Astral Flow

Chapter 8

As the two stepped out into the open field Ryder looked around in shock as he saw many more players were casually walking around, carrying things like wood or meat to wagons to get them back to town.

There really wasn't a single enemy in sight now unlike at the very start, though there were some players still patrolling looking for any that might spawn.

"Wow, guess things really have changed" Ryder mumbles to himself.

"Yes, you outlanders have brought back some civility after all." Yuria comments in a matter of fact tone with a carefree smile. "It's made gathering supplies way easier, as well as befriending many of the forest spirits."

"Oh yeah, what's the deal with that anyways? They ran away from me both times I saw them, was it really because of that darkness?" Ryder asks while casually walking alongside her.

"It was, those creatures are adverse to any overbearing elemental feeling, not just darkness... it just so happened to be that's what you were coated in from the other realm and likely an artifact as well, so you reeked of an overpowering darkness..." a small smirk crosses her face. "That or you truly are just that scary to them."

"What's that supposed to mean?!" Ryder quickly looks at her, easily taking the bait.

Yuria just responds with a carefree shrug. "I mean you are a big scary guy who randomly showed up in their home, I'd run away too."

"Oh come on, you know it wasn't like that." Ryder sighs and hangs his head a bit at this.

"I'm only teasing you." Yuria calmly says as she looks at him. "You should try to relax, this will likely be a rarity for you moving forward. After all, your power and equipment is likely weaker than everyone else's right now."

"Yeah that's true, I'll definitely have to work on catching back up along with seeing about getting you introduced to everyone else like Radogan and Aranea." Ryder casually places his hands behind his head while he walks, slightly glancing at all the players and NPCs they pass.

"Here we are." Yuria says, snapping Ryder back to attention.

There he sees what looks to be the village that Aranea was talking about before they split off.

It's a decently sized hub, though clearly way smaller than the capital.

It has a wooden wall protecting it and some small buildings can be seen from the entrance, though the most noticeable thing were the guards.

A couple of players and NPCs were standing guard, all wearing their own gear but happily talking.

Not only that but it's clear that the village has been made peaceful as even some music and lots of talking can be heard from the village at this distance.

Ryder blinks a few times, wondering if this is really the same war torn place they'd been put in.

As the two walk forward the guards happily wave or nod to them and let them pass, clearly seeing them as no threat.

Once they're inside they see the place absolutely bustling with commotion.

Many parties talking about what to do next, bards performing to get everyone's spirits up, merchants trying to make a profit and so much more can be seen and heard as they walk around. Honestly it's a little overwhelming but just being there gets Ryder's spirits lifted higher than they'd ever been.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself." Yuria comments as she looks his way.

"Just happy to see the situation has improved somewhat, honestly expected it to stay all doom and gloom." he says now letting his arms fall to his sides.