Not only did the mercenaries simply move past them as if they didn't exist, they didn't seem bothered at all. It was as if they were seeing normal people passing by. However, it didn't make sense at all to Arthur.
'Did they not notice that we're strangers? Or were they busy?' He asked himself as he watched them walk farther and farther away. Then, when they were far enough, Arthur finally turned to the others.
"Did you see what I just saw?" He asked.
"I did. They really didn't seem like they cared at all." Herculia replied as he rubbed the back of his head.
"... I expected them to at least stop and inspect us. But, uh, I guess they aren't interested?" Emmy muttered.
"..."
Nobody knew how to react to what happened. So, in the end, they started walking again in confused silence. There was really nothing else they could do except to continue moving into the city.
However, nobody forgot about that detail, especially Arthur and Isla. Something told them this wasn't a mere coincidence or anything like that.
Reaching the open gates, the group looked inside. As they expected, the city was bustling with movement. Even from afar, the noises coming from inside were very loud and distinct.
Countless humans walked about their days, filling the endless streets of the region. Vehicles of all kinds carried goods to the shops and buildings spread everywhere they looked. The streets were built out of sleek stone that looked quite high-quality and clean. The buildings varied in colors and decorations, giving each one of them a distinct appearance and distinct features.
Beautiful light poles stood along the maze of streets, casting a beautiful light upon the city.
"Wow..." Stepping inside, the group stopped and took everything in. The bustling environment reminded them of the major cities in the real world except... The fantastical side of it made it even more mesmerizing and way more special.
"Let's go, I want to see more of the city!" Emmy said excitedly as she walked ahead.
"Hey, wait for me!" Herculia rushed after her.
"We want to go too!" Finlay and Serko screamed as they rushed after the others.
"Don't run off on your own," Danny said as he looked over at Isla. "We should follow them."
"..." Isla started walking after them, and that was when she noticed that something was off. Immediately, she stopped and looked behind her. "Arthur?"
The boy had been standing still the entire time as if he were lost in thought. Ever since they stepped into the city, he had been oddly silent, unlike his usual self. Isla did notice that but she didn't think much of it as she was focused on the new world they had entered. But, now she could not ignore it anymore.
"Hm?" Hearing his name being called, Arthur looked up.
"Is everything ok?" She asked curiously as she turned around to face him.
"Huh? Uh, I don't know. It could take months." He said.
"Then, once you're done with that. You're free to join me." She replied. "If you also need help with whatever you need to do, we're always open to give a helping hand."
"What? No, I can't do that. It's too much trouble as I said." Arthur blurted out.
"You're underestimating how determined my team is, Arthur." The girl shook her head. "Especially when it comes to one of us and you're a part of that team."
"..." Arthur blinked in shock.
"So, don't hesitate to ask for help. We are always here. Don't forget that we're also going to become academy students tomorrow. I hope you don't think this is some kind of farewell, do you?"
"No, it's not..." Arthur replied in a daze. He was truly struck hard by those words. Even though they were simple and clear, they twisted his heart in ways he didn't even think were possible.
He had been treating it like it was truly farewell at that moment. But, that was far from the case. Arthur was still going to see Isla and the others tomorrow and perhaps the day after. He can talk to them and if possible, share adventures again with them like he did before.
'Why did I think that this was the end? I'm very silly sometimes, man. We can definitely do many other things in the future.' Arthur slowly smiled as he nodded his head.
"Yeah, you're right. Sorry, I wasn't thinking straight there."
"There is no problem. We're partners after all."
"You're right! I won't hesitate to ask for help if I need it then."
"Good."
"Also, one more thing. I need to log out earlier than you guys, I have some stuff to prepare for tomorrow." Arthur said.
"Go ahead. We are going to find a place where the two dwarves can stay and then log out ourselves."
"Understood." The boy then opened the menu to log out, only to hear one last thing.
"See you tomorrow, Arthur."
Looking up, he saw the expression on Isla's face and he smiled. "See you tomorrow."
Then, it all became darkness.
A//N: With that, we are finally starting the academy and all the chaos coming with it. Don't forget to support the book if you liked the chapter.