Today was a bright, sunny day with few clouds, signaling a smooth trip. At the entrance of the village, there were horse-drawn carriages carrying people and cargo as usual. The horse-driver tapped the cargo, announcing that everyone was ready to depart. And today, Yvette broke the rule and arrived late to the blacksmith's workshop to see Ark and the rabbit off.
"Don't worry, we'll be back within the day," Ark sighed at Yvette's complaints. This catwoman was unusually determined to say goodbye to everyone today, even leaving her work just to come here to talk.
"I didn't say that in advance. But today, I just wanted to see everyone to say goodbye." She crossed her arms and looked at the line of people preparing to get on the carriage. "Because didn't you leave without saying a word last time?"
"Yes, but this time Al and I will only go to Aleph for one trip. Besides, I told you before," Ark smiled, quickly preparing Al's backpack and urging him to get on the car first.
"Don't underestimate the intuition of us cat-people. Well then, you two have fun. But if anything happens, you must send me an urgent letter."
Ark and Al sat in the car, waving goodbye to Yvette until her figure gradually became smaller.
Everyone set off for the city.
Near noon, Aleph gradually appeared in everyone's sight. Around the massive stone castle, there were now colorful banners decorated with "Autumn Equinox Festival of the entire Arvea". The reason this festival was the time for everyone to gather together in a warm atmosphere of the collective, to thank a year of success and share that achievement with friends from all over. However, this was also a special occasion to welcome pilgrims, merchants, poets, adventurers, mages… and use it as an excuse to get drunk before continuing their wanderings to other places. Therefore, this was a rare occasion for the atmosphere in the city to become more lively than usual, when everyone was joking and talking to each other.
In front of the city were spontaneous stalls selling goods along with bustling lines of people. The chatter filled the entire way into the city. After getting off the car, while Al was busy admiring the sturdy city, Ark quickly reached for a hot breakfast for him: a meat sandwich with simple bell pepper slices.
"What do you think of Aleph?" Ark asked, looking at him intently. His mouth was busy devouring the sandwich.
"Seems like a good place to start." Al took in the magnificent city view. "I heard you and Sylvie came here before your adventure?"
"Yes. Sylvie really likes this place," Ark said, reaching out to hold the rabbit's hand, "Sylvie said she likes how majestic this castle looks. Even when she goes to other countries, Sylvie still likes Aleph Castle better. The time we came here before was also around this time, maybe that's why Sylvie has so many impressions of this place." Ark looked far away.
"So how do you feel about this place?" Al quickly changed the subject.
"You? Maybe you don't like it very much. It's not that you hate this place." Ark smiled faintly, "But because I just want to forget all those memories."
"But if I forgot everything, I wouldn't be able to become who I am now, right?"
"..." Ark pouted, half agreeing and half disagreeing, "Maybe so..."
"Then today I'll take you back to all the places you two have been." Al excitedly pulled Ark's hand.
"Okay, but we have to get our reward first," Ark laughed, patting his backpack.
After getting off the car and checking their papers, the two entered the city gate. Passing through the large city gate was a market right on the main road with countless small stalls and shops. Carefully avoiding passing carts and squeezing past the people, Ark took Al's hand and led him to a small pharmacy. The doorbell rang as the two entered.
A nearby snake woman saw Ark and asked, "Hello, Ark, are you here to deliver medicine again?" At the pharmacy counter, a woman with the head of a giant cobra stretched her neck to look at him, preparing the medicine while waving to the two.
"No, Miss Miriam just asked me to go and send a letter to Miss Orm and check on the medicine that will be delivered to the village next week. Here, Miss." Ark pulled out a letter from his pocket and placed it on the table.
"Yes, yes." Miss Orm nodded, "They're all in here. But I haven't marked anything yet. Why don't you tell your friend to sit down and wait a bit and we can go in together? I need a hand, too."
Ark turned his head to Al. He patted the little rabbit's head and smiled wryly, "I'm sorry, but I'll have to ask you to wait for me a bit."
After saying that, Ark followed the person. The pharmacist slithered into the warehouse behind her with her large tail. She gently lifted the curtain hanging at the door, causing the wooden beads to rattle. Watching the two figures gradually disappear behind the door, Al glanced back and forth at the store before jumping off the chair and opening the door to run out into the bustling street.
