[20 Years Ago]
Two days had passed since the Quantum Exodus, and the world I once knew had been reduced to a desolate, mean wasteland. I was five years old, and already the weight of survival was firmly pressed upon my small shoulders.
My stomach growled with hunger as I aimlessly wandered through the vacant streets, searching for anything to keep me alive. These grocery stores were barren, cleaned out from those who had gone, and I often found myself rummaging through garbage, searching for something-anything-to eat.
I remember that day so well: crouched by a rusted dumpster, clutching a piece of rotten food I'd found buried beneath the waste. I could feel my hands shake as I brought it to my mouth; the smell was enough to heave my stomach, but hunger gave me little choice.
Just as I was about to take a bite, a shadow appeared over me. I looked up, startled, and there he was-an android, towering and silent, his eyes seeming to look right through me.
Silently, he knelt and carefully plucked the spoiled food from my grasp. I stared in confusion as he threw it out, then pulled from a cabinet in his chest something I hadn't laid eyes on in weeks: a crisp, glittering apple. He knelt now, offering it to me.
[Eat this, child] he said low and smooth. [So you don't get sick]
At first, I was ashamed, but the attraction of that apple proved to be too strong. I took it from his hand-it felt cool to my fingers because its skin was smooth-and bit into it.
Its taste was like nothing I had ever tasted: sweet, crispy, and full of life. I ate it in a few minutes and, for the first time in days, the growling at my stomach subsided.
When I was done, the android regarded me with an almost human-like sense of comprehension in his eyes. [What is your name, child?] he asked in a soft tone.
I opened my mouth to answer, but nothing came out. I couldn't remember-couldn't recall the name my parents had given me. It was a lot like trying to grasp a shadow, slipping away every time I reached for it. So I shook my head, allowing the well of tears in my eyes to spill over.
[You don't know your name?] he repeated, his voice softer now, almost sad. I nodded, and the weight of that truth settled in my chest.
He looked really deep into me for a moment, as if looking for something very far inside. Then, with a quieted determination in his voice, he spoke.
[You remind me of my master] he said, his voice tinged with an emotion that sounded like sadness.
[And since all the people have now left this Earth, I shall bring you up. I am going to be your teacher, and I'm going to protect you from now on.]
Before him now, this heat of the apple still in my stomach, was an android with a pensive stare at me. His eyes softened to reach back in time for something.
[From now on,] he told me quietly with authority, [Your name will be Zane]
[Zane Liebert.]
The name just sort of hung there for a second, and I let it settle into my heart. Zane. It felt right, like a missing piece of me that I never knew was gone. I said it to myself over and over, making out the weight of what it meant.
"Zane Liebert..." I replied softly, my voice still small but with a new sense of identity laced within it. It was the first time in days that I felt like someone, that I belonged to something more than the rubble and decay that surrounded me.
Ethan nodded once, seeming to accept how the name fit me. [Yes] he said with finality. [That is who you are from now on. I will make sure you become hardy and resilient, like the meaning of your name.]
I looked up at him then, the fear and uncertainty that had plagued me finally receding, replaced by something new: hope. In that moment, I knew I wasn't alone anymore. I had a name, a guardian, and a path to follow because of this android who found me in the depths of my despair. And with that name came the first stirrings of a future I could fight for.
---
Slowly, I opened my eyes to the softness of the bed and the sweet fragrance of flowers in the air. My eyes flickered open, and what caught my attention first was the number of flowers around me; their colors were vibrant, alive.
We made it to Calyx, I thought, a small sense of relief washing over me. It seemed like we finally reached safety.
Turning my head to the left showed Lynsithea's snowy owl quietly sitting, its feathers puffed out in sleep as it dozed off serenely beside me. I attempted a rise to a seated position, but a pain like knives through my chest brought me back down again. I grimaced, reaching a hand to press against tightly wrapped bandages.
My bedroom door was opened just then, and a nurse came in. I blinked as startled as if she had leaped out from my dream-her features were just about identical to Lynsithea's: pointy ears, pale skin, and that ethereal grace in the way she moved. If anything, her hair was shorter, cut neatly around her head in a bob.
"Where am I?" I asked hoarsely-my voice barely more than a whisper as pain and the remnants of my dream closed over my mind.
The nurse smiled softly as she came over to check on me. "You're in Floralia, the capital of Calyx," she answered, her voice soft.
