Chapter 39: Welcome to South Africa

Chapter 39: Welcome to South Africa

The flight was smooth, and after some hours, the plane landed in South Africa. Ini and Arike got off the plane, stretching their legs and taking in the sights and sounds of the airport.

As they walked out of the terminal, they were greeted by a well-suited man holding a sign that read "Ini". Ini's eyes narrowed slightly, unsure who this man was or why he was waiting for them.

The man, noticing Ini's confusion, smiled and approached him. "Good afternoon, Mr. Ini," he said, his voice smooth and professional. "I'll be your driver. I have been assigned by the guild."

Ini looked around, expecting to see some luggage handlers or other signs of official business, but there was nothing. The man's words seemed genuine, but Ini's instincts were still on high alert.

"Could I take your luggage?" the man asked, his eyes scanning the area as if expecting to see some bags or suitcases.

Ini looked around, realizing that they didn't have any luggage with them. "We don't have any luggage," he said, his voice calm.

The man nodded, his expression unchanging. "Very well, then. Please, get into the car."

Ini and Arike exchanged a glance, then got into the car. The man got in behind the wheel and started the engine.

As they drove away from the airport, Ini's eyes scanned the scenery, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Arike chatted with the driver, asking him questions about the city and its attractions.

Ini listened to their conversation, his mind still focused on the reason they were in South Africa. He was here to meet with Willow, and he couldn't shake off the feeling of anticipation and uncertainty.

The driver, sensing Ini's distraction, glanced in the rearview mirror. "We're almost there, Mr. Ini," he said, his voice smooth. "The guild is located in the heart of the city."

Ini nodded, his eyes still fixed on the scenery outside. He was ready to meet with Willow, but he had no idea what to expect.

As they were driving, Arike suddenly let out a loud "Stop!" Both the driver and Ini looked at her, concerned. "What's wrong?" the driver asked, his voice calm.

Arike's eyes were shining with excitement. "That's Burger Palace! I heard they have the best burgers in all of Africa."

The driver and Ini exchanged a relieved glance. That scream had been nerve-wracking.

Arike looked at Ini with puppy eyes, her voice taking on a pleading tone. "Can we go, pleeeeeeeeease?"

Ini sighed, his expression softening. "Sure," he said, his voice resigned.

The driver pulled over, and they parked the car. Arike practically bounced out of the vehicle, her excitement infectious.

As they entered the restaurant, Arike's eyes widened at the menu. "I'm going to get everything!" she exclaimed.

Ini chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Maybe just get one thing to start with," he suggested.

Arike pouted, but eventually settled on a burger and fries. When the food arrived, she dug in with gusto, stuffing her face with fries and burger.

It was a miracle that she didn't get a single stain on her face, considering how she was eating. The driver and Ini watched her, confused, as she seemed to be eating like a noble lady and a riff-raff at the same time.

Noticing them staring at her, Arike looked up, her mouth full. "What?" she asked, her voice muffled.

The driver and Ini looked away, their faces expressionless. "Nothing," they said in unison.

Ini ordered a burger and fries for himself, and offered to get some for the driver as well. But the driver declined, no matter how much Ini insisted.

"I'm fine, thank you," he said, his voice polite.

Ini raised an eyebrow, but didn't push the issue. He turned his attention back to Arike, who was still eating with abandon.

She was enjoying herself, and he decided he should enjoy himaelf also to get his mind off all that's happening in his head. Ini smiled to himself, watching her with a fond expression.

After eating, Arike rubbed her slightly bulged out tummy, her eyes looking like she was high on happiness. She smiled, her expression dreamy.

Ini looked at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. With a wave of his hand, Arike began floating in the air, her eyes still closed in bliss.

Ini signaled to the driver, who nodded and got up, understanding that it was time to leave. He went to the parking lot to retrieve the car.

Ini called for the waiter and paid the bill, his movements smooth and efficient. As he turned to leave, Arike floated behind him, her eyes still closed.

The onlookers watched in confusion, unsure what was going on. Some of them looked at Ini with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion, but he ignored them, his focus on getting Arike safely into the car.

By the time Ini arrived at the parking lot, the driver had brought the car over. Ini opened the door and used his powers to gently place Arike inside.

Arike didn't even stir, her eyes still closed in happiness. Ini smiled, amused by her antics. He got into the car beside her, and the driver started the engine.

As they drove off, Ini looked at Arike, his expression fond. She was still floating slightly above the seat, her eyes closed in bliss.

The driver glanced in the rearview mirror, his expression neutral. He had seen some strange things in his line of work, but this was definitely unusual. "Mother always said to me, if you live long enough you'll see it all." He mummured to him self sighing.

Ini didn't seem to notice, his attention focused on Arike. He reached out and gently buckled her seatbelt, making sure she was safe. He slowly let her sit on the chair, releasing the hold of his powers over her gently.

As they drove away, the onlookers watched, still trying to make sense of what they had just seen. But Ini and Arike were already gone.