Marina was just as flabbergasted as the goblins. No one expected that reveal.
"Hold on, you're saying that white-haired boy, and girl… are owners?! N-No… that can't be right. They can't be the ones who controlled Gincad. That's… impossible—
The old goblin woman chuckled and patted Marina, who was still disbelieving.
"Haha. Honey, you look so surprised. Of course, they are rulers! Just LOOK at their appearances! Their bodies, faces, and everything about them are perfect in all aspects. So perfect that it's unrealistic for humans to maintain it for so long."
Both Asahi's and Aletha's faces turned red. Their bodies trembled, they shuffled their feet, and their palms sweated. Despite their verbal denial, both knew the old woman spoke the truth.
Marina swiftly turned her head away from them and tried to hide her blush. Now that she realized it, it became apparent that they are somehow attracted to Asahi and Aletha. It's not just because of their irresistible looks, but primarily because the two were rulers.
While staring through Asahi's crystal gray eyes, Marina became speechless.
"H-Huh? He can't…. He can't be… no wonder why…."
Immediately, she bowed before the two and apologized in a quivering tone.
"I'm sorry for disrespecting you. I'm sorry… please forgive me."
The goblins were just as surprised that their most powerful leader, the Elder Goblin Queen, was now suddenly praising someone's looks. It was said that she never grew an attraction to anyone throughout her life, but now… she's praising two beings with all her might.
Just like Marina, all of them bowed down in front of Asahi and Aletha. Both were showered with praise—a feeling absent for millennia.
They even saw Drimi, Phthonus, and Sally bow to them. That made it clear that Rulers are a big deal in this area. While all of them tilted their heads down, they heard Drimi's voice.
"I never knew you two were Rulers. That explains all the praise Belial and the others gave you. I lend you our greatest respect…"
As the entire village fell silent, Asahi scratched his head and shouted.
"Come on, this is unnecessary. We're Rulers, I know… but we never asked for this."
Already, a goblin answered.
"Why not, Ruler Asahi?"
Just the thought of being called 'God' gave Asahi an uneasy feeling. Now he was tangled in deciding whether to tell the truth or remain silent. Then he realized, Aletha could blurt out the truth at any moment. Just like before, Asahi swiftly covered Aletha's mouth, leaned his head to her ear, and then roughly whispered to her.
"Don't you dare say a word! I will handle this."
Aletha gave a thumbs up and nodded while her words were muffled by Asahi's hand.
"Okay…"
Asahi turned his head back to the crowd and stepped forward. Though the direction of everyone's arms followed him, he still felt as if this was some sort of setup. Likewise, if that were the case, then the Elder Lady wouldn't have an S on her attire. So, Asahi entrusted them and chose to reveal.
"…people, I have an announcement!"
He gritted his teeth. His heart rapidly thumped, his palm sweated, and his breathing grew ragged. Aletha started to question herself if whatever her brother was doing was a good idea; however, Asahi continued anyway.
"We…
The crowd eagerly awaited his answer.
"We don't have our powers anymore…."
Shortly after, the crowd and everyone else grew silent.
Not even the sounds of nature were heard.
A sea of thousands of eyes glared at Asahi and Aletha. Both felt a horrible dread slither up their backs. Even Kali Leila seemed displeased by the revelation.
As the awkward silence continued, a boy screamed out from the crowd.
"We're doomed!"
Then, the crowd went chaotic. Objects were tossed into the air, the forest got disturbed by their aggravating screams, and people started to get hurt for no apparent reason. The rest of the group just stared at both of them with disbelief.
As the crowd continued its chaos, Kali walked up to Asahi and asked with a gentle voice.
"Is that… true?"
Instead of Asahi replying, it was no other than Aletha.
"Yes."
Asahi's eyes widened. He can't believe that Aletha blatantly blurted out the response without thinking. As the crowd slammed and tossed things, Asahi turned his head to Aletha and whispered aggressively.
"Are you kidding me, sis? This is why I want your mouth shut."
Aletha responded with a loud voice for everyone to hear.
"But… It's the truth!"
Asahi released a deep sigh and tilted his head down to the floor. For a moment, he couldn't believe that they were praised like they used to be. With their powers gone, they're nothing— or so that's what Asahi thought.
As time passed, Drimi walked up to Asahi and whispered to her in a soothing voice.
"It's fine, Asahi. Sure, you don't have your powers… but you do have your wit. Isn't the thought of power about what it's used for, rather than just a measurement of strength? Power doesn't have to just be about strength. It can also take the form of wit, leadership, and determination…."
She patted Asahi's back and chuckled. Drimi knew that both could be potential leaders if they had the 'power' needed. She added as the crowd continued to riot.
"I guess now's not the time. I suppose that you're still powerless both mentally and physically. But that's okay, the other three knights and I will stand by your side. We all have faith that you will be the heroes we need for this world."
This flattered both Asahi and Aletha. They never expected such words from her. Deep inside, they appreciated Drimi's encouragement. It lifted their hopes.
However, they were still afraid of the crowd, especially of what they did.
So, Drimi stepped in.
"Listen up! Stop what all of you are doing this instant! Or else, I will demolish this village with darkness!
Immediately, the crowd silenced and settled down. Drimi stepped onto a box and then lifted her arm. She cleared her throat and raised her voice— pointing to the wanderers.
"If you ever want to leave this village, you must entrust your lives to Asahi and Aletha. Though they are powerless Rulers, I KNOW that they have more strength than all of you!"
The goblins slowly stepped forward and averted their full attention to Drimi. She stood up proudly and fixed her posture. Drimi then yelled at them with the voice of a true leader.
"Now, that doesn't mean you should give up. Sure, you may not be strong, but with the assistance of others and your support, EVERYONE will be strong! Everyone will have that smidge of power for themselves. That's what you're not realizing! Strength is about the Will to continue on and to never give up. Strength is the proof of your determination and hope. The stronger you are, the more proof you have. If we can all work on this together, we will eventually take down Abril and free everyone from this place!"
Adrenaline surged through all the goblins. Drimi's words touched their hearts. Even Asahi and Aletha felt a deep hope; the once stubborn children now stood firm. Drimi stomped her foot against the crate and screamed.
"Now, what do you all say?! Do you want these two to save this nation or not?!...
The entire crowd hollered with pure determination. Hope surged through every part of their body.
"Now, all of you get your butts up and prepare your swords, feast on large meals, make allies, and train! This will be the last day you will be here! And I know that for a fact!"
The crowd cheered and raised their objects into the air. In their hands, we're tools, clothing, attire, and even children. They all reply with one loud yell.
"YEAH!"
Drimi powerfully stomped her foot on the ground and raised her voice with all her breath.
"Go, all of you! Go and prepare! Get your weapons forged and build defenses. For the battle shall start tomorrow morning!"
The look of determination formed on all the goblins' faces. The group then parted ways and finally went to their respective workplaces. Drimi saw the villagers carving out spears, forging weapons, constructing armor, and training. She placed her fists on both sides of her hips and smiled with confidence. She whispered to herself as she heard metal clang.
"I never would have thought that such a hopeless village could turn into a powerful workforce. I guess they are easily motivated. I really don't understand how they could follow me so easily. Is there some secret hidden here that I don't know about?"
While Drimi questioned herself and watched everyone work, Aletha ran up to her.
"Wow, Drimi! When did you get so confident? I have never heard words like that before."
"Heh, it's okay, Buttons! I learned all of this from my father. HE was the true hero, not me."
Asahi rubbed his chin and asked.
"Hmmm, what was your father like?"
Just as Drimi was about to answer his question, the same old goblin woman approached them and asked.
"Hey, I have heard the speech you made. I believe that these two really have potential. If Asahi and Aletha are interested, would you like them to take a tour of our facility? I think that these two Rulers need to know where they are."
Drimi's face flushed in a deep red. Luckily, a mask was covering her nervous smile.
"Huh?! O-Oh, I don't own them. They're not my children. They are--
The elder woman gasped.
"You're not their mother? You act just like what a mother would be to these two. Standing up for them…."
"I-I'm not, I swear…."
The woman profoundly sighed and slowly shook her head. Even she knew that was a bold assumption to make. However, she doesn't mind making that mistake. As the villagers pass near them, both wanderers examine their surroundings. They see brown straw huts, wood buildings, campfires, and abandoned stone structures everywhere in this area.
While Drimi and the elderly woman discussed, Aletha softly whispered to Asahi.
"Big brother, the kitsune almost defeated Phthonus and Drimi combined."
Asahi raised his eyebrow and replied with a shocked tone in his voice.
"Really?!"
"Yes! We must prepare…."
As they stared at the treetops, suddenly they heard footsteps sound behind them. The wanderers turn their heads and see a beautiful woman with long, glossy hair and azure eyes standing near them. She nervously rolled her thumbs and asked.
"Hey, do you mind if I show you a tour of this village?"
Asahi didn't even resist replying. He was still furious at Marina.
"What? No—"
Aletha interrupted Asahi by covering his mouth. She pushed him aside and greeted Marina with a friendly voice.
"Why, of course, we will. I want to learn more about this place."
Marina lightly giggled and smiled. She clapped her hands with satisfaction, then waved to Drimi.
"Okay, then it's settled. Hey, Drimi! I'm going to take Asahi and Aletha on tour."
As Drimi was about to decide with the elder, she slowly nodded her head and gave Marina a thumbs up.
"Okay. Just make sure they're safe…."
Drimi covered her mouth again and sighed. She realized she was acting differently from how she usually acts. As she saw the wanderers and Marina walk towards the three buildings, Drimi whispered to herself.
"I guess the elder was right. I really do sound like a mother…"
* * * * * * * *
As Asahi and Aletha stroll around the village with Marina, a vision flashed in both their minds.
The Wanderers saw their younger selves dangling their legs over a cliff with Aiyana.
The waves crash near their feet, the sky is as blue as it was back then, and the trees are just as tall, too. They couldn't believe it. When they glimpse at the vision, they realize that they DID have a younger form.
However, as a goblin passes, their image quickly flashes back to reality. As the trees swerve to the right, Marina asks.
"Hey, are you alright? You know, I apologize for being rude earlier. I never knew that you were a god."
Asahi rubbed his eyes and sighed. He clearly heard Marina. As he blatantly stared at her eyes, his consciousness whispered to him.
"You know, you can't keep this fury forever. Just accept her apology!"
Asahi then realized that his height towered over Marina. Nevertheless, he didn't remember being this tall before. However, he greatly accepted it without question. In Marina's eyes, his abrupt growth made him a lot more handsome to her. It seems she really was lost in her own feelings.
(This height change may be linked with Dreamtoe Forest and its age dilation.)
As Marina eagerly awaited Asahi's answer, he finally responded.
"Okay, fine. Just don't degrade me like that again, or else there will be consequences."
Marina tried to hide her blush by turning her head away. Asahi squinted his eyes at her and asked.
"Why is your face warmer than before?"
She responded with complete anxiousness.
"O-Oh, of course! Don't take this as a 'I like you' thing, though. I-I'm not implying that."
Asahi crossed his arms and replied in a rude tone.
"Good, because I'm not interested in relationships at the moment."
He backed away from Marina, then leaned his head to Aletha. As Marina turned toward the straw houses, Asahi whispered to Aletha.
"Have you gotten this sort of treatment before?"
She lightly giggled.
"Yes… MANY times. There is a lot you don't know about my relationship life, brother. I suggest that you refrain from trying it. It won't get you anywhere; it will just lead you to pain. As soon as you know, the cycle will repeat. That's just the truth. No matter what, the pain of losing or absence of a relationship will eventually lead to pain, eventually."
Asahi scratched his head, sighed, then mumbled.
"I guess you're right. After all, they never knew we were Rulers until we announced it. Perhaps I should listen to your advice more?"
Aletha giggled again and shook her head.
"Haha, if you continue acting like that. You're going to be a magnet. Goodness, brother, you're so unaware of what you have."
As Marina turned her head back to Asahi and Aletha, another vision flashed in both their eyes.
They see their younger selves, playing on the same spot they are right now, with a few other children. Young Asahi and Aletha were seen playing with all sorts of friends while Aiyana sat behind a distant tree, isolated from everyone.
The vision swiftly vanished as Marina asked.
"Can you two hear me?!"
Both Asahi and Aletha replied with a faint mutter.
"Y-Yeah…"
Marina crossed her arms and then pushed her dark hair to the side.
"Good, then follow me. We're almost there."
As they approached the wooden building, Asahi and Aletha reacted with a tone of semi-confusion.
"Okay…"
While they walked to the door, one last vision flashed in their eyes.
Just a black void.
And then it flashed back— leaving the wanderers curious and frightened about what these visions meant.
Perhaps it was their memories?