Today marked the beginning of Vulcan, Eve, and Eliza's three-day journey to Legis. Their first task was to simply walk to a nearby car dealership to collect the car they had bought. A cloudy day with distant rumbles of thunder as if nature itself wanted to delay the trip. However Eve stood firm; not even the presence of a giant crater in front of the mansion would stop her.
"Today's the day, huh? I just hope we don't find ourselves in any fights and can leave Legis as soon as possible. Just seeing Legis University might give me nightmares of my failed entrance exams." Speaking to himself, Vulcan gathered his things – his backpack and sword – before leaving his room.
"Eve, I hope you find whatever it is you're looking for in Legis. Just stay safe; ensuring your safety is not only Vaos's responsibility." Eliza thought to herself while waiting in the living room.
"If something is going on there, then *he* should be there... Then I can finally have the revenge I've wanted, after so long." Eve sighed, her gaze fixed on her reflection in the bathroom mirror.
Once Vulcan joined Eliza in the living room, the two found themselves in a moment of boredom, waiting for Eve. Vaos stood stoically by the door, prepared to bid them farewell.
Vaos, noticing the delay, walked over to the bathroom door and knocked, calling out, "Little Eve..."
"Eek! What do you want, Vaos!" Eve yelped, startled by his sudden, zombie-like voice.
"Are you going to be coming out soon?"
"Y-Yes, I'm coming out right now," Eve said as she opened the door and stepped out of the bathroom.
"What seems to be troubling you, little Eve?" Vaos crossed his arms, fixing her with the stern look he usually saved for Vulcan.
"Hnnngg, don't look at me like that," Eve looked away, but after a moment of sighing, she met Vaos's gaze again. "I'm fairly certain something is going to happen over there, but that might mean *he'll* be there. I've been acting tough, but if I meet him, I don't know, Vaos. I'm scared. If my mother couldn't take him down, what chance do I have?"
Vaos smiled and patted Eve's head, a warmth in his eyes. "Now I'm remembering all those moments you came crying to me when there was a thunderstorm. Little Eve, facing your fears doesn't mean you're weak. It takes strength to confront them. Remember, you're not alone. While I don't like that punk, he's still got a lot of potential, and one day he'll be stronger than me. With two powerhouses like you and him, even Eliza. *He* shouldn't be an issue."
"T-Thank you, Vaos..." Eve hugged Vaos very tightly.
"Just promise me one thing, please be careful. I think of you and Eliza as my daughters. I don't know what I would do if I found out something happened to you," Vaos returned the gesture and hugged Eve.
"We'll do our best, and we'll make it back safely, Vaos."
After a few seconds and feeling more confident, Eve gently broke away from the hug.
"Now, little Eve, why don't you get going? I'm sure that punk and Eliza have been waiting for a while now."
"Y-You're right, please excuse me Vaos," Eve bowed respectfully, as she swiftly made her way to the living room.
Upon seeing Eve, Vulcan and Eliza exchanged a sigh of relief, their expressions changing from boredom to anticipation as they prepared their journey together.
"Why'd you take forever, Eve? I almost fell asleep again." Vulcan stood up, stretching his arms.
"None of your business, hmph." Eve replied, turning her head to the side to look away from Vulcan.
A sudden gust of wind pushing Vulcan back onto the couch. "What the—? Damn it, Eve..."
"Well, is everyone ready?" Eliza exclaimed, jumping up with enthusiasm from the couch.
"I think we're ready, Eliza. We should hurry before Vaos starts bawling his eyes out. " Eve said, her smug aura present yet again.
"I'd pay a million dollars to see that," Vulcan grinned as he stood up again and followed behind Eve and Eliza.
Upon reaching the entrance door of the mansion, Vaos opened it for the trio. The exterior was as elegant as the interior, adorned with beds of roses in full bloom. Vaos keeping a watchful eye over both the mansion's and the roses' maintenance.
Vaos, standing tall at the entrance, bid them farewell with a serious tone. "Well, I believe this is our farewell, Little Eve, Eliza, punk," he said, his gaze moving from one to another as they stepped outside.
Eve approached Vaos, "I believe so, Vaos. Promise me you'll keep taking care of the mansion as always."
"You needn't even ask me, little Eve. Once you come back, the mansion will be the same as you remember it. More importantly, everyone, especially you, Eliza. This isn't some leisurely vacation; you could possibly run into trouble when you arrive at Legis, so always be on your guard."
