We had dinner while Kristen told us about Eleithiya, it was a city built around Yggdrasil, where people lived in harmony and reverence for the divine tree.
"My wife Lylia would be very thrilled to meet you. We barely get any visitors out there, so it's usually just the two of us."
It seemed like they had already decided to bring us along with them. Although they had been nothing but kind towards us, I couldn't help but be wary of them.
As if hearing my thoughts, Zei spoke up, "...What if we don't want to go along with you?"
Kristen simply smiled," Of course you can go your separate way if you want; however, I won't recommend it."
"And why is that?" I asked, narrowing my eyes slightly.
"This city is situated in a very isolated location with nothing but forest covering it for several kilometers. Even if you did set out on your own, your chances of making it to the nearest settlement alive are very slim."
"There are several horrifying abominations lurking in the dense forest." Asher added, "It's close to impossible for someone like you to survive there all alone with no way of fighting them."
"So, it's best that you follow us back to the Eleithiya, we won't do anything to harm you," He assured us.
We both exchanged uneasy glances, not knowing what to do. Traveling alone was not a viable option for us, so we had no choice but to follow them.
"How about this?" Sensing our unease, Kristen gave us a proposal.
"Once we reach the Eleithiya, you can decide what to do on your own, we won't interfere with your decision. However, until then, it's best that you follow us, and we can guarantee your safety."
It was a fair offer. More than fair. And despite our suspicions, neither of them had given us a reason to distrust them.
" …Fine," I said quietly, "We will be in your care for a bit longer than"
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"Why are you being so kind to us? We are just a burden for you, wouldn't it be better if you would just leave us here?"
"It's not our nature to cast aside those who desire help child," Kristen said so with a gentle tone.
"The strength Yggdrasil has bestowed upon us is not for massacring people and violence. It's given to us to aid those in need and protect ourselves, perhaps she sent us here to help you well, perhaps your arrival here was all part of Yggdrasil's plan."
"Why do you refer to us as children? We both look almost the same age."
Kristen chuckled, "We might look the same age, but you are still little children compared to me and Asher, looks can be deceiving after all."
"What do you mean?" Zei asked, confusion etched onto her face.
"The runes increase your lifespan drastically and slow down the aging process," Asher explained, "I am close to 99 years old, while Kristen is 110."
I couldn't help but stare at them in awe, both of them looked not a year older than 30. The idea of living for a century without aging was something I couldn't even begin to process.
After finishing our meals, we started packing and getting ready to leave. "Here, keep them with you," Asher said, handing us our weapons we had picked up back in the ruined city.
"I have inscribed Runes into your weapons. You have a keen eye for good weapons. These are made with high-grade metals; thus, they are very durable and sharp, so use them wisely."
I unsheathed the sword and gave it a light swing, as evidenced by how effortlessly it cut through the air. "Incredible," I uttered in awe.
"I've enhanced the weight distribution and sharpness," Asher explained. "If used properly, they can be lethal to even a Vilesworn."
"We can't thank you enough," Zei said, twirling her spear, a hint of excitement visible in her eyes.
"Those weapons contain special abilities which will prove invaluable on the battlefield."
"What kind of abilities?" I asked, intrigued.
"You will know when the time is right," He muttered.
It was midnight when we set off on our journey towards Eeithiya, the moonlight illuminating the ruined cityscape while the stars lit our way.
"Why are we leaving in the middle of the night? " I asked.
"Because the profane beings are vulnerable at night," Kristen said, "Even with the Monolith destroyed, there may be some remaining creatures lurking across the city, ready to attack us at any given moment."
"Usually we would have been picked up by an aircraft, but we can't seem to be able to communicate with the Central, so we will have to traverse some distance on foot."..
With those last words, we stepped out into the cool night air, following Kristen and Asher toward a new, unfamiliar place.