"How much further until we get there…" Kesi grumbled…complaining inwardly he thought, 'why do I always miss out on all the important things?'
While the children were sleeping at night, Kesi overheard Gaia and Thalia talking. Thalia recounted in great detail her adventure with Siv…including meeting the historian. She talked about the information the historian had shared with them including the ongoing war, the coalition of Gods, the North Empire, star maps…
Thalia narrated further about the Liger cave, the ferocious battle that took place within that cave, the secret temple hidden inside a chamber…the talking statue and unlocking a mysterious leveling system!
Gaia remained mostly silent during the conversation. Aside from asking the occasional question, she mostly held Thalia's hand and audibly gasp during the more intense parts of the story.
After Thalia finished recounting her entire narrative, Gaia embraced her daughter tightly kissing her head as she repeated over and over in a motherly tone, "my brave girl…oh my brave girl…I'm so happy you are ok…we will figure this out…I promise! We are in this together…"
Thalia sobbed softly in her mothers' arms…letting out all the emotions she had experienced in the last 24 hours. It's odd how quickly things can change…and how quickly our reality can be altered.
A few minutes later, Thalia composed herself and looked her mother in the eye and asked, "Mom…what are we going to do? We have been traveling for a very long time…and I'm starting to lose hope…sometimes I feel like we are going nowhere…moving but never advancing." Her voice both sincere and pleading.
After another long pause…Gaia broke the silence and said, "I have been thinking about this for a long time now…and I think…I think we should head for the Dark Universe."
Thalia cried out in bewilderment, "WHAT…the DARK UNIVERSE? You want to go there!?"
"Shhh…you will wake the children. Yes…the Dark Universe…hear me out." Gaia continued saying, "I can't explain it, but I feel deep in my soul that we should seek asylum there. I told you before about the Outer Gods War and fighting on the frontlines, right? Well, during the war I couldn't help but feel sympathy for the Dark God…sure he was our enemy…but the way he fought and the way he led his army…it felt different…it felt like someone desperately fighting to protect what they love…not like someone fighting against what they hate."
Gaia's voice trailed off for a moment then resumed, "I know it sounds crazy, but consider this…anywhere we go we will not be safe. If we manage to find a safe universe somewhere far away, it will probably be ruled by another wicked God…we will end up in the same place we started. I really think the safest place to be is the Dark Universe…"
Gaia continued explaining, "besides the one who designed your leveling system was from the Dark Universe…if we want to find answers, that is probably the best place."
Thalia was deep in thought. She pondered on Thalia's reasoning…carefully weighing each word…going to the Dark Universe was something she had never considered before. It was risky and a very bold proposal.
After another long pause, Gaia continued, "look…I know this sounds crazy…but there is another reason I think we should go there. Your leveling system…I'm glad you found it…to be more exact I'm glad it was you who found it. The cosmos is in chaos right now because there are many willing to do anything for now power. Imagine if someone discovers you have that ability? I fear the worst…"
'That is true…ironically the power that allows me to hunt magic beasts may end up causing others to hunt me.' Thalia concluded to herself.
"Ok…but what makes you think the Dark Universe will welcome us? They may end up seeing us as foreign invaders and kill us on the spot? And in the event they don't kill us…why would they grant us asylum? I don't know…it feels very risk," Thalia added.
"I know it's a risk…a huge risk…but I have a plan…how about we worry about getting out of this place first," Gaia said softly. She figured Kesi was probably listening and didn't want to continue the discussion any further.
That was how the night ended…the night of the Demibat attack. The next morning the group traveled on following the directions provided by the historian's map. The pace was slower than usual because a few children were recovering for minor injuries.
Occasionally a magic beast would appear, but Thalia would quickly defeat it. Gaia observed her daughter intently during each battle…never saying anything…but always observing from a distance.
After 3 days of traveling, the group finally arrived at the base of a large canyon. The canyon walls rose high like an ancient cathedral…the jagged stone carved by wind and time gave the walls a defiant look. The walls appeared to stretch high into the sky…perhaps like a 30-story building.
As the group marveled at the change in scenery, their enjoyment was quickly cut off by a swarm of magic beasts resembling scorpions. The swarmed from every direction like hungry locusts ready to devour their next meal.
Thalia looked at the oncoming hoard and she grinned wide.
She thought 'Perfect! Time to level-up!'