Driver: That's it, we're stopping at the next inn!

With the moon high overhead, the driver's frustration grew due to Ballo and Virno's refusal to stop moving until they received clearer instructions of their destination.

Ballo: Not yet... We need to know more.

Virno's eyes were closed shut, surrounded by a multitude of wrinkles that signified just how hard he was committing to focus. Despite this, it seemed to yield no results. He hadn't managed to establish contact with the voice since his initial, almost effortless attempt.

Driver: Look at him, he's been trying for hours now...! Maybe all he needs is a bit of rest. Not to mention we can't keep going on endlessly, there's only so much energy inside this thing's tank... If we get stranded, you can be sure I'm not gonna be the one that pushes this massive hunk of metal all the way to the nearest inn!

Ballo joins his hands together, producing circular, glowing glyphs that emanated magic.

Ballo: Fuel is no problem. Where is the tank...?

Driver: What the hell do you think you're doing?! You'll blow us up if you get that anywhere near the energy source! You can't just throw random magic at it and expect it to work, this is a science, there are ratios to consider, different elements at play, there's no chance you can ju-

With each flick of his wrists, the glyphs on his hands change hue. The grey particles give way to burning flames, then to droplets of water, then to gusts of wind.

Ballo: I can get as specific as we need. As for the ratios, I'm sure you can help me figure those out...

The driver was caught completely off-guard with Ballo's mastery over multiple kinds of magic. Still, it wasn't enough to deter their intention to make a stop soon.

Driver: L-look, maybe you can make more fuel by just waving your fingers around, but we're not machines -- that includes you. I myself am getting tired, and if I'm passed out sleeping, who's driving this thing then? Whether you like it or not, we'll have to rest at some point...

Virno opens his frustrated eyes, slamming his fist on the dashboard of the vehicle.

Driver: HEY! Break anything here and you can be sure Clavia will break something inside your body in exchange...!

Virno turns around to face Ballo, defeated.

Virno: He's right, Ballo. I can't reach it again... We're just driving blindly at this point. Maybe sleeping wouldn't be such a bad idea...

Ballo shakes his head.

Ballo: We're sitting ducks if we stop... There is no telling where we are and aren't safe. We should keep moving!

Virno: Don't be stubborn, old man... When were you planning to stop? When we're all passed out from exhaustion in the middle of nowhere...? You said it yourself -- there's no telling how far this place is.

Ballo clenched his teeth, not wanting to relent to Virno's points.

Virno: We've been riding since noon, just the three of us. What are the odds anything is following us? Can they even track us somehow...?

Ballo: No. Well, at least they have no means of tracking us that I can think of... But that doesn't mean they can't do it, or that they can't encounter us by chance. Our enemies have plenty of agents spread across the world.

Virno materializes the silver sword in his right hand, holding it sideways in front of his face.

Virno: So we'll dispatch them before they get the chance to do anything. We're not defenceless, even if you're blind, I can still fight. Plus I'm sure you have a couple of tricks up your sleeve we can use...

Ballo: Not if we fight someone like Lacerbus... We would stand no chance.

Virno dispels the sword, resting his arm on the back of his seat, further turning towards Ballo.

Virno: And how many guys like that do they have...? He's one of the big shots, right? Do you think we'll just meet someone like that out here? There's no way they could spare that kind of expense.

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Ballo remained quiet. He did not seem to have a good counter-argument.

Virno: Guess you think as much, too. Let's stop at the nearest inn, alright?

Ballo: Under one condition -- once we get there, we will attempt to contact the informant once more... But we will do it my way. I want you to agree to this now.

He had a serious, stone-cold look on his face. Virno turned back forward, making little of Ballo's request.

Virno: Sure, sure, we'll try it one last time once we're nice and cozy indoors. It's starting to get freezing out here, I can barely feel the tip of my fingers...

Aligned with this idea, they drove for some more minutes until they saw a large building in the distance. Their driver parked the car on a designated area where customers could leave their vehicles, and they started making their way inside.

Virno: We're done riding for the day, aren't you taking that helmet off...?

The driver kept walking towards the entrance, paying almost no mind to Virno.

Driver: I'll take it off when you start doing what you ordered me to -- minding your own business. Sound good?

Stunned by the quick, witty response, Virno remained quiet. As they opened the double doors that led inside, they were greeted by a warm, wooden interior, adorned with rustic furniture. The room was lit up by a great, stone fireplace that sat at the very back, alongside an assortment of chandeliers that supported several wax candles. Right in front of them was a counter, where a well-dressed man was handing a set of keys to some customers.

Attendant: Here they are. Please do enjoy your stay!

As the customers make their way to their room, the attendant's attention shifts to the odd trio that had just set foot in the establishment.

Attendant: Ah... N-next!

Ballo tried to approach the counter to speak first, but the driver managed to be quicker on their feet. They plant both elbows on the counter with arms crossed as they address the bewildered man.

Driver: Evening! We'll take two rooms -- one small and one large. The large one preferably with two single beds, but if all you have is a double bed that should work, too.

Ballo was outraged upon hearing this, yet before he could say anything, Virno cut him off.

Virno: Speak for yourself, weirdo! I'll take the small room, in that case. If you want to sleep in the same bed as grandpa over here, then go right ahead...

The driver bangs their fists on the counter, upset with Virno's reaction.

Driver: Watch your mouth! Show the old man some respect, would you?! Would it really be so difficult for you to share a bed with him if need be? We could save some coin by not getting a third room!

Virno: Respect?! Look who's talking, you're an arrogant prick yourself! If you wanna be stingy so damn much, you sleep with him then...

The driver didn't seem too comfortable with his suggestion.

Driver: Y-you watch your mouth, y-

Ballo: ENOUGH!

He shoves both of them aside, addressing the attendant directly. The man seemed outright frightened at this point.

Ballo: I deeply apologize for their rude behaviour. Please, just get us three small rooms...

Startled by Ballo's reaction, both Virno and the driver quiet down.

Attendant: C-certainly, sir. However, we do have larger rooms with two single beds available. Would you rather rent one of those instead of two singles? It would be more cost-efficient for you.

Ballo smiles.

Ballo: Thank you. Yes, that would be ideal.

He takes a large coin pouch from his cloak, placing it on the table.

Ballo: You can keep the change.

Surprised by the amount of coin, the man's posture swiftly shifted to a much more welcoming and trusting one.

Attendant: Thank you very much, good sir! Let me get you your keys...

As the man turns around and opens a drawer, Virno and the driver looked at the size of the pouch Ballo had placed on the counter. They approach each other, speaking quietly.

Virno (hushed): Well, so much for saving coin...

Driver (hushed): I didn't know he had that much on him, I brought zilch...!

Virno (hushed): I haven't a single copper on me, either...

Ballo's head turns sideways upon hearing their brief exchange.

Ballo: So perhaps next time you two should let me do the talking, instead of putting on an embarrassing display like that...!

Their eyes widen, surprised that Ballo could hear them.

Attendant: Here you go! Please, enjoy your stay to the fullest.

Ballo takes the keys from the man, nodding.

Ballo: I'm certain we will. Have a good night, young man.

As they head toward their rooms, Ballo hands a key to the driver.

Ballo: You take the small room. Virno and I will stay in the other, since it will make it easier to conduct our... attempt there. Hopefully by morning we will have more detailed instructions of where to go.

The driver grabs their key.

Driver: No complaints from me! See you two in the morning.

The driver heads towards their room, leaving Virno and Ballo on their own.

Virno: I had almost forgotten about that... Do you think it'll take long? I'm dead tired, I could really use some sleep...

Ballo opens the door to their room. Once the are both inside, he shuts the door behind him, locking it.

Ballo: It could take us the whole night, Virno. Like I said... We will do this my way.

From the palms of his hands, Ballo produces a magical field that quickly coveres the entirety of the room. Virno recognized it, as it was similar to the noise-cancelling bubble Sadduccee had produced when he first learned of his curse.

Virno: The whole night...?! Wait... You're joking, aren-

Ballo grabs Virno's wrist as glowing grey sigils coated his palms. Virno's ankles and wrists are locked into place, becoming anchored to the ground beneath. He becomes pinned to the hard, wooden floor, unable to free himself.

Virno: WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!

Ballo: You mentioned the cradle of the world...

He approaches Virno's forehead, casting a blue sigil above it.

Ballo: ... It is time you truly get to know it.