Chapter 15: Chapter Fifteen: Calla Lily
The drive to Calla Lily was oddly peaceful; Eve had expected some disruptions, yet the journey remained uneventful. The absence of any obstacles left Eve with a sense of relief.
As they drove through winding roads, the landscape around them gradually transformed, welcoming them to the mystical town. After a few hours on the road, they finally arrived at Calla Lily. The town is a blend of nature and magic, with towering trees whose leaves glimmered in various colors surrounding the cottages and mystical structures. The air was charged with the subtle hum of elemental energy, giving the town a unique and enchanting identity.
Unlike Golden Amaranth, the buildings in Calla Lily were rather old, but the architecture was second to none, especially during the time when they were constructed. They were decorated with symbols representing different magical elements, including swirling patterns of air, fiery embers, flowing water, solid earth emblems, the sun, an elemental flower, a lightning bolt, a plain black tile, a magical staff, and the galaxy of their dimension. Residents moved through the streets, their gestures often accompanied by the subtle manipulation of the elements.
The marketplaces of Calla Lily are a mix of colors, as enchanters display their crafted items and magic-infused trinkets. The aroma of herbs and potions in the air is strong from alchemists' stalls.
At the heart of Calla Lily lies a massive crystal, adapted to the mana in the air and flow of the elements. It towers in the center, creating a spectacular display as sunlight filters through, casting a mesmerizing hue that shifts with the time of day.
Despite Calla Lily's seemingly old-school nature, the young people of the town are surprisingly carefree. Only a handful choose the path of becoming scholars or dedicate themselves to mastering their elemental gifts. The majority find joy in the simple pleasures of life, like exploring the enchanted surroundings, engaging in friendly elemental duels, even more casual activities that can be found in other towns such as Golden Amaranth, or participating in vibrant festivals that celebrate the magic within and around them.
"Hmm, Calla Lily is definitely different from Golden Amaranth. Just look at this place; it's like we're entering some enchanted forest," Eve said, looking outside from the car window. The surroundings, mystical structures, and the subtle hum of elemental energy in the air created a captivating atmosphere, similiar of a magical realm.
"No kidding, this place is completely different from Alyssum and Golden Amaranth," Vulcan agreed, taking in the unique atmosphere of Calla Lily.
"Although it seems quiet, it must have to do with those disappearances that happened," Eliza observed.
Eve leaned back in her seat, her gaze lingering on the charming scenery outside the car window. "While it's unfortunate that there are troubles in this town, we need to stay focused on getting to Legis. Involving ourselves in local issues could possibly get us into unnecessary trouble." She sighed.
Vulcan nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings. "Eve's right. We've already had our fair share of attention after dealing with Metod."
"Well, let's stop by somewhere to eat at least. I wonder what they eat here," Eliza's curiosity about the local food added a playful sparkle to her eyes.
"Well, that's not a bad idea. I need to call Vaos anyway," Eve said, reaching into her bag to retrieve her phone.
"Might as well make the call while you two decide on a place to eat," just as Eve was about to dial his number, she couldn't help but notice a lot of missed calls from Vaos.
"Ah, this probably won't be pretty..." Eve sighed as she began to call Vaos.
The stern voice on the other end of the phone echoed. "Young lady, do you know how many times I tried to call you?" The words carried a tone of both frustration and worry, Eve knew she had to choose her words carefully.
"I-I'm sorry, Vaos. You see, when you were calling, Eliza and I stopped by somewhere to have breakfast in Golden Amaranth. After that, we began driving Calla Lily. In fact, we just arrived not too long ago." Eve explained with an apologetic tone in her voice.
"You know, I saw in the news not long ago that there was an accident in the highway between Alyssum and Golden Amaranth. You wouldn't know anything about that, right?" Vaos asked.
Eve's eyes slightly widened, "I-I know just as much as you do. I saw the same thing in the news while Eliza and I were having breakfast at the cafe. I'm just glad we weren't there when that accident happened." Eve nervously laughed, trying to downplay any potential connection.
"Is that so? Give the phone to Eliza, I want to have a word with her." Vaos ordered.
Eve hesitated for a moment before handing the phone to Eliza, a curious look on her face, her cat ears slightly twitching.
"Eliza, what do you know about the accident on the highway between Alyssum and Golden Amaranth?" Vaos asked, his tone demanding answers.
Eliza paused, carefully considering her response before replying, "Just as Eve said, we don't know anything besides from what we heard on the news. We were having breakfast at a cafe in Golden Amaranth when we saw the report." She spoke calmly, trying to seem sincere.
"Is that the truth, Eliza?" Vaos pressed, his voice stern.
