Part 5

Eucalyptus and the others finally arrived in Rotdon. At first, the village seemed deserted, though it was clear that it was still inhabited. However, when Moki said, “It’s okay, they are friends,” a number of figures emerged. They were souls, lots of them, with appearances so peculiar that it was impossible to tell their age or gender. One figure seemed to be the leader, and only when she spoke did Eucalyptus realize she was a woman who had died around the age of 25. Like the other inhabitants, her appearance was too strange to easily discern her age or gender.

The leader introduced herself as Kaya, and she listened intently as Eucalyptus outlined her plan to destroy the Cross. Meanwhile, Moki was surrounded by souls that seemed like children—at least, that’s what Eucalyptus guessed based on their height, though they had likely died hundreds of years ago. Moki appeared to be very close to everyone; it was clear he visited often, as he was the protector of this village.

After Eucalyptus finished explaining her plan, Kaya pulled Moki aside to speak with him privately. During this time, Eucalyptus conversed with the village inhabitants and learned that they had died centuries ago due to some accident that no one mentioned. Out of respect, Eucalyptus didn’t press for details.

Minutes later, Kaya returned and told Eucalyptus that she would have to convince the entire village to join the Liberty, not just her. Understanding the gravity of the task, Eucalyptus delivered a speech with encouragement from Moki and Zephyr. To everyone’s surprise, including NaïKu, her words were incredibly persuasive. Even Shaya was pleased to see how effective Eucalyptus was as a leader.

The entire village agreed to help the Liberty in their mission to destroy the Cross organization. They pledged to craft weapons for everyone in the Liberty: Eucalyptus received a bat with sharp blades at its tip, Zephyr was given a beautiful bow with razor-sharp arrows, and Shaya got a powerful and elegant sword. Zestu and NaïKu refused weapons, relying instead on their own abilities, while Moki stated that he would not fight. The villagers didn’t question him, as they all understood his reasons, though Eucalyptus was a bit surprised. Still, she chose not to ask about it.

The group of five then continued their journey on their Velostrider mounts, leaving the village and its kind inhabitants behind.

After a day of travel, they reached the Flower HQ, where an eerie silence greeted them. The place seemed deserted, but eventually, a man appeared. His name was Kraken, the Boss of the Flower. He was completely uninterested in anything beyond his plants and creatures, and he initially refused to join the Liberty.

“If the Cross isn’t destroyed soon, you won’t be able to take care of your Demons and everything else, you know,” Eucalyptus pointed out. Kraken immediately realized she was right and agreed to help, though he refused to share any information about himself or the members of the Flower. However, he did agree to assist in any upcoming battle by unleashing the Demons they had tamed. Kraken and his brother Snowfly, who was also the sub-boss, examined their Velostrider, treated any injuries, and provided them with the supplies they needed. Eucalyptus thanked them both wholeheartedly, her usual cheerful demeanor shining through. Everyone couldn’t help but see her as a ray of sunshine.

They decided to rest in Syrena for the night and plan their next move. They chose to head to Coasta, even though it was far away—a journey of about a month on Velostrider back. The next day, they set off on their long journey, leaving the Flower HQ behind and passing through Anclona without stopping in any villages, not wanting to waste time, except for sleeping.

PART 6