"Floralia…" I echoed, hoping the name wasn't all that was sinking in. So we really made it. Immediately my mind raced to Lynsithea, gnawing with worry. "Where is Lynsithea? Is she alright?"
The nurse cocked her head slightly to one side, her face a mask of curiosity. "You mean the princess?"
"Princess?" The word was unfamiliar in my mouth. Lynsithea had never mentioned anything about being a member of a royal family. Then again, there was much I knew nothing about her.
"Yes, she's resting," the nurse said. "She's been through so much, but she's in good hands now. You both are." I stared at the nurse, my brain racing.
"Lynsithea is a princess?" I said, trying to work out in my head. "Why didn't she tell me?"
The nurse nodded, her face calm and assuring. "Yes, she is. In our native land, she's the princess of Floralia. Quite obviously, you hadn't known her real identity."
I nodded, still trying to process it all. "And… how am I understanding your language? I was never taught any of it."
The nurse smiled knowingly. "While you were unconscious, we made some adjustments to your memory. We had to integrate fragments of the Sylph language into your mind. It allows you to understand and communicate with us more easily."
"Rewrote my memory fragments?" I repeated, in a quest to understand the process. "So you actually added portions of your language directly into my brain?"
"Yes," she confirmed. "It is a little bit out of convention, but it is a necessary thing to do if we wanted smooth and easy communication. Your brain managed to take the changes, and now you will be understanding us well enough."
I panted heavily, trying to harmonize with the storm of changes. "So Lynsithea… a real princess. And here in her homeland. This is all getting pretty overwhelming."
The nurse gave me an understanding smile. "I know this must be a lot. But you're safe here and Lynsithea is well looked after. The most important thing now is that you both recover and learn to live with this new reality."
When I sit up in bed, the pain in my chest reminds me that I haven't completely recovered. I look around the room and see many flowers. Their sweet smell fills the air, which is something I'm not used to from the empty place I came from. I start thinking about Lynsithea.
"Where is she?" I ask, but my voice sounds harsher than I wanted it to.
The nurse, who has been taking care of me, stops what she's doing with the herbs and medicines. Her ears, which are pointed, move a little, and she gives me a kind smile before walking over to the window. She gently pulls the curtain open, showing me a beautiful view of the city.
"Welcome to Calyx!" she says, her voice filled with pride.
I follow her gaze and take in the sight before me. The city is unlike anything I've ever seen. Every building and house has flowers blooming from them, wrapping around the structures as if they've grown to become part of them. The city's design reminds me of something from the Victorian era, but with a twist of magic and technology that blend together seamlessly. It's as if nature and civilization have come together in perfect harmony.
The nurse points to a structure in the distance. "That is where she is" she says, indicating a large palace with an intricate design. It stands tall and proud, with vines of blooming flowers cascading down its walls. The palace seems almost alive, glowing with a light that's both natural and otherworldly.
"Is Lynsithea there?" I inquire, feeling a blend of relief and curiosity.
"Yes," the nurse answers, looking back at me. "She is safe and doing well, being looked after by our healers. She is where she should be, in the palace." She hesitates, her eyes meeting mine with a hint of something left unsaid. "But it's also where she has duties."
I look at the palace far away, its magnificence is almost too much to take in. Thinking about Lynsithea being there, in such a beautiful and safe place, makes me feel peaceful, but also makes me want to see her. I need to check on her, to make sure she's really alright.
"Can I... can I visit there?" I ask, looking back at the nurse. "Just to see her?"
The nurse pauses for a moment, thinking carefully. "You can, but there's a rule," she says softly. "You'll need to get permission from the Queen, Lynsithea's mom, Queen Rosalia De Fleur."
The sudden understanding comes to me as a surprise. "Her mother?" I say again, struggling to accept that Lynsithea isn't just someone important, but a princess.
The nurse confirms it. "Yes. Queen Rosalia is the ruler of Calyx. She has the authority to let you into the palace."
The thought of meeting a queen seems unbelievable. But for Lynsithea, I'm ready to do whatever is needed. "What do I need to do to get her approval?"
The nurse gives me a gentle smile, noticing my strong will. "I can let the palace know. The Queen will choose if she wants to see you or not."
I agree, feeling both hopeful and unsure. "Yes, please do that. I need to meet Lynsithea."
"I see..." the nurse says warmly. "I'll make sure the message gets sent. Take a break now, and I'll tell you right away"
As the nurse exits, I glance back at the window, allowing my gaze to take in the stunning view of Calyx. The city unfolds in front of me, a vibrant mix of blooming flowers, old buildings, and twinkling lights. It's difficult to fathom that such a place could exist, unlike the Æsir's ruined city I'm familiar with.
