Eternal Elysium

Under the grey sky, Kalista thrived like usual. The walls continued to stand tall, protecting the humans living inside. The only thing that has changed was the sudden influx of people arriving on the east base. This was sudden, but not unexpected.

A week has passed since the Temple was under the constant glow of Amaranth. The spread of stories regarding it has spread far and wide, bringing a lot of daring tourists.

This was something many had expected to happen. So preparations were made thoroughly to accommodate the flood of people. Of course, many were still opposing the sudden rise in population there as well, as it was not a tourist spot for people to go there.

In any case, the military had plans to drive everyone out sooner or later. Until then, they were allowed to wander freely, for the wave had passed and no great threat loomed over their heads—for now. This brief peace made many relax, lowering their guard for the first time in a long while.

The place bustled with people; some carried bags, others pushed carriages through the crowd. Many tilted their heads upward, gazing at the lifeless grey sky. For some, it was their first time seeing it—yet it wasn't as dull as before. At certain moments, a silver glow flickered across the heavens, catching in their irises like a fleeting spark. The light came from the temple, and those who longed to see it more clearly pressed closer, drawn toward its source.

However, they couldn't for long, as the guards would come and send them away.

This has been happening for a long time now, as the soldiers won't let a crowd gather for long no matter what the reasons.

Bob was also amidst the crowd trying to get a proper glimpse of the site before him.

"...Not again." He muttered, taking a step back as the crowd around pushed him.

Bob had been trying to catch sight of the temple since yesterday, yet not once had he managed a proper glimpse.

He frowned at the faint glow shimmering ahead, only to sigh in disappointment as he pulled away from the crowd. Around him, others walked with the same weary, defeated expressions, their hopes dimmed just like his.

The road narrowed to the side, forcing them to leave space for the carriages that rumbled past. What remained was a cramped path, a tight corner from where people strained for a view of the Temple.

Bob again sighed at his bad luck and shook his head in disappointment.

He needed to leave now. The free time he has been given was almost over.

"...Let's try next week then." Bob muttered with a lingering voice.

Just as he took a step forward, his body slowed down unnaturally as if he had lost control. The world around him continued to work normally. Bob's eyes shook in fear; he couldn't understand what was happening.

'...What's …happening …?'

Even his thoughts seem to have slowed down, as he couldn't register his own words.

Ba… thump!

His heart continued to beat inside his chest. But now fear made it faster. His one foot remained in the air, still in the process of taking a single step ahead.

Thump!

A gentle press held his shoulders.

Bob shuddered and tried to turn his gaze away, but it was no use—his mind and body no longer seemed in sync, refusing to obey his command.

"Stay still."

A voice answered from behind, taking note of his actions.

'Who…?'

Bob didn't know who it belonged to, as the sound felt like a mix of a man and an infant, if that was even possible.

"It's me."

The voice continued and then his thoughts seemed to have returned to normal.

'I still don't know!'

The grip holding him down loosened, letting Bob's thoughts race faster than before. But just as quickly, the hands on his shoulders tightened again, making him flinch. In the next instant, he was yanked into the alley behind—his body stumbling, barely keeping pace, almost dragged across the ground.

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"Wh—what… Help!" His words stumbled, twisting as they came out. However, those around didn't listen to his plea.

Some passersby glanced his way, but after a moment's hesitation, they quickly turned their heads forward again—unwilling to dwell on the sight of a man walking so strangely, so alone.

The sight was strange.

It was better to ignore it.

Such thoughts passed by the passerby as they left.

Bob tried to scream again, but no sound came. His head was held down, his mouth pressed shut by a hand he couldn't see. His powers surged, reaching out—a burning flower almost forming in his grasp—but it faltered as the voice called out once more, forcing it back.

"It's me, Asher."

'Huh? Captain Asher.'

His eyes widened in surprise. Before he knew it, the grip loosened as no one surrounded them anymore. The crowd had thinned, as by the time he looked up, he just saw a dark corner.

'Where am I?'

Bob turned his head left and right but saw no one around as well.

Bob's face stiffened as he realized he was alone.

Taking a deep breath, he gathered some courage to speak.

"...Captain Asher? Are you here?"

"..."

Silence permeated the space as Bob stood motionless. Cold sweat trickled down his head as he gulped with trembling lips.

'What's happening?!'

Bob again panicked.

"I am here."

He turned back, looking at the source of the sound. Behind him stood a fairly handsome man with hair as dark as night, his eyes glowing silver but somehow looking tired. In hand he held a faceless mask before it disappeared completely.

"Captain Asher…"

"Yeah, that's me."

Asher nodded with a faint smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Bob looked at him for a few seconds, awkwardly, before opening his mouth and greeting Asher.

"Ah… it's nice to, um, see you again, Captain Asher…. Where am I exactly?"

Bob also wanted to ask why he was here but seeing Asher gazing and watching him, he didn't dare to speak further.

Asher then took a step back and turned around. He raised one hand, gesturing to Bob to follow.

The corner was dark and narrow, not enough for two people to walk together.

Bob hesitated licking his lips and then followed after Asher, who walked with calm steps.

For some reason he had been pulled here and didn't know where to go. It was like a maze as they continued to walk for a while.

"Where are we going?"

Bob asked, his patience running thin.

"We will reach the place soon."

'I am not going missing, right?'

Bob remembered being told by Asher that people were being erased. Probably by humans or by monsters. But now being isolated from everyone—

'Am I not the perfect prey?'

Bob felt a chill run down his spine as he became aware of how bad his situation might be.

"We are here."

Asher's voice pulled him out of his thoughts as he suddenly saw a faint glow shimmering in the air. The more they walked the closer and brighter the light became. Until Bob understood where they were—

"Temple?"

"We were walking in circles?!"

Bob yelled as he saw Asher enter through a door hidden beneath the glowing flowers.

***

Through the flower-covered entrance I calmly went inside without making any sound.

As I entered through the door, I heard a yell from behind.

We had been walking in circles to not get followed.

I was trying that from the start.

Bob was not the only one here. The whole 2nd division, or at least a part of it, was here. It was pretty obvious where the chance of the Plague being the the highest was. That was something I was sure about; after all, they had no reason to come here. But they are still present; the Plague has taken the bait I had given. The only thing I was not so sure about was who or how many of them were there.

That's why I waited.

For the whole day I had been observing Bob, patiently watching his steps and behavior and even testing how he reacts when in trouble. Just to see if he was the same Bob I knew from before or not. The results were satisfactory, to say the least.

The Plague could see the and take the memories but it was not a human. It couldn't do certain things; only we could. This at least gave me the reassurance that I was not dying today after meeting him.

"Sigh, just follow quietly."

I muttered in annoyance. For the last two, I had been moving through the dark forest; the dreadful place was harsher on living beings than what I imagined.

I was tired both mentally and physically, especially with what we all had planned and done there.

But now the time has come.

To hunt a calamity…

A dark smile twisted on my lips as such thoughts flooded my mind.