The journey continued into a large dining district filled with tempting aromas. Restaurants lined up in rows, each decorated with glowing signboards that caught the eye. From local dishes to international cuisine, everything looked perfect.
"Amexan is also a culinary hub," Karven said with pride. "The previous mayor attracted the best chefs from all over the continent."
As the train moved further, the atmosphere began to change. The next area was an entertainment district with large theater buildings and modern amusement parks.
Children and adults appeared to be enjoying their time, some laughing freely around the rides. However, amidst all the joy, Godan couldn't shake the feeling that everything was too perfect. Too... orderly.
Then, the train entered the workers' district. The contrast was stark. The houses here were smaller, surrounded by factories emitting thin wisps of smoke into the sky. Workers were busy, their faces full of concentration.
Marta noticed a middle-aged woman carrying a large sack of raw materials on her back. She looked exhausted, but her steps remained determined.
"This is where Amexan's backbone works," Karven said, his tone now more serious. "They keep the city's economy running. That's why they must receive the proper facilities."
The train traveled nearly the entire day before finally approaching the Mathar Tower, a magnificent structure that rose high in the city. The black stones that made up the tower sparkled under the sun. At its peak, a glass dome protected the legendary Sun Crown, an artifact that was Amexan's pride.
"The Sun Crown," Karven pointed to the glass dome. "It is a symbol of power and wisdom. Without it, Amexan would never have become what it is today."
Godan, Marta, and Jomie could only gaze in a mixture of awe and doubt. The beauty of it all weighed heavily on them, reminding them of how small they were in such a grand city.
They imagined how beautiful it would be if the Water Goddess Stone could return to the city of Somara, which now faced poverty and hardship.
The train then passed by a play school, where children were learning through play. They ran around the yard, climbing swings and slides while laughing joyfully. The teachers looked patient, guiding them with smiles.
"Education is Amexan's greatest investment," Karven said warmly. "These children are the future of Amexan."
"You must make Somara as advanced as Amexan, sir," Marta replied.
Karven fell silent, not responding. His eyes remained fixed on the window.
The train finally stopped for a vehicle change at a small plaza. They had to switch trains and take a different route.
Karven rose from his seat. "Ice cream, who wants some?" he asked casually, as though he were just a kind uncle.
Without waiting for an answer, Karven Chroc bought a pack of ice cream for the three of them. The taste was sweet, with an incredibly smooth texture, like eating "magic."
Godan, Marta, and Jomie didn't even realize they were momentarily enjoying the moment. Karven's warmth and kindness made them forget their worries for a while.
However, beneath the comfort, Godan couldn't shake his suspicion. Every place they passed seemed like part of a larger story carefully orchestrated by Karven. Was Karven truly sincere with his mission and plans?
When the second train arrived, they continued their journey. But this time, Godan couldn't enjoy the scenery anymore. His mind was filled with unanswered questions, wild thoughts racing through his head.
And although Marta and Jomie seemed a little more relaxed, Godan knew they couldn't afford to let their guard down. Karven was too clever and manipulative.
* * * * *
As soon as they got off the train, they were invited to rest for a moment, but Godan immediately grabbed Marta and Jomie's hands, pulling them into their room.
"This is bad! I know something's not right," he whispered urgently.
Godan, Marta, and Jomie now stood back in the luxurious guest room of Serzad's house. Outside the window, the sky had turned a reddish-purple, reflecting the glow of a city that never slept. But there was no time to admire the view. Godan paced back and forth in the room, his face full of unease.
"What's wrong, Godan?" Jomie asked, curious but concerned.
Marta kept her ears open while organizing their belongings, already preparing for their return to the waste city of Somara.
Godan explained that just before they boarded the second train, while Karven was buying ice cream, he had seen a large city announcement board. The board detailed the achievements of the mayor, and to his shock, the mayor of Amexan was none other than—Serzad Chroc.
"Serzad Chroc," he repeated, looking at Marta and Jomie seriously. "That's the same last name as Karven. Do you know what that means? They might be brothers—or even closer."
Jomie frowned. "But why wouldn't Karven mention it? Isn't it strange for two mayors of two major cities to be related but keep it a secret?"
Marta sighed deeply, trying to steady her nerves. "This doesn't make any sense. But we can't ignore it. What can we do, though? We're on their turf, Godan."
Before Godan could respond, a soft knock at the door froze the three of them in place.
"Sir and Madam, the vehicle is ready. Mr. Serzad has asked me to escort you," a servant announced from the hallway. His voice was polite but firm, leaving little room for refusal.
"Alright, give us a moment… We're getting ready," Godan called back from inside.
He moved closer to the door, listening carefully without opening it. Instead, he gestured sharply at Marta. "Your rope. Now!"
Marta stared at him in shock. "Godan, are you serious? We're on the third floor! You've got to be kidding me," she hissed.
"If we get into that car, we're not going back to Somara," Godan replied in a hushed but urgent tone. "I'm sure they have other plans for us. We need to escape now, before it's too late."
Reluctantly, Marta opened her bag and pulled out a rope she normally used for hauling heavy items. Godan immediately tied one end of the rope securely to the leg of a sturdy-looking table and threw the other end out the window.
"You're insane, Godan," Jomie whispered, his face pale as he peeked out the window and saw how high up they were. "If we fall, we're dead…"
Godan remained adamant. He insisted on being the last to climb down, ensuring that both of them could escape first.
"If we get caught, we'll never make it out of this city alive," Marta whispered grimly.
"We won't survive if we keep playing along either," Godan shot back. "Now move! Quickly."