Sungrove

"And so, are you really from another world, Levi? I heard most of you are," asked Syllia as they were walking down a similar path they had taken to get to the grass patch.

"Yeah, I was actually hoping to find some answers about that. I'm not the only one, a lot of people received the same message I did," he answered.

"A mass summoning, they did it... There was a rumor they were planning to, can't believe it happened..."

As they progressed down the alleyways, it became harder and harder to progress. Yet, Syllia had an easy time. 

The walls on both sides were so narrow they needed to walk sideways. The walls were of a clay color, unlike the white storefronts he had seen earlier.

Some windows were placed around, while most were closed, some had plant holders attached to them.

There's barely any light, how would anything grow in this alley? he thought.

Some furtively placed steps made Levi trip a few times, grabbing Syllia's shoulder for balance each time.

"I'll start believing you're falling on purpose at this point," she said with a smile.

"Sorry..."

"And so, what happened? It's my first time meeting an apostle, always wondered where you came from," she asked.

"Well, before I received my own invitation - which appeared in a window looking like my profile - it had been around a week since those invitations started. Some people I know got one, most refused as it's fishy and the government was advising against it every day on television-"

"-Television? What's that?"

"Uh, it's a box that has pictures mov-,"

As he talked, he tripped again. Falling to the ground, he quickly used his arms to cushion the fall. 

As he looked up, Syllia was offering her hand.

With a reserved smile, he grabbed it and got up without much issue. As he was ready to let go, Syllia had no intention of doing the same.

"Just. hold my hand," she said as she looked ahead. "You can't run, and clearly you can't handle walking..."

Her hand was soft and small compared to his. Thinking about it, it was the first time he had held someone's hand in a long time.

It wouldn't last long, as he could already see the narrow opening ahead, which led back to a main street. 

The noise made by people yelling their business, or others haggling about prices reached them. 

They could see the numerous shadows of people walking. As they kept moving forward, without realizing it, he was holding Syllia's hand tighter.

"Don't like crowds? That's fine. I come from a small village myself, this is too much," she said.

"Just makes me slightly uncomfortable, let's say."

As they finally got out, Levi was out of words.

Emerging from the tight alley, they went down a few steps, reaching street level between two shops.

As he remained speechless, Syllia quickly introduced him to what he was seeing.

"Ah, yeah, this part of town is where you'd buy armor, swords or any piece of equipment you can think of. The city of Sungrove is one of the best places you could ever go to for anything forged, but be ready to pay a fair amount..."

Syllia looked at Levi's face, wondering why the sudden lack of response. 

When reaching his eyes, she noticed he wasn't looking around, but up.

"Ah, yes. Heaven's Tower."

Behind the scenery of shops and stalls lying around. Above the roofs of every building as far left and right as he could see: a tower.

"W- How?" said Levi to himself.

As he looked up, finding where this tower ended was not possible. Beyond the clouds and sky, the tower never seemed to end. 

It was paved with white bricks. The sun reflecting on it made it hard to look at. 

What is it, more than a kilometer wide? Two or three? How can this even be built?

The tower went so wide that it was impossible to say how big it was. All he knew was that going around would take him an extremely long time.

"I've seen it for so long, I pay little attention to it now," said Syllia, breaking the silence.

"Wh- How's this possible? Nobody can build this," quickly said Levi looking at her.

"Nobody did, the Gods did."

Levi used his free hand to grab his forehead, as his eyes opened wide. For a moment, he stood there as he beheld a sight impossible to conceive.

"And what is it for?" asked Levi, without turning his eyes away.

"It's why this city is doing as well as it does. Every floor in that tower yields treasures and artifacts. One lucky run and you could retire the very next day," she explained.

"That's what I want to do," said Levi under his breath.

"What? You want to be an adventurer?"

"Yes."

Looking at Levi with a concerned look, Syllia continued.

"Well, you more than anyone would have a chance at being an adventurer. Apostles are as good as nobles when it comes to potential stats... and.. uh-"

Levi was intently looking Syllia. He was staring at her with fascination and extreme attention. As Syllia's face was getting redder, she did her best not to stumble on her words as she looked away.

"Once we get you an Adventurer's card they'll let you in the tower no problem."

"Let's do that, then," quickly replied Levi.

"Hold on, not too fast. There's a problem."

Frowning, Levi's fascinated look changed for a questioned one.

"What is it?"

"Uh, You're an apostle and..." started Syllia, as she kept dragging her words.

"Just say it, it's fine," he said, trying to smile despite being concerned.

Syllia stopped looking around, and kept eye-contact as she was the one grabbing his hand tighter now.

"Apostles are those whose Gods are part of the 7. We learn about them young, and I can say for certain that your God isn't one of them or even part of their domains."

Frowning even more and slightly tilting his head to the left, Levi asked, "Is it a big deal?"

Still staring into his eyes, Syllia slightly bit her lips. As she answered, her voice became a lot softer, as if she was whispering.

"More than you think."