Under the enchanting glow of the full moon, the southeastern part of Dark Daniera Forest warmly welcomed three rankers from the outside world. Marla and Almera, returning to their homeland, were accompanied by Eren, who had been graciously invited to explore the depths of the autonomous zone of the Amazonians.
With Marla leading the way, Eren and Almera followed closely behind. The trio approached the entrance of the sacred Amazonian territory, their steps measured and cautious. The air was mixed with a sense of anticipation as they prepared to enter this secluded realm.
Marla, with her light olive skin and flowing violet hair that danced in the moonlit breeze, exuded an aura of both strength and grace. Her piercing light brown eyes reflected the luminous moon, revealing a stoic expression that belied her underlying happiness at returning to her roots.
Clad in a black light armor jacket over a pristine white shirt, Marla's attire epitomized her seamless fusion of elegance and practicality. Her black pants, adorned with agility runes that emitted a silvery glow as she utilized her movement spell, accentuated her ethereal presence. Completing her ensemble were the black footwear artifacts etched with weight-manipulation runes, enabling Marla to traverse the forest with unrivaled stealth and grace.
Eren, in his tall and lean figure, emanated a friendly aura that masked his true potential. His emerald green eyes shimmered with a mysterious light, their brilliance amplified by the radiant moon above. Dressed in casual adventurer attire, Eren donned a lightweight leather armor, complemented by a cream-colored tunic. Gauntlets and arm bracers adorned his arms, offering additional protection.
His dark brown pants, intricately inscribed with defensive runes, provided enhanced safeguarding, while his swords—Rigor Mortis, crackling with lightning elements, and Anduril, ablaze with fiery energy—rested comfortably at his waist. Eren's footwear artifact, inscribed with space-element runes, was primed for his space-element spellcasting, particularly the Blink spell.
Despite his ability to summon his weapons from storage, Eren chose to keep them within reach as he ventured alone into the Amazonian territory, finding solace in their familiar presence. The Amazonians were a friendly bunch for those they invited in their territories. However, staying cautious was Eren's second nature.
Almera, radiating stunning allure, embodied the essence of a seasoned ranger. Her form-fitting full body suit accentuated her figure, allowing for unrestricted agility and mobility. Towering in stature, her steady mana signatures spoke volumes about her unwavering commitment to her ranking journey.
As the trio embarked deeper into the Amazonian territory, their presence resonated with the spirits of the forest. The moonlit path ahead whispered secrets of ancient power and untamed beauty, igniting a sense of excitement and reverence within their hearts.
***
Lost in her thoughts, Marla paid no heed to Eren's earlier question, her mind wandering amidst the ethereal moonlit forest. It seemed that Almera was in the same state of mind. It was as if finding themselves back in these enchanting woods was an emotionally moving experience for the Amazonians who had lived outside it for a very long time.
Eren, captivated by the enchanting sight of Marla's graceful figure ahead of him, admired the view of her alluring silhouette, a mild annoyance coloring his voice as he spoke.
"Knock knock. Marla, my darling, stop daydreaming and answer my question, will you? How much longer until we reach our destination?"
Startled, Marla was abruptly pulled back to reality by the firmness in Eren's tone. Realizing her momentary lapse, she cleared her throat and composed herself, ready to address his query.
"My apologies, Guild Master. I was simply reminiscing about my childhood in these woods," Marla replied, her voice tinged with a touch of nostalgia. "Being immersed in the forest has always been a true blessing for us Amazonians."
With a wistful sigh escaping her lips, Marla's voice carried a touch of melancholy as she continued her tale. "Eren, you see, both my half-sister Marie and I were groomed from a tender age to serve as the vital bridge between the Amazonians and the outside world. Our lives took a different path compared to the rankers of either faction—the Amazonians and the original inhabitants of Anfang."
Marla's gaze turned distant, her thoughts drifting to Marie. "Marie, ever the spirited soul since her early days. I wonder if she holds the same fondness for these woods as I do. Nevertheless, I believe she, too, would find solace in returning here from time to time, rejuvenating her spirit. It's as if the very essence of nature permeates our beings the moment we step foot into these sacred zones."
Marla's words resonated with a deep connection to the land, her voice carrying the weight of her personal experiences. She cherished the nurturing energy that coursed through these woods, recharging her body and soul with this visit.
Eren had informed Marla that her sister, Marie, awaited her arrival in the city of White Raven, filling her heart with anticipation. Yet, the lush surroundings of the forest evoked cherished memories, evoking a mix of emotions within her. Her voice carried a delicate undertone of nostalgia as she shared fragments of her past, as if observing those moments from a distant vantage point.
"Eren, I was groomed to fulfill the role of an Amazonian ambassador within the territories of Edinburgh. The kingdom requested my services as a lecturer at the prestigious Lionhearts Adventurers' Academy, and I willingly obliged."
Marla's words conveyed a sense of reflection and wisdom. "As ambassadors, we were tasked with extensive learning and rigorous training. Though my childhood was undoubtedly demanding, in retrospect, I don't think I have any grounds for complaint. Those days were filled with the pure joy and awe-inspiring beauty of nature, treasures that I failed to fully appreciate at the time."
Her voice grew somber, carrying the weight of her experiences beyond the forest's embrace. "The world outside these woods can be overwhelming and fraught with stress. It may offer countless opportunities, but each comes at a cost, a price that not all can afford."
Marla's words hung in the air, carrying the weight of her perspective. She knew that their destination, the first settlement, awaited them within the hour if they maintained their current pace. But before they arrived, she felt compelled to shed light on certain aspects of Amazonian life to deepen Eren's understanding.
"Anyway! To answer your question– we will reach the first settlement within an hour. But before we do that, there are a few things I must share with you about us Amazonians," she concluded, her voice resolute, ready to impart lesser-known knowledge of her extraordinary society.
