The Against All Odds

CH 24 - Village of Fog

After several hours of walking through the amazing forest with the giant spider inside, Matilda who was always sensitive to the surroundings, suddenly stopped her steps. His red eyes noticed something unusual in the distance. "Look, there's a village there!" he shouted, pointing excitedly.

Curiously, they all looked in the direction that Matilda pointed. The village looks like an oasis in the middle of a dense forest. Straw-roofed wooden houses that are neatly lined up bring a touch of typical medieval European design. Each house has its own characteristics, with small windows and sturdy wooden doors. It seems that every detail of the architecture and its cleanliness is very well preserved by the villagers.

A rocky road runs between the buildings. Large trees with lush foliage present cool shade along the way, presenting a cozy and cool atmosphere.

The village is also surrounded by vast plantations that stretch as far as the eye can see. The simple walls of strong wood protected the plantations and villages from the threat of wild animals or monsters that might roam. At every corner of the wall stood a wooden tower that gave high view to those who stood guard.

As they approach the village, anxiety begins to slip in Leo's mind. She was afraid that she would be recognized by the soldiers of Thellidia Kingdom as a Nythorian Celestial, and now, Alisha was also a Celestial Ilymeira, both factions that were clearly at odds with Thellidia Kingdom. He tightened his robe, trying his best to hide his identity.

Alisha noticed the tension that was emanating from Leo and asked anxiously, "Leo, what's wrong?"

Leo replied in a soft voice, "I'm just worried, Alisha. Worried that they'll recognize us and catch us."

Belladona, with a calm demeanor as usual, "Just relax. I know the rumors about the appearance of the new Celestials have been widespread," Belladona said, "However, so far, there has been no news whatsoever that the Celestials are from the Nythorian faction or IIlymeira. So I guess it doesn't matter if we enter that village, even without wearing this robe."

Matilda innocently asked, "Master, What is Celestial?"

Leo immediately closed Matilda's mouth with his hand and said, "Don't talk about it here, Matilda. And stop calling me sir." He shut Matilda's mouth quickly, preventing the question from coming out any further. Inwardly, Leo pondered, 'How can Matilda not know what Celestial is? After everything we've been through... Does he just follow us without really knowing his purpose and danger?'

While closing his mouth and staring at Matilda, Leo only realized the risks associated with Matilda's red eyes that could make him suspected of being a monster or a dangerous entity. Quickly, Leo reached into his pocket and picked up a pair of sunglasses that turned out to be intact. Slowly, he put it on Matilda. Matilda was pleased with Leo's gift, and without hesitation, she immediately tiptoed.

But before she wears it. Matilda suddenly changed the color of her eyes that had been red to black like ordinary human eyes. Leo was surprised by this change, but before he could ask, Belladona approached them, then said, "I also realized this while at Dorston Citadel. Aura Matilda is a Mimica or Morphius, a creature that has the extraordinary ability to transform into a form resembling other beings in physical form. That's why Matilda could fool me back then."

Matilda smiled proudly as she explained to them that she had possessed this ability since childhood.

Without lingering, they continued their steps towards the village. Not long after, the main gate of the village stood upright in front of them. Upon entering the village, the atmosphere became increasingly lively. Activities take place in every corner of the village. The children were running around laughing happily, the women were busy talking while carrying out their household chores, and some men were seen gathering in front of a wooden building while forging iron with a big hammer in their hands. Some horses with carts filled with hay or vegetables were seen passing through the sandy streets.

However, what stole their attention the most was how most of the villagers seemed to look at them, especially Leo. With eyes wide open, especially a group of young women seem fascinated by Leo's handsome appearance. They whispered to each other with gazes full of admiration and fascination with the presence of Leo in their village.

Leo is uncomfortable by the attention he feels, even though he is actually used to this kind of reaction. Leo kept trying to keep his face calm and entered the village with his head held high while closing his robe, as if unaffected by the amazed look of his eyes.

Meanwhile, Leo raised his hands chest-high politely and answered the women's questions, "Thank you for the offer. We were looking for a place to spend the night. How much will it cost?"

One of the women with a friendly smile replied, "You don't need to think about that. Come, and rest with your friends."

Leo nodded politely, "Thank you for the hospitality. We are happy to accept your offer."

They then followed the woman towards her home, which was located some distance from the center of the village. The villagers who saw them off, still continued to whisper, and remained largely fascinated by Leo's handsome appearance. This was an unexpected arrival in their village, and their presence seemed to stir up a furore among the villagers.

...-...

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

The day had turned into a dark night, and the atmosphere inside the room they had rented seemed comfortable, even though it looked simple. Belladona sits on a small chair by the window that features a serene night view. While Alisha stood beside him, staring out the window that was shrouded by the darkness of the night. They both engaged in a casual conversation.

The room they were sitting in was a simple room with walls made of wood. The only light source in the room came from the one meter tall mushroom-light that stood in the corner of the room. The small light it emits gives a warm touch to the room, creating a cozy atmosphere in the dark middle of the night.

Meanwhile, Matilda had fallen asleep on a large mattress in the middle of the room. Matilda is seen enjoying her quiet sleep after a grueling adventure. Perhaps, also because he was already too full due to the dinner of the woman who owned this place.

"Belladona, I wonder, why don't you come back to Thellidia Kingdom with Gideon? Isn't the government going to worry about you?"

Belladona looked out the window, her eyes focused on the moonlight that illuminated the night. He smiled gently before starting his explanation. "Since I was a child, Alisha, I've always dreamed about adventure and the outside world. Most of my time was spent in my silence in my room, practicing magic and reading books about distant places. After all, I am a magician in charge of searching for a new Celestial for Thellidia Kingdom, so I should have lived outside like this."

Alisha listened attentively, feeling closer to Belladona through her childhood stories. "So, what kind of adventure have you been dreaming of?"

Belladona nodded, her lips engraved with a meaningful smile. "Of course, Alisha. I felt like I was locked inside the palace walls all this time. I want to see this world with my own eyes, not just read it from a book. In addition to that. ," - stand next to alisha and smile - "I also feel guilty when I want to hurt you at that time, so I want to help you as much as I can."

Alisha felt so connected to Belladona when she heard her confession and regret. However, before he could respond sincerely, there was a sharp scream that suddenly broke the warm atmosphere inside the room. That loud noise from outside made the two of them look up in shock with eyes full of confusion. Matilda, who had fallen into a deep sleep, woke up in shock.

The sound of fast running footsteps seemed to echo behind the bedroom door, causing them to feel tense. In an instant, the door opened violently and Leo appeared in the doorway, his face full of anxiety. "We're under attack!" he cried mercilessly.