Convincing Ananmayka wasn't as difficult as one should have expected. The King, his brother, apologized wholeheartedly instead of sending him to the dungeon for his actions earlier. Queen Lareanthea gave gifts to her only niece before bidding her a safe journey to the realm of the mortals. Samika was known to be skilled in archery, swordsmanship, and hunting, and her enhanced ability to hear everything within a mile range with improved eyesight is what makes her more special.

However, even with the skills she possesses, everyone around her is worried for her safety. It made her question her decision for a moment, but when she saw her father smile, she knew she had to do everything to return home alive.

"My dearest," Queen Lareanthea said in a gentle voice, "here, take this."

The Queen slipped a hard object on her palm, and when Samika opened her hand to check what it was, she gave the Queen a confused look. "A rock?"

"I call it anielathy. Your uncle gave it to me at dawn, before our marriage. It protected him when he was still a young engkantado who fought side by side with your father during many wars, eons ago. He said that the rock always reminds him of home. He gave that to me as an assurance that he'd always come back to me safely. It is my favorite, so take good care of it." Lareanthea smiled and held Samika's palm up.

"I will treasure this forever."

The Queen added, "Also, its lights grow dim whenever danger is coming. When you feel anxious or scared, speak to me. I'll send anything and anyone to assist you on your journey."

Samika smiled widely and thanked her aunt once more. Gently, she held the queen's hand and kissed it before pulling it closer to her forehead, where the back of Lareanthea's hand touches Samika's forehead—a sign of great respect.

"Have a safe journey, young one." The King bid his farewell.

She was escorted to the portal towards the Realm of the Mortals by a dozen Engkantado warriors. Bringing her weapons was fine, but bringing additional clothes for blending in was beyond hassle for her. Every time she complained, the Queen giggled in response, constantly reassuring her that when she crossed the portal, her bags would be as light as a feather.

Before Samika's departure, Dao requested that the council give Samika some mortal currency that she could use. As an example, she stated that before Samika rescued her from the tree cutters that ruined her condominium unit, her sister, a diwata residing in the CT (Centennial Tree), secretly gifted her a blue card. This blue card gave her access to purchasing mortal things and, quote, "made her life easier." Diwatas use it whenever they live among humans for leisure. Once they decide to stay permanently, that is when their cards are declined. Luckily, the majority of the wise Engkantos of Luminara accepted this proposal.

Samika looked back and saw Dao, among many others, waving at her.

The oldest of the Wise Engkanto approached her and asked, "Are you sure you already have the list of the seven mortals you will be looking for?"

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"Positive," Samika replied.

"Mortals are odd, Samika. They usually name their children after people who never knew them, constellations, and even animals. They won't be in one place either. The Philippines is a vast country; are you sure you can find them in as little as two weeks?"

"I am sure I can find them. Well, unless the physical description and names are incorrect, then that will be a major problem."

"All the information you have is included in Dalikamata's prophecy! Every piece of information is a billion times correct!" The engkantado scolded.

A mischievous smirk formed on her lips. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to let the council know as soon as I find all seven of them."

The old engkantado sighed in relief and smiled at the young engkantada. Before she entered the portal, she waved at everyone goodbye.

As she entered the gateway of the mortal realm, a foul smell of beer and puke lingered. It was almost similar to the day when the Engkanto helped the Diwata forge a union with the Duwende, greatly known as the D&D Unity. The duwende were granted the power to reach their full growth, making them a more stubborn midget. One day, they were partying. The next day, the diwatas woke up with missing ornaments, silverware, jewelry, and even wives! All that was left were empty barrels of Engkanto-made drinks made from coffee beans and soursop juice. The drink's sole purpose was to be beyond disgusting for them to stop visiting the realm ever again, not knowing they would grow a liking for it.

She chuckled at the memory and shrugged it off. Samika noticed that her bag turned into a leather wallet, and her clothes changed as well. She was now wearing black denim jeans, a light gray semi-fit shirt, and a pair of white running shoes, which she found uncomfortable. White shoes shouldn't even be allowed to step on an unholy and disgusting place as to where she is now. The color of her eyes appeared to be darker; she noticed slightly the absence of the sunburst effect of her iris, yet her hair stayed the same.

Samika exited the premises. Her eyes darting to the large signage above her head: Narra Resto-bar

"They even name their businesses after a tree. Humans really are odd," she muttered.

Without leaving any hint of suspicion, she walked away from the property, constantly rubbing her face, mimicking a real dipsomaniac who just walked out of the scene without paying. Her perception of people was only based on the books she often borrowed from a man named Algi. Algi has been entering the mortal realm and back for as long as she can remember. He was a messenger and an observer of the mortals, blending in as a lowlife. The disguise wasn't much of an eye-catcher, but it helped him in many ways. It was quite an advantage, too, since people give him money in exchange for a warm smile to be posted on what humans call social media. A sort of media in which the anti-social socializes. At least, that's what Algi told her. He had a bunch of framed pictures of himself, smiling with dozens of strangers, hanging on the wall of his study.

Samika was almost at the main road when she stopped playing stupid. She straightened herself and sighed heavily. The street on which she was standing was empty, but she couldn't risk having a conversation with a bird or asking directions to the trees. People might think she was deranged if they caught her. Instead, she walked forward. When she reached the main road, she saw huge billboard ads and recognized a few logos as well. It was still around eight in the morning, but the sun was already scorching hot; even the breeze blew fervid.

For the sake of blending in, Samika was wiping her imaginary sweat and dramatically fanning herself as if she would melt; even Engkantos are used to adapting to sudden changes in temperature. Otherwise, people might question how she is unable to break a sweat even on a hot day.

She glanced at one of the billboards for a second time and just knew she was in a place called Bacolod City. She quickly rummaged through her wallet to find the list of warriors she would be finding.

"Vincent Hibionada?", she whispered to herself. "I wonder where you are hiding, son of Anitun Tabu."