance. But she hesitated, reluctant to knock on the door, fearing the repercussions of her previous outburst.
"I feel like I don't deserve to be here…"
She recalled how she'd spoken to Yanis and Rogue in the forest. Suddenly, just as her hand clutched the doorknob, a teenage boy with a feminine appearance tapped her shoulder. He wore a pale pink vest over short blue trousers that paired with his boots. His blonde hair, tied up, formed a neat bun, and his blue eyes resembled those of a girl.
"Are you planning to knock?"
"You scared me! Who are you?" she exclaimed.
"I'm Garnal Laproie, the temporary assistant to the Lost. And you are?"
"An assistant? Anyway, I'm Gwendoline Bourcier."
"Oh! So you're Gwendoline! I've been waiting five days to meet you! You look lovely, especially in that white dress! You must be powerful too!"
"Wait, what! Five days?"
"Yes, ahah! You've been asleep for five days. Jacob woke up on the third day."
"I see. Well, nice to meet you."
"We'll need to work on your fashion sense though," he commented, rubbing his chin.
Why does he look like a girl? Even his voice sounds feminine. It's unsettling. The only distinguishing feature is his lack of a bust... Oh well…
While pondering this, she inadvertently glanced at her own chest, realizing it wasn't as ample as she'd thought.
I don't have much either… People could easily mistake me for a boy…
With an annoyed grin and a tinge of embarrassment, she watched as Garnal opened the door, revealing their new residence. Inside, there was an atmosphere of tranquility. It felt familiar yet slightly different from their home in Érétide. The rooms were cozier, giving the space an intimate feel, but what truly caught her eye was the abundant plant-themed decor.
The interior of the house exuded nature, like a veritable oasis of greenery. The walls were adorned in soothing hues, reminiscent of the delicate shades of an enchanted forest. Green potted plants were strategically placed, gracefully occupying every corner of the room, bringing a rejuvenating touch to the whole. Daylight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow that reflected on the wooden furniture imbued with a natural warmth. Shelves were thoughtfully filled with books featuring vibrant covers, creating a lively library where escapism was at one's fingertips.
"It's quite ni—
"Gwendoline!" Alora exclaimed.
Alora threw herself at her, cutting her off mid-sentence. She was so elated to see her alive that she was on the verge of shedding tears of joy. Their momentum took them to the ground, given the force with which Alora had embraced her.
"Alora?"
"I've missed you so much!"
From the other side, Jacob, Yanis, and Rogue appeared, all wearing broad smiles. They also sported new, flattering outfits. Their clothing was both elegant and full of character, exuding a certain traditional flair.
"It's good to see you, Gwen," greeted Yanis.
"You too..."
*
After the heartfelt reunion and after Garnal dressed Gwendoline in a red and white dress, the Lost Ones group sat around a table for an extended discussion about the incident in the forest. As she closed her eyes, Alora nodded in agreement and declared:
"This confirms my beliefs... The world changes following our arrival here."
"Yeah, we're going to have to train even harder," Yanis replied.
Excitedly, Jacob abruptly stood from his chair and declared, "Guys, this proves one thing! We're becoming stronger! Gwendoline has unknown magic and an entity within her; Yanis is turning into an Archangel; Rogue is getting better at hacking; I'm getting OP as fuck; and Alora... um..."
With a heavy silence, Jacob halted mid-sentence because Alora hadn't shared anything about her side of events, leaving everyone in the dark.
"I just managed to escape, but I'm getting closer to level II of my power."
"Oh, okay, that's good then!"
*
Dusk was settling, and a little further in Abaguo's lair, a final meeting took place between him and his loyal right-hand, Jaïka. They stood face to face, alone, in total silence, while Abaguo's face betrayed a dark omen. Jaïka, with her arms crossed, allowed no emotion to escape her expression. Her calm revealed an undeniable confidence that had been forged throughout her life.
"Jaïka… You failed in your mission. You were supposed to bring me Jacob! How come he's now in Haradi with his little friends?!"
"Well… It turned out he was much more powerful than I had anticipated."
"Jaïka… You possess over a hundred powers! Including one that lets you seal anyone within an infinite barrier! How did you manage to fail?!"
"He was able to transcend the infinite with his power. He even managed to breach my infinite multiverse... At that point, I realized that capturing him would be a lost cause. Moreover, his companion demon quickly took him back to their camp. In short, he was uncatchable."
"You know what? You're fired! I'll capture him myself, and the other Lost Ones while I'm at it!"
"Hmpf... Fine by me. Good luck with your plan, you'll really need it."
"Why do you say that? You know full well I'll succeed!"
"You will see for yourself the power of Jacob and the other Lost Ones, especially Gwendoline, the new one. And by then, you'll regret not having listened to me earlier."
"And what do you plan to do now?!"
"I'm heading to Argha to start a new life. I've always dreamed of living high up in their mountains, illuminated by the glows of stars and the galaxy."
"So that's it?! You plan to run away like a coward? You're a demon; you should only live to become powerful!"
"I'm no longer seeking that title, Abaguo. In my three hundred years of existence, I've given enough as a demon. I want to live as humans do and experience the joys that life offers. Until we meet again in Hell."
With these final words, Jaïka opened a portal, not even sparing a glance at her old friend. The paths of the two demons diverged forever, each carrying different ideals.
"Very well... In that case, I'll prepare for my ultimate assault..."
A sinister smile widened on his face as his thirst for power began to dominate his being. He knew the final stage of his plan was approaching, and this realization filled him with a profound ecstasy.
"I can't wait to face you again, Marshal!"