Chapter 32

We ran along the noisy streets. The town had been celebrating a national festival. Apparently, the festival was about a woman who cured the town from a raging epidemic.

Even though there was no statue, the town's folk seemed to respect her, unlimitedly.

I saw a stall with some skewers and made a run for it. Erebus chuckled as I gobbled down two of them in mere seconds.

There was one flaw about me that nobody knew. Guess?

I'm the worst cook! Sure, I can whip up something but it would only be barely edible.

I was pondering over some counter measure to survive when a voice called out behind me.

"Still a glutton, I see." Nidas commented on my unwavering habit. His blue eyes were distracting. Somehow, it made me remind more about Alvin and my duels which I need to stop asap and concentrate on the issue at hand.

I scrunched my face and mumbled a remark which I made inaudible for the sake of the towns' folk.

We kept walking and did some small talk with the folks. They introduced some of their renowned customs to us.

A group of kids came up to us and swirled around playing 'tag'. It made me really happy to see that the empire's ruling is done efficiently.

"Where are we going?" I asked, curiously.

"Hell" Nidas answered.

"Okay---what?!" I gawked out.

"We are going to hell, my home. My friends might be able to help us." Erebus answered for Nidas.

"Are we going to see Hades and Persephone then?" I asked, sarcastically.

"They retired long ago. I don't think even the new leaders will have the time to see us. So, high and mighty." Nidas grumbled.

"I was joking!" I blamed.

"Anyway, let's get rest today. Rose, are you scared by any chance?" Erebus asked thoughtfully to which I scoffed.

"Why would I be? Annihilating people by blood-bending is scarier. But, I'm a little nervous." I pleaded honesty remembering all the stories my classmates in elementary used to share.

"You'll be surprised. I guarantee that." Nidas exclaimed. I smiled in reply.

***

We hiked up a cliff. The scenery was beautiful and Nidas prided himself of making this town peaceful.

Erebus described how there are monsters that are friendly and some that revolve only around violence. He specifically mentioned that most monsters are actually nice.

If someone said something like this back on Earth, I'm sure the guy will be ridiculed and scarred for life. Even I would laugh at something like this but after reincarnating as Rose, I think I finally understand how free this world is.

No one has to kill themselves for earning money and work overtime at all. Excluding slavery, everything else is just perfect. Everyday, I wonder if this is just a world created by some author. What if it's not?

We came upon a huge cave. I was amazed by its size but I held some prejudice against the comfortability. I really don't want to sleep on a rock.

Nidas whistled and the huge rock moved on its own with a screech. I peeped in. Just, wow! My mouth opened and slid six feet deep into the ground.

"What? You thought I was living on rocks?" Nidas scoffed at my expression. His cave was better than a first class hotel suite. Seriously, it looked majestic.

I took my steps carefully and touched on the vibrant wooden sofas with cushions made of soft cotton.

Now, isn't this heaven?!

"How did you do all this?" I gawked out for the second time.

"I'm not the southern reigns leader for nothing, you know?" He proudly exclaimed.

"Okay, let's sleep on it! We have to get up early tomorrow to travel to the southern reigns." Erebus made a clapping sound and ordered us to sleep. I was asked to use the first room upstairs. And yes, apparently, the cave has three floors. I guess that was why he had the cave on a hill.

I'm gonna love my stay here!

***

The next morning, I travelled back into the town for some breakfast. I passed a shining bookstore and my eyes stuck to it like glue.

After negotiating with myself for the next few seconds, I took my steps back and stomped into the shop. My eyes scanned all the hard cover books and I think I drooled.

I heard someone fumbling and quickly managed my expression.

"Welcome! Can I help you?" A young boy of about thirteen years greeted.

"I'd like to check out some books. What would you recommend?" I asked with a bright smile.

"What genres do you usually read?"

"Almost all but I also prefer thrillers and romances." I answered.

"Oh, I love thrillers--" He stepped on a small ladder and grabbed about three to four books with ease, "And these are my all-time favorites...Oh, I'm sorry for getting all distracted."

"It happens. You don't have to apologize." I smiled at this cute boy. He had the grin of a book lover which I recognized myself.

"I'm Blair. You can ring up the books in your hand for me. What's your name?" I asked.

"Elric. You might know my sister, Elena. She's a real pain---" He smacked his hand over his mouth.

"Does she nag?" I asked, kindly.

"All the time." He sighed.

"That means, she cares about you. So, don't think about it too much." I advised. I was glad that he at least had someone to fight with.

"Ah...uh...I'll get your books ready for you." He ran out to the counter hiding a blush.

I looked out the counter and my eyes caught a person with a black hood. He was tall and somehow felt familiar. I shook my head and focused on the books that Elric brought out to me.

I thanked him and left to a pastry shop. Nidas soon joined me with a change of clothes.

"Why did you change your hair colour?" He asked.

"I just felt like it." He nodded accepting my lame answer. I didn't want to press further on it either, so I left it. I thought about lighting up the mood.

"Last to finish is a donkey!" I yelled out an elementary game I used to play. He smirked and we both started gobbling down our food.

Hello everyone!

-So here we are at the 2nd chapter of season 2. I will be uploading the story as usual. Hope you enjoy it!

-What do you think about the adventure that Rose will encounter? And a trip to hell? Is that even possible?!