In the aftermath of the intense battle, the group reached a decision to head towards Golden Amaranth before deciding to do anything else. Inside the vehicle, Eve, Vulcan, and Eliza found themselves drenched, thanks to the persistent rain that had served as the dramatic backdrop to their encounter with Metod. The atmosphere in the car was the feeling of pure exhaustion, reflecting on what just happened. Wondering who could've possibly sent Metod to stop their journey early, the raindrops on the roof of the car setting the tone.
In contrast to the plain town of Alyssum, Golden Amaranth is a luxurious haven, its shopping centers lined with an assortment of upscale shops and home to the nation's largest mall. The luxury extended beyond shopping; there were numerous restaurant you could choose from to meet your taste and inviting spots for a refreshing drink. For those seeking amusement, an large amusement park stood as a evidence to the towns commitment to comfort and entertainment. It was clear that the residents of Golden Amaranth were living comfortably.
"So Eve," Vulcan broke the silence, raindrops tapping on the car's roof, "any ideas about who might have sent that robot our way? I want to say it felt like a random attack, but it definitely felt targeted. It said our names."
Eve glanced at the rain-soaked streets of Golden Amaranth before responding, "I don't have a clue. It looked like Metod attacked those others first, but so you could say it was a random encounter. However as you said Vulcan, it definitely knew about us. From what I observed, it looks like that Bard guy knows something so I intending on asking him."
"Eve, Vulcan, are you two really okay? Don't you want me to heal you very quickly?" Eliza asked, concern evident in her voice.
"My forearm stings, but I'll manage, Eliza, don't worry too much about me. First, let's arrive to the place where we agreed to meet with those other guys." Eve reassured, giving Eliza a nod.
"I can't believe our car already has a nasty dent on it," Eliza sighed.
"Metod! No wonder that name felt so familiar!" Vulcan exclaimed. "Isn't Metod that robot who caused destruction at Legis?"
"Now that you mention it, no wonder why that name felt so familiar. Wait a minute, if Metod was attacking them and then us, does that mean Priliorm has something to do with that void energy coming from Legis?" Eve said, deep in thought.
"Eve, don't you think we should call Vaos and tell him about this?" Eliza advised, a concern look on her face as she considered the potential involvement of Priliorm.
"No, knowing Vaos, he'll just tell us to go back, and I have no intention of giving up so early. We need to figure out what's going on and deal with it ourselves," Eve replied.
"I hope you know what you're doing, Eve. Anyway, we're here. They told us to meet at this house, and look, there's their car," Eliza sighed.
"We don't know who they are. I'll go knock, Vulcan, stay close behind me in case things go wrong," Eve said.
With a cautious pace, Eve approached the door of the house, her eyes looking at the surroundings for any signs of potential trouble. Vulcan followed closely, ready to react if the situation took an unexpected turn
Eve's knocked before the door swung open, revealed Mary on the other side, a swift response that showed their readiness.
"Oh, it's you guys. Come on inside—" Mary gestured, but was interrupted by Eve.
"No, thank you. Why don't we talk outside?" Eve said.
"Right, at least let me get you an umbrella then..." Mary went back inside the house and returned with an umbrella for Eve and Vulcan.
"Where's the other member of your group, I think his name was Bard?" Eve asked.
"I'm right here," Bard stepped outside the house, "if you're going to ask for Simon he's already asleep."
"No, I only want to talk with you. Let's get straight to the point, why did Metod attack you?"
"You see, I have one theory, but that's something we can't share with you. All of us need to keep a secret or two," Bard sighed, "however, considering Priliorm's involvement in Metod's previous attack on Legis, it leads me to believe that he's connected to Metod's attack on us as well. Moreover, there's a strong possibility that Priliorm's real name is 'Edward.' Metod communicated with someone through the radio, referring to them as 'Master Edward,'" Bard added.
"But what I'm genuinely curious about is why Metod attacked you. While it's plausible that it retaliated because you engaged it, I find it hard to believe that's the only explanation," Bard pondered.
