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A Mysterious Inn
The sun had dipped lower in the sky as JoJo, Emilia, and Puck made their way through the cobblestone streets of Lugnica. The atmosphere felt tense, a subtle edge to the silence that lingered after their run-in with the attacker.
Emilia led JoJo to a modest inn tucked away from the main market streets. It wasn't much by noble standards, but it was quiet, and the innkeeper seemed respectful enough not to ask questions.
Inside, Emilia gestured to a small table in a corner away from prying eyes. They sat down, and JoJo took in the cozy surroundings, observing every detail. A skill honed from years of adventure had taught him to trust no detail as unimportant.
"So," JoJo began, folding his arms and leaning back, his gaze steady on Emilia, "I helped you out back there. Now, you owe me some answers. What's going on here? And who was that guy with the blade?"
Emilia looked down, clearly hesitant, before finally meeting his gaze. "Thank you again for helping me, JoJo. I know you could have walked away, yet you stayed. But… this situation is more complicated than it seems."
Puck, still hovering nearby, chimed in, "Emilia-tan here has a rather unique position in the kingdom. That insignia you helped retrieve isn't just a trinket—it's tied to some very powerful people."
JoJo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Powerful people, huh? Let me guess: they're not exactly thrilled to see you around?"
Emilia nodded, her expression earnest. "It's true. I'm… involved in something called the Royal Selection. It's a process where a handful of candidates, chosen by special insignias, are selected as potential rulers of the kingdom."
JoJo's eyes lit up with intrigue, leaning forward slightly. "So you're saying you're one of the people competing to rule this whole kingdom?"
Emilia's cheeks flushed with a touch of embarrassment. "I wouldn't exactly put it that way. I have my reasons, and it's not for power or prestige. I only want to help this kingdom… in my own way."
JoJo nodded, sensing the sincerity in her voice. But before he could ask another question, he felt a slight pang in his chest. There was something oddly familiar about Emilia's determination, a subtle reflection of his own drive.
He exhaled and then said, "Alright, Emilia, I can respect that. But it still doesn't explain why someone tried to attack you in broad daylight."
Puck sighed, looking serious for the first time. "The Royal Selection is a high-stakes game, JoJo. There are people who don't think Emilia should be involved. For them, a half-elf isn't fit to rule. Some have gone so far as to consider… drastic measures."
JoJo's gaze darkened. "So that guy was just a pawn, huh? Someone trying to scare her out of the race?"
Emilia nodded, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Yes. I wish things were different, but it seems I have no choice but to face these challenges."
JoJo sat in silence for a moment, considering everything he'd just heard. This world wasn't as simple as he first thought. If he wanted to survive—and find a way back home—he'd need to understand its dangers.
He looked Emilia in the eyes, his voice steady. "You need someone to watch your back. It's obvious you're in the middle of something dangerous, and I'm not the kind to just sit back when people like that guy start showing up."
Emilia's eyes widened slightly. "JoJo, are you… offering to help me?"
JoJo smirked, giving her a confident nod. "Consider it a deal. You've got your goals, and I've got mine. But if I'm gonna stick around, you're gonna need to tell me everything."
Emilia nodded, her eyes filling with gratitude. "Alright, JoJo. I'll tell you what I know. And… thank you."
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Setting Up Base
As the night wore on, JoJo, Emilia, and Puck settled into the inn. JoJo made it a habit to stay up, watching the streets through the window. Even as the moon cast its light on the empty streets, he could feel the tension in the air.
Emilia and Puck rested, but JoJo stayed vigilant, relying on Hermit Purple to sense any disturbances around the inn. He couldn't shake the feeling that someone, or something, was still watching them.
Finally, the next morning arrived, and as JoJo prepared to meet with Emilia and Puck, he noticed a figure waiting by the inn's entrance. It was the same thief he'd encountered in the marketplace.
JoJo approached her cautiously, his eyes sharp. "You again. What do you want?"
The girl scowled, her hands clenched into fists. "You messed up my job, you know. That insignia could've gotten me enough money to survive for months. I don't need your sympathy, but… I have information you might want."
JoJo's curiosity piqued, and he tilted his head. "Oh? And why would you share this information with me?"
The thief hesitated, glancing around nervously. "Because I overheard something about that attack yesterday. You're in over your head, foreigner. But if you're going to keep hanging around with Emilia, you should know… there's more going on in this city than you realize."
JoJo crossed his arms, intrigued. "Alright, let's hear it."
The girl took a step closer, her voice a low whisper. "There's a powerful cult in this city. They call themselves the Witch's Cult, and they're obsessed with Emilia. They think she has some connection to the Witch of Envy. They're planning something big, and if you're smart, you'll keep your distance from her."
JoJo's face remained calm, but inwardly, he felt a surge of anger. The idea of a group targeting Emilia simply because of her lineage disgusted him. He'd dealt with cults and crazed fanatics before, and he had no intention of letting them harm anyone he'd sworn to protect.
"Thanks for the warning," he replied, his voice steady. "But I'm not the kind to back down from a fight."
The girl looked at him, her expression unreadable. "Then you're a fool. But… good luck."
She disappeared into the crowd, leaving JoJo to ponder her words.
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Preparations and Strategy
Back at the inn, JoJo relayed everything the thief had told him to Emilia and Puck. Emilia's face turned pale as she listened, and Puck's usually playful demeanor took on a more serious edge.
"The Witch's Cult…" Puck muttered. "If they're really involved, this could get very dangerous, Emilia-tan."
JoJo placed a reassuring hand on Emilia's shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll be ready for them. But I'll need to know everything about these cultists and any powers they might have. My Stand can handle a lot, but I'm not about to walk in blind."
Emilia nodded, her voice steady. "The Witch's Cult is infamous. They worship the Witch of Envy, and they'll stop at nothing to fulfill their twisted beliefs. If they've set their sights on us, it's only a matter of time before they make their move."
JoJo's mind raced as he considered their options. He knew his Stand gave him an advantage, but in this world of magic and strange powers, he'd need to be prepared for anything.
"Alright, here's what we'll do," JoJo said, his voice resolute. "I'll scout the city using Hermit Purple. I'll search for any signs of cult activity. Emilia, stay here with Puck and keep out of sight. If anything happens, I'll come back immediately."
Emilia looked at him, her eyes filled with determination. "JoJo, please… be careful."
He flashed her a confident grin. "You're talking to the guy who's survived worse than this. I'll be back before you know it."
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The Search Begins
JoJo set out into the city, using Hermit Purple to track down traces of the Witch's Cult. He moved quietly through alleys and side streets, his Stand's vines extended like invisible sensors, picking up on any suspicious energy.
The deeper he went into the city's underbelly, the more he realized just how widespread the cult's influence was. He spotted symbols scrawled on walls, strange gatherings in dark corners, and shadowy figures moving under the cover of night.
Finally, Hermit Purple detected something significant—a gathering of cult members in a hidden courtyard near the edge of the city. JoJo watched from a distance, listening as they murmured about their "holy mission" to rid the kingdom of impurities.
His blood boiled. He clenched his fists, ready to confront them then and there. But he held back, realizing he needed more information. These cultists weren't ordinary criminals; they were organized and deeply fanatical.
JoJo took a deep breath, vowing to protect Emilia from whatever dangers lay ahead. He quietly withdrew, retreating to the inn to plan their next move.
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End of Chapter 2