Chapter 455: The missing piece II
After Emily took her leave, our group continued our discussion. Everyone shared their thoughts and ideas about what the cosmic mana was trying to show me. By the end of it, we were no closer to the truth than when we just started.
"You can try going for a walk across the city. Maybe the mana will guide you again," Immy suggested.
Sidus nodded and added, "She's right. That's our best chance. If the mana brought here, then try to listen to it, see where it leads you."
"Alright. You guys stay here and stay together."
"No, it's too dangerous, brother," Immy shook her head.
"You can't go alone!" Essie nudged my side with her snout.
I gently curled my tail around her and replied, "It's because it's too dangerous that I will go." I paused and looked at Sidus, Immy, and Ynos before continuing, "I need you all to stay together in one place. That way, it will be easier for me to get us out of here in case things go south."
"Then I will go with you," Breta stood up.
"What-"
"They will stay together, and I will go with you. You still need someone to watch your back." Her words were firm, and it didn't seem like she was going to take a no for an answer.I looked at my siblings, and Ynos shrugged while Sidus awkwardly glanced away. Immy seemed to think about it for a moment before she nodded.
"Although I don't like the idea of us getting separated, it's still best to have someone with you," she said.
I sighed, "Fine. Let's not waste any more time then."
Sidus gave us a nod and dropped his dark veil. The bubble that surrounded us melted away and disappeared in seconds. Just as I and Breta were about to leave, my steps suddenly paused as I stared at the figure standing by the entrance.
"Zephyrion," I said.
The masked God gave us a bow, "I have to say, that was an interesting spell," he said as he glanced at Sidus.
"Thank you," Sidus coldly replied.
"What are you doing inside here? I don't remember us inviting you to come in?" I tilted my head and calmly asked.
"Forgive my intrusion. I merely came to see if you need anything."
"We do not. Thank you." Immy answered with a smile.
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"In that case, I'll be taking my leave," he nodded and gave one last bow before leaving.
I turned to look at my siblings, who all had solemn expressions on their faces. "If anything happens, just release your aura. I will be right back."
"Don't worry about us," Immy said.
I smiled and patted Essie before leaving alongside Breta. There's no doubt Zephyrion was there to spy on us. 'They must have kept him there to keep watch, but when Sidus used his spell, he couldn't do so anymore.'
As we flew out of the tower and into the city, my eyes subconsciously glanced at the now-dark sky. It was nighttime already, but the streets were still as busy as day. I suppose that was to be expected, considering all the inhabitants were either Dragons or Divine.
As our feet touched the pavement, an explosion of sounds and scents enveloped me. It was almost too much to take in at once. Dragons of all shapes and sizes roamed the streets, their scales glinting under the moonlight. Some were towering and majestic, while others were tiny and adorable. I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and excitement at the foreign sight.
Deities strode amongst them, adorned in a kaleidoscope of vibrant and exotic garments. Each deity boasted a unique appearance, with some looking as unremarkable as mortals, while others radiated with an otherworldly aura, almost as if they were made completely out of pure divine energy.
I glanced at Breta and asked, "You don't seem surprised?"
"It's interesting to see Dragons and Gods walking side by side, but the novelty died off when we fought together against the Shades," she shrugged.
"I'm not talking about just that. I mean the city as a whole. It's-"
"It's noisy," Breta interrupted me before I could continue.
"Oh, come on. You mean to tell me you don't like it?" I asked as we picked a random direction and began to walk.
"Not really."
"So you'd prefer the silence back in the Astral plane?" I frowned.
Breta rolled her eyes, "Now you're just being foolish."
"What? I mean, although it is a bit noisy, I think it's the kind of noise that would grow on you."
Breta shook her head and replied, "I don't like it."
"Why?" I asked as my eyes looked around with curiosity. There were quite a few odd shops along the street, even some restaurants. Although the shapes of said establishments were unique, to say the least. 'I suppose that's normal considering the sizes of their customers.'
"It's not right," Breta answered.
"The city?"
"The way they are living."
Her words were confusing, so I turned my gaze toward her, "What do you mean?"
"Gods that abandoned their duties, what kind of Gods does that make them?"
I knew the whole duty topic was a sensitive one to Breta. Especially considering how the King banned them from interfering with the Mortals back in the central plane.
"Is that how you see it?"
"I see it how it is. And all I see in this city are Deities that ran from their duties. I hold no respect for them."
"There are no mortals here, though."
"It doesn't matter. They chose to run away and hide here."
I shook my head, "I don't know about that. I don't think it's too bad to want to enjoy peace."
Breta raised her head and looked at me for a few seconds before she averted her gaze. Our walk continued in silence after that.
Although I was enjoying the sights, my attention was still on the mana. The cosmic elements were still silent. And so we continued to walk the streets.
It wasn't until we passed by a dimly lit alley that I paused. Breta looked at me and asked, "What is it?"
"It's Lost."
"Hmm?"
Just then, the Ice Dragoness walked out of the alley with a sad, empty look. It wasn't until she almost bumped into me that she did.
"Ah, sorry," her voice was soft.
"Lost?"
"Ah? Oh, Aether..."
"What happened? Are you okay?" I asked.
Lost raised her head and looked at me, and I could see that she was struggling to keep her tears at bay, "T-They said that my mom has fallen," she stuttered.
"What-"
"I-It can't be true! I don't feel like she's dead!"
'Is this it? Is this what you wanted to show me?'