"Hmph, like you said, all of us need to keep a secret," Eve replied with a subtle smirk, "but you know, you're not good at keeping secrets."
"What do you mean?" Bard asked, his silver eyes focused on Eve.
"Metod attacked you because you three are planning to infiltrate the WWP building, right?" Eve's smirk was more evident.
Bard's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by Eve's deduction. "How did you...?" he began, but stopped his words. "Were you sent by the WWP to stop us? No, that wouldn't make sense, otherwise Metod wouldn't have attacked you."
"Like I said, you're terrible at keeping secrets. But what I'm wondering is, what are you three planning to do once you arrive there?"
Mary stepped forward, "I'll admit you're sharp, but unless you somehow figure out yourself. I'm not telling you what we're going to do there." A serious look on her face.
"Fair enough, well I hope you can connect the dots as I have, Bard." Eve said.
"I only have a theory on how you could've possibly known, but what I'm certain of is that Priliorm and Alexander are working together," Bard said, his silver eyes flashing behind his glasses.
"That aside, you should know that we aren't your enemies. If you plan to travel to Legis as well, I think it would be safer to travel together. Cooperation might be beneficial for the both of us in case another attack like that happens," Bard suggested.
"No, I don't think that's a good idea," Eve simply replied.
"I see, well, I can't force you. At the very least, can we exchange numbers? If you're attacked, we'd like to return the favor."
Giving it some thought, Eve finally agreed, "Fine, here's my number." Eve entered her number into Bard's phone.
"Thank you, Eve. Right, where are my manners? Why don't we properly introduce ourselves? My name is Bard O," Bard said with a respectful nod.
"Right, I guess I can do at least that much. My name is Eve," she responded, nodding back.
"I'm Mary Wildflower," Mary introduced herself.
"Right, my name is Vulcan Georr— wait, Wildflower? As in one of the six royal families in Magnolia?" Vulcan's eyes slightly widened.
"Yes, that's correct. The Wildflowers are a prominent family in Magnolia," Mary confirmed.
"Would you look at that Mary, you're quite famous, aren't you." Bard smiled.
"I suppose you could say that. Being royalty is not as exciting as it sounds," Mary replied modestly, downplaying her connection to the royal family
"And well, I believe you already met Simon." Bard said.
"Yes, the one who hit me with that fireball."
"Right, don't worry, Eve. I'll make sure Simon apologizes to you," Bard laughed nervously, hoping to smooth over any tension from their earlier encounter.
Eve sighed, her gaze shifting to the car, "and that's my sister in the car, her name is Eliza. And I believe that's all; awkward introductions aside, we have to be on our way."
"Right, well, stay safe. If our paths cross again, let's hope it's under more peaceful circumstances," Bard waved as they began to walk.
Eve shot a piercing glare at Mary, as she began to walk away. With a stern expression, she said, "Just stay out of my way."
Mary looked back at Eve confused. Despite her confusion, she managed to maintain her composure, giving away little about her thoughts or emotions.
"Right, well stay safe guys!" Vulcan waved goodbye as he got back into the car with Eve.
"So what did they tell you?" Eliza asked Eve, as she began to drive.
Eve leaned back in her seat, raindrops lightly tapping the car's roof. "The only noteworthy thing was about Priliorm. His real name might be Edward, and there's a possibility of him working with Alexander," she shared, her gaze fixed on the city lights.
Eve examined her forearm, "Should I get this disinfected? I know it was a robot, but there might still be a risk of infection, right?"
"You already should know that my healing magic prevents infection, Eve." Eliza became slightly annoyed, but hid it behind a smile.
Eve nodded, "Right, forgot about that. Let's just stop by a hotel to spend the night."
Eliza glanced at Eve, a concerned look on her face. She thought to herself about the situation they were getting into. Thoughts raced through her mind, thinking about the consequences of keeping secrets from Vaos about the encounters they were going to face.
As they pulled into the small hotel, the rain continued to pour, the dimly lit lobby welcomed them. Little did they know, Alexander's plan were only beginning to unfold. He had much more planned to stop them from reaching Legis.