Chapter 38

The next morning, Astaroth and Lalitha bid farewell to Lazarus, their hearts filled with determination and anticipation for their journey to the holy land of Sanctavia. With Lazarus dedicating himself to uncovering Acrania's history, they knew they had a different path to tread. Their mission was to seek answers about the god that Acrania residents prayed to and to unearth the secrets veiled within the sacred grounds of Sanctavia.

Before setting off, they needed to gather information about their destination. Lalitha told Astaroth that there is a place that would likely give them information for a small payment —the adventurer guild.

Approaching the guild's entrance, Astaroth and Lalitha paused momentarily. Just as they were about to step inside, the grand doors swung open, revealing three imposing figures exiting the building. The duo respectfully stepped aside to let them pass, their eyes drawn to the men's striking presence. Yet, the last man in the trio paused and cast an intrigued gaze upon Astaroth and Lalitha, a glimmer of surprise in his eyes, before he continued on his way.

Astaroth paid no heed to the trio and strode confidently into the towering building. As he crossed the threshold, a world of bustling activity unfolded before his eyes. The interior was immaculate, each corner meticulously maintained. The air buzzed with anticipation, drawing Astaroth deeper into the heart of the structure. Four to five counters stood proudly, attended by diligent individuals eager to serve the throngs of adventurers gathered within.

The chamber echoed with a medley of voices as men and women, their eyes brimming with determination, seeking employment. The guild offered an array of services: the daunting task of vanquishing fearsome monsters, safeguarding merchants through perilous journeys, or even providing aid to the townsfolk in need. Astaroth and Lalitha joined the serpentine queue, Astaroth marveled at the choices laid out before him. The allure of adventure had beckoned to the men and women, but Astaroth knew it to be a romanticized notion. True adventurers were more akin to skilled handymen, their expertise honed through countless trials and tribulations.

In an instant, their long-awaited moment had finally arrived. Astaroth's keen gaze fell upon a young man, barely twenty years old, sitting at the counter. He sported a pair of sleek round glasses that framed his determined face. The young man, known as Nick, locked eyes with Astaroth and Lalitha, gesturing for them to take a seat on the worn stools that lined the counter. With a voice full of intrigue, he welcomed the adventurers.

"Welcome, esteemed travelers. I am Nick, and how may I assist you on this fine day?"

Lalitha returned the greeting with a warm smile before delving into their purpose. "Greetings, Nick. We are here to find out about the holy land Sanctavia and how we go there from Yosnad."

"Ah, I see," Nick exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement, "Hold on, let me verify the information I possess. Sanctavia is renowned for its multitude of extraordinary religious events, so grand that they linger in the memories of those who are lucky enough to bear witness." Lalitha gave a weak smile, the energy from the young man was too overwhelming,

Driven by curiosity, Nick rose from his seat, his footsteps filled with newfound energy. He approached the towering cabinets that stood sentry in the corner of the room. With a gentle creak, he swung open one of the cabinet doors, revealing a world of hidden knowledge within its depths. Fingers carefully danced over faded parchment until he discovered the treasure he sought—a meticulously preserved file.

Returning to Astaroth and Lalitha, Nick's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Here it is," he proclaimed, his voice filled with a hint of awe. "We find ourselves amid the sixth month, where the enchanting Festival of Thanks graces Sanctavia." He extracted a weathered piece of parchment from the file, unveiling its secrets to the intrigued duo. "Tell me, adventurers, will you venture to Sanctavia to offer your heartfelt gratitude to the divine goddess?"

As the words lingered in the air, a mischievous smile tugged at Nick's lips. His mind raced with vivid images of bustling streets adorned with vibrant tapestries, the air thick with the scent of incense and exotic spices. He could almost taste the delectable delicacies that would surely tempt his senses, and the rhythmic beats of drums and melodic chants that would transport him to another realm.

Astaroth gazed intently at Lalitha, his piercing eyes filled with curiosity as the young receptionist animatedly rambled on about the upcoming festival. Lalitha, her voice brimming with enthusiasm, swiftly interjected, her words laced with a hint of anticipation, "Thanks, Nick, but we're more interested in immersing ourselves in the sights and sounds of Sanctavia. Could you kindly guide us on the path to this mystical realm?"

