"What's odd is, it was in an unassuming ruin that only held clothing from the Carefree Empire," Lorian remarked, his brows raised before shrugging. "Either way, with this bracelet we can capture a demon. And then use it to figure out the whereabouts of the Codex, which would allow us to fix the Anisa Desert."
Uro muttered under his breath, "The Lumiere Project…" He rubbed his temples for a moment, pondering the immense implications. "If we can find the Codex, then with its ability to rewrite the concepts and laws of the world, we could stop all the disasters from happening again, not only in the Anisa Desert but also in the Freedom Empire."
Selene slowly nodded. "We can also alter the minds of the sea beasts near the Frost Empire to stop their constant invasions and blockades."
"Not just the sea beasts, but all the beast tides across all continents can be stopped with it—" Uro began.
"All of them? Even that warmonger empire?" Selene interrupted, a sigh escaping her lips.
Lorian faintly smiled. "Yes, even the Union Empire. Don't worry, if they still plan to invade after, we can deal with them with the Codex."
"Well, that's one good thing. But with the Codex, maybe we can finally deal with the demons and the Abyssal Call."
Lorian nodded, an eager grin spreading across his face. With the Codex in their grasp, a multitude of problems could indeed be solved. Memories of his mother's passionate discussions about the Lumiere Project flooded into his mind. She had often spoken of how it all began with the aspiration to acquire the Codex. They could finally let humanity have a breather, no longer forced to face constant destruction and conflict.
In a moment of nostalgia, he recalled how his mother had speculated that the Codex might even unveil the mysteries of the past secrets lost to the tides of time. Uro furrowed his brows, a look of insight crossing his features.
"With the Codex… could we figure out who or what actually made it? It's a relic that defies anything I know." His mind raced with the potential discoveries that could arise from wielding such power.
"Who knows, but we'll know when we get it," Lorian replied with a casual shrug, enthusiasm glimmering in his eyes. "The only clue from mom was that the demons are believed to have been the last to see it."
"Where did she—"
"Ortiva discovered two accounts from the Nussa Empire and the very ancient Tyrant Nation. Where demons spoke of a relic that granted one control over reality and the world."
"Ah, so to summarize, we need to head to the tomb—"
Selene shook her head before pointing out. "We still need to figure out the name of the Demon that the Founding Emperor sealed away."
"...Right. I forgot the Arc Goetia requires you to say its name."
"Well, it isn't really me saying the name." Lorian chuckled lightly. "It's based on the demon allowing itself to enter into the Arc Goetia." He stretched his arms casually. "Us knowing the demon's name and commanding it to enter is just us using a loophole."
"What's up with the problematic method of sealing?" Uro raised an eyebrow.
"Don't know, but it's the method of sealing," Lorian said with a shrug. "Fortunately, we have the book of recorded demons' names—"
"We can't just randomly say them, though. I don't want to instantly die."
Lorian waved off Uro with a smile. "That's why we should check out the sightings of where the Demon unleashed havoc. It can probably give us some clues on its characteristics to narrow it down."
Selene interrupted as she patted the bag around her. "It's good we brought the Legend of Demons Grimoire; it has some descriptions of the demons."
The Grimoire was also found in the ruins where the Arc Goetia was found. This further confirm him other belief that the bracelet was meant to seal the demons using the Grimoire. Its discovery alongside the Arc Goetia was kept quiet from the other cities and even the Fortress of Nelihali.
'Everyone wants to focus on the Beast Tide and Disaster, not demons.' Lorian thought, knowing it would expand everyone focus and possibly lead to some stirring up the demons.
Leading to the demons fully invading them from the Demon Land.
"But that book only talks about their symbolism and vague features." Uro says with a sigh.
"It should be enough. These Demons are pretty unique. Besides, we just need to see some characteristics and, if nothing else, trick the demon into saying its name." Lorian hummed as he moved towards Selene, who took out a pair of clothes for him.
"That's true. Alright, so we're visiting some towns first, then." Uro states.
Lorian nodded and grabbed the clothes. "Alright, I'm off to get ready. I'll meet you both downstairs."
