Leaving the City

[Nea Alba. Hotel.

Afternoon. Kifestein]

What a weird day this has been, from being attacked early in the morning to witnessing the outset of a civil revolt. All of that, the very next day of learning that someone out there has the means to remove magic from this world. I couldn't doubt Ivan, since he himself was the living proof of his claims. I felt that our partnership was too hasty, but for some reason, I felt very uncomfortable knowing that magic could be gone. Moreover, after today's events, our companionship was stamped and sealed.

I took mine and Ivan's luggage and was waiting in front of the hotel. He sure was traveling light, seeing that he has just one briefcase and a bag. Eventually, I could hear the revving of an engine. From the distance, a red, glossy automobile was making its way towards the hotel. The roofless car approached with great speed. The car drifted to a stop right in front of me.

The aviator-clad, black-haired driver pulled down his sunglasses and pumped his eyebrows at me, causing me to heave a defeated sigh.

"It's raining, you look stupid." Ivan slightly jerked at my comment and removed his sunglasses. He then grinned and waved at the trunk of the car. I opened the trunk and saw a couple of barrels. While loading our luggage, I inquired, "What's in the barrels?"

"Money~ It's a gas~"

"The fact there really is gas in one of these barrels irks me... Anyway, genius. Who in their right mind keeps money with gasoline?!"

"It's just the barrel," he mumbled.

I cracked open the barrel with the money and was astonished! It was filled to the brim with cash! "Just how much is in here? You're loaded!… Have I ever told mentioned that you look quite handsome?"

"Shut up and close the damn trunk!"

I giggled and closed the trunk. Ivan was patting the only other seat in the car, so I sat there.

"What's with the car, though?" I asked.

"A small token of appreciation from Dorf for saving their factory," Ivan quipped back with a grin.

"So you stole it? Well, free stuff is always good."

"Aye, don't glorify robbery! I merely received a gift that they didn't intend to hand out! In any case—"

"Stop right there! You ain't getting no more magic! Drive normally!" I exclaimed. Ivan clicked his tongue and pumped the car. We were setting off.

"*Sigh* It's still raining… If you were gonna take a gift you should've taken one with a goddamn roof..." I said.

Ivan embarrassedly turned his face away. I don't know what would happen from now but one thing was crystal clear. My days with this dorky friend of mine are going to be fun.

**

We were about to reach the desolate city gates when the earth below us started rumbling and I felt a jolting sting on my back. An enormous amount of magic was about to be used. Nea too seemed to have sensed the movement of magical energy, as she straightened her posture and spoke in a grim tone. "They started locking down the city."

"Yeah... I wonder how this will end..."

She faced ahead without a word and stared out at the car. Looking back, too much happened in too little time.

I picked up speed, and we left the city gates. Soon, a large grade 7 magical barrier will engulf the entire city. A spell made ages ago will come into effect.

In the heavy rain, I could see a broken telegraph line. A car had crashed into it. After an exaggerated message left Kifestein, it will be impossible for the capital to know about the situation here and it will force them to play their hands. Due to one simple electric line.

For now, we were riding the asphalt roads; the car was gliding over the wet path.

Nea whispered something in a small voice.

"What was that?" I asked.

Suddenly, she shook her head in big movements and then tilted in towards me in a smile dripping with anticipation.

"Where are we headed now?" This time, her voice was louder and filled with excitement. I naturally grinned. Seeing my companion straighten her thoughts so early in the game made me happy too.

I replied to her, meeting her excitement head-on. "We are headed to the capital!"

For a moment, I had forgotten all about my goals and simply looked forward to what was waiting for us.