The Four Guardians

After resting, the three of us continued our journey. We spent the majority of the trip in silence and only stopped for emergencies. We were lucky enough to get good weather which meant that we would make it into the city by midday today.

We spent the evenings talking some more to find out about each other. It turns out both Zack and Kat come from a family of adventurers and wish to continue the family tradition. They come from a village where most people grow up wanting to be adventurers and serve the people. Although they could become knights and do the same thing people prefer the freedom being an adventurer gives.

"So what's the first thing you are going to do when we get there?" I asked.

"Kat wants to go shopping then we hope to tour the academy. What about you?"

"I need to find my friends, I'll probably just walk around aimlessly until I find them. It can't be that hard."

"You're friends go to the academy right?"

"Yes. Although you live in the academy you are allowed out at lunch and whenever you have free time."

"That's great. That means I can come to visit you, Kat. We can still hang out and go on adventures like we always do."

As silent, as she was, she was visibly excited. I'm glad they get to go along with their dreams. I'm sure it will be a good thing for both of them. Maybe one day they'll come to the Demon Realm.

# # #

"Check it out… It's coming into view."

Zack called us up to the front and both Kat and I crawled quickly. Over the top of a hill, we could see giant spires and various mana infused blimps carrying people around the city. The city was powered by mana and the academy is centred on a large lake that generates enough mana to power the whole city. This city was a gold mine for tourism. People from all around journey far and wide just to come and visit and see how pretty this city is during the day. It was built with tourism in mind and the daily life is something everyone should witness. The nightlife, however; is something you wouldn't want to mess with. Thankful the large lake has allowed people to protect their homes or businesses in magical barriers stopping the gangs and criminals from raiding their buildings.

We approached the large gate to the city. It was swarmed with guards and required either an adventurers crest or a heavy toll to get it.

"Have you got the adventure crests, Kat?"

Kat began searching the various boxes in the back to look for their crests.

"Don't worry guys I got this." I said.

We approached the guard standing outside the gate who was checking. I lent forward in front just hiding my crest from view of Zack and Kat and showing it to the guard.

"I'm sorry for the holdup sir. We shall let you in right away. Don't you guys worry. Right this way"

"Is it just me or did the guard seem more formal than usual?"

One of the perks of being a Guardian was access to a Dragon Crest. Just like the Adventure Crests, you can use them to get into certain places except this Dragon Crest is only given a selected few and are often reserved for leaders of each nation. If you stumbled across someone holding one of these chances are they play an important role in managing part of the world. It has a few other perks but they typically aren't used much by us Demons as we don't go into the other lands and don't have a reason to use them.

"Well, we got in so who's complaining."

"True…"

We carried on and rode down the street. The street was equally as crowded as the Demon Realm but everyone here seems happier. Laughter and general chatter can always be heard. Even the kids here seem to be enjoying themselves to some freshly baked bread, sold on one of the many stalls. This cities tourism is no joke.

"This is where I'll drop you off… I'm sure you can find your way from here."

Zack dropped me off somewhere in the centre of the town. It was difficult to get lost in this place, although a lot of the buildings are tall, the one that stands at its peak in the centre is the Academy.

"Thank you very much for all you have done. I can't thank you enough. I shall give you the silver as promised."

"Keep it." Zack said. "I hope we can see you again Tempus. I wish you the best of luck in your travels and hope that you can achieve your goal. However long it takes"

"Thank you."

"Kat, you saying goodbye?"

Kat crawled out the back of the carriage and made me hold out my hand. She planted something in my hand before closing it and wished me luck on my travels. I watched as the two of them went off and saw Kat waving at me from the back with a huge smile on her face.

I opened my hand to see what it was that Kat had given me.

"A green gemstone?" I said. "It's pretty good quality and everything… I wonder why she gave me this?"

# # #

Walking around the city has taught me a few things. One, people don't like to talk. Interrupting people isn't a good idea as they just ignore you and don't want to be bothered. Two, always bring money to a big city like this. I could use my Dragon Crest to buy things but I wanted the authentic human experience that I've missed so much. What kind of idiot forgets to bring money to a large city.

This city was a great place to be in. It was filled with various rivers that ran down through the city into the central lake. It was surprisingly cool and I wish the Demon Realm looked like this.

"This place sure has changed, huh."

I continued to walk around aimlessly and encountered a girl hiding behind a pole watching something. From behind the person looks familiar but I'm not sure...

"Excuse me…" I asked.

The person spun around and flinched as if someone had just snuck up on them, which I guess I did kinda do.

"Ah… T-tempus…" It took me a few seconds to realise who I was talking to. I was surprised to have found her this easily but perhaps things just work like that.

"Good to see you again, Tia."

We stood in silence. Looking at each other with awkward smiles across our faces. I forgot just how awkward this girl is. I thought I'd be fine with awkward people by now.

"Ah… E-Eva wanted to see you… I-i lost her."

So it turns out she was lost and didn't know how to ask for help.

"Well. Why don't we go to the academy? I'm sure we can find her there."

Eva nodded and we walked towards the giant central spire. We walked in silence which I was fine with. I just wish she wouldn't walk so far behind me… What if she gets lost again?