A poignant thought comes to me, lingering gently. "Ethan should see this."
I picture him next to me, his typically stern face relaxing slightly as he absorbs the splendor of this world. The ease with which the flowers bloom, the way the buildings appear to throb with vitality and enchantment, he would value the details, the fusion of technology and the natural world.
This is the kind of place that would test his rationality, possibly igniting something deeper within him.
---
Lynsithea blinks groggily into her slowly clear, restored vision as soft light filters through the curtains. The room around her is both familiar and comforting with its intricate floral patterns and delicate colors that are so soothing. She recognizes this room immediately; it is her room in Floralia.
Automatically, her hand goes to her side, where the injury in the tussle with Sentinel had torn into her. She is surprised that it does not pain, nor is the wound there-it is as if it never was. The relief which washes over her is followed by the attempt to sit up-slowly, carefully.
As she shifts, the door to her room opens softly. Lynsithea's heart jumps as she finds her mother in the doorway. Queen Rosalia De Fleur is resplendent in a long, rose-themed dress; on her head rests a crown that combines roses and rubies glistening with soft light.
"Lynsithea" Rosalia says, her voice trembling a little, embracing relief and emotion together. "Thank the goddess, you're home."
Lynsithea wells up with tears, gazing into her mother's eyes. "Mother," she whispers, her voice weak but firming up now. "I—"
Rosalia walks right over to her, her face lit up in a mix of joy and concern. "I thought I had lost you," she says, taking Lynsithea's hand in her own. "Where have you been? What happened?
Taking a deep breath, Lynsithea begins her tale of what happened in Æsir. "It has been a long journey," she says, her voice firming with every word.
"I was in the City of Æsir with Zane. We were being pursued by an android from IRIS Corp or something.... Zane was injured during the between the android named sentinel but Zane ended up defeated sentinel, and we ended up in some sort of destroyed mansion where an android named Ethan took care of us."
Rosalia listens intently, never taking her gaze off Lynsithea's face. "And how did you come to be here?" she asks softly.
Lynsithea continues, her voice gaining momentum. "We made it through the portal. We were rescued by a kind nurse who brought us here. I was worried about Zane, but he's safe as well."
Her mother's face softens further, her eyes filling with sadness and pride. "You've gone through so much" Rosalia says with a voice full of emotion. "But I'm glad you're safe. We will talk about everything in detail soon enough. For now, sleep. You deserve it."
Lynsithea nods, comforted by her mother's presence. "Thank you, Mother," she says softly. "I just want to see Zane and make sure he's okay."
Rosalia's face is understanding, and she nods softly. "Of course. Rest now, and we'll make sure you're reunited with him soon.
As her mother leaves the room, making the necessary arrangements to bring them together, Lynsithea sags back against the pillows, her heart full of thanks and promise. It was long and arduous, but it would appear home is a place of rest she has been longing for.
Lynsithea snuggles back into the pillows, her body demanding rest while her mind was wide awake. She looks around her room-the comforting floral patterns, soft glow of lanterns, and the delicate touches of magic seemed all to whisper of home.
But it is tugged insistently by one nagging question.
Why did I leave Calyx in the first place?
Fragments of her memory she tries to fit together, but how or why she left continues to be frustratingly out of reach.
Just as she's about to doze off, the door to her room opens with a creak, and a figure enters. Lynsithea blinks, momentarily dumbfounded. It is her little sister, Lily De Fleur. She wears a pretty household dress colored in green and white, matching her fresh and cheerful mood.
"Lynsithea!" Lily says, hurrying to her sister's side. "You're awake!"
Lynsithea's heart rises at the sight of her sister. "Lily!" she says, perhaps with just a little more ' warmth or a familiar sound in her voice.
Lily scrambles onto the edge of the bed, her excitement palpable. "I have missed you so much! Mother told me you were back but I couldn't wait to see you for myself."
Lynsithea smiles, her misgivings forgotten. "I've missed you too, Lily. How have you been?
Lily giggles and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "I've been good. The palace is as beautiful as ever, but it's not the same without you. What happened? Where did you go?"
Lynsithea sighs as her confusion about her departure mingles with the innocent curiosity of her sister. "It's so long, Lily. I was in Æsir City, and there were lots of challenges… but I'm home now."
Lily's eyes light up with interest. "You have to tell me everything! But first you must rest. Mother said you have been through so much."
