Oliver glanced at Edgar. "Uhm!" Oliver mumbled.

"Oh, hey!" Edgar waved timidly.

"W-wait! Wait! Bring Edgar with you! We have a child here!" Oliver called out to the carriage, but it had disappeared from their view already. Oliver turned back to Edgar. "...Oh, no, Ed! I'm so sorry. I should've insisted that you board the carriage with my dad."

"It's alright. I'm fine," Edgar replied.

"No, you're not. You're stuck here with us. We're about to face the deadliest war in Asbranne's history," Oliver said, glancing at the floor.

"I told you, Ed," Gregory sighed, crossing his arms. "You should've evacuated while there was still time."

"There might be another carriage around?" Sophia's eyes wandered.

"We couldn't be sure. Everyone fled as soon as the City Hall's bell rang," Oliver said.

"Yeah," Bethany added, surveying the desolate neighbourhood. "Just look around us. It's already deserted in less than an hour!"

Oliver sighed heavily. He began marching in the opposite direction of where Frederick's carriage had left, motioning for everyone to follow. "Come on, everyone."

Gregory raised his shoulders in confusion. "Where are we going?"

Oliver explained as they walked. "Alright. Here's the plan. We'll return to the northern part of our city, back to the same gate we entered earlier. Let's hope nothing has breached the city walls yet. Our priority is... to prevent the Pyro Void Monsters from infiltrating the city and minimize the expected damage. The grassland beyond the walls is the ideal battleground."

     After a long walk, seconds stretch into what feels like an eternity. Oliver and his companions finally reach their destination. As they approach closer, the city wall comes into view, towering above them.

     The tall, sturdy gates stood before them, still locked and untouched. The group couldn't help but feel relief in their veins as their eyes met the gates. They then stopped and caught up with their breaths.

     Oliver forcefully kicked a wooden entrance open with his right foot. As everyone peered inside, their eyes saw the stunningly blue wall moulded with intricate trimmings and curvy floral details. Sets of tables and chairs, arranged neatly throughout the space, dotted around the spacious floor, and on the left side of the entrance was a marble counter. The area appeared deserted until Oliver and his companions entered.

"Wow!" Bethany exclaimed, politely pushing her way into the cafe. "Guys, it's a cafe."

Sarrah chuckled softly, joining Bethany near the entrance. "You've never been to a cafe before?"

Sophia stepped inside. "This place is truly exquisite. It would be a shame to see it destroyed. You know what? Battling on the grassland seems like an even better idea now, Oli," she stated as she entered the cafe.

"Yeah," Oliver grinned at Sophia. Suddenly, he winced and rubbed his right leg. "Ow..."

Gregory noticed Oliver's discomfort and placed a comforting hand on his back. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine now," Oliver smiled. He then clenched his teeth as he rubbed his leg. "Thanks for asking."

Cautiously, everyone crossed the threshold and entered the cafe.

"So, what's the plan now?" Edgar inquired, grabbing an empty porcelain mug from the counter.

"We're going to rest. We're all exhausted after nearly an hour of walking," Oliver replied. "Oh, and Ed, since we haven't stumbled upon any passing carriages, I suggest you take cover here until everything is over. Hopefully, a vehicle will come by soon."

"Okay," Edgar smirked, holding the mug up playfully. "Anyways. Do you guys want some coffee?"

"Ed!" Gregory exclaimed in a loud whisper, sounding like an upset parent. "Put that mug back right now!"

Realizing his mistake, Edgar quickly placed the mug back on the counter.

"What's wrong, Greg?" Oliver asked as he took a seat nearby.

Gregory didn't respond but crossed his arms, glaring at Edgar. "Hm!" Gregory grunted.

Edgar, slipping his hands into his pockets, continued to smirk playfully. "Heh—"

"Oli? May we be excused?" Gregory said as he grabbed Edgar's arm.

"Alright...?" Oliver replied in confusion.

"Right," Gregory then pulled Edgar along. "Let's go."

"...I never saw Gregory that mad before," Sophia whispered as she sat with Oliver.

"I've seen worse," Oliver said, gawking at Gregory and Edgar.