Nightime in the beach resort.

  "It's so coooold..."

  Shirna wears his jacket as he can't handle the sea breeze.

  After the island hopping and watching a flame dance. Grand Ecstasy finally goes back to the bar where they sit in front of the bartender wearing a typical Hawaiian shirt.

  The bartender is queitly surprised first at he saw the scars but he manages to be professional and ignores it.

  "Anything you want ma'am and sir? I can make it." The Bartender's cheerful introduction.

  "This is our first time having a bartender. Sorry if we don't know what to do." Mateo's honest admittance. The bartender makes a friendly smile.

  "No problem sir. How about I just make drinks that I think would cater to your taste?"

  "Ohh. We appreciate it. Thank you."

  "No problemo. Just wait for your drinks." The bartender then leaves to prepare his tools and ingredients.

  "There's even a professional booze mixer job?" Beltrand is curious.

  "Why surprised? Isn't the nobles also have something similar?" Mateo asked.

  "Yeah... Maybe I want to see it first. Then I react."

  Grand Ecstasy watch with great interest as the bartender shows his cultivated skills. Mixing drinks, entertaining the guests by doing numerous tricks. Each movement he makes are full of finesse that makes Grand Ecstasy mesmerized.

  After waiting. The bartender finally gives the drinks to Grand Ecstasy base on how he see each of them.

  Mateo recieves a refreshing green mojito with carved ice and green garnish.

  Claustrine gets a elegant looking drink with reddish coloration. The presentation also includes cherries.

  Beltrand meanwhile gets an heavier drink with combination of Vodka and Whiskey with splash of green tea.

  Sophia is happy as she see a colorful glass with fruit garnish. It's a lighter drink with more more fruity taste to fight the lingering bitterness.

  Shiva is different as he wants to order instead.

  "Can you do a Shembot for me?"

  "Haha nice choice sir. Brings me to the good old days. No problem sir."

  The Bartender mixes gin, melon juice and brown coffee then set it on fire in few intervals. He served it on a tall glass full of ice.

  "Here's your shembot sir."

  "Thanks."

  The Bartender gives a cup of cold chocolate drink to Shirna. Which make Shirna embarassed while his friends chuckled. The bartender is confused.

  "Wait... She's an adult?" The Bartender asked. On his eyes, Shirna really looks like a kid.

  "Hehe... Yes." Claustrine's joyful answer.

  "Ah sorry about that. Let me make you an approriate drink later ma'am."

  "But... I'm a man." Shirna's soft words.

  "Ah... I'm so sorry."

  The Bartender then makes a drink for Shirna. A chocolate cocktail with choco powder on the glass' rim.

  The Bartender watch with satisfaction as Grand Ecstasy enjoys their drink.

  "Damn. This is completely different than just drinking directly in the bottle." Beltrand's compliment.

  "For real. And he really captured our taste even if he just meet us for the first time. How is that even posible?" Sophia is amazed.

  "Just years of experience and serving a lot of costumers ma'am."

  Claustrine drinks with elegance and smiles. While Mateo feels refreshed after drinking the Mojito.

  "I'm suprised that chocolate is also used in this way." Shiva is looking on Shirna savoring his chocolate cocktail.

  "You would be surprised on other things bartender is mixing. Some even make their very own specialties."

  "What is your specialty?" Shiva asked.

  "My specialty is Dreamy Durian Punch. But it's more like a test of courage for many." The bartender sighs.

  "Can we try it?"

  "Sadly, I have no durians right now. The fruit is so rare I can't consistently get a supply."

  "Aw... That's sad."

  "It seems that you guys finished your first drink. Want to order more?"

  Grand Ecstasy nods with excitement. Eager to try more mixes

  .

  .

  .

  After some time. Grand Ecstasy decides to have a rest for a while as the drinks is now having an effect on them. They know that they should not let themselves to become extremely drunk

  Or they might unknowingly reveal their secrets. After the bartender tells the total price of the drinks they consumed, Mateo pays it with a generous tip for the Bartender's hospitality.

  "Thank you for your generosity sir."

  "That's amazing experience." Claustrine commented while eating cherries.

  "Yeah. What I can say bartending is really different than what I imagined." -Beltrand.

  "Do you still have plan after drinking?" The Bartender asked politely.

  "We might go back to our cabin." Mateo answers as he drinks water.

  "I suggest that you stay here longer. The music band is probably on the way her."

  "Music band? So that's the use of the stage." Mateo speaks as he look on the elevated platform.

  "The band might not be famous but they're skilled musician. So you can have a pleasant night listening to them perform and even request a song. With tip of course."

  "What do you think guys?" Mateo asked his friends.

  "We don't have nothing to do for the night right? Besides, we're leaving tommorow so this would be the best way to end our time in this resort." Shiva's opinion.

  "Yeah. And I'm quiet invested in music here. So this is a chance to see a live performance." Beltrand states his eagerness.

  The others agree on the two. Mateo smiles.

  "Ok. Lets finish the night here."