Vaos imparted his advice with a stern tone, addressing each of them individually, "Eve, your sensitivity and recklessness need control. Keep those feelings in check and make rational decisions. Eliza, your carelessness is a liability; focus on improving your fighting capabilities. Consider practicing in the subdivision of healing, becoming a siphon witch to weaken enemies by taking away their energy. As for you, punk, train diligently; there might be hidden potential waiting to be unleashed. Although I doubt that. Now, everyone, get out of here and go to Legis!"
As Vaos led the trio down the cobblestone road from the mansion's outskirts to the lively main street of society. Above them, the sky remained grey, accompanied by the distant yet persistent rumble of thunder.
"Everyone, I must say again, always be on guard; who knows what kind of enemies you'll come across, though I'm hoping you won't any. Anyway, I believe I've kept all of you here long enough with my ramblings. Farewell, Little Eve, Eliza, and you, damn punk."
"Don't worry, Vaos. I'll make sure to message you everyday, and I'll consider your advice, even if it was wrong..." Eve bowed gracefully and proceeded to walk toward the main road.
"Grumpy old Vaos, I'll make sure Eve is safe, so you can rest peacefully. Oh, wait, I forgot you don't rest much at all, do you? Anyway, I'll be seeing you, Vaos!" Eliza teased, her tail gently brushing against his cheek as she playfully walked away, following behind Eve.
"I know what you're going to say, and don't worry—look, I have that dark crystal ball in my pocket, see? I'll try to train more whenever I get the chance as well," Vulcan sighed, rubbing the back of his head.
"Listen, punk, I've pushed you hard for a reason. In this world, you'll encounter challenges where you need to be unrelenting. If you face enemies, remember our training and be merciless like me. Is that understood?"
"Being like you, huh? Maybe that's why you're so strong. I'll give it a shot. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I hope I see you soon, you scary butler and remember to water the roses." He shook Vaos hand before leaving.
Vaos smiled warmly, "You both have grown into refined young ladies. I hope to see you again, Little Eve, Eliza. Please remember to stay out of trouble and have fun on your journey." With a final bow, he stepped back into the mansion.
Vulcan, Eve, and Eliza walked to the car dealership, appreciating the different views the town had to offer as they spent most of their time in the mansion. The scenes unfolded around them, replacing the familiar walls of the mansion's with the town.
"Ah, the familiar sights, a welcome change before I agreed being your knight," Vulcan reminiscing of the past
"Well, I thought you'd be grateful, Vulcan. Your life before meeting me was rather boring and dull," Eve remarked, wearing a smug expression.
"I'd usually argue with you right about now, but you're right. While my life might have been boring, it was a lot less chaotic. I could sleep and wake up at any hour I wanted, not have to train every single day. I also didn't have to worry about getting dragged into things like this." He grinned, teasingly nudging Eve.
"I just realized, Vaos told me to learn siphon magic, but I can't learn it without a teacher. Geez, I guess someone like him can be forgetful at times." Eliza's ears slumped down.
"Well, finding a teacher for siphon magic might be a bit challenging, but don't worry too much, Eliza. We'll figure something out," Eve reassured.
After a few more minutes of walking, they eventually reached their destination – the car dealership.
"We're finally here. Well, since you're the only one who can legally drive, Eliza, we'll wait here while you get the car. I already sent you all the information you need to give them," Eve said.
"Ehh, do I really have to do the boring part? What if they make me sign an endless amount of papers? Well, alright, I'll be right back, you two. Hopefully, I won't take too long," Eliza sighed as she walked into the car dealership.
After what felt like hours, though it was only thirty minutes, a sleek, red, modern car smoothly pulled to a stop in front of Eve and Vulcan. They were looking at the other cars the dealership had to offer.
The driver smoothly lowers the car window, revealing a playful grin on Eliza's face. "The color really suits me, don't you think? Get in," she winks at them.
"The car is much prettier than the old one we have at the mansion," Eve said as she settled into the car.
"I'm not that surprised you were able to afford something like this. Ah, the seat is so comfy," Vulcan remarked with a sigh of joy, sinking into the plush comfort of the car seat.
"Now, let me give you a taste of the real speed," Eliza declared with excitement, her foot on the gas pedal, ready to go full throttle.
"Eliza, I know you're excited, but maybe drive normally. We want to reach Legis in one piece, not break the sound barrier," Eve said, a bead of sweat dropping down from her forehead.
"O-Oh right, my bad. Let's get going then."
The trio, now comfortably seated into their new car, Eliza skillfully navigating through the town's streets. The engine hummed softly, creating a subtle harmony as they drew slightly closer to their goal— infiltrating the World Wide Protection Services headquarters.