Eliza maintained her composure, "Yes, Vaos, it is the truth. We had no knowledge or involvement in whatever happened on the highway between Alyssum and Golden Amaranth. Our focus is on reaching Legis, and we've encountered no issues other than what we've seen on the news." She spoke with assurance, hoping to seem sincere to Vaos.
Eliza maintained her composure, "Yes, Vaos, it is the truth. We have no knowledge in whatever happened on the highway between Alyssum and Golden Amaranth."
"I see, very well. I believe you, Eliza. That aside, how's the journey going? Eve mentioned that you've just arrived at Calla Lily. Anything noteworthy so far?" Vaos asked.
Eliza let out a sigh of relief, "everything's going smoothly so far. Calla Lily is definitely different from Alyssum. However, we heard that disappearances are on the rise here. So we're just going to get something to eat and move on. We're going to be careful not to get possibly involved in that," Eliza explained.
"Yes, that'd be best," Vaos agreed. "You shouldn't get into unnecessary fights, stick to your main goal," he advised.
"Aside from that, everything has been peaceful so far," Eliza sighed, expressing a mix of relief and concern. "We'll be safe and make sure to avoid any trouble," she assured Vaos.
"That's what I want to hear," Vaos said, his tone relaxing. "Now, can you please pass the phone to Vulcan? I'd like to have a word with that punk."
"Sure, hey Vulcan, Vaos wants to discuss a few things with you," Eliza said, she handed the phone to Vulcan. Vulcan took the phone, who took a deep breath before speaking to Vaos.
"Hey Vaos, it's been awhile, how are you doing?" Vulcan asked, trying to make small conversation.
"Let me get straight to the point: Eve and Eliza told me they don't know anything about the incident between Alyssum and Golden Amaranth. Is that true?" Vaos asked, his voice carrying authority.
Vulcan sighed, "Didn't you already ask both of them? No, we don't know anything about that besides what we heard on the news."
"Watch your tone, you damn punk... But fine, I won't press further. They told me everything has been going smoothly so far, but remember to be on your guard. The unexpected can always happen," Vaos advised.
"I understand, and before you ask: yes, I will keep up with my training. Once we find a more suitable place and the time, I'll train with Eve," Vulcan said.
"Good, I expect nothing less, stay sharp. If anything unusual happens, contact me immediately. I don't want any surprises, especially with the current situation," Vaos instructed.
"I understand, Vaos, you'll be the first to hear if anything happens," Vulcan assured.
"Good, well, there's nothing else to ask then. Tell Eve and Eliza, I wish them good luck, and remind them to be vigilant. The path ahead may seem smooth, but in our world, trouble lurks around every corner." Vaos said, his voice a mix of concern and wisdom before ending the call.
Vulcan sighed, "You know, if Vaos finds out about the fight with Metod, we're in a load of trouble."
"That may be so, but we'll have to keep it a secret, at least for the moment. Anyway, it looks like Eliza found a good restaurant. Let's stop to eat for now," Eve said.
Eliza parked the car in the restaurant's parking lot. As they got out, they went inside.
The restaurant in Calla Lily emitted an enchanting charm, seamlessly blending nature and magic. Its exterior was decorated with vines and flowers, similiar of the surrounding enchanted flora. As they entered, the air was filled with the delightful aroma of various herbs and spices.
Eve, Vulcan, and Eliza decided on a table and sat down. The tables were made from sturdy wood, each decorated with elemental symbols and patterns. Soft, ambient lighting flickered in a dance of magical colors, casting a soothing glow over the customers.
The menu has a diverse choices of dishes infused with magical ingredients. From enchanted soups that changed colors with each spoonful to desserts as dark as the void, the offerings were a testament to the town's affinity for magic.
"A little over the top, I just hope the food here is good," Vulcan said as he looked through the menu.
"Hmm, look at the TV there, it looks like something happened," Eve said, pointing to the television in the corner of the restaurant.
The news reported that there have been four more disappearances in the mountains yet again, urging everyone to stay inside.
"More disappearances, huh? It seems like the situation is getting worse. We really might want to leave this town as quickly as possible," Eve sighed.
The broadcast continued, revealing another piece of information that caught their attention. A report flashed across the screen, announcing the presence of the hero of the void war and the one who stopped Metod's siege of Legis – the White Crusader. It seemed that this hero was in town with the mission to put an end to the mysterious disappearances.
"The White Crusader? Everyone here must already feel safe if he's here." Eliza remarked.
"If he's involved, the situation here become worse," Eve muttered, seemingly holding resentment towards the hero.
"Let's just finish eating—" Just as Eve was about to speak, she heard heavy footsteps approaching from the restaurant's entrance.
"Eve Kinhana, I'd like to have a word with you three..."
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