THE CITY UNKNOWN
As The Stranger stepped out from the shadows, her presence commanded both respect and intrigue.
"Greetings, Great One. I am Tanema, the Witch Queen of the Underworld, and I have come solely to welcome our guest, the heir to the Absolute One," she announced, bowing her head respectfully.
"Please raise your head. I'm not that high and mighty. Call me Emma," I replied, trying to downplay the formality.
"Okay, Emma," Tanema acquiesced with a warm smile.
"Please come with me. We have a lot to talk about," Tanema continued, gesturing towards a mysterious portal that had materialized.
Feeling a mix of suspicion and curiosity, I followed her into the swirling vortex.
Emerging at our destination, we traversed through a garden that led to a small house. It appeared unassuming, unlike the twisted, eerie abodes typical of witches.
"It doesn't look like the things I've read in books," I murmured to myself, perplexed by the ordinary facade.
"We are here," Tanema announced as she touched the door, causing it to swing open on its own.
Inside, however, lay a revelation that stunned me to silence. What I thought was a humble dwelling turned out to be the gateway to an entire city—the City of Witches.
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"You seem surprised," Tanema remarked, amused by my reaction.
"Why wouldn't I be? I thought it was just that small house, and here we are in an entire city," I responded, awestruck as I peered down at the bustling streets below.
As we walked along a winding lane, three women—likely my mother's age or older—rushed to Tanema, bowing deeply.
"Welcome, my Queen. How was your trip?" they greeted respectfully.
"It was alright," Tanema replied casually, acknowledging their reverence.
"This is our guest. Please make her comfortable during her stay," Tanema instructed the women, turning to introduce me.
The women straightened and regarded me with a mix of curiosity and deference.
"Hi, I'm Emma. Nice to meet you," I greeted them warmly, attempting to ease the formality.
"She is the heir to the Absolute One," Tanema added, emphasizing my role.
"Oh, my apologies, Great One. Please follow us," one of the women responded politely.
"Please call me Emma," I insisted with a smile.
"Okay, Miss Emma," she acquiesced, leading the way.
They escorted me to a room that defied all expectations. It was as grand as my parents' house combined, adorned with a colossal mirror, a luxurious bed, and magnificent curtains framing the window. It was a room fit for royalty.
"This is your room, Great One," one of the women announced proudly.
"Please call me Emma," I repeated, grateful for their hospitality.
"Okay, Miss Emma. If you need anything, just ring the bell," she instructed, closing the door softly behind them.
"Wow! This room is huge," I exclaimed to myself, marveling at the opulence.
Despite the grandeur before me, my mission remained clear—to retrieve the forsaken sword and save the girl..
"Tomorrow is going to be another day," I muttered, calling up my system for an update.
SYSTEM
TIME REMAINING
**14:04:24:39**
Time was ticking, and the urgency of my task weighed heavily on my mind.
"Ugh... I don't think I'll be able to sleep with all these thoughts," I sighed, flopping down on the incredibly comfortable bed.
But as exhaustion crept over me, the allure of the plush bedding proved irresistible.
"This bed is sooo comfy," I mumbled drowsily, succumbing to its embrace.