Chapter 12: Outside The Castle [4]

"Eternal Meadow…" Ardyn repeated, testing the word on his tongue.

"Well, you have a lot yet to learn about our world. I'd say it's better for you to discover these things slowly, not all at once." Evan gestured towards the glowbeetles. "These insects are harmless. Would you like to take a closer look at one?"

"Uh, sure." Ardyn had to admit that his curiosity was piqued. "They don't seem to fly away when people are near."

"Yes. If you have evil intent or are about to use offensive magic, the glowbeetles can sense it, and they'll quickly fly away. In some instances, if you come on too strong or move erratically, they'll escape as well."

"Got it."

Evan lifted his hand and held out his palm. At first, nothing happened, but then familiar wisps of light manifested, coalescing into tiny balls of white light that danced gracefully around each other.

The display of white magic attracted a few glowbeetles nearby, and they flew towards Evan's open palm like bees to honey.

Ardyn watched, fascinated, as the glowbeetles and the small white lights engaged in a slow, graceful dance.

Up close, the glowbeetles resembled fireflies, their tails glowing a bright, mesmerizing green. The only difference from the real world was that they were called 'glowbeetles' here, not fireflies.

These glowbeetles seemed to be drawn to white or holy magic, which was not that far-fetched since white magic was typically associated with nature.

"They really look like the fireflies back in my world," Ardyn remarked. "I remember friends trapping them in jars when we were kids to admire them up close. They would set them free later on, but at that time, it was cool to see the jars glowing in the dark."

"Why would you trap insects like these back in your world?" Evan asked, puzzled. "They might suffocate or die. It's best to leave them alone, in nature where they belong."

"Well… we were kids back then. We didn't know any better," Ardyn said sheepishly. "We were really fascinated by them, so…"

"Hmm, that's understandable. After all, children are curious creatures," Evan said with a smile. "Well, time to let these guys go now."

The white balls of lights dissipated into the air, and the glowbeetles returned to circling the flowers.

Evan watched them fondly. "Ardyn," he said softly. "Can you tell me more about your dreams while we take a stroll around town?"

"Huh? Oh, sure. Yeah. No problem," Ardyn said, almost stumbling on his words. He had been captivated by the glowbeetles and got startled at being addressed.

"All right. Let's go."

As they strolled through town, a captivating sight greeted them. With the festivities ongoing, the air was bustling with energy. The streets were adorned with colorful banners and garlands were fluttering in the gentle breeze.

The sweet aroma of food wafted as it was being prepared at busy food stalls, the townspeople's merry chatter resonating through the atmosphere.

"Everyone's busy going back and forth, huh?" Ardyn couldn't help but remark.

"Yes. Everyone in town is welcome to stay at the castle, but they can also enjoy the food and game booths here," Evan said with a nod. "It's very lively here during special occasions."

"I can see that." Ardyn's gaze dimmed for a moment. "I feel a little guilty thinking about having to witness the scene when they eventually find out they'll all have to leave…"

"It's for their own good. Buildings can be rebuilt. Food can be regained, and resources can be replenished. However…" Evan smiled sadly. "A life can never be brought back again."

Ardyn had nothing to say to that.

"Now," Evan said after a moment's silence. "You're supposed to tell me about the dreams you've been having..."

"Yeah, about that..." Ardyn lowered his head. "I don't know what more to tell you other than what I said earlier. It's honestly still hazy for me."

"But the picture is becoming clearer over time, yes?"

"Yes. Ever since I arrived here."

"All right. We can start with some details," Evan said. "Were there people? Also, what did the surroundings look like? Was there anything unusual whatsoever?"

Ardyn wracked his brain for an answer. "People… I think I saw a man there," he said slowly.

"What did he look like?"

"I… I can't say."

"What do you mean?"

"I couldn't seem to see his face. It was… hazy. Blurry. But…" Ardyn swallowed, feeling oddly vulnerable. "I felt safe with him. It felt comfortable with him there beside me."

"Comfortable, you say…" Something flashed across Evan's features, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. "In these dreams you kept having, was he always there?"

"Oh… yeah." Ardyn felt a sense of realization. "Maybe. I mean, I don't really remember so much, but I feel like his presence was always there. I feel deep inside that it's the same man each time. Does that make any sense?"

That's right.

That man...

"I can follow, don't worry," Evan assured.

Ardyn hesitated. "If he was always there, then… Does that have a connection with anything?"

Evan smiled softly. "I think so." He folded his arms across his chest, closing his eyes, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips.

"I think the man that you kept seeing in your dreams… is your Summoner."