We eventually managed to find a way out of the mountain. We travelled down a small dirt road that wound along the side of the mountain. The path was steep enough and dangerous—I almost broke my ankle a few times. But once we reached the bottom, it opened into a valley with an absolutely breathtaking view. In front of us lay a field of crimson flowers, swaying back and forth in the wind. Lush white bushes were sprawled across here and there, between tall trees crowned with white leaves. From their branches hung scarlet fruits that looked almost identical to apples. Some trees were even home to small animals in search for food and shelter. A soft breeze blew past Kia and I, carrying the sweet scent of flowers and some rustling leaves.

“Wow…”

“Stunning, is it not?” Kia said with a faint smile. “You are looking at the Plains of Gehenna. The flowers that bloom here are native to this kingdom. Some people travel across the entire world just to witness them with their own eyes.”

The scenery felt almost unreal, like it was ripped straight out of a fairy tale. Part of me wanted to stay here and keep admiring the view, but Kia urged me to keep a steady pace. The longer we travelled through the valley, the more interesting things I discovered. Animals resembling rabbits hopped through the fields while colourful birds soared across the sky high above us. Occasionaly I noticed a blue flower sticking out of the sea of red, though they were easy to miss. This place was simply too beautiful to be true. Under different circumstances, I probably would have tried to enjoy the moment more. Yet after dying twice, experiencing something this beautiful felt strangely surreal, distant, and unfair. I was convinced the world was just messing with me, showing me how beautiful life could be even after I had lost mine. A strong gust of wind suddenly threw a clutter of leaves straight into my face. Panicked, I started swinging wildly around me, flailing my arms around in self-defense. It was only after my desperate battle against the leaves had ended that I noticed Kia laughing at me.

“What’s so funny?”

“My apologies,” she responded, wiping a tear from her eye. “Just, the way you were swinging your arms around really tickled my funny bone.”

I felt my head turn red out of embarrassement. Was this another way of the World to punish me? If so, it seriously needs to get a new sense of humor.

Following that “accident”, we picked up where we left off and arrived at a wooden bridge. Below it sat a narrow stream that winded through the valley. The sound of flowing water was oddly relaxing, but as I gazed down the bridge I noticed that what was flowing there wasn’t water at all. Instead of the clear blue color I expected it to have, the stream was colored a bright orange.

“What are you looking at?” Kia asked me.

“What is that?” I inquired as I pointed down at the river.

“Oh, this is Ignis—the lifeblood of all living things,” she answered, before adding, “The temperature is especially pleasant during this time of year. You should try dipping your feet in it. I promise, you will find it lovely.”

I looked back at the orange stream in suspicion. Despite Kia’s reassurance and how calmly she described it, I couldn’t help but think that the liquid looked too much like lava for me to touch it. So, therefore, I politely declined.

Finally, we arrived at the giant wall encircling Gehenna. It was gigantic, easily twenty meters tall, and was built out of massive stone bricks. Some parts of it were withered and covered entirely in moss and vines, telling me that this had stood here for a very long time. Beneath the wall was an archway that was sealed shut by a black-metal gate. An entire garrison of soldiers had set up camp in front of it. Rows and rows of banners and tents stretched across the area, while armoured soldiers patrolled between them. They wore ivory-colored armor with golden accents, which shimmered brightly in the setting sun. Some of them carried swords while others carried spears or maces. I felt awfully tense walking up towards them, especially once I noticed the archers and ballistas positioned on top of the wall. Noticing my unease, Kia gave me a little tap on the shoulder.

“Do not fret,” she reassured. “There is nothing to worry about.”

From the corner of my eye, I noticed one of the guards hurrying his way towards us. His armor was shaped slightly different from the rest I’d seen, but the most noticeable change was the purple cloak he wore. Once he reached us, the guard took off his helmet, revealing the face of a handsome man underneath it. His curly hair was maple brown, and his eyes were a deep green with a slight yellow tint. In each ear he wore three earrings, two silver and one gold. He didn’t resemble a fighter to me, more some kind of model, but I guess you could say the same about Kia.

“Glad seeing you return well, Lady Kia. Nevertheless, may I suggest you keep your adventures outside the city to a minimum? My men are already occupied as it is, sadly. I would greatly appreciate it if I did not have to send them searching for someone of your stature as well.”

Kia made a small bow.

“Thank you for the kind words, captain Andromedus. However, you do not have to worry about me. I am fully capable of protecting myself—if the need ever arrives.”

