A steam train that cuts through the wilderness was the only way to get back to the capital of Ilios, which Layla said its name was Helios. The steam engine ran atop the high brick tracks, which looked like a dam from afar.
"Are there trains in Alka?" asked Layla as the two of them enjoyed the scenery from the window. Ai thought for a moment before she shook her head.
"None that I've seen, but I'm not surprised. I lived in a country where artifacts were common," said Ai. "Is there a method to enter the city without being seen?"
"Helios is a big city, so it's impossible to stop all intruders. Therefore, the empire distributed citizenship medals instead of checking who entered the city. If one is found without one of these, he is locked without question."
Layla took out a medal from her bag. It was circular with the sun engraved on it and made from copper. Ai took it and turned it around to find Layla's information written on the back.
"Huh?" Layla was confused. "It's written in ancient Iliosian, so you should be able to read it since you are talking it fluently."
"Oh, that's different," said Ai as she pulled her sleeve and showed a wrist band. "I use this artifact to translate all languages into my own. Unfortunately, however, I can't read."
"That makes sense." Layla took the medal and stared at it. "It has my name, birthdate, and address. The copper is self-explanatory since it resembles authorization level."
"…I didn't think you would ask about that, but I'm twenty-four."
"Oh." Layla blanked as she stared at Ai. "You sound like you are a lot older."
"I lived two lives after all," said Ai while raising two fingers. "However, I get that a lot. You should see how I was before. I was like a nun that refused to talk."
"And that man changed that? I'm sorry we wasted time doing my things first before finding him."
"We are going to the place he is at right now," said Ai as she stared through the window. The giant walls of Helios were connecting the mountains, and she pointed at them. "He is there."
"What? Is he in Ilios? That is a weird coincidence," said Layla with confusion. "And how do you know that?"
"The blessing I received allows me to know where he is. This is the best one I could receive, although it has no combat powers. And currently, I can feel his presence in that city."
"We can go and find him!"
"There is no need," said Ai as she shook her head. "I think he's here for the same reason as we are: the execution. We will try your method first before we go and meet him."
"Are you sure? That sounds like an excuse," said Layle with a slight frown. "If we have the same goals, then it's better to meet him now and…."
"…I can tell, but why?"
"He didn't have any sentiment towards me. Although he wanted to wage war for my sake, it was never because of who I am. I was just a walking debt to him, and he tried to repay me. That's it."
"Even still, he will be happy to see a familiar face."
"I am not the face he wants to see," Ai said as the train turned and headed straight toward Helios. "He awaits other, closer people. I came here because of my wishes, but I never thought I would meet him so soon."
"There is more to this trip than just him," said Layla as she held her hand. "I'm here and will help you adjust to this world. You can take your time before you go and see him."
Ai nodded. The rest of their trip was spent in quiet peacefulness until the train entered the city of Helios. As soon as it did, the colorful houses of Ilios greeted their eyes, along with the railways of the steam trains.
"This city looks ancient," said Ai as she stared at the scene. "These buildings seem hundreds of years old. Are they safe to stay until now?"
"These are built by the Great Sun Emperor, who was capable of creating the strongest buildings. Therefore, even if an Astra-ranker attacks them, he will find it impossible to destroy this architectural feat."
"And where is this train going?"
"We will ride it until the Copper District, where my house is. Then, however, we will stay at an inn since my foster brother, Lyle, is monitoring the house. But, first, we need to get you a medal. No inn will accept someone without it since they issue ones at the border."
"This sounds like a strict system."
"This is the reason Helios is safe. We cannot do anything without our identification. However, there are channels to avoid that, although most get shut down."
"Then, how are we going to do it?"
"I know someone who was a friend of my grandfather. This man used to be one of the emperor's trusted advisors. He has enough connections to guide us to someone who makes authentic medals."
"A woman with connections," said Ai, her face still glued to the window. "If I were a man, I would have fallen into your reliable embrace."
"A woman is fine too…."
"Ahem. Nothing. I need you to change your clothes since it's obvious that you are a foreigner. The train station has a shop where we can buy some. However, your veil…."
"I saw people on the train wearing masks. I can use a similar one instead of the veil since it won't be much different. As for my neck, a scarf would do."
"This is the land of warriors. No scars can scare others here, as some walk around with half faces. A mask is allowed for most warriors, but it would draw attention."
"I think what lies underneath will draw more attention."
"Have you tried healing it?" asked Layla. "You are a healer, and many options can restore one's appearance…."
"I once received a different body, but it never felt the same. I feel more comfortable living in my hideous nature than in a strange body with which I experience nothing. Also, it's a reminder."
"A reminder of what?"
"That people are the true monsters of the world."
Layla stared at the woman in front of her, who twirled and showed her outfit. Ai was skinny with a slim waistline and wore baggy pants and a short crop-top that revealed her white stomach. Her bishop sleeves hid most of her arms, which were comically larger than her arms.
"With the addition of the mask and scarf, you are officially a street dancer now," said Layla with a smile. Ai made a little spin as if she was playing the part, but she almost tripped. "Helios has a lot of them, so you will blend in. Most of them avoid stalkers by putting on masks like yours, so you are safe too."
"The perfect disguise, hoho," said Ai as she placed her hands on her hips. "However, my stomach feels cold. I'm not used to it being exposed to the breeze. I feel like you picked this outfit on purpose."
"Oh, ha, no!" Layla snapped out of her gleeful state and turned around with a red face. Ai stared at her suspiciously, but the warrior was already walking ahead of her. "Let's go before it gets dark."
"Ah, wait!" called Ai, but Layla was too embarrassed as she hurried out of the shop. Ai ran after her, but Layla realized she was alone once she exited the shop.
Once Layla went back inside, she found two men blocking Ai's way. The two carried smiling, perverted faces while staring at Ai, who cowered away like a frightened kitten.
"How about it, girlie? Let us take you somewhere nice, and we'll pay for a full day of dancing. We are soon-to-be members of the esteemed guild, Raging Light."
"I… no…" replied Ai with a low voice, and her whole body was shaking. Layla had never seen her like that, and the sight made her blood boil.
The warrior walked behind the two without a sound and threw two quick kicks toward the back of their knees, sending them sprawling on the floor. The commotions and screams attracted the attention of the rest, so she was quick to snatch Ai's hand and pull her away.
"Bastard, who are you?!"
The two men started shouting as they tried to stand, but Layla kicked one of them to send him flying toward the other. They crashed into one another before slamming one of the clothing standings.