The night wind blew gently, carrying the sweet scent of floating flowers that spread through the streets of Zordis. The group bid farewell to Lord Beltron, feeling a mix of gratitude and apprehension. The city's magical lights glittered like tiny stars trapped on the ground, reflecting on the tired yet smiling faces of the newly arrived adventurers. The full moon rose above the dome-shaped rooftops, casting silver and blue hues across the streets, making the shadows appear to dance in a silent ballet.
— I think old Beltron was sincere… — said Jack, with a slight smile, watching the city in the distance. — But we can't go to the palace at this hour.
— Agreed — replied Kuto, adjusting his cloak. — It's better if we find somewhere to spend the night.
— Finally, a decent idea — added Selina, crossing her arms. — I need a bath before my body starts complaining.
Jack raised the gold coin Beltron had given them and spun it between his fingers. The moonlight reflected off it, creating a small golden halo that seemed to dance in the air.
— So, how about we use this? — he asked hopefully. — A night of rest before facing the King of Zordis.
The group murmured in approval. Even Dimitri, the jokester, looked exhausted. Romeu, however, still wore his usual mischievous grin.
— A soft bed and maybe… some female company? — he murmured, winking at Selina.
— Romeu… — she said, her gaze icy as ever. — I swear I'll drown you in a hot spring one day.
— As long as it's with you — he replied, unfazed.
The others laughed, and for a few moments, the lightness of the moment made them forget the deadly world they were immersed in.
As they walked down the main street, a massive shadow glided silently and majestically from the sky. A floating carriage, illuminated by runes spinning around its suspended wheels, approached with supernatural grace. It looked like a modern bus fused with a fantasy carriage: elegant, efficient, and astonishingly magical.
The driver, a man in a dark blue cloak with a neatly trimmed beard, held an open runic book — its pages moving on their own, projecting a three-dimensional map of the city into the air. Jack signaled for him to stop.
— Good evening, sir. Can you take us to a pension near the royal palace?
— Understood, sirs — the driver replied, with a calm voice that inspired confidence.
He moved his fingers over the map, and a golden line glowed, tracing the route. The carriage vibrated slightly, lifting twenty centimeters off the ground. The sound of movement was soft, almost like silk sliding through the wind.
Inside, the group settled into cushioned seats that resembled luxurious thrones. The panoramic windows revealed a living city: tall towers adorned with luminous crystals, fountains spouting bluish water, and night markets filled with potions, artifacts, and exotic creatures that seemed straight out of magical tales.
— Even Genshin Impact doesn't have scenery like this… — murmured Dimitri, wide-eyed.
— This is more than a game — replied Sónia, her eyes sparkling. — It's an entire world, alive and breathing.
— And with its own laws — added Haru, observing patrolling soldiers. — Notice how they move… they're not ordinary NPCs.
The city's magic was not limited to its architecture. Small orbs of light floated between the streets, blinking in shades of lilac and blue, like enchanted fireflies. Even the air carried a touch of spellcraft, charged with the energy pulsating beneath the city's surface.
After a few minutes, the carriage gently landed in a square illuminated by lanterns floating in circles. Ahead, a large gray stone building displayed golden windows and doors engraved with runes. The driver turned to inform them:
— We have arrived, sirs. This is the Silver Runes Pension. It is exactly one kilometer from the palace, the minimum distance allowed by law for civilian establishments.
Jack raised an eyebrow.
— So the king likes space.
— Or security — replied Gunja, in a serious tone.
Jack paid for the ride with the gold coin, and the driver handed him a small bag containing twenty silver coins.
— One gold coin equals thirty silver coins — he explained with a nod. — Sweet dreams, sirs.
The doors closed behind them, and the carriage vanished into the night, leaving the group in front of the pension, whose lilac runes glowed softly, as if inviting them inside.
They entered the pension and began to look around. The lobby was cozy, decorated with tapestries depicting ancient battles and a blue fire fireplace casting dancing shadows. The receptionist, a young woman with silver hair and a kind gaze, greeted them with a polite smile.