Passing by the laughter of the people, Al observed the houses, shops, and people's clothes before heading to the center of the castle. In the middle of the castle was an empty, paved courtyard with a fountain, where children were currently playing around. And nearby was a small stage surrounded by many people who were interested in watching. On the stage were people dressed in colorful costumes, waving wooden swords back and forth. Al walked over and sat down to listen. Next to him, a poet hummed and told the story.
***
"Come to the Divine Hill and you will be granted a wish."
"Since its inception, Threa has had a total of four main continents: the West, North, East, and South continents, along with the central continent. Among them, the central continent is a separate existence isolated from the rest of the world. And this is also where the Divine Hill is located. The highest place in the world, fierce, mysterious, and has never been visited. The top of the towering peak, no matter where you stand, you can see the spearhead of the world, which is always surrounded by clouds.
The people say that this is the place where the benevolent god lives.
That year, a poor nobleman left his clothes to restore the honor of his family. Listening to the call of adventure, he passed through the majestic ice fortress of Lutvetr, traveled through the flying islands of Varfon, and lingered to drink tea in the hanging garden of the sky of Tahria. With countless achievements, titles, and treasures that dazzled many people eyes, he still could not restore his family.
Watching the dawn shining down on the world from above. Dissatisfied. He turned his back, preparing to return to his old home. However, before leaving, he stopped by a traveling theater troupe. There, the pilgrims hummed an ancient song from an unknown time, the melody gently accompanied by the melodious sound of the strings: 'Come here, come to the Divine Hill, the merciful One will grant you any wish you desire.'
Knowing the legend of the gods, he turned his feet and once again set out on his adventure. Along the way, he met and accompanied three other people. Together, they overcame countless obstacles, survived the most dangerous journeys and headed to the central continent. Finally, when they set foot on the central continent to enter the Divine Hill, they continued to receive the challenges of the mountain. But not discouraged, they continued to charge forward, quickly repelled the challenges of the mountain and set foot right in front of the cave entrance, which led to the mountain peak, which led to the ultimate wish. But just as they arrived, a sword pierced through his comrade's chest. There was a traitor in the group.
The traitor, who had finished off two members of the group, quickly pulled out a bloody sword and threw it at him. But fortunately, with his wealth of experience, he was able to block the sword strike in time. Grasping the hilt of the sword, he shouted, slashing. But as soon as the sword fell, the traitor had disappeared, without a trace.
He hurried to the top of the mountain, praying to the God to hear his prayer. Standing on the top of the mountain, before the opportunity of countless riches, all the riches in the world, and even absolute power, the poor nobleman cried out.
'Oh! God, if you can hear me, if you are there, I beg you, save those who have followed me!'
Not long after, a miracle appeared in the sky. The clouds gathered together, rumbling and rolling, rushing like a tsunami. The whole sky was whirling with the whirlwind, pulling the stars and the bright stars of the galaxies with them. And from the center of the storm, He appeared. The Supreme God, the God of gods, most glorious and radiant in the form of a pure human. Looking down at the poor nobleman, He shed a tear more dazzling than a thousand crystals. Moved by the plea of a pure heart, He released a powerful voice that echoed throughout the space.
'I have heard. But remember, resurrecting the dead is against the laws of nature. However, I will still grant you the power to protect all your followers.'
The man pointed to him and the bright rays of light embraced him. It was warm. At the same time, in the Temple, the sacred torch burned, engraving on the wall the Holy Decree: 'The Chosen One has returned'.
Saying farewell to his companions for the last time, the poor nobleman turned to go home. But when he got there, he found hundreds, thousands,... countless people waiting for him with faces full of excitement. When he stretched out his hand, the whole continent cheered the name of the new king: Ysaac Khaedmann.
***
After the applause ended, Al walked over to the poet. Al tugged at his shirt, asking, "Brother, can you tell me more about the story?"
The poet took a gulp of water, then looked at the boy who was waving his rabbit ears eagerly, looking at him expectantly.
"Hello, what can I do for you?" the poet greeted him, asking kindly.
"So everyone died except the King?"
"Yes." The poet scratched his chin. "Sadly, that's the only thing I know. And all my other colleagues have passed on the story."
"So what kind of person was that traitor?"
"Well, according to people, they must have been a very talented swordsman. Because wasn't Alice Illengrad stabbed to death by that sword?"
"Alice?"