That's So Wizard

Chapter 28 - Party Like It's 1499

The view itself, even though they had seen it before, was something not of this world. Or perhaps it was exactly the opposite, and that's what made it seem so pure and uplifting. When gazing off a mountain to take in the hundreds of kilometres of even taller mountains and an ocean of trees, there's something that awakens in everybody. It's the thought of what the Earth might look like if there was hardly a touch from humanity's hands. But where they stood at that moment, there were ruined walls of stone atop the plateau. They had allowed a day of rest, and then they returned to Machu Picchu.

Rend, Ron, Dylan, and Xeno were all contained in the Demon World, and they had become Lucy's problem instead. Asta fell upon her own blade as well, which finally ceased the influx of threats falling upon the group. There wasn't even a drop left of the Elixir of Strength.

There was still a bitter feeling mixed within the sweet. None of them had wanted to kill the woman behind it all, and something about her tale bothered Eldrian even more. But he knew he couldn't allow it to bring him down, especially during a time meant for celebration. Now all five stood at the entrance of the hidden Inca civilization they had met before most of what occurred.

"This place is beautiful," whispered Renatta. "There is really a secret city here?"

Eldrian nodded. "The inside is even more stunning. Hopefully they'll let us inside now that everything's been cleaned up. They'd rather not be found out, but we did help them before. As long as they aren't upset we couldn't return the Elixir."

Daveon was up front performing the same arcane ritual he had when they first found the entrance. Just like before, he stepped back and they waited.

"You have returned," whispered a voice within all of their minds.

"We have," answered Eldrian. "And we did it. Somehow, we managed to find the person behind everything, and the ones still living are being kept by Lucy herself. It was a woman named Asta Ahlgren... It's complicated, but she's gone now. And so is the rest of the Elixir. At least it can't hurt anybody else now."

"Losing another relic. That is most unfortunate. I am, however, glad to hear of your success, Eldrian. We wished not to allow further entry into our land, but if you assure us the culprit is dealt with, you have done us yet another great deed. Come inside, and we will rest easy, together."

As before, despite the thinness of the wall, a gateway opened on their side to stretch a passage way into somewhere else entirely. Instead of leading to the other side of the ruin, it brought them into an expansive garden with houses around them, and a towering temple up ahead. It was gorgeous, but it was also not the view that caught Eldrian's attention. He smiled when he saw Huanca and Urco waiting for them, still garbed as they normally were. The two hairless men bowed.

"Come," said Urco as he gestured a hand forwards, and his companion did the same.

"Yes," said Huanca. "We will celebrate proper, but first, make yourself at home within the courtyard here. The two of us will gather food and drinks, and then you can tell us all about what happened."

"Do not forget the donuts!" shouted Renatta with a laugh.

***

It didn't take long for the entire area to reform itself from a calm paradise to a jovial festival. Finely knit blankets were spread out all around the field, and on each were various foods. There was a bonfire in the center, and the Inca people were dancing. It was something to behold for the group after all of the gloom and chaos they had suffered through for several days straight.

Amidst the festivities were the five accompanied by Huanca and Urco. Daveon and Renatta danced to the side, while the remainder sat and munched on local cuisine such a duck meat, quinoa, pineapples, and more.