Journey To The West Part 6: The city of Euquator.

As Eidos and the siblings stepped out of the carriage, they found themselves amidst a gathering of players, and it didn't take long to overhear a conversation that was far from pleasant. Two players, their expressions twisted in annoyance, were openly venting their frustrations about the recent escort quest they had completed.

Player A, his face contorted with irritation, declared, "I can't believe we had to waste our time on that stupid escort quest."

Player B, equally disgruntled, chimed in, "Yeah, it's the worst kind of quest. I hate this garbage."

Their disrespectful tone didn't go unnoticed, and some of the guards felt a simmering anger building within them. After all, they had been part of that very escort quest, and their dismissive attitude was infuriating.

"Hmp, those useless weaklings not only did they make the guards do all the work, they are lazy and eat most of the foods," Lily remarked, her voice tinged with disapproval.

Sylvia, maintaining her gentle demeanor, offered a more balanced perspective. "You know, that's a harsh way to describe people who helped us."

"But I'm just telling the truth," Lily retorted, her stubbornness showing. "Dearest sister, you shouldn't be too kind."

Sylvia chuckled softly and turned to Eidos, offering a warm smile. "I apologize for my little sister's outspoken nature. She's quite spirited, as you can see."

Eidos nodded, appreciating Sylvia's graceful handling of the situation. It was clear that the siblings had contrasting personalities, but their bond was evident in the way they looked out for each other.

*

As Eidos ventured further into the sprawling city of Euquator, he couldn't help but notice the abundance of players bustling about, each engrossed in their own activities. The streets were teeming with characters of various levels and abilities, yet something felt different. His senses remained on high alert, expecting a sudden ambush or confrontation that never came.

His steps grew more confident, and his apprehension began to wane. The players he observed seemed strangely weak, their movements lacking the grace and power he had come to associate with seasoned adventurers. It was as though they were mere novices, still learning the ropes of this world.

A sense of relief washed over Eidos. It was a stark departure from his previous encounters with formidable players who had crossed his path. Perhaps, in this bustling city, he could blend in without attracting undue attention and finally purchase the world map he so desperately needed.

However, his newfound optimism was tempered by a glance at the siblings walking joyfully ahead of him. Lily and Sylvia's carefree demeanor and laughter were a stark contrast to his own solemn purpose.

Eidos couldn't help but still feel a sense of unease as they walked through the bustling streets of Euquator. He had been trying to keep a low profile, and being an escort for the siblings might attract unwanted attention. Still, he knew he couldn't simply refuse their request after they had helped him.

As they strolled through the vibrant city, Eidos cleared his throat and tried to broach the topic delicately. "Lady Sylvia, Lady Lily"

Lily cut him off, saying, "You can just call me Lily, Eidos," with a proud and straight-forward reply.

"You know, I appreciate your help back there, but I'd prefer not to draw too much attention to myself. Being your escort might make things a bit complicated."

Lily, however, seemed unperturbed by his concerns. She smiled gently, her eyes holding a wisdom that belied her youthful appearance. "My dear Eidos, sometimes, it's better to embrace the role life offers you. You see, we may not always understand the grand design of things, but everything happens for a reason."

Eidos raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her words. "Are you saying there's a reason I should be your escort?"

"YES! Actually," Lily excitedly replied, but a gentle hand covered her mouth—it was Sylvia's delicate touch. Sylvia wore a somewhat forced smile and a bit of red cheek as she intervened to prevent her sister from revealing more.

Sylvia then chimed in, her voice equally serene. "Perhaps there's a lesson to be learned, or a connection to be forged. Life has a way of weaving unexpected threads into the tapestry of our existence."

Lily nodded in agreement. "Exactly, dear. Besides, we're not asking for much. Just accompany us as we explore the city, and we'll be on our way."

Eidos couldn't deny the sincerity in their voices, nor the subtle wisdom behind their words. With a resigned smile, he conceded, "Alright, I'll be your escort. But let's try to keep a low profile."

Lily's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, don't worry, Eidos. We'll blend right in. You'll see."

**

Eidos had indeed embarked on his journey with a heavy heart, his focus solely on the pursuit of vengeance. The memory of his beloved sister, Edea, haunted him like a specter, a constant reminder of the pain and loss he carried with him. The burden of his mission weighed heavily on his shoulders, and he had grown accustomed to a life of solitude and unwavering determination.

However, when he met Lily and Sylvia, it was as if a long-forgotten part of him had been rekindled. Lily's exuberance and zest for life reminded him of his sister's youthful spirit, a spirit that had been tragically extinguished by the players' cruelty. Sylvia's grace and kindness mirrored the qualities he had cherished in Edea.

As they explored the vibrant city of Euquator together, Eidos found himself gradually letting go of his reluctance. He laughed freely, embraced the thrill of discovery, and allowed himself to be swept up in their infectious enthusiasm. It was a stark departure from the solitary and grim path he had walked for so long.

The trio began their exploration of the magnificent city of Euquator with a stroll through the bustling marketplace. Lily's eyes sparkled with excitement as they passed colorful stalls and vibrant street performers. She couldn't help but pause at every interesting item, her curiosity piqued by the exotic fruits, shimmering trinkets, and finely crafted weapons on display.

Eidos watched with amusement as Lily haggled with vendors, her determination to get the best deals evident in her spirited negotiations. Her cheeky charm and clever bartering tactics often left the sellers both exasperated and amused, and Eidos couldn't help but chuckle at her antics.

Sylvia, on the other hand, moved through the crowd with grace and elegance. She seemed to be drawn to the finer things, her keen eye appreciating the intricacies of jewelry and art pieces. Eidos observed as she engaged in thoughtful conversations with artisans, sharing insights that left them nodding in appreciation.

As they explored further, Eidos couldn't help but feel a growing sense of camaraderie with the siblings. Their joy was infectious, and he found himself enjoying the experience far more than he had anticipated. The vibrant atmosphere of the city, coupled with Lily and Sylvia's enthusiasm, was a welcome departure from his usual solitary pursuits.

The trio shared hearty laughs, engaged in friendly banter, and even sampled local delicacies together. Eidos was pleasantly surprised by the flavors of this world, and he couldn't deny the enjoyment he found in these simple pleasures.

Their adventure took them through the grand architecture of the city's cathedral and the tranquil beauty of the nearby gardens. At every turn, there was a new discovery, a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered. Eidos was grateful for this unexpected detour and the opportunity to experience the world in a different light.

As the day neared its end, they found themselves atop a high vantage point, gazing at the breathtaking sunset. Lily's laughter filled the air, and Sylvia's smile illuminated the horizon. Eidos, too, couldn't help but smile, his heart warmed by the genuine connection he had forged with the siblings.