— Good evening. How many rooms would you like?
Jack replied:
— Ten rooms, please.
But Romeu, with his mischievous grin, raised his hand:
— Nine! Madame Selina and I will share. After all, we need to save money… and strengthen team bonds.
Selina slowly turned, her eyes flashing with rage.
— Strengthen what?!
— The bonds, my love — he replied, winking. — And who knows, tomorrow a little Romeu Junior running around…
BAM!
A magical punch, charged with fury and precision, hit Romeu, sending him two meters back, smoke rising from his face.
Dimitri crossed his arms, sighing.
— Yep, my sister hasn't changed a bit.
Selina simply adjusted her hair, as if nothing had happened.
— Ten rooms — Jack confirmed, embarrassed.
The receptionist, trying not to laugh, said:
— Five silver coins per room. We also have access to our hot springs, if you'd like to relax.
Jack handed over the coins, and the group ascended the stairs. But upon hearing "hot springs," Romeu's eyes — still swollen — gleamed once again.
The hot springs were divided into male and female wings, separated by an ornate wooden wall. On the women's side, scented steam rose from the thermal lake, reflecting the light of suspended crystals. Célia seemed shy, hiding in the water, while Sónia swam calmly, chatting.
— Selina, what's going on between you and Romeu, anyway? — asked Sónia, smiling. — Is it love or hate?
— Neither — replied Selina, resting her head on the edge. — Just temporary tolerance.
— Tolerance? — repeated Célia. — He seems to like you…
— I prefer silence. The problem is, silence dies every time he opens his mouth.
On the male side, the bath was louder. Romeu lay with his arms open, as if he were a king on his throne.
— Ahhh… the good life! If paradise had a name, it would be "hot water and women on the other side of the wall."
— And a punch right after — said Dimitri.
— Brother, don't curse me! — Romeu replied, laughing.
But curiosity got the better of him. He approached the wall, crouching discreetly.
— Romeu… what are you doing? — asked Haru, without moving a muscle.
— Observing the beauty of the world. The art. The perfection.
— This won't end well… — murmured Dimitri.
Romeu peeked through a small hole between the boards. On the other side, he saw steam, silhouettes… and then Selina's deadly gaze staring directly at him.
She raised an eyebrow, snapped her fingers, and said calmly:
— I knew it.
A small tornado formed, and Fwoosh! The wind passed through the hole, sending Romeu flying back into the pool with a huge SPLASH!
— I warned you — said Dimitri, laughing.
Jack held back his laughter, while Gunja simply murmured:
— Secondhand embarrassment.
After a while, the group dispersed. Some went to sleep, others stayed talking. But Kuto felt something different.
— I'll take a walk — he said, standing up. — I need to think.
— Want company? — asked Haru, with a deep look.
— No, it's fine. I need silence.
Kuto donned his cloak and left the pension, walking through the calm streets. The night air carried the scent of magical flowers floating in the gardens. "This world feels… too real," he thought. Every sound, every touch, everything vibrated with life. Even the whisper of the wind seemed to carry ancient secrets.
Suddenly, the sound of hooves shattered the silence. Kuto turned and saw a hooded figure, dressed in black, riding desperately. Behind her came three knights in white and gold armor, wielding magical lances that left trails of light in the air.
The figure turned sharply down an alley, but her horse stumbled on the cobblestones and fell. She rolled across the ground, groaning in pain. Her knee bled, and the knights approached relentlessly.
Before they could reach her, a shadow moved between the alleys. Kuto, quick as a cat, grabbed the hooded woman and pushed her into a narrow alley, placing his hand over her mouth.
— Shhh… quiet.
Her eyes widened in surprise.
— Who are you? — she whispered.
— Someone who just saved you.
The cold night wind carried the sound of metal and hooves, reminding him that danger was very near. Kuto felt adrenaline pulse through his body, realizing that this city of magical beauty also hid deadly shadows.