  Meanwhile, in the entrance of the bar.

  "Damn... We're unlucky today." The blonde playboy speaks in defeat. His friends sigh deeply.

  All of their attempt of getting women fails. They didn't find any weak willed ladies that they can manipulate.

  "Maybe this is really just an unlucky day for us." The long hair dude speaks.

  "Yeah. Also, maybe let me heal my face first!" The bulky man complains as she just got slapped by a lady. Leaving a mark on his face.

  "Come on! That's gonna dissapear tommorow. Man up!" The blonde playboy banters back.

  "You're saying that because you're not the one being slapped. That bitch leaves his handprint on my face for fuck sake!"

  The blonde payboy ignores the rant of his friends and just focused on looking around the bar in order to find a potential target. When his focus reach the bartender, he quickly turn around and walk away.

  "What the fuck?" The long haired dude is confused.

  "They're here. This is not a good spot."

  "You mean... The people full of scars?"

  "Yes. Let't just go back to our cabin and continue our fun tommorow."

  His two friends just shrugs and just follow their leader and his fear.

  .

  .

  .

  Some time later.

  Grand Ecstasy watch and listens as the bands performs a variety of songs. Thanks to the mysterious Auto-Translator, the otherworlders have no problem understanding the lyrics except for very specific words which only make sense on Earth.

  Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

  Some audiences request songs. Their request rooted on their preferences and sentimentality. A couple request their love theme song:

  "Dito ay umaga at d'yan ay gabi

  Ang oras natin ay magkasalungat

  Aking hapunan ay 'yong umagahan

  Ngunit kahit na ano'ng mangyari

  Balang araw ay makakapiling ka"

  One request a song to match his drink and his heartbreak:

  "Giliw

  'Wag mo sanang limutin

  Ang mga araw na hindi sana naglaho

  Mga anak at bahay nating pinaplano

  Lahat ng ito'y nawala

  Nung iniwan mo ako

  Kaya ngayon."

  Mateo seems known the song as he sings along to the vocalist.

  One request an upbeat song that match the summer vibe.

  And someone request a rap song. The band politely refuse as such genre is not their forte.

  Grand Ecstasy relax and listens to the songs. The other audiences also feel the same as the band is really good.

  The concert finally ends and gives their farewell for the people that give their lending ears. Grand Ectasy is now walking back to their cabin.

  "I just discovered more songs that I love and want to practice in my guitar." Beltrand smiles as he humms one of the song.

  "If you want. We can download songs on your phone so you can play them even when you're in Yhigressia."

  "Just like in your phone?" Beltrand is excited on the prospect.

  "Yes. Just promised me to be careful. Use a earphone jack when you listen to music on Yhigressia."

  "I will, I promise."

  "Then I also want to have songs in my phone Mateo." Sophia also wants the idea.

  "Sure sure. How about you two?" Mateo looks at Claustrine and Shirna.

  "Of course. In fact, I already have a playlist of songs that I want to have." Claustrine checks his youtube playlist.

  "I think I prefered movies instead. Is that possible even in phone?" Shirna asked.

  "Of course. Just tell me the genre you want Shirna."

  The Party reach their Cabin and they didn't feel tired in a slightess. They just sitting on the chairs in the balcony while Shiva is cooking a midnight snacks for them.

  "You know guys. I have an idea."

  "Whatever it is Mateo, I'm in." -Beltrand

  "You guys tried night swimming before?"

  The otherworlders are fascinated.

  "Now that's a great idea." Claustrine smirks.

  "Yeah... Trying something like that in Yhigressia is like a suicide. Just imagining the monsters that might pull me in the depths makes my body shiver." Sophia hugs himself as she feels chills while imagining the scenario.

  Mateo stands up, removes his t-shirt and run towards the sea. His friends follow him and they plunge in the dark cold waters.

  "Grrrrrrr! So cooooold!!" Claustrine shivers.

  "No wonder no one swims at night time!" -Beltrand.

  "Maybe we also do this in Yhigressia. Once we have a mission in Humilean or Savagery Forest coastline, let's have a dip." Mateo jokingly propose.

  "No no no! No way! Grrrrr..." Sophia quickly refuse while shivering.

  With no monsters to worry about, Grand Ecstasy enjoys the night swim until they got tired and just sit on the sands.

  Watching both the starry night sky and the city lights far away on the horizon. Shiva appears and place a bowl of snacks in front of them which they quietly enjoys.

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  "What do you think of this Shirna?" Mateo asked as she points on one of the balisong on the display. It's a gold colored decorated piece of art.

  After they leave the beach resort. Grand Ecstasy decides to have a short stop in Taal, Batangas in Mateo's suggestion. They're now in one of the established legacy shop making and selling handcrafted balisongs.

  "It's too flashy for my liking."

  "How about this one?" Mateo points in one of the balisong with dark handle made of carabao horn with fancier blade design.

  "Hmmm..." Shirna shakes his head.