The captain scoffed at her confident remark.

“I am aware of that fact, however, as captain of the Tenth Brigade, it is my duty to make sure no harm will come your way.”

His eyes then darted towards me.

“And who is this young lad walking with you, if I may ask?”

Before I could speak, Kia answered for me.

“His name is Shako,” she said before pausing. “I found him lying unconscious inside Sharp Peak and was guiding him back to town.”

“I see. I am sorry to hear that. In that case, I will not keep you waiting here any longer.”

Andromedus took us towards the gate before coming to a halt.

“OPEN THE GATE!”

With a loud racket, the metallic bars slowly rose up from the ground. Kia made another small bow to Andromedus before heading into town, with me walking close behind her.

What awaited me on the other side was another spectacular view. In front of me, the town stretched out into a series of bustling streets and beautiful buildings. Here and there were trees as well, giving this place even more of a magical atmosphere. Narrow channels of Ignis flowed alongside the edges of the streets, with rows of streetlights lined right beside them. The buildings had a medieval design, with wood-framed walls and slanted roofs, and were also ornamented with all sorts of decorations. Their windows were shining so brilliantly, as if they were made of crystal. The streets themselves were absolutely packed. People were wandering from stall to stall, chatting with others, looking at the displays, or carrying baskets full of food, while children darted through the crowds. Vendors called out towards each passerby, attempting to sell them their wares. Their products ranged from fresh produce and exotic foods to expensive clothing and weird-looking accessories. The scent of baked bread and grilled meat floated in the air, making me feel quite hungry. There was so much noise. After having spend hours inside Sharp Peak, the sound of so many people all in one place felt almost overwhelming. And yet… I didn’t dislike it.

“Welcome to Gehenna!” Kia said proudly. “So, what are your first impressions?”

Kia turned around and looked at me in suspense.

“It’s beautiful!”

“Glad to hear that! Over the last few decades, Gehenna has had quite the makeover. You may not suspect it, but there was a time this town did not look as glamorous as it does today. Yet, I digress. Shall we continue?”

I found myself getting distracted almost immediately. Every stall seemed to have something new and interesting on display that peaked my interest. More than once, Kia had to grab my arm and pull me along before I fell too far behind. On our way, she explained to me her people’s customs and traditions. Elysium’s prosperity came largely through trade. Merchants from here would travel all across the world, striking deals and creating connections that would benefit everyone involved. They were so good in their craft that people started calling them the ‘hagglers of the world’—though it’s usually used in a derogatory sense nowadays.

“Prosperity tends to spread wherever commerce flourishes.” she clarified.

Ultimately, it wasn’t all that different from how things worked back on Earth. Again, was that a coincidence, or is something else going on here? While we were walking through the streets, I couldn’t help but notice that the people were acting kind of odd around Kia. Many stepped aside the moment they noticed her, and some kids even pointed excitedly at her. Some whispered among themselves and I even caught a few people staring at me with open suspicion.

“Uhm… Kia? Is something going on here?”

She glanced toward the crowd before shifting her gaze toward me.

“The people of Gehenna tend to be wary of outsiders. That said, you have nothing to fear.”

We eventually arrived at the town square. There, my eyes were immediately drawn towards the colossal castle sitting in the middle. Back at Sharp Peak, it’d already looked huge. Now that I was standing in front of it, I understood how big it actually was. Giant towers stood at each corner of the building. The grounds were surrounded by an iron fence, with a vast garden filled with trees, fountains, and flowerbeds, sitting between it and the main building.

“We have arrived.”

“Huh?”

Kia pointed at the castle in front of us.

“This is my home.”

For a moment, I simply stared at her. Then I stared at the castle. Then back at her. Then back at the castle. And finally, back at her. My brain struggled to process the information.

“...What?”

“This is my home.” she repeated.

It took several long seconds until the meaning of those words hit me.

“WHAT?! T-This is your home?!”

Kia covered her mouth, trying desperately to surpress a laugh.

“I apologize for keeping it from you. I was simply curious to see how you would react.”

I took another glance at the castle before slowly turning back toward her.

“Kia, who exactly are you?”

“Surely you already have an inkling regarding my identity. However, I do admit it would be ill-mannered of me not to introduce myself properly.”

She took a step backwards and straightened her posture.

“Pay close attention, Shako, for I will say this only once. My name is Kia Asaria Sacramentia Unophia Diablo, daughter of His Majesty Azazel Barebaros Armus Unom Diablo III, and heir to the throne of Elysium. Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”