Lucas couldn't help but stare as they entered the city, his eyes widening with every new detail. The streets were bustling with elves—so many that it felt as though he was the only human to have ever stepped foot on this land. Around him stretched a vast expanse of buildings and houses, scattered across the sprawling terrain. The elves moved with purpose, their movements fluid and graceful as they filled the streets with life.
'Woah, I wonder if I'm the only human around here?'
The thought lingered as he took in the scene. Everything felt surreal, almost like a dream. The architecture of the buildings was intricate, with carvings and patterns that seemed alive in the golden light of day. The elves themselves looked just as remarkable, their features sharp and otherworldly, their attire elegant yet practical.
Eldric glanced back at Lucas and paused. The boy's face was alight with wonder, as though he had just been introduced to the world for the first time. It was an expression of pure amazement—so unguarded and childlike that Eldric couldn't help but smile faintly to himself.
Lucas was truly a mystery. Yet despite the peculiar circumstances surrounding him, Eldric found it hard to feel suspicious. The innocence in Lucas's eyes and the genuine curiosity etched into his features were disarming. He seemed more lost than dangerous, a boy out of place in a land he didn't yet understand.
Lucas was still lost in the sights around him when Eldric spoke, breaking the moment.
"By the way, Lucas. About your element—don't go around telling everyone you possess the void element. It could cause us trouble."
Lucas blinked, snapping out of his awe. "Uh, alright."
'Is Nexarion an evil god or something?' he wondered.
Even before Eldric's warning, Lucas had sensed that his void element was something unusual, something best kept hidden. Eldric's reaction when he discovered it had been enough to tell him that much. It was a power he needed to tread carefully with.
***
Soon, they reached the heart of the city. The Skyraks moved steadily through the bustling streets, their long strides drawing attention here and there. Lucas noticed others riding Skyraks as well, their movements natural and practiced. It occurred to him that Skyraks might be the equivalent of horses in this world, an everyday mode of transportation.
Lucas's gaze darted from one side of the street to the other, still captivated. His eyes sparkled with curiosity as they passed vendors selling strange, otherworldly items. Some of the objects looked downright ominous, like things you'd use to curse someone in his own world.
Eldric, however, remained unfazed. His expression was as calm and detached as ever, as though this lively city was nothing out of the ordinary for him. Of course, it probably wasn't—this was his home, after all.
As they moved deeper into the city, the streets became even busier. More houses and buildings rose on either side, and more vendors shouted out their wares. Despite the vibrant energy all around him, a question began to form in Lucas's mind.
'Why do Eldric and Dr. Sebastian live so far away from the main city? Compared to where their house is, the city is so much more lively.'
He mulled over the thought for a while before brushing it aside. 'Oh, well. They must've had a good reason.'
Still, another question followed quickly after. 'But I wonder where we're going. We've been moving for so long, and we still haven't reached our destination.'
The journey continued in relative silence, save for the sounds of the bustling city around them. Eldric remained quiet, his focus set straight ahead, offering no explanation for where they were headed. Lucas felt his curiosity grow stronger with every passing moment.
Finally, Eldric slowed his Skyrak, coming to a stop. Lucas followed suit, pulling his mount to a halt beside him. In front of them stood a large wooden building, its structure sturdy and inviting. Above the entrance, strange characters were carved into the wood. Lucas stared at them for a moment, his eyes narrowing in confusion—until, inexplicably, the words became clear to him.
'A library?!'