  Shirna continues to look at the handcrafted balisong until he spots one that caught his interest.

  It's a simplier design. With a basic blade compared to elaborate knife designs of its peers. And its handle is made of some black wood he never seen before.

  But somehow... He feel attracted on the blade.

  "This... I want this Mateo." Shirna points on the balisong.

  "Not really insulting your choice Shirna but... Isn't that blade too simple? And old?" Beltrand's comment.

  The blacksmith just returned to the shop and see Grand Ecstasy looking on the balisong.

  "Is that what you fancy?" The blacksmith asked.

  "Well... Yes it seems this is what caught his interest master." Mateo answers as he points his thumb to Shirna who still mesmerized on the blade.

  "Oho... I think that one is too expensive for you. You see, that one is an antique made 70 years ago. Also, the handle is made of kamagong. Not an ordinary kamagong, but a kamagong tree which from what I remember reach 300 years deep in the forest here before it got cutted down.

  "Master. It's like you just making things up." Beltrand's direct questioning. The blacksmith just laugh.

  "Trust me. I'm not gonna ruin my decades old reputation just to sell a lie. A well trained eye can see that what I say is true. How about ask your friend there?" The Blacksmith points to Shirna.

  "Shirna? What do you think?" Mateo asked.

  "What master said is correct. This knife is really a mastercraft. I can feel it." Shirna's cryptic words.

  "Eh? I see..." Mateo is unsure.

  "Looks like that girl really knows her stuff. But I understand if you guys can't afford it. That's more like a collector's item than a daily use knife."

  The Blacksmith picks the balisong and give it to Shirna.

  "Here. As a fellow human with a keen eye. I let you hold it as it seems you know your stuff miss."

  Mateo looks at the blade and then look on Shirna. Shirna is still transfixed on the blade as he look at it with adoration. Mateo smiles and then looks back on the Blacksmith.

  "We would like to buy it master. How about you Beltrand."

  "Nah I'm good. Small knifes are not my specialty."

  Mateo then buy the knife on sizable price. Then give it to Shirna.

  "Here... Be sure to treasure it."

  "YES!" Shirna is so happy for the personal gift.

  .

  .

  .

  The three returns to the parking lot where they see the van and Claustrine, Sophia and Shiva waiting for them.

  "How's your sightseeing?" Mateo happily asked.

  They enter the van to prepare for their departure.

  "It's great. We take so many photos." Claustrine answers as she shows the photos they taken on different spots.

  "That volcano might be cutest volcano I have ever seen." Sophia remebers Batangas' well known landmarks.

  They enter the van and Claustrine notices the closed balisong Shirna is holding.

  "Oh? What is that?" Claustrine asked as she points on the blade.

  "A knife called Balisong. Mateo gift this to me." Shirna answers with glee.

  "Uhmmm... That's weird. You also feel it Sophia?"

  Claustrine and Sophia are serious as they look on the balisong.

  "What's wrong?" Mateo asked.

  "Mateo. You say that magic doesn't exist in this world... Right?" Claustrine asked.

  "Uhmm... Yes."

  "Then... Why me and Sophia feels something on that blade?"

  The atmosphere turn cold and silent after Claustrine's reveal.

  "Hey hey... Is that blade cursed or something?" Beltrand asked, his face is showing worry.

  "Not cursed by anymeans. It's just, we feel a very slight power on the blade."

  "Perhaps... You feel the wood right Claustrine?"

  Everyone look on Shirna.

  "So? What you doing on that shop is not just having a craftsman's eye?" Mateo's question as Shirna's fixation on the balisong finally make sense.

  "Both Light and Moon Elves have an affinity to feel magic on the nature due to our lifestyle. We feel feint mana on trees, plants and animals living in the forest with mana on them, monsters included."

  "That's the first time I heared something like that." -Claustrine.

  "Because it's barely useful outside of Savagery Forest where my home is. And as I said, I can only feintly sense it which is unnecessary when we already have Claustrine and Sophia."

  Shirna looks on the balisong again. With a curious expression.

  "But the wood on this blade reeks of mana that I can easily feel it. No. It's not mana. It's like something close to it which is equally mystical on its own. I am right Claustrine?"

  "Yeah... It's not the Mana that we used to know but its still hold magical power." -Claustrine's answer.

  "Isn't the blacksmith said that the wood used on that blade is 300 years old?"

  The party looks at Mateo is Shiva. Being natural residents of Earth, they seek answers from them.

  "I don't like the implications of this. I feel shivers on my skin." Shiva shows the hair on his skin standing up due to fear.

  "Yeah I feel the same! Are you guys telling me that those folklores and mythologies are... Real?" Mateo's shock as he remembers the stories of different mythological creatures.

  The Aswangs.

  The Engkantos.

  The Tikbalangs.

  And many more that he reads and hears from the horror stories since he was a kid.

  Everyone inside the van went silent. They looking on the balisong held by Shirna.

  "You know, we should just focus on our vacation instead of indulging on such mysteries." Shiva