The moment was filled with an unspoken understanding and a deep bond forming between them.
The magic circle glowed brightly, then slowly faded, leaving a warm, lingering sensation.
"We are now brothers," Zane said, his voice filled with emotion. "No matter what happens, we'll face it together."
"Also, Oasis, we were waiting for you to wake up so we can go back to the Bluemoon family estate in Lunalith City," Zane continued.
"We'll go there in two days' time. My father is still in a meeting at the Evergreen Palace with other great families and the Queen."
Zane and Oasis finished eating, their bond now even stronger.
"Let's go, and let me show you the inner city of Sylvaneth," Zane said, leading Oasis outside.
Oasis and Zane stepped out of the manor, greeted by the breathtaking sight of the inner city of Sylvaneth.
The Tree of Life stood majestically in the distance, its enormous canopy spreading across the sky.
Unlike in the outer and middle cities, where the tree appeared as a distant wonder, here it was a dominating presence, its leaves shimmering with an ethereal glow.
The streets of the inner city were lined with elegant buildings, their architecture blending seamlessly with nature.
Vines and flowers adorned the walls, and crystal-clear streams ran alongside the cobblestone paths.
The air was fresh and filled with the subtle scent of blooming flora.
"Wow," Oasis murmured, taking in the beauty around him. "This place is incredible."
The inner city was different from any other place Oasis had seen.
The population here was significantly smaller, giving it a serene and almost exclusive atmosphere.
Noble families and influential figures walked the streets, their demeanors calm and composed.
"Unlike other cities, the inner city of Sylvaneth is unique," Zane explained as they strolled through the streets.
"The population here is much smaller, primarily consisting of high-ranking nobles and key figures of the kingdom. It gives the city a quieter, more refined feel."
"The Tree of Life is much clearer here," Oasis said, marveling at the towering figure.
"Yes, it is," Zane agreed. "The inner city was built around it"
They continued their tour, passing by various landmarks.
There was the Hall of Wisdom, where scholars and magicians studied ancient texts and shared knowledge.
The Market of Delights was filled with stalls selling goods and rare artifacts.
The atmosphere in the inner city was tranquil, a stark contrast to the bustling activity of other cities.
People moved with purpose but without haste, and the overall ambiance was one of peace and harmony.
"This city feels like a sanctuary," Oasis remarked, his voice filled with awe.
As they continued walking, they noticed two figures in the distance.
The figures were moving gracefully, their presence distinct against the serene backdrop of the inner city.
"Isn't that the Frostveil twins?" Zane asked Oasis, a mix of surprise and excitement on his face.
"Oh, yeah, it's them," Oasis replied. They approached the twins, curiosity piqued.
Up close, the twins were even more identical, their striking features and elegant demeanor making it hard to distinguish one from the other.
Their silver hair shimmered in the sunlight, and their eyes sparkled with intelligence.
"Wow, I can't tell which one is Amilia. In the woods, I thought it was a clone technique," Oasis thought, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
"Oh, Oasis, you are well and looking good as always," one of the girls approached him, her smile warm and genuine.
"This must be Amilia," Oasis thought, but then he paused.
"Wait... Divine Peak," he used his spiritual energy in secrecy, focusing on distinguishing their auras.
Oasis concentrated, feeling the subtle differences in their energies.
The girl who had approached him had a slightly different aura from the one he remembered.
"So it's a trick. This must be her twin, Amiliana," Oasis realized. "Amiliana, right? Nice to meet you," he greeted with a confident smile.
The real Amilia approached with a teasing smile.
"Yoh, Amilia," he called out, "don't give me that smile of yours. You nearly died and left me alone in the woods. Who leaves a woman sleeping alone?"
"Oh, that," Oasis said, scratching his head sheepishly.
"You are forgiven since you managed to differentiate us," she replied, her tone playful.
"So, what are you boys up to?" Amiliana asked, her curiosity evident.
"We were heading back to Bluemoon manor," Zane responded.
"So, Oasis, you are from the Bluemoon, or is your family under the Bluemoon?" Amilia inquired.
"Nah, not at all," Oasis replied calmly.
They continued to talk, sharing stories and exchanging light-hearted banter.
The camaraderie among them was palpable, and the twins' infectious energy made the conversation lively and engaging.
"See you around, Oasis," Amilia said with a playful wink as the twins prepared to leave.
"See you," Oasis replied, keeping his composure despite the flutter of excitement her wink caused.
As the twins walked away, their silhouettes blending into the vibrant scenery, Oasis and Zane resumed their exploration of Sylvaneth.
The sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the city.
By the time they reached the Bluemoon manor, the sky had turned a deep shade of purple, with stars beginning to twinkle in the twilight.
In a forest somewere in verdantia...
Deep within a dark, dense forest, shadows loomed large, casting an eerie presence over the landscape.
The air was thick with the scent of blood and decay, and the silence was only broken by the occasional rustle of leaves and distant animal cries.
The moonlight barely penetrated the canopy, creating a sinister atmosphere.
Silhouetted against the sparse moonlight, several figures moved with purpose.
Their forms were imposing, clad in dark, tattered robes that blended seamlessly with the shadows.
A towering figure with a menacing aura, stood apart from the rest, his presence commanding and foreboding.
"It's time now, boss," one of the figures said, his voice low and gravelly.
The figure, looked up, his face partially illuminated by the dim light.
He was a brutish man, with a face scarred from countless battles, and his eyes glinted with a savage hunger.
He was sitting on the stomach of a massive, dead mystic beast, its blood pooling around him and staining the ground.
In his hand, he held a large drumstick, torn from the beast's carcass, blood dripping from it as he took a ravenous bite.
He exuded an aura of raw power and unrestrained brutality.
"Prepare," he growled, his voice deep and resonant, filled with a dark promise. "It's time to take revenge. I, Barnabus the Slayer, will show them all."