tales of perdolia

chapter 10

Chapter 10
The shadows of the hidden storm

Five years had passed since Basil last set foot in Starfall, and the city's transformation was nothing short of astonishing. The once-familiar streets and buildings had given way to sleek, modern structures that seemed to stretch on forever. Basil's eyes widened as he took in the view from atop a cliff, the sun setting over the city like a fiery crown.

As he gazed out at the unfamiliar landscape, Basil's thoughts turned to Lily and Catherine, the women who had raised Abisai in his absence. He remembered the promise he made to himself to return to them, to protect and care for them. But now, he wasn't sure what he would find.

With a deep breath, Basil stood, his eyes fixed on the city below. He knew that his return would set in motion a chain of events that would forever alter the course of his life and the lives of those he loved.

As he entered the city, Basil was stopped by an Atlantean soldier. "Halt! What's your business here?" the soldier demanded, eyeing Basil's unfamiliar attire.

Basil hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. He couldn't tell the soldier his true intentions, and he didn't recognize the creature before him. The soldier looked like an elf, but with gills, and a face that was unmistakably human.

The Atlantean soldier lost his patience and pointed his rifle at Basil. But in an instant, Basil vanished, reappearing behind the soldier to deliver a swift karate chop to the neck. The soldier crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

Basil entered the city without another problem, his mind racing with questions. What had become of Lily and Catherine? How had Abisai's powers affected the city and its people? And what role would he play in the new dynamics of Starfall City?

As he walked through the bustling streets, Basil marveled at the advanced cityscape. Towering skyscrapers made of a glittering white material he'd never seen before stretched towards the sky, their rooftops hiding behind a veil of mist.

But despite the city's beauty, Basil couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. The air was thick with an otherworldly energy, and he could sense the presence of the Cosmic Force emanating from within the city.

Shrugging off the feeling, Basil continued towards the designated meeting spot, a small café on the outskirts of the city. Inside, he spotted Jack and Melissa, the only difference they grow up with however he saw some kind rings on finger's meaning they are now married, sitting at a cozy table by the window.

"Basil! Is that you?" Jack exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise.

Melissa's face lit up with a warm smile. "Basil, it's been so long! We thought you were... well, we didn't know what to think."

Basil chuckled, pulling back his hood to reveal his messy brown hair. "I'm back, and I've got a lot of catching up to do."

As they sat down, Basil asked, "What happened over the last five years? I can feel the disturbance in the air."

Jack's expression turned grim. "Ever since the Atlanteans arrived, everything changed. Prices skyrocketed, and many half-elves couldn't afford their homes. They were forced to return to the Mystic Forest."

Melissa added, "And it's not just that my beast kind . The Atlanteans seem to be experimenting with the mystic Force, using it to fuel their technology. Abisai's powers have grown stronger, but he's become a target for those seeking to exploit his abilities."

Basil's eyes widened as he processed the information. "Catherine and Lily left the city? But why?"

Melissa's expression turned somber. "They couldn't take the changes anymore. The Atlanteans' influence, the rising prices... they felt suffocated. They wanted a simpler life, away from all this."