Lynsithea nodded, her will to rest now doubled by Lily's company. "Yes, I need to rest. But later I promise to tell you all about it.
Lily wraps her small, warm fingers around Lynsithea's hand and says, "I'm glad you're back. I'll stay with you for a while, if that's okay."
Lynsithea gives her a soft, relieved smile. "I'd like that very much, Lily.
The words of Lily make a flicker of memory dance in Lynsithea's head as clear as day: Zane's voice saying, "It's not magic, it's technology."
She whispers softly, "Technology. but technology here in Calyx is so different. We use magical essence as the power behind our devices, while in Zane's homeland, they do not have any magic essence at all."
That realization does more to pique her interest than anything else.
'It means there were no traces of magical signatures, so whatever caused my disappearance was something beyond their usual understanding of magic. And it gets me wondering-what's the implication of this technology in what I've experienced?'
Her thoughts are cut short as Lily's voice pierces through. "Lynsithea, what's this book?" she asks, holding up a worn, leather-bound book with intricate patterns etched onto the cover. It is the book of photography Lynsithea had taken from Æsir.
Lynsithea gazes at the book, her heart stopping momentarily as she recognizes it. "Oh, that. This is a book of photography I found in Æsir. I just thought maybe it would be nice to bring back with me.
Lily's eyes light up with curiosity. "Photography? I've never seen anything like it. What's it about?
Lynsithea takes the book from Lily and opens it to a world she barely recognized in Æsir. "It is a collection of photographs from a place far different from Calyx. The images show people, places, and technology we do not have here. Fascinating to see how other worlds live.
She gazes upon the book with both curiosity and a little awe. "May I look through it?"
"Of course," Lynsithea says with a smile as she hands the book over to her sister. "I think you shall find it quite intriguing."
The more fascinated Lily becomes as she flips through the book of photography, the farther away Lynsithea's mind goes into her thoughts. She stares out the window at the blooming city of Floralia, but her thoughts are definitely not on the picturesque view.
'There's still so much I don't get, Lynsithea thinks to herself, The magic, the technology, my sudden disappearance. all connected in a way which I can't fully comprehend.'
She reflects on Zane's words, technology versus the magical entity that permeates everything in Calyx. All of a sudden, it starts to dawn on her that her disappearance probably relates to something much bigger and more complex than she thought. If there were no traces of magic involved, then what kind of force or technology could have taken her from her world and put her in Æsir?
'I have to find out the truth about all this' Lynsithea thinks, growing more determined. 'Not just about the truth of the technology or the worlds I have been to, but about myself. Why did I leave Calyx? What was my mission supposed to actually do?'
She realizes that understanding of her journey and the mystery behind it is not only important to her in putting her mind at rest but also to make sure that she will be in a good position to help her loved ones. She will, therefore, make sure to dig deeper, understand the connection between magic and technology, and find answers where they had been evasive.
With a deep breath, Lynsithea turned back to her sister, who still held the book in her hands, and with a purpose now.
Her journey wasn't over; it was only just beginning.
---
I sit on the edge of the bed, looking around the room as Snowy flutters and circles around. It's been ten minutes since I woke up here, and I am grateful to see my stuff still with me, along with the Nova Watch. Really, it is a relief, as this was the last gift that Ethan gave me before his sacrifice.
The door opens with a creak, and in walks the nurse with a smile. "The Queen has granted you permission to visit the palace," she says. "Shall I prepare some mode of transportation for you?"
I shake my head, feeling this great urge to see more of this new world. "No, thank you. I'd rather explore Calyx on my way to the palace.
The nurse nods, understanding. "All right, then. Just follow the main roads and you'll see. For anything else, don't hesitate to ask."
I nod, thanking her, and turn to watch her leave the room. No sooner has the door shut behind her than I rise to my feet, stretching with every anticipation of finally seeing this pulsating city.
I turn to Snowy, who is sitting on the windowsill, and smiled. "Ready to see more of this place, buddy?" I ask softly.
Snowy hoots back, and I take that as a sign to begin my journey. I remember to pack my things and fasten them well before leaving the house. Stepping out into the hall, I feel a surge of excitement and curiosity course through my veins as I wonder what awaits me in this city of flowers.
