Unexpectedly, the ground beneath began to tremble, sending waves of rumbles across the surface. The concrete road witnessed pebbles bouncing in response. A growing chorus of marching sounds echoed from behind the rows of buildings, filling the air with an undeniable intensity. It was a sudden and alarming shift in the atmosphere.

     As the vibrations intensify, a gentle wave of alertness sweeps through Oliver and his companions. All eyes dart around, searching for the source of the disturbance until they collectively fix their gaze in one direction. Oliver and his friends stare towards the rear of the street where they stand.

     Slowly, shadows and silhouettes appear on the walls of a nearby building. However, the identity of the approaching crowd remains hidden in mystery until they finally emerge from the corner. A sight that commands attention unfolds before the Remaining Podeshire and his companions.

     A dozen rows of men march in unison along the street with their synchronized footsteps. Behind them, countless columns of thousands more soldiers stand tall, forming an imposing force. Each individual shares an identical appearance, defined by a distinctive uniform with a subtle variation in their headgear. Some wear tall shako caps, while others lack headgear altogether. Yet, their outfits remain consistent—a striking silver-to-gold gradient uniform.

"...Are they the army?" Gregory's voice broke through the tense silence

"What are they doing here?" Sophia wondered as she squinted at the approaching men.

     Oliver quickly decides to move forward. He raises both his arms and waves at the army. He then calls out for the men as they meet at one point in the street.

"Who sent you?" Oliver inquired the men.

"We are Asbrannian soldiers and city guards, volunteering to aid the Remaining Podeshire against the Pyrovoidians," the man in the front row replied. He then asked, "Are you the Remaining Podeshire?"

Surprised, Oliver answered, "Yes, I am."

"You are now in charge," the man saluted.

     In response to the man's words, the others behind him instinctively follow, mirroring his actions. They place the tips of their right palms on their eyebrows. Oliver lets out a quick breath. Quicky, he straightens his posture and salutes the men. He then turns around and looks at his friends with a small smile.

"...Alright. Let's get ready," said Oliver.

     Inside the empty cafe, Gregory and Edgar burst through the entrance. They hurriedly make their way towards a doorway that leads to the kitchen. Once inside, they search through every drawer and counter they encounter.

     Opening the kitchen drawers one by one, Gregory finds glass tubes and bottles, spending no time snatching them up and placing them on a nearby countertop. With each drawer he opens, he uncovers more materials, spotting a collection of glasses and a racket set of spoons. He then gathers them together on the counter.

     In the meantime, Edgar effortlessly slides a door open, revealing a sight that leaves his eyes wide. Inside the room awaits an enormous stack of ice cubes, reaching towering heights comparable to a grown man. Edgar hurryingly shields his face as the ice cubes cascade down upon him.

"Woah," Edgar shook the ice cubes off his shoulders.

     Edgar then hastens into the room, recognizing it as a chamber of ingredients. His eyes scan the corners, seeing the shelves and containers filled with tantalizing supplies. Turning left, he spots fragrant coffee beans, jars of sugar, and an assortment of sweeteners.

     Glancing to the opposite side, Edgar's breath caught in his throat as he beheld a dazzling display of rare and extravagant ingredients stored inside a jar, glowing through the glossy glass. As they sparkled, Edgar gasped and grinned. He quickly turned around and approached Gregory.

"Greg! Look!" Edgar jumped. "They have all the ingredients we need for ordinary concoctions like healing and stamina potions!"

     Sophia walks inside the cafe and enters the kitchen. Instantly, the sight of the two men crafting and brewing potions greets her. She immediately notices the towering glass tubes filled with colourful liquid. Other jars have different components that appear to be boiling with the rushing bubbles. Sophia's lips tighten.

"...Uhm, I will write a note for the cafe owner," Sophia clenched her teeth as she raised a brow.

     Sophia moves back with a few steps. She then lets her eyes wander around until they land on the same table where she had written her letter earlier. It still has the leftover papers from a while ago, and the quill pen and ink jar beside it are left untouched.

     Swiftly, Sophia took a seat on a chair. She then grabbed a quill on the table and dipped it inside the black ink jar. Immediately, she began composing a note.

     As Sophia focuses on her writing, she cannot stop glancing at the bluish smoke wafting from the kitchen doorway. Whirling and bubbling sounds intermingle with the mesmerizing display of colourful smoke, captivating her attention. The magical swirls and their enchanting noises grow louder, causing Sophia's gaze to shift back and forth between her note and the kitchen door.

     Suddenly, a blaring explosion erupting from the other room shatters the air, startling Sophia. The explosion coincides with the moment she finishes signing the letter. The sudden burst of sound and energy sends shockwaves through the air, leaving Sophia breathless.