Packing all the luggage into the back of the car, Myth adjusted his jacket, slipped into the driver's seat, and pulled out of the driveway.
Next stop—Sira's workplace, the mansion.
Getting permission to leave for seven days with Myth wasn't difficult for Sira. But that didn't mean it was effortless—there was still plenty of explaining involved. She didn't lie though.
Plus, her parents had known Myth since childhood.
They trusted him.
After a few polite nods and reassurances, Sira climbed into the car beside him, letting out a long breath as the gates of the mansion closed behind them.
"That took longer than it should've," she muttered, tugging at her seatbelt.
"Still faster than I expected," Myth smirked, eyes on the road. "Didn't think your folks would let their precious daughter go off with me."
"They trust you, Myth. You're admitted to the best college in the country, and you're dependable. Don't sell yourself short," Sira said, her voice steady.
Myth exhaled through his nose. "I know they trust me."
There was a quiet pause. The road stretched ahead—long, flat, surrounded by trees and fading signs of the city behind.
Then Sira leaned in slightly. "Now tell me everything about this trip," she said, serious now.
"Yeah, okay," Myth nodded. "So… I sold my college seat. Got a decent amount for it. And I filed a transfer to the Lawless Zone. That town we're headed to—it's crawling with Seekers. I want to form a team. And I want your help."
He said it all in one breath. No pauses. No softening.
Sira blinked.
Then she yelled, "Myth—are you dumb?! You idiot! You gave up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—just like that?!"
Myth's fingers tightened around the steering wheel, but his tone remained calm. Dry, even. "What's done is done. This is what I want. I want to be a Seeker."
Sira stared at him.
Her mouth opened like she wanted to say something more—then shut again.
The silence that followed stretched too long.
Finally, her voice softened. "Have you told your mother?"
"No," Myth said, his eyes on the road. "Why would I? She didn't even send a text when I got in."
Sira's expression darkened.
A few more seconds passed. Then she asked, "So you want my help... for what exactly ? "
"Its simple really , I just want your help to pick up a team .... " said myth
"I am guessing that it's because of my luck ability." Said Sira
"Yeah," Myth said.
Sira let out a slow breath. "This is insane, Myth. Your are betting your life on an uncertain ability "
He smiled faintly. "I'm aware."
----
The car rumbled down the narrow, winding road flanked by dry brush and cracked stone walls. In the distance, jagged peaks pierced the sky—majestic mountains, blue-gray in the evening haze. Nestled at their base was the town that Myth had staked everything on.
They had arrived.
The signboard, slightly rusted and swinging in the breeze, read:
"Welcome to Ashfall Ridge — Gateway to the Wildlands."
Sira leaned forward in her seat. "It's smaller than I expected."
Myth slowed the car as they entered. "Yeah, but it's bigger than it looks. This place has two faces. The tourist side with mountains, trails, and that fancy leather market... and the other side—closer to the Lawless border."
The streets were paved but worn. Travelers roamed the main square, their footsteps blending into the hum of a busy evening. Dust hung in the air—thick, golden—but so did a sense of possibility. Banners fluttered outside a tavern, advertising Seeker contracts. Posters flapped on a notice board, displaying missing persons, bounties, and sightings of strange creatures in nearby zones.
Driving through the tourist district of Ashfall Ridge, Myth and Sira passed rows of small buildings, their signs flickering with tired lights. Each storefront seemed to promise something different: leather goods, monster trinkets, dried herbs, or hot meals.
Soon, they arrived at a medium-sized building called Fallen Haven—their intended stay for the next seven days.
Inside, a wooden counter stood to the left of the entrance. A man behind it looked up with a pleasant smile.
"Sir, ma'am, how can I help you today?" he asked.
"I'd like two rooms next to each other," Myth said.
"Let me check if that's possible," the man replied, scrolling through the room listings. After a moment, he frowned. "I'm sorry, sir. We only have one room available, and it'll take at least two days before another frees up."
Myth sighed. "Alright, thanks for checking. We'll try another hotel."
"Thank you for stopping by, sir," the man said politely.
Myth and Sira checked three more hotels. Each time, they were turned away—the town was packed to the brim.
Finally, the fourth hotel—The Ember Hearth—had a few rooms available. The building looked ancient. Its outer walls were cracked, and the sign swayed slightly in the breeze, the paint faded to a dull orange.
The wooden staircase creaked loudly as they climbed to the top floor. Though old, the structure felt sturdy. The walls were lined with faded posters and strange scratch marks that Myth decided not to comment on.
Their rooms were modest. Myth's room had a single bed, a small balcony, a cracked mirror, and a wooden table that looked like it had been punched by a bear.
Sira dropped her bag with a heavy thud. "Charming."
Myth tossed his keys onto the table. "Hey, it's not about comfort. At least we got two rooms next to each other. With how crowded Ashfall Ridge is this year, we're lucky."
He pushed open the balcony door. A breeze swept in, carrying the scent of leather, dry earth, and distant smoke. From up here, they could see the bustling heart of Ashfall Ridge—a town alive with whispers, shady deals, and the constant presence of danger.
Sira picked up her bag and headed into her room. As she began unpacking, a creaking sound broke the quiet. She froze, then slowly turned her head toward the door.
It was slightly ajar—probably pushed open by the wind.
She stared at it for a second longer before sighing and shaking her head. Just my nerves. Still a little wary, she went back to unpacking.
"Ahhh!" Myth suddenly yelled, popping his head in through the doorway.
Startled, Sira let out a loud scream of her own. She whirled around, her heart racing, only to see Myth grinning like an idiot.
Her eyes narrowed. "Myth! Why are you always so damn annoying?!"
"What? That's rude. I was just checking up on you," he said, clearly trying not to laugh.
Without waiting for an invitation, Myth walked over and flopped onto her bed like he owned the place. Sira stared at him, dumbfounded.
After a moment of silence, she said flatly, "You can't just walk in and do whatever you like in someone else's room."
"Oh, come on," Myth replied, arms behind his head. "I've been in your room a hundred times before. You never used to care."
"That was when we were kids," Sira snapped.
Myth just smirked. "Didn't realize age came with so many rules."
Sira grabbed a pillow and threw it at his face.
Sira crossed her arms, watching Myth sink deeper into her bed like it was his own.
"Anyway," Myth began, his voice suddenly serious, "don't you think it's strange? The population here... it's way more than usual. I can feel something's off. I just can't put my finger on it."
Sira blinked, surprised by the shift in tone. "You think something's wrong because there are more people than usual?"
"If the crowd doesn't thin out in the next three days, then yeah—something's definitely going on," Myth said, his brows furrowed. "And if that's the case, it's going to mess with my future plans. Traveling further into the Lawless Zone will be way more difficult."
"Why do you say that?" Sira asked, now more alert.
"Ashfall Ridge isn't just some quiet edge-town," Myth explained. "It's one of the main gateways into the Lawless. If this place is overcrowded, then either a lot of people are trying to get out... or way too many are trying to get in. And considering it's not tourist season or anything…"
He trailed off, eyes narrowing slightly.
Sira's gaze shifted toward the window. The faint hum of the crowd drifted in through the crack in the balcony door.
"Something is definitely going on," Myth muttered, almost to himself.
"Let's hope population thins out a little " myth said.
"Yes... let's hope." Sira said while looking at the window.