Virtuality: Magic Island

Chapter 3: Movland in Danger

Magic Island was truly one heck of a gigantic place, but the borough of Movland takes up two sixths of it.

Movland essentially met all of your expectations for a modern city. The sidewalks were packed with people, and an stupendous amount of vehicles were driving up and down the streets. One of Magic Island's most well-know features was located here--rainbow bridge called the Aesthetic Bridge. The city was lit up with a variety of colorful lights day and night. It was the city that never sleeps on Magic Island.

The people of Movland use Majestic Magic, which is purple-colored magic that may be used for critical tasks like healing. You get hurt in a fight on the street? No worries. Just heal yourself with the glorious power, and you'll be fine. It is for this reason that there are almost no hospitals in the area. This is what everyone enjoys the best about this location.

Including Occidifu.

He and his massive army of armored, armed explorers strolled through the borough's streets. Those on the side were scared to death. Several parents grabbed their children and fled. Small business owners rushed inside, slamming and locking the doors and placing a CLOSED sign on them. This terrible horde of hunters was so large that it clogged the streets and even portions of the walkway. Drivers behind them were irritated and kept blasting their horns.

With a smirk on his face, Occidifu gazed about. It felt incredible to be scared by those manifestly inferior to him. His son Declan, on the other hand, was a little uneasy. Performing dirty hunting actions was awful enough, but he didn't realize this job would include provoking a public disturbance.

"Father," the boy said. "The gem is all the way in Perikayo."

"Yeah, genius," said Occidifu. "That's where we're headed now."

"But my feet are starting to hurt..."

Occidifu growled in anger. How embarrassing it was for him in front of his army for son to complain about such a foolish problem... He grabbed the boy by the neck and barked at him.

"How dare you?! You are a warrior, not a boy, and I'm gonna make sure you stay one!! Now shut up and keep marching, or you'll regret it."

He dropped Declan to the ground, and the boy stumbled a couple of feet before regaining his balance. He still can't believe his father is forcing him to participate in a goal that will lead to the extinction of another civilization. He groaned and marched on, not wishing to continue complaining.

Meanwhile, Lontari was already standing outside his house in Perikayo with Axel. The youngster was prepared to combat any evildoers who threatened Magic Island. He tightened his fists and smirked as he placed his gleaming blade on his back. His virtual mother waited on the front steps, watching her son for a few final seconds before he left. Denver stood by him, pained by the departure of his friend.

"You can't leave..." said Denver.

"Don't worry, little man," replied Lontari, placing a hand on the kid's head. "I'll be back before you know it, and when I am, you'll be glad I went out on this journey."

The mother hurried over to Lontari and gave him her millionth hug of the day. Lontari sighed and chuckled, gently releasing himself from her embrace.

"Don't get a heart attack worrying about me too much..."

His mom pleaded, "Please be careful. You know how explorers are."

"I already promised you, mom, and I'm promising you again. I'll be safe."

"C'mon, Lontari, we must get going!" Axel urged.

Lontari gave one final look and wave to his mother and neighbor before approaching his new fellow mage. He watched as Axel looked up at the sky and whistled loudly and smoothly with his thumb and index finger. Before he could question what the essence of that was, an orange dragon with maroon undersides flew across the sky, fluttering its wings up and down. Lontari took a step back, fascinated, just in time for it to softly fall on its feet.