The streets are alive with festive energy as Leon and Atlas continue exploring, the day turning to late afternoon. The colors of the festival grow richer in the warm glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows that seem to heighten Leon's excitement. As they walk hand-in-hand, stopping at various stalls, Atlas appears increasingly tense, his eyes scanning the crowd, while Leon remains oblivious to the subtle shift in his demeanor.
Suddenly, they're drawn to a storyteller recounting an old legend about the festival's origins. Leon's eyes brighten as he listens, captivated by the myth of a legendary Guide who sacrificed everything to unite two warring lands. This Guide was rumored to have possessed rare abilities to influence emotions, forging peace by bridging the animosity between powerful families.
Leon turns to Atlas, struck by the similarity to his own emerging Guide powers. "Do you think that legend could be based on truth?" he asks quietly, curiosity flashing in his eyes.
Atlas hesitates, his expression growing serious. "In our world, legends and truth are often entwined," he replies, choosing his words carefully. "Sometimes, there's more history in a story than people realize."
Their conversation shifts, but the impact of the story lingers with Leon. Atlas can sense his thoughts racing as if Leon is piecing together the meaning of his own powers and lineage.
As they move further away from the central festival area, Atlas's unease grows. He becomes more vigilant, shifting his stance slightly to ensure that Leon is always within arm's reach. Leon notices, finally, sensing the hidden tension between them.
"Are you alright?" Leon asks, looking up at Atlas with a worried expression.
Atlas manages a reassuring smile, though it doesn't fully reach his eyes. "Just... enjoying the view," he says, deflecting. But as they continue, it's clear his gaze is sweeping the streets for something—or someone.
Then, out of the corner of his eye, Leon notices a group of figures lurking near one of the alleyways, cloaked in dark hoods. Their attention seems fixed on Atlas. Atlas subtly tightens his grip on Leon's hand and guides him away from the crowd.
"Atlas...who are those people?" Leon whispers, his voice filled with trepidation.
Atlas shakes his head, his tone firm but calm. "Just some people who probably have too much time on their hands." He tries to brush it off, but Leon isn't entirely convinced. This subtle threat lingers like an unspoken question between them, one Atlas knows he'll need to address soon.