Tarif "Wow, this place is so beautiful guys, I didn't even know a place like this existed here, and I've been living here for over 4 years now. It's so awesome." I remarked as I observed the beautiful view of the restaurant.Nestled in the outskirts of the city, this exquisite restaurant is a harmonious blend of elegance and nature, creating an enchanting dining experience. As you step through the ornate double doors, you are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of majestic tranquility.The ceiling is a masterpiece of design, adorned with a mesmerizing display of green and blue translucent flowers that appear to float in mid-air. These delicate blossoms sway gently in the soft breeze, casting a soothing, otherworldly glow over the entire space. The ceiling's centerpiece, an array of intertwined plants, seem to grow organically, extending their vibrant tendrils into the very structure of the building, providing a striking contrast between the man-made and the natural world.The walls, elegantly painted in rich shades of purple and pink, are adorned with intricate floral patterns that evoke a sense of timeless beauty. The patterns dance and intertwine, creating a sense of continuous movement and vibrant energy. This visual feast is a perfect complement to the organic wonder happening overhead.Glossy, impeccably polished tables are strategically placed throughout the restaurant, each a reflective surface mirroring the spectacular translucent plants above. The interplay of the tables' sheen with the suspended flowers creates an almost magical effect, as if diners are seated amidst an ethereal garden, dining under the starry night sky.This restaurant truly offers a majestic yet earthy view, seamlessly merging the grandeur of art and the soothing essence of nature. It's a place where every visit becomes a unique and enchanting experience, a true sanctuary for those seeking beauty, tranquility, and delectable cuisine."Right this way to your seats everyone." Instructed the waiter to us all. Apart of the group was Tarif, Miss Irene, Subaru Agaya, Mr. Konessàne, Carissa, Nova Uno and Nova Dos. We were missing one person and it was Nova Zero. He should be on his way here. I didn't think of him as someone who would arrive late to a function.Just as I was about to ask the others if they had seen Rome Nova Dos spoke up, "He's here." Rome he suddenly appeared in our view as if he morphed from thin air. I was hoping to see him without a mask finally, but I believe I was asking for too much. These three were still a mystery to all of us. They came from the forbidden region, destroyed a barrier strong enough to keep us protected from like half a dozen advanced class monsters and now they patrol the streets hiding their faces.Since they came, things have been heating up but I don't get any negative vibes from them. I think they are good people. Rome has even saved Traven and the others. what I do think is that this town's hiding something and whoever is being everything is maybe threatened by them. "Apologies for being late." said Zero."Ah, no apologies necessary, my friend. We're well aware of your leisurely pace. Slow and steady, right." replied Nova Dos mockingly."Ah, didn't realize you'd ventured into the world of comedy, did I? Seems I missed the memo on your sudden career shift." replied Nova Zero with a tinge of sarcasm."Come on Zero, we just got here as well, he's just teasing." Said Miss Irene."Well I'm glad were all finally here. We can now order some food after waiting for over an hour." Said Konessàne.The table was set with an array of menus, each one as eclectic as the personalities gathered around it. Nova Uno scanned the menu with excitement evident in her eyes, already eager to delve into the culinary delights."Let's start with the Giant Frog Legs and Terror Dove Soup," Nova Uno declared, her fiery enthusiasm translating into her choices."Absolutely, and how about some T-Bull Shakes to go along with that?" chimed in Tarif, his voice still carrying a trace of nervousness.Nova Dos, as collected as ever, calmly added, "Barbecue sounds good too. And I'm curious about the Tropical Green Lizard Tail in Curry Sauce."Konessàne, always the wise presence among them, nodded in agreement. "An excellent selection, a blend of flavors that shall surely captivate our taste buds." As they placed their orders, laughter and animated conversation filled the air, breaking the ice that had surrounded their initial meeting. Miss Irene, Subaru Agaya and Nova Uno shared stories about their recent adventures, while Nova Uno teased Nova Zero about his enigmatic personality, much to Rome's amusement.Zero, in his calm and composed manner, engaged in the banter, occasionally surprising everyone with a quick wit that rarely showed itself amidst his usual reserved demeanor. The food arrived, each dish presented with an artistic flourish that mirrored the restaurant's ambiance. The aroma wafting from the dishes teased their senses, making everyone's mouths water in anticipation."This looks exquisite," exclaimed Nova Dos, a rare glint of excitement in his eyes as he examined the dishes.They indulged in the delicacies before them, savoring every bite and exchanging appreciative nods at the burst of flavors. Tarif, initially timid, found his voice among the group, sharing his thoughts on the dishes with a newfound confidence.Konessàne, with his deep knowledge, provided intriguing insights into the cultural significance behind each dish, adding an enriching layer to the meal. Amidst bites of Giant Frog Legs and sips of T-Bull Shakes, they continued to bond, forming a camaraderie that seemed unlikely at their first encounter.As Carissa sat at the table, her usual vibrant demeanor was replaced by an unsettling quietude. Her gaze seemed distant, fixated on a point far beyond the confines of the restaurant. I observed her closely, noting the palpable fear etched into her features, her once lively eyes now clouded with unease."Carissa, you seem... off. What's going on?" I probed gently, concern lacing my voice. "You haven't even touched your food. You look like you've seen a ghost. It's almost as if you're here but not really here," I added, trying to lighten the somber mood with a faint smile, though my worry persisted.Her gaze briefly met mine, a flicker of apprehension evident before she averted her eyes, fidgeting with the utensils on the table. "I'm okay, really," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, the strain evident in her attempt to sound composed. "I just don't really have an appetite," she continued, her words trailing off as if she were withholding something.I could sense her discomfort, her words not quite aligning with the turmoil visible in her demeanor. The usual spark in her eyes had dimmed, replaced by an unmistakable aura of trepidation."You know," I began, my voice softening, "you remind me of my little sister sometimes. Always so quiet and uninterested in the main conversations around the table. But I could always tell when something was bothering her. And right now, something is definitely bothering you."Carissa's silence lingered for a moment, a telltale sign of the turmoil within. Her hands trembled slightly as she clasped them together on her lap, a subconscious attempt to conceal her unease."Leave her alone Tarif, let her be." said Miss Irene."I like this, how we are all bonding. I've never heard Zero or well any of you laugh before. I thought that guy couldn't laugh at all. This feeling reminds me of when my family was alive.'' I said. "What happened to your family Tarif?" Asked Miss Irene curiously."My parents were esteemed detectives in a bygone era, and one fateful day, they vanished without a trace. The weight of their inexplicable disappearance hung heavy on our lives. After the somber affair of their funeral, we returned to our home, seeking remnants of solace amidst our grief, only to discover it torn asunder—ransacked from ceiling to floor. It appeared as though an unrelenting force had torn through every corner, leaving behind a disarray that spoke of an intense search, a pursuit for something elusive.At the tender age of eleven, the devastation I felt was indescribable. Questions whirled in my mind like a tempest, unanswered and haunting. The gaping void left by my parents' absence seemed insurmountable, yet there was an unspoken determination, a resolve to seek closure despite the overwhelming circumstances. And then, just a few weeks later, an unprecedented event shook the very foundation of our world, altering its course irreversibly. And thus, here I am," I paused in my narrative, retrieving the only relic left behind—the necklace. Its pendant was a small, ornate locket intricately etched with the symbol 'A'."This," I held the pendant delicately between my fingers, "this is the only thing left untouched. Amongst the chaos, this necklace remained untouched, almost as if it held a significance beyond my understanding. It's still puzzling up to this day. It was basically hidden in plain sight." I continued .Everyone's eyes lit up at the necklace. It was very beautiful."So where did your parents hide this necklace?" Asked Miss Irene."Well it looked like it was artfully placed in the handle of a large soup spoon. It seemed when they trashed the place it fell and had a little crack in the handle and thats how I found it." I replied, Then I continued, "The last enigmatic detail that still lingers is the name they repeatedly mentioned a few days before vanishing. It's on the tip of my tongue, something like... Agatha... Sarielios," I trailed off."Agatha Sarielios," Zero interjected, concluding my faltering sentence."How do you know that name?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued."I think we can talk about that later. Brace yourself; a confrontation is imminent," Nova Dos warned.Instantly, the atmosphere shifted. An indescribable weight settled in the air, suffused with an intense nova force that permeated the restaurant. The patrons struggled, dropping to their knees, grappling to stand and gasping for breath. Everyone, that is, except my Uncle, Miss Irene, and the trio of Novas: Zero, Uno, and Dos.The ambiance crackled with an unseen energy, a force field of cosmic power that seemed to engulf the very essence of the room. Cutlery trembled on tables, glasses quivered perilously on their edges, and the air seemed to vibrate with an otherworldly resonance.Uncle's calm demeanor was unwavering, an island of composure amidst the chaos. Miss Irene, her eyes alight with a curious blend of fear and determination, stood resolute beside him. The Novas stood firm, their presence emitting an aura of controlled might, seemingly undisturbed by the overwhelming power coursing through the room.Each breath became a struggle against an unseen force, the weight of the energies making it feel as if the air itself had turned thick and viscous. It was an eerie spectacle, an exhibition of forces beyond comprehension, leaving the rest of us in a state of bewildered vulnerability.
At that moment, amidst the turmoil, a silent understanding passed between us—a realization that something or someone powerful was near.