The enveloping darkness of the night swallows the surroundings as the stars sparkle in the vast heavens. Illuminated by the radiant glow of the bright crescent moon, a gentle and subdued moonshine bathes the ink-blanketed landscape, casting a soft reflection on the almost ethereal clouds. The hot air balloon glides forward with a smoothness reminiscent of a steady slide. The wind howls as it brushes against the expansive envelope while the furnace's fiery flames resound through the atmosphere.

     Oliver grips the railing tightly, leaning his head out to peer below. Instead of the sight of land, he meets an expansive ocean, its inky depths resembling a shimmering pool of liquid gasoline. The wind playfully tousles Oliver's fiery hair as he leans out, causing strands to fall onto his face.

     The sea below lies in a state of serene tranquillity, devoid of crashing waves or the rippling effects stirred by the wind. The ocean stretches like a mirror, flawlessly reflecting the night sky above, resembling a vast, flat black sheet. As the hot air balloon ventures through the clouds, a chilly breeze from the skies brushes against Oliver's face, causing visible puffs of breath to escape from his mouth and nose.

"Wow, it's cold tonight," Sophia said, her breath forming a misty cloud in the chilly air.

"Wait, it's cold?" Oliver responded, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"The cold never seems to bother you, huh?" Sophia glanced at Oliver, raising an eyebrow.

"Nor the heat," Oliver added, his smile widening.

"Eh? I hate the heat," Gregory interjected, joining Oliver by the railing.

"Says the man who's always wearing fur coats," Sophia grinned.

"Huh?" Gregory looked at Sophia, momentarily caught off guard.

Sophia giggled, her hand rising to cover her mouth, trying to contain her laughter.

Interrupting the banter, Sarrah let out a loud yawn, capturing the group's attention. "Where are we heading next?"

"Hmm..." Oliver pondered, his eyes scanning the horizon. "The nearest place in need of help is Emria, located south of Hannsbarnne and slightly to the east."

"Emria?" Sarrah's eyebrows lifted, her curiosity piqued by the mention of her homeland.

"Yeah," Oliver nodded. "...Oh, wait! Yeah! You're from Emria, right?"

"My parents were," Sarrah confirmed, her interest intensifying as the conversation drew her nearer Oliver.

"How fascinating," Oliver nodded, his eyes lighting up. He glanced at the ground, trying to absorb every word. "Learning about your cultural background will help me understand the diverse ethnicities we'll encounter as we explore different parts of the world."

"Uh-huh," Sarrah replied, placing her hands on her back and raising her chin slightly.

"Now..." Oliver raised his chin higher. He then pointed towards the dark horizon. "To Emria!"

"Let's go!" Gregory grinned, crossing his arms as he widened his stance.

"Yeah, can't wait!" Edgar bounced on his toes.

Oliver and his companions erupted into laughter as they leapt on the hot air balloon. The vehicle shuddered momentarily, causing them to freeze before succumbing to faint giggles.

     Once as dark as a blackberry, the sky gradually transitions into the hues of a ripe blueberry. Indigo becomes the prevailing shade, saturating the atmosphere, while the clouds emerge, contrasting the darkness with their glistening whiteness. The stars scattered across the heavens begin to fade, their shimmering presence slowly waning. Then, in the distance, the radiant pillars of orange light emerge.

     Pastel blue and soft pink blend near the rising sun as golden rays of burgeoning light delicately dance, casting a glow in everyone's eyes. A gentle breeze sweeps through, caressing the surroundings. Meanwhile, the blue ocean gradually reveals itself, its colour blending in seamlessly with the horizon.

     The surrounding clouds have grown thinner and slightly translucent, allowing glimpses of the blue sky beyond. The air carries a freshness that invigorates the senses, lacking any stinging or stifling smell but offering a serene essence that prompts one to close one's eyes. The air becomes a gentle friend, accompanying the tranquil breeze.

"...Guys?" Bethany's smile stretched from ear to ear as she gazed down from the hot air balloon. "I see land!"

Everyone rose to their feet, crowding around Bethany. As they beheld the sight of land, they gasped and dropped their jaws.

"We've arrived," Oliver declared calmly, his gaze fixed on the expanse below, where a thick and dense forest veiled the grassy terrain.

Oliver and his companions smiled as they locked their eyes on the distant land. They stared at the new and unfamiliar realm they had entered, excitement rising within them as they began a conversation.

"Wow..." Gregory uttered.

"Can you believe it? We're here!" Oliver grinned as he gazed at the sprawling land.

"I certainly can," Gregory replied, a gentle smile gracing his face as his focus remained fixed on the land.

"It's truly incredible," Oliver said, his gaze lingering on the vast expanse before him. "...It's truly incredible to think I'm venturing into a place I've never set foot in before..."

Meanwhile, Sarrah and Bethany engaged in their conversation.

"Wow! We're in Emria! Your homeland, Sarrah!" Bethany cheered. "Do you think you still have relatives here?"

"I haven't even met my own grandparents, let alone my aunt, uncles, and cousins," Sarrah replied.

"If we're heading to Kugi, I can introduce you to my relatives who live there," Bethany offered, wrapping an arm around Sarrah affectionately.

Sarrah leaned her head against Bethany's forehead. "If you want, Beth."