Karven ended the conversation and began walking back toward his room. Yet, halfway there, the newly elected mayor stopped, as if something was still nagging at him.
Slowly, he turned around, his sharp, calculating gaze fixed on Godan, Marta, and Jomie, who were still standing under the dim hallway light.
"Listen, kids," he began, his tone flat, though every word carried weight. "I know you're carrying something out of Somara."
Godan narrowed his eyes, his instincts kicking in as he gripped Marta's sleeve, silently signaling her to stay calm. Marta stood frozen, trying to steady her breathing and hide her growing panic, while Jomie swallowed nervously, still groggy but fully tuned in to the conversation.
Karven stepped closer, folding his arms across his chest. "I'm not here to threaten you, but you need to understand—what you're carrying belongs to Somara. It's not some toy for you three to play with."
Godan frowned. "We don't see it as a toy, sir."
"You've been running around recklessly, without any proper preparation. Your presence here has already caused quite a stir among some of Amexan's residents. Luckily, Mayor Serzad allowed you to stay here temporarily. If not, you'd be sleeping on the streets."
"You don't know what we've been through!" Jomie burst out, his voice low but his emotions flaring. Karven's tone had felt dismissive, almost mocking.
"I don't need to know—honestly, it's irrelevant because it's your own doing. But seeing my people wandering around like lost sheep is... disappointing."
The three were left speechless, shocked by this different side of Karven Chroc. He seemed nothing like the man they had seen during the mayoral debates.
"Why didn't you try finding this artifact sooner?" Godan challenged.
"I did," Karven replied curtly, "but there were no leads."
"Are you going to arrest us?" Marta asked, her panic returning.
"But we're doing this with the support of Boss Rocko and Grandma Miru..." Jomie mumbled.
Karven smirked faintly. "Ah, Rocko… No, I'm not going to arrest you. I'm trying to protect you. I know you don't intend to sell the artifact or use it for anything malicious. But now, the situation has changed."
"What do you mean?" Marta asked, her voice flat but tense.
"I want to work together," Karven stated firmly. "But that means you'll need to hand over the map and the Star Key to my men. It's not an easy decision, but trust me, this is the best way to ensure your safety and Somara's future."
"Hand it over?" Jomie stepped forward, his face flushed with anger. "We risked our lives to get those! Do you think we'll just give them up?"
Karven didn't flinch, his expression remaining calm. "I know you've been through a lot. But to people like Serzad—or anyone else who might be after the artifact—you're just kids. If you're caught here, you'll be seen as thieves or, worse, traitors to Somara. Is that what you want?"
Godan clenched his fists but stayed silent. Karven's words made sense, yet there was something in his tone that made trusting him difficult.
Karven continued, his voice softer but more resolute. "I'll offer you compensation—enough Delas to return to Somara and start fresh. Meanwhile, I'll have my men continue the search for the Water Goddess Stone."
"What about Grandma Miru?" Marta asked.
"I spoke with her before coming here," Karven replied, his tone colder. "She agrees this is the most efficient course of action. You've done enough. Now, let the adults handle the rest."
Godan stepped forward, meeting Karven's gaze directly. "So, you want us to hand everything over? What guarantees do we have that the Water Goddess Stone will actually be found and used for Somara's benefit?"
Karven returned his gaze without blinking, this time without a smile. "There are no guarantees. But I'm the mayor of Somara now. It's my duty to protect the city, and I won't let that duty fail because of the ego of a few teenagers."
The tension in the room was palpable. Marta bit her lip, Jomie stared at the floor, and Godan stood still, his mind racing between trust and doubt.
"Think it over carefully," Karven said at last, turning back toward his room. "I'll give you until tomorrow morning. If you agree, you can return to Somara with the vehicle I came in. But if you decide to resist, I can't guarantee your safety in this city."
Karven finally left, and as the door closed, Marta exhaled deeply. "What should we do now?"
Godan didn't answer. He simply stared at the map and the Star Key inside his bag. They were now faced with an impossible choice. The thought of being labeled as thieves or traitors loomed heavily over the three teenagers.
* * * * *
That morning, the soft voice of a servant woke Godan, Marta, and Jomie. The sun had just begun to peek through the large windows of their room. Though their bodies still felt heavy with exhaustion, they had no choice but to rise. The servant politely asked them to prepare for breakfast in the main dining room.
After washing their faces and straightening their clothes, Godan and his friends made their way downstairs. Upon entering the dining room, they immediately felt out of place.
The long, expansive table was laden with luxurious dishes: golden-plated toast, fresh fruits, smoked meats, and a soup emanating the aroma of expensive spices. There were also glass carafes filled with various beverages.
At the head of the table sat Serzad, with his elegant wife by his side, dressed in a shimmering white silk gown. Across the table, Karven Chroc appeared relaxed, speaking quietly with a man carrying a book—likely his secretary.
"Please, take a seat," Serzad invited with a warm smile, gesturing to the empty chairs nearby. Godan and his friends held their breath, feeling unworthy of such a grand setting. Nevertheless, they obeyed and cautiously pulled out their chairs.
"How was your sleep last night? Comfortable, I hope?" Serzad asked, his voice calm but filled with authority.
"Uh, yes, thank you, sir," Marta replied awkwardly, trying to hide her discomfort.
Karven, seated directly across from them, offered a faint smile. His sharp gaze seemed to study their every move. As the food was served, Serzad initiated the conversation.
"Did you know? The continent of Amhail holds so many mysteries and wonders. There are countless hidden treasures yet to be uncovered. But what fascinates me most is how each city has its own unique legacy."
"Like Amexan's Sun Crown," his wife added with a gentle yet commanding voice. "It's the pride of this city, our source of light and strength."
Godan, Marta, and Jomie exchanged uneasy glances, feeling the topic hit uncomfortably close to their own quest. They remained silent, allowing Serzad to continue.
"Of course, Somara has its own treasure—the Water Goddess Stone, doesn't it?" Serzad said with a tone of curiosity. He turned to Karven, as if expecting the new mayor to elaborate.
Karven met Serzad's gaze with a wide smile. "That's absolutely correct, Mr. Serzad. That stone is crucial. If we can recover it, Somara will rise again. Our city could return to its former glory—or even surpass it."
Serzad nodded, clearly satisfied. "In that case, we in Amexan will fully support your efforts. If the Water Goddess Stone is truly found, it won't just help Somara— it will benefit the entire continent of Amhail. A strong civilization in one city always brings good fortune to others."
Godan carefully spooned his food, while Marta tried to mask her anxiety behind her glass of water. Jomie, on the other hand, kept his head down, fidgeting with his fork and knife.
Karven occasionally glanced at them, his smile fixed, though his eyes betrayed his intent to control the situation. After a while, Karven finally spoke.
"Of course, achieving such a grand goal requires trust and cooperation. There's no room for misunderstandings or unclear intentions."
The statement felt like a subtle jab at Godan and his friends. They knew exactly where this conversation was headed. Godan's breathing grew heavier as his mind raced for a way to keep their secrets safe.
But before the discussion could turn sharper, Serzad suddenly clapped his hands lightly on the table, drawing everyone's attention.
"By the way, Karven, what are your plans for the Water Goddess Stone? I heard rumors that some new clues have been uncovered."
Karven offered a small smile, but this time, ambition flickered in his eyes. He set down his spoon and looked directly at Godan, Marta, and Jomie. "Oh, the clues do exist. But as I said, it all depends on cooperation."
A heavy silence blanketed the room. Godan felt his neck tense. He knew Karven was waiting for a reaction, but he chose to remain silent. Meanwhile, Marta clutched the napkin in her lap, trying to steady her trembling hands.
"Children," Karven finally said, his tone softer but no less piercing. "I'm sure you understand how important this mission is. The Water Goddess Stone isn't just about Somara—it's about the entire continent of Amhail. I hope you'll consider everything carefully."
Serzad chuckled lightly, seemingly oblivious to the tension thickening around the table. "Ah, Karven, you're so dedicated. I'm sure they'll understand your good intentions."
"Indeed," Serzad's wife chimed in.
"Right, children?" Karven added, his gaze unwavering.
Godan only managed a stiff smile, unwilling to commit to an answer.
That morning's breakfast ended with light chatter, but for Godan, Marta, and Jomie, every minute felt like an exhausting test. They knew their time to decide was running out. And more terrifyingly, they couldn't be sure if Karven Chroc could truly be trusted.