THE HOLLOW

I was inside following Liora, I could feel it with every step I took. It wasn't just the ground beneath my feet; it was the very air around me, thick with mystery and buzzing with ancient magic. The vines creeping along the walls were more than mere plants. They seemed alive, pulsing gently with a bioluminescent glow, like the veins of a sleeping giant.

Liora moved ahead in silence, her blackwood mask hanging behind her like a broken smile. She guided me through the twisting tunnels that arched and curved like the ribs of some great beast, leading us deeper into the heart of the Hollow.

I limped along behind her, my arm still throbbing from the arrow graze, and my body weighed down by exhaustion. But my eyes were alert, taking in every detail around us.

The other masked warriors passed by without a word. They simply watched, their gazes sharp as daggers, and their hands always close to their weapons.

I felt uneasy, but I understood their vigilance; I would have acted the same way if our roles were reversed.

Liora noticed my discomfort. She turned to face me.

"Don't pay them any mind," she whispered. "We rarely get visitors, so they'll definitely be on edge."

I stayed silent.

Honestly, I was at a loss for words.

But she had a point. I remembered a time in my past life when a stranger could meet a brutal end in mere moments, without even a word exchanged.

A smile tugged at my lips why was I feeling this way?

While we were walking Liora started asking questions.

"Oh yeah I forgot to ask judging by your size your five to seven years old right."

She is really good at observations just from my size she already knew my age.

"Y-yes your right miss. I'm five years old."

Liora pouted which made me confused.

"Listen Zevy we are friends right so do call me miss just Liora ok."

"Umm ok Liora."

She smiled with happiness, then she tried to pick me up but failed because I was heavy. I did not like that nickname she gave me it was not worthy for an emperor.

We walked until we reached a door I thought that it would be beautiful but it was just a normal wooden door.

The door opened up more, the light at the moment blinded my eyes I had no choice but to close them shut. I blinked in disbelief.

Before him lay a hidden village.

Wooden platforms dangled between stalactites, held up by glowing silk ropes. Homes crafted from carved bone and smooth stone wrapped around pools illuminated by crystals. Children zipped between the legs of armored warriors, while elderly women sat weaving threads that sparkled with memories. Above it all, the Watchers stood still in the branches of the glowing cave-trees, their eyes perpetually open.

"This is the Hollow," Liora said matter-of-factly. "The last refuge for the lost."

I took it all in my surroundings this felt weird because it directly looked like the state of the Kureha clan. I felt like a mere shadow here, small and battered, a ghost lingering at the edge of something sacred.

Liora turned back to me " I know its cute."

Her face was disturbing but I have to agree with her how this small village was built, looks like it was meant for this type of place.

"Um mi- I mean Liora-"

"Yes I know your question, how many people are here right."

How did she figure out my question she was pinpoint, amazing.

"If I were to recall about 200 people, that's a short number right."

I nodded but the number is too small but also reasonable this city or village is too small so the number is fine but why am I here.

Liora's smile turns down before going up again and asked, "Why am I here is on your mind?"

I look up in shock how did she read my thoughts.

"Don't worry Zevy I know they will welcome you with warm hands okay."

We continue walking as we arrive on the village square, exactly what I thought eyes was on me. Almost the entire village had their eyes on me. My mental state is fine I'm not scared but this useless body not only injured but trembling to the many eyes.

Liora sees me trembling in fear because of the eyes of the people then hugged me with comfort. This warmth cured my trembling body to stay calm.

"T-Thank you very much Liora."

"It's fine looks like you are okay know."

She let go and guided me to a place.

"Liora is this your house?"

"Yes it is my little Zevy."

With that statement I was confused, I remember one of the elders saying to my pathetic excuse of an older brother to go to the head house first, so why wasn't I being lead there unless.

"Liora I have a question are you the leader of this place."

Liora looked at me but then smiled.

"Why yes I am?"

WHAT! Isn't she like 12-13 years old how does she lead this entire place on her own at that young age. That doesn't make sense at all.

"W-Wait Liora are you serious?"

"Indeed I am Zevy."

Liora brought me some medical kit to fully treat my wounds, the pain was not exciting this body is still weak I have to find a way to make this body stronger so that I can resist pain.

"Ok that's done hold up for a second okay."

Liora calls for someone called Tsarra . She comes in she with outstanding beauty. Her silver and red tinted hair, her amber eyes are even more stunning. It looks like we are the same age.

"Tsarra can you heal him I just treated his wounds just close them okay."

"Why should I do that?" Tsarra said.

Liora was unhappy with the answer but understood I am still a stranger or outsider. Then she goes to her and asks her again, " Can you heal him pls just close his wounds that's all."

"Yes ma'am."

Tsarra comes to me and some sort of green energy comes on her hand then it surrounds me. I don't feel the pain I look at my arm the arm is healed but the scar is still there, why was that?

WAIT IS THERE MAGIC IN THIS WORLD BUT NO THAT IS NO A THING HERE I KNOW ABOUT THE CORE THING OR AM I MISTAKEN.

I HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THIS WORLD TO KNOW MORE.