Nick, his excitement barely contained, leaned closer, his voice a conspiratorial hush, "Ah, yes, my apologies. Festivals ignite a flame within me, you know? These monotonous deskbound days can be tiresome, and opportunities to revel in festivities are few and far between, as you can imagine." He cast a wary glance over his shoulder, wary of his eagle-eyed supervisor catching wind of his whispered words.

With an eager glimmer in his eyes, Nick leaned over the counter, beckoning them closer. "Listen carefully, my adventurous friends. Sanctavia awaits you beyond the emerald forests, shrouded in an ethereal mist that conceals its magical aura. Follow the winding path that trails through whispering trees and silver-lit streams, for it shall lead you to the ancient stone archway, a portal to a realm beyond imagination."

"Wha…. Ehh… "Lalitha looks confused at first then realize Nick is talking about the forest beneath Mount Kalib and the rivers in it. "Oh, you meant that forest and the river" Lalitha close her eyes and place her finger on her temple, conversing with Nick was proving to be an exhilarating experience. "Wait… what portal are you talking about? There is a portal beyond the forest?" exclaimed Lalitha. She had not heard of any portal before from the knights, and on some occasions when she was out searching for materials for her experiments, she did not come across any portal.

"Yes, the portal," Nick said sheepishly, his eyes darting nervously. "I meant the border gate at the juncture between Yosnad and Sanctavia. Hehe." A nervous chuckle escaped his lips as he tried to mask his slip-up. Lalitha's frustration reached its peak, her hand instinctively reaching out to grab Nick, but before she could, Astaroth intervened, grasping her arm gently to calm her down.

Seeing their tension, Nick hurriedly continued, his voice trembling slightly. "To enter the... I mean, to pass through the border gate into Sanctavia, you must have all your paperwork in order. I will need your names and occupations to process the necessary documents."

Lalitha took a deep breath, steadying herself as she gazed at Nick with a mixture of determination and caution. She knew the journey ahead would be perilous, and every detail mattered. "My name is Lalitha," she declared firmly, her voice laced with an undercurrent of resolve. "I am a skilled archer, and my companion, Astaroth, is a seasoned warrior."

Nick scribbled their information hurriedly, the sound of his pen scratching against the paper echoing in the tense silence.

"The paperwork will be ready in just a few days," Nick informed Astaroth and Lalitha, his voice brimming with anticipation. "However, due to the stringent regulations governing Yosnad and Sanctavia, it requires the endorsement of someone in a position of authority. Fortunately, the guild master is currently in the vicinity, but we'll have to exercise patience until he grants his approval." With a touch of disappointment, Nick handed Astaroth and Lalitha a note, requesting them to return at a later time.

"But fear not," Nick reassured them, his eyes glinting with determination. "I'll ensure you receive immediate notification once the paperwork has been approved. Just provide me with the details of your current whereabouts, particularly the name of the inn you're staying at."

"We just arrived this morning and haven't yet found a place to stay," Astaroth spoke for the first time after entering the adventurer guild. He could sense Lalitha's weariness emanating from her every fiber in her conversation with Nick.

"Hmm, well, there are a few exquisite inns I can recommend," Nick replied, sensing an opportunity to help these weary travelers. "Among them, the Whispering Willow stands out. They serve delectable cuisine and provide the utmost comfort in their pristine beds."

"Very well, once we settle down in the inn, I shall come back to express my gratitude," Astaroth responded with gratitude lacing his words.

"Oh, there's no need for that," Nick chuckled nervously. "The innkeeper is quite adept at maintaining her clientele. She'll surely inform us about the guests staying at her establishment. Hahaha."

"Very well, we shall await your message regarding the collection of the documents," Astaroth replied. Rising from their seats, Astaroth and Lalitha bid farewell to the guild members and made their way through the bustling streets. Their footsteps resonated with purpose as they strode towards the renowned inn known as Whispering Willow. Situated amidst the vibrant heart of the town, the inn exuded an air of intrigue and secrets.

As Astaroth and Lalitha approached the grand facade of the Whispering Willow, their gazes locked onto its impressive structure, confirming the accuracy of Nick's recommendation. The inn's walls, adorned with intricate carvings, seemed to whisper ancient tales of adventurers long gone. The flickering lanterns lining the entrance cast dancing shadows that beckoned them inside.