"...Wow," Oliver's eyes widened as he locked gazes with Gregory.

"What did you see?" Gregory asked.

"I don't know," Oliver shook his head, still stunned as shimmering sparkles danced in his golden eyes. "But it was amazing."

"Hm, I'm glad you're glad," Gregory crossed his arms and glanced at the darkening sky. "Say, it's getting late."

"Shall we head back to Aunt Eva's house now?" Bethany interjected and asked the men.

"Sure, let's go," Oliver nodded with a glimmering smile still illuminating his cheeks.

As Oliver, Gregory, and Bethany strolled along the sidewalk, they conversed with one another, and the wind that battled against them carried their voices away.

"So, the place you were in is a... worship place?" Gregory placed his hands on his back.

"That's what Bethany said," Oliver replied, glancing at Bethany.

"It is, I suppose!" Bethany presumed.

"Oh, so..." Gregory pondered aloud. "It's some kind of church?"

"But for a different faith?" Bethany added.

"Perhaps... it's, uh..." Oliver placed a finger under his chin as his gaze lowered. "It's not a synagogue, though. They don't look like that."

"Then, which religion does that place of worship belong to?" Gregory wondered.

"...Hmm, possibly, uhm..." Oliver admitted after attempting to guess. "I'm not sure."

"What religions are present in Kugi, anyway?" Gregory inquired.

"There are tons!" Oliver answered, and his words flowed. "I read that there are more than a dozen beliefs here!"

"Wow, that's a lot," Gregory said.

"I know. But, despite the multitude of religions and beliefs in this land, people accept each other. They respect each other... they don't force their beliefs onto others. There's tolerance. People of different faiths live together harmoniously," Oliver gazed at the fading stars in the sky. "...But think about it. Maybe there's a different world in an opposing universe where people don't love each other... but hate each other, imposing their beliefs by the sword. So, let's consider ourselves lucky, despite what we've been through, for we have social and religious peace in our world." Oliver's gaze fell as he contemplated the reality of those who were unlucky to be born in a different realm. "...Perhaps, in a different world, people like us would be executed for having such relationships..."

"Hm, who knows?" Gregory chuckled lightly. "But I must say, I'm surprised. Now it's you who's the genius between the two of us."

"Comparing my intelligence to yours? No, I don't stand a chance," Oliver smirked.

     Soon, Oliver, Sophia, Gregory, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany, alongside Eva, Seraphina, and Sophie, gathered around a wooden table. The table showcases an array of dishes, including fried rice mixed with boiled eggs and curry, accompanied by steaming chicken skewers. Everyone eagerly feasts with their mouths solely focused on savouring the tangy and aromatic flavours that tantalize their taste buds and waft into their nostrils.

As everyone relished the delectable flavours melting in their mouths, Eva cleared her throat. "Ahem."

"Hm?" Oliver perked up, his attention captured.

"Oliver, right?" Eva inquired kindly.

"Yes, Ma'am," Oliver nodded, chewing as he spoke.

"I've heard from the girls that you're embarking on a trip around the world, doing a quest?" Eva asked.

"Yes, Ma'am," Oliver replied, taking another bite of rice.

"Is your quest finished?" Eva queried.

"No, not yet," Oliver answered.

"Oh? So, you still have other places to visit after Kugi?" Eva probed further.

"Yes," Oliver replied.

"May I know where exactly?" Eva asked, her interest laced in her smile and raised eyebrows.

"Hmm..." Oliver responded. "After Kugi, we'll be heading to Runtokgi and Aganulis. Just two more to go!"

"Runtokgi and Aganulis, hmm," Eva mused, and her gaze drifted to the ceiling as she considered the mentioned places.

"Yes, Ma'am." Oliver then turned to Bethany. "Hey, Bethany, which realm is closer, Runtokgi or Aganulis?"

"Runtokgi is closer," Bethany replied, raising a finger.

"I suggest you sail to Runtokgi first before travelling to Aganulis," Eva recommended as she cut her skewers.

"Oh, sailing again," Oliver tapped his pockets. He then sighed, glancing at his companions. "We're running low on funds..."

"I'll give you kids money!" Eva grinned.

"Oh, no, no, no! We can manage," Oliver expressed gratitude with a smile.

"Well, if we end up stranded somewhere because we ran out of coins to return home, we'll blame you, Oli," Sarrah remarked sarcastically.

"Don't worry," Oliver said. "...We'll put our trust in God. And let Him pave the way."

Eva, Seraphina, and Sophie gasped, their utensils clattering onto their plates as their voices echoed through the room.

"W-what's wrong?" Edgar whispered to Oliver, startled.

"...I think it's because I mentioned the word 'God'," Oliver stammered, raising an eyebrow.

Eva, Seraphina and Sophie gasped again but louder, prompting their hands to fly into their mouths.

"Oh, forgive me—" Oliver lowered his head.

"Oh! Since you'll travel to hot desert climates, you should dress like the locals!" Eva advised.

"We already gave Sophia and Sarrah some clothes," Sophie informed Eva.

"Good!" Eva clapped her hands. She then looked at Bethany. "Bethany, do you have yours?"

"Oh, not yet, Auntie," Bethany shook her head.

"Well, then," Eva said. "Seraphina, can you give Bethany some?"

"Yes, Mother," Seraphina stood up and left the dining room.

"Oliver, Gregory," Eva called the men. "...Edgar?"

"Yes?"

"I'll give you my husband's garments. It will be more comfortable to wear those than multi-layered suits under the blazing sun," Eva whispered loudly. "The robes' fabric will help you cool down from the heat," she said.

"Oh, we thank you, Mrs. Eva," Oliver smiled. "We appreciate your help."

Gregory and Edgar exchanged glances. Gratitude filled their eyes as they turned their attention to Eva, expressing their appreciation with a heartfelt smile.

     The night howls, captivating with stars sprinkling and shimmering alongside the burning, white moon. A bluish galaxy, blending into a gradient of purple, illuminates the atmosphere. The cold wind wanders, carrying tranquillity on its nocturnal journey. The entire neighbourhood basks in serene silence, embracing the peace with the nightly breeze.