…
Twenty minutes later, Lorian descended the creaky wooden staircase of the bar. His platinum-golden hair glistened as it cascaded lightly over his shoulders, slightly damp from the morning's wash. He was clad in beige tunic-like garments; beneath the tunic, darker leather pants, and pendants and a bone necklace around his neck glimmered with every step. As his dark-colored boots met the ground, their rhythmic echo resonated loudly.
Coming down, he saw most of the people in the bar were slowly making their way out. Louise and the other outlaws were sitting at various tables some holding their heads, others staring at the drink of water in front of them, and the rest knocked out sleeping.
Selene and Uro were waiting at the end of the steps. Once he greeted them, his gaze was inadvertently drawn to the trembling form of Kyros, seated at the same table where they had encountered him the day before. The bartender hovered nearby, a gentle hand on Kyros's shoulder, urging him to stand. Words like "Amelia" and "expecting you home" rang out.
Lorian headed towards Kyros and the bartender, saying, "We will help him home. I owe him for yesterday."
"Are you sure?" The bartender replied, skepticism etched on his tired face.
"I am. Besides, he isn't the only one who seems to need help." Lorian gestured broadly, his eyes sweeping across the room and the state of the remaining patrons. The bartender sighed, unable to refute the truth of Lorian's observation. With a nod, he relayed the old man's address, and Lorian stepped forward, wrapping an arm around Kyros to offer support.
"We will meet up later?" Uro asked as he approached Lorian, while Selene handed the satchel to Uro, who took it.
Then she simply moved to the other side of Kyros, placing Kyros's left arm over her shoulder, helping Lorian.
"Yeah. Check out the town supplies; we need food and some clothes."
Uro nodded. "Try to see if anyone else in town may have heard stories or legends about the Demons that wreak havoc in the desert. It's possible some may have heard something from their elders or passing travelers."
Lorian nodded as Uro went back upstairs, leaving Lorian and Selene with Kyros. Together, they eased him up, Selene taking the brunt of the older man's weight as they maneuvered slowly toward the entrance. As Lorian and Selene slowly made their way out of the bar, pushing the door open.
A cacophony of voices met their ears bargaining, gossiping, and cheerful greetings mingling, announcing the dawn of a new day. The town of Nuya burst to life, shaking off the remnants of sleep as Lorian and Selene stepped into the bustling morning.
Gently supporting Kyros between them, they walked forward, his labored breaths marked by occasional coughs, a sound that hinted at fatigue. The fatigue etched lines on Kyros's face, mingling with hints of shame, likely a reminder of the previous night's events.
As they navigated the narrow, winding streets of Nuya, laughter echoed from nearby alleyways where children chased one another.
The lively shouts of "Beasts Hunter!" filled the air. A popular game among the youth, where one child chased others, acting as a fearsome hunter amidst a world of beasts. Lorian chuckled, recalling the similar games played back in Activia when children ran through open streets and alleyways.
They passed a bustling market area, the air thick with mingled aromas and voices raised in friendly arguments. Merchants and vendors energetically set up their stalls, proclaiming the freshness of their goods, while others playfully bickered over prices.
Colorful fabrics swayed gently on lines, dripping wet from a recent wash, vibrant hues of azure, scarlet, and amber creating a breathtakingly vivid display. The stalls overflowed with woven clothing and textiles adorned with intricate patterns that told stories of the desert.
With each step, the rich scent of freshly baked bread wafted toward them, stirring Lorian's senses. He inhaled deeply, catching whiffs of spiced bread mingled with herbs. Selene mirrored his delight, a faint smile lighting her face as they kept moving despite Kyros's labored movements.
They finally paused at a well surrounded by six large containers filled with water, Kyros pointing with one unsteady hand toward a two-story beige house. The structure was made from wood and bones, adorned with flowers that swayed gently in the morning breeze.
"Over there," Kyros directed.
As they approached the two-story beige house, Kyros chuckled softly, a hint of warmth breaking through the fatigue etched across his face. "It should be open… Amelia knows I will be stumbling this early."
Lorian and Selene nodded in understanding, shifting their grip on Kyros to help him navigate the wooden stairs, their movements deliberate and gentle as they carefully opened the door. Inside, a nod of gratitude escaped Kyros's lips, his weary form shuffling across the threshold.
Lorian heard the rhythmic clinking of pots and pans coming from the kitchen. He saw an old lady with grey hair in a bun, a red cloak over her shoulders and a long black dress. As she turned, her face lit up with a radiant smile, and her emerald eyes sparkled with warmth, embracing everyone in the room.
"Amelia…" Kyros muttered.
"Kyros, dear," she called, her voice rich with affection. "Let me help you sit." Lorian watched as she helped Kyros ease onto a sturdy wooden chair. "Thank you both for helping him home."
"No problem, my name is David, and she is Martha." Lorian introduces himself and Selene, leading Amelia to smile.
"Amelia," Kyros called softly, a whisper of nostalgia threading through his words, "have the books I requested been delivered?" His gaze shifted to the window, where the morning sun danced upon the leaves.
"Not yet. But they should be coming later. Shane said there was a delay."
Kyros slowly nodded with a hint of surprise. "It must be serious for the Logic Cart to have a delay."
Lorian moved to sit down while Selene stood next to him, curious about the books but not saying anything for now.
"First I want to thank you for not carrying me over the shoulder or like a rag doll," Kyros said with a chuckle.
"No problem, but I feel like you—"
"Louise and the Watchtower Guards have done it before, let's just say it isn't a good experience." Kyros says with a dry smile.
Kyros's expression grew contemplative, tapping the side of the wooden chair before speaking. "You know," he began, his voice lowering to a hushed murmur, "the town has changed so much over the years. But no matter what, it still retains its constant laughter of children and chattering of everyone."
Lorian slowly nodded.
"As you know, the world is a harsh place—"
"But it has its beauty," Lorian interjected. Kyros chuckled softly, a glimmer of warmth returning to his eyes.
"That's why we adults work so hard to shield them," Kyros explained, his tone growing earnest. "Not only to keep their innocence intact, but to help them see how amazing our world can truly be."
"You want them to not focus on the harsh reality of the world when they grow up?" Selene asked, eyes slightly lowered.
"Exactly," Kyros replied, his voice thick with emotion. "I love telling tales of adventure and bravery to them, just like I did with my granddaughter." He paused, his gaze drifting into the distance, a shadow crossing his face. "She adored stories. Would spend hours lost in her imagination, dreaming of great heroes and mythical creatures."
Lorian nodded, golden eyes gazing at Kyros's trembling form.
"But then… four years ago," Kyros continued, his voice shaking as he fought to maintain composure, "we were in another town visiting an old friend of mine. I was hoping to learn more about the ancient demons. I thought… it would be a harmless trip." He paused, deep sadness flickering in his eyes like a dying ember. "But the Outlaws and the Watchguard clashed. In the chaos, my granddaughter and many others… were casualties."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Selene, her expression softening, said quietly, "I'm surprised you can get along with the Outlaws after that, even as friends."
"The Silvian Outlaws have proven themselves time and again, they don't cause trouble for the town. They share their adventures openly, tales that make the world feel less daunting," he explained, a slight smile returning to his lips. "Eventually, I learned to get along with them, and in time, I became friends with them all."
Just then, Amelia entered the room. Balancing multiple bowls of steaming porridge on a large wooden tray, the rich aroma wafting through the air. "Here we go, my dear ones," she said cheerfully, her voice a soothing balm. "A warm meal to brighten your spirits." She placed a bowl in front of each of them, her gentle hands moving with practiced ease.
"You could have called me, Ame. I would have helped—"
"Oh, I'm fine. Stop worrying so much and eat, you silly old man." Amelia waved off Kyros, ignoring his concerned look.
Lorian thanked her with a smile, taking his own bowl after she gave one to Kyros and Selene. As he dug into the porridge, a shiver of delight coursed through him as the rich flavor enveloped his taste buds like a warm embrace.
The next ten minutes descended into a comfortable silence. Each of them savoring the meal, the only sound being Amelia's soft humming from the kitchen.