Efascht Central

Chapter 20

Efascht Central

The streets of Efascht Central were just as lively during the day as they were under the starlit skies, it was the first time Nameless saw the place.

Vibrant stalls lined the cobblestone streets, each one alive with chatter, laughter, and the enticing smells of roasted nuts, freshly baked bread, and sizzling skewers of meat. Children darted between pedestrians, their delighted squeals weaving seamlessly into the bustling sounds of a city awake and thriving. 

Among the crowd, Nameless, Ayu, and Royce strolled casually.

Nameless' golden-blonde hair. Royce's long red ones, and Ayu's golden brown strands drew occasional glances from passersby, a striking contrast to the typical dark-haired Efaschians.

Few people in this part of the world sported blonde hair, and even fewer carried it with the nonchalance that Nameless exuded.

Her orange eyes, hidden beneath the hood of her simple traveling cloak, were another rarity, though not entirely unknown since Efascht's central location made it a hub for travelers and traders from far-off lands. 

Ayu, walking beside her, looked around with quiet curiosity.

Her gaze lingering on the various wares displayed in stalls. Royce, on the other hand, seemed preoccupied, stealing glances at Nameless as if debating whether to speak. 

However it seems his worries weren't on the people.

Finally he blurted out, "Nameless… Is it just me, or does Eliron seem kind of... distant? Sometimes, I catch him frowning at you from afar. When I asked him to run an errand with me earlier, he said yes. But when I said you'll come, he left. Did you two fight?" 

Nameless chuckled, her voice light and unbothered. "It's nothing, really. Just a matter of different opinions." 

"Different opinions?" Royce raised a brow. 

"Dragons are prideful," she said with a shrug. "Eliron doesn't always agree with my... methods." 

"What does pride have to do with it?"

Nothing really. She thought, she just blurted it out to seem like she knew.

But in fact she doesn't know what the dragon was distant about.

It was just yesterday when they were talking about learning magic and about a dragon's growth but now he closed himself off towards her.

Maybe he got scared of her when she touched the mirror.

Well I did vomit blood and dark magic came out of me...

Did he actually get scared?

She wouldn't know, but she can't explain it to Royce no matter how loyal he seemed to her.

Everyone sees me as the Saintess, they wouldn't want to know I have this darkness in me...

Before Royce could press further, Nameless turned away.

They passed by the Felic Tree, its wide, ancient branches stretching skyward like a natural cathedral. The tree was an iconic landmark of Efascht, its silvery bark gleaming faintly even in the daylight, while soft, pale-blue blossoms swayed gently in the breeze. 

Nameless walked past without a second glance, her pace steady, but Ayu slowed to a stop.

Her blue eyes fixed on the tree with a quiet reverence.

She clasped her hands together as though in prayer, her expression serene. 

Royce watched her curiously, noting the subtle warmth in her gaze as if the tree radiated a kind of peace. "What's so special about it?" he asked. 

Ayu smiled softly. "It's warm here. Peaceful. Happy." Her hands tightened briefly, as though holding on to an invisible thread of comfort. "I've always felt... safe near it." 

Her voice carried a rare gentleness, and Royce found himself staring.

The Ayu he was used to was, well... she was always sleeping, disappearing sometimes and was a wonder. This side of her... the vulnerable, almost reverent softness felt like catching a glimpse of something fragile yet unshakably steadfast. 

His gaze flicked back to Nameless.

Leaning in close, he asked in a hushed tone, "Hey, uh... is it okay for demons to... you know, pray? Or feel close to anything related to the goddess? I just realized this..." 

"Wow, you're starting to think deeper." Nameless teased him first.

Before Nameless could answer, a warm voice interrupted. 

"Oh, it's fine, dear." 

They turned to see an old woman standing behind a nearby stall.

She had skin as dark as night and hair like freshly fallen snow, her piercing black eyes shimmering with quiet wisdom.

Her smile was gentle, and she gestured toward them as though they were old friends. 

"Demons who get too close to holy places or relics of the goddess might feel weak for a moment," she explained casually, "but nothing dangerous. It's a matter of attunement, not malice." 

Nameless raised an eyebrow, her usual calm expression flickering briefly into understanding but frowned as she watched the tree.

This tree and that mirror... They just don't like me I guess.

The woman clearly didn't suspect any of them of being demons; her tone was far too relaxed. 

"Forgive my curiosity," the woman continued, stepping forward. "You three aren't from around here, are you? I saw you with the sentry guards too." 

"No, ma'am," Royce answered quickly. 

"I thought as much," she said, her eyes lingering on Nameless' golden hair. "That shade of blonde... it's rare in these parts. And red hair isn't common here either, though we do see it now and then from travelers." 

She glanced meaningfully at Ayu's caramel hair too. 

"Most pure Efaschians have either black hair and white skin, or white hair and dark skin. Our eyes, too... silver, black, or blue tend to be the norm." Her gaze flicked back to Nameless, her black eyes narrowing slightly. "But you... Where are you from, children?" 

Nameless gave her a lazy smile, unfazed. "A faraway place." 

The old woman chuckled. "I see. A traveler's answer. My name is Elya. I own this shop." She gestured to the stall beside her, laden with trinkets, fabrics, and small charms. 

"Nice to meet you," Ayu said politely, bowing her head slightly. 

Royce nodded along, though he kept stealing glances at Nameless.

The way Elya's sharp gaze lingered on her golden hair was enough to put him on edge, though Nameless seemed unbothered, almost amused. 

Feeling his prickly gaze, Nameless sighed visibly. "Actually we're from the Vindu. Our parents were all friends and went on a trip so they also sent us to one."

"I see. The capital of Indino Continent. My~ Does that mean you're nobles? You're escorted by the sentry after all."

Nameless chuckled, showing a shy expression. "No. Our parents are just close friends with someone from the sentry."

"I see." Elya's smile grew warmer. "Well, don't let me keep you. Enjoy your time in Efascht, and if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to stop by my shop." 

Nameless inclined her head slightly. "We'll keep that in mind." 

"Sister," Ayu walked closer to the stall and pointed to a necklace, it was a silver chain with a sun symbol. "Can you buy this for me?"

Nameless nodded and bought it.

Elya let them go more peacefully than ever. She even suggested good places to dine and enjoy.

Though the kids accepted the information, Nameless didn't remember it.

They weren't going to stay in Efascht for long after all.

As they walked away, Royce leaned toward Nameless again, his voice low. "She totally didn't realize you're—" 

"I know," Nameless interrupted, her lips curving into a sly smile. "That's the fun part." 

Royce sighed, his shoulders slumping. "You're impossible." 

Nameless merely chuckled, the Felic Tree now far behind them as they disappeared into the lively streets. 

Efascht had been their temporary home for three days now, a city bustling with life and energy that stood in stark contrast to the uncertain quiet lingering in Nameless' mind.

The group was waiting for the Heroes' Association to make its decision regarding the children's future accommodations and, more importantly, their chance at a new life. 

It wasn't a simple matter of granting asylum or shelter.

The Association's jurisdiction extended across the peaceful continents, and such decisions required thorough discussions with its board members, influential landowners, and even royalties from various nations.

These children's futures depended on cooperation from the highest ranks of power, a rare and delicate process that demanded time, negotiation, and trust. 

Nameless' thoughts drifted to a conversation she'd had with Jesse not long ago.

She had explained the complex hierarchy behind the Association's decisions. It wasn't just a question of whether the children deserved a peaceful life; it was a matter of whose lands they could inhabit and which rulers would accept the responsibility of housing them, a potential threat.

Back then, Jesse had said something that still lingered in her mind. 

"While the sentry ship accepted them warily, other continent borders would've told them to keep out mercilessly even though they were children. So the children will have to wait while you can easily be smuggled inside."

Apparently Norkif was the most heartless since it was closest to Gashu, but they have to pass through Norkif to get to the heart of Indino Continent.

Her only ally, at this point, is in Vindu.

The reminder made Nameless frown.

She hated waiting but she wouldn't leave the children here.

That night, she asked Dynil for his opinion. "What happens if the Association rejects them?" 

They sat by the lobby reading the newspaper again.

Dynil looked at her thoughtfully, his arms crossed as he leaned against the couch. "The association gives them two choices for that. Either you enter their rehabilitation program or you go back to where you came from."

"What choice do the rejected ones go for?"

"All of them chose the rehab program. There's no happy memories of the past either way so it didn't matter to them." He said thoughtfully, remembering a memory. "But some escaped before they reached the facility and lived as vagabonds. Just like what you wanted to do in the future."

Nameless perked up. "I see... So are they all hunted down by now?"

"It's not easy to get away from the association's clutch, you know?" Dynil smirked. "They were all strongmen. Most are still alive and hiding, some are long gone due to time."

His answer hadn't satisfied her, but it had sparked an idea.

If strength was the key, then why not make them strong? 

Her mind flashed to Old Thermes, and her eyes on Dynil. 

Those two became her and Eliron's magic teacher for a bit. Teaching them how to organize their mana after the mirror showcased their affinities.

She could still vividly remember how they taught them.

Envision a point in your mind and it will become the entry point of your mana.

Whenever you grow stronger, it will naturally grow bigger, like a door. 

It was a gentle guidance, accurate and limitless.

A plan began to form in her mind.

If it's them...

Perhaps they could teach the other children too, not just to survive, but to thrive.

They wouldn't need to rely on uncertain decisions from rulers or committees. They could carve out their own futures with their own hands. 

Nameless nodded to herself as she left, her feet moving towards the dragon's room.

The Heroes' Association might still be deliberating, but she wouldn't waste time waiting for answers.