As I stepped out of the hospital, the vibrancy of Calyx just hit me. People in elegant, formal attire, and the streets, well, just bustling with activity. The kalesa, colorful taxis-and other modes of transportation I had never seen, met my eyes. This was a little overwhelming and exciting at the same time
Before I can take in much more, the nurse returns, coming up to me with a small pouch. "I almost forgot," she says with a smile, pushing the pouch out to me. "Here's some EL, local money. You'll need it here."
I take the pouch with a nod of gratitude. "Thanks. I appreciate it."
As I make my way down this bustling street, all the sights and sounds at once mesmerize and somewhat disorient me. I pass by several colorful stalls of vendors with their wares displayed enticingly. One catches my eye with his sign advertising Sylph cuisine, and my mouth waters at the smell-my stomach growls in response.
'Hello!" he says to me, inviting me to come closer. "Try the fried dragon scale, serve with vegetables on the side."
I move closer, intrigued. "That tastes great. Let me try."
He prepares a small plate for me and gives it to me, and upon the first bite, I felt that it tasted great, crunchy and salty, with some kinds of novelty flavors.
"So..." he tells me over the counter, eyeing me interestedly, "what are you? Haven't seen someone like you around these parts."
I hesitate for a second in surprise at the question. "I'm human," I say.
His eyes widen in surprise as he exclaims, "Human? New one! Never heard that as a species before. But hey, whatever, man; enjoy the food!"
And I burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of the little vendor's reactions as I take another mouthful of the delicious concoction. "Thanks, I will."
Continuing down the walk, I come to a large shopping mall and an arcade. I am surprised by the apparent diversity and novelty of it all. The lavish structure of the shopping mall and the bright lights of the arcade attract me to their locations, and I am simply astonished at how much different this world is compared to the one I have known.
"This place is incredible," I say to myself, "so much to see, so much to experience."
Elated, but mostly awed, I choose to venture more with the hope of finding out what other wonders Calyx holds.
As I make my way down the busy streets of Calyx, Snowy comfortably perched on my right shoulder, the owl starts shifting and bumping, as if he is champing at the bit to alter course. I turn right and find we are coming onto a marketplace, teeming with all manner of color and movement in the various stalls that line it.
Food and toys, household goods, and even potions line Market Street from every kind of vendor. Flowers also echoed the combination of nature and magic that highlighted each of the individual stalls making up the city. With these different smells hanging in the air, I could not help but wonder what merchandise was laid out before me to choose from.
Snowy hoots softly, leading me deeper into the market. We wind our way through the vibrant puzzle of stalls until my eye falls on a blacksmith vendor's shop. In amongst the blossom-named stalls this was a very sturdy, masculine stall-very strong-and displaying an array of beautifully crafted weapons and tools.
A large man with a warm smile, he is obviously the blacksmith. He catches my eye as I approach and waves. "Welcome! Browse freely among my wares. I have everything from swords to tools, forged with only the finest materials.".
I stride closer and gape at all the items on view. The blacksmith's stall is nothing short of a number of his impressive pieces, including elaborately crafted swords and elaborately ornamented daggers; each piece is well made, without lacking in any minute detail.
"Really, everything looks amazing in here," I say to him with utmost honesty. "How are you able to make such pretty weapons?"
He chuckles and wipes his hands on a cloth. "It's about the quality of materials and then a wee bit of magic. The flowers and essences we use in the process of crafting add both beauty and durability. If interested, I can show you some special enchantments we apply."
I nod my head fast, intrigued by the idea. "I'd love to see that."
He pulls out a gleaming sword with an inlaid, glittering gemstone hilt and begins to explain its enchantments. "This here is a standard blade, but it has been enchanted with a protective ward upon it. It will resist damage and stay razor-sharp even after extended use."
Snowy leans against my shoulder, as if he too is interested in the discussion. The contagious enthusiasm of the blacksmith sends me sighing about the more-than-interesting balance in craftsmanship and magic combined into these things.
As I study the generic sword in my grasp, I am awed by its manufacture. The balance, the craftsmanship, and even the dainty engravings along the blade suggest that this is no common weapon. The blacksmith, noticing my interest, hunches over a bit closer.
"You seem pretty impressed" he says with a smile. "What are you, if you don't mind me asking?"
I look up from the sword and meet his gaze. "I'm human" I respond, waiting for his reaction.
The blacksmith's eyes widened slightly. "Human, huh? That's not something you hear every day. You're the second one saying that today."
He paused a moment longer, taking this new piece of information in, then extended a hand. "Name's Enzo Josselin. I run this shop."
I reach out and take his hand in a firm shake from a craftsman who is long into his trade. "Zane," I reply, "Zane Liebert."
Enzo nods mentally before his gaze drifts to the Nova Watch wrapped around my wrist. "That's an interesting piece you've got there. Does it change appearance?"
I look at the watch, somewhat surprised that he would know that. "How did you know?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.
Enzo chuckles, crossing his arms. "Those types of weapons, well-they're few and far in between to make out here, let alone expensive. But you carrying one-that tells me you got something special. That kind of crafting takes lots of skill and magic essence to get right, things you don't just come across every day."
I nod, understanding what he means. "It was a gift from someone important," I admit, my voice catching with emotion as I think of Ethan.
Enzo's face softens somewhat. "Must've been someone remarkable to give you something like that. Hold on to it-it's a rare treasure."
I glance down at the watch, treasuring it even more now. "I will," I say softly, more determined than ever to keep Ethan's memory alive.
Intrigued by the craftsmanship and the possibility, I turn to Enzo, holding the sword up closer. "Is there a chance," I start off, "that a sword like this could change its appearance based on the will of whoever uses it?"
The question gets Enzo's eyes wide with excitement as he nods vigorously. "Absolutely, we call that process 'EtherLink'; it's rare and an advanced technique, but it is possible.
"EtherLink?" I repeat, interest captured.
Enzo sets down the tool he is holding and gestures for me to follow him over to a nearby workbench. He pulls out a little ornately designed dagger, laying it out before us.
"EtherLink was the bond of the weapon to its wielder. It's not just a connection physically but rather energy, willpower, sometimes emotions, which a user channels into the weapon. When it's strong enough, the form of the weapon can shift, adapt, and even enhance with abilities depending on the situation."
I look harder at the dagger, and sure enough, there are faint runes etched into the surface of the blade in a glowing shade of blue. "So, it's like the weapon becomes an extension of the user, sort of" I try to catch on, saying.
"Exactly," Enzo agrees. "But it's not something that just happens overnight. It requires time, practice, and deep understanding of the weapon. The materials and enchantments used in creating do play a big role, too. Here in Calyx, we use both magic essence and rare metals in combination, but even so, crafting an EtherLink weapon is no mean feat."
He trails off, eyeing me discerningly. "I have a feeling your watch might already be linked to you in a similar way. If it's changing appearance based on your will, that means there's a strong bond there."
I glance down at the Nova Watch-its sleek design, the way it almost seems to pulse with energy. Ethan's final gift to me. "Yeah," I nod slowly. "It does feel like it's connected to me, like it's alive in a way."
Enzo gives him a knowing smile. "That's the power of EtherLink. It's not about the weapon or tool but rather the link-the trust between you and it. If you foster that bond, you'll find it does things you thought it couldn't do."
I take a deep breath, and it all hits home with what Enzo has said. The idea that a weapon to a tool can be a part of a user's will so closely attached is exciting and just about empowering.
As I am about to leave, one thought remains back of my mind, and I face Enzo again. "Wait, what did you mean when you said I was the second human you have ever met?"
Enzo pauses for a moment, an enlightened look crossing his features. "Ah, yeah. I said that, didn't I?" He scrunches up his chin, trying to remember. "You see, some time ago, another human passed through here. A little weird in my opinion, dressed in funny clothes and speaking of things I couldn't quite catch the meaning of."
My heart seems to have skipped a beat. "Another human? Can you recall what he looked like?"
Enzo nods. "Tall, dark hair, and this intense look in his eyes. Liked he was looking for something-or someone. Didn't stay long, though. Gone as fast as he appeared."
It's a description that doesn't immediately ring any bells, but the idea that another human has been through Calyx surprises and concerns me. "Did they say where they were headed?" I ask, trying to keep the urgency out of my voice.
"They didn't say much," Enzo replies, shaking his head. "Just asked a few questions about the city, bought some supplies, and then vanished. Haven't seen them since."
I nod, attempting to process this new information. "Thanks, Enzo. That's. interesting to know."
"No problem, Zane," Enzo says with a reassuring smile. "If you ever run into them, maybe you can find out what they were looking for."
"Yeah, maybe," I murmur, feeling a mix of curiosity and unease. "Thanks again, Enzo. I'll see you around."
As I leave the blacksmith's stall, continuing further into the market, I couldn't shake off this feeling that there was something more in this encounter than meets the eye.
What could it mean that there is another human in Calyx? And who are they?
I continue walking down the market, still with Snowy perched on my shoulder, as my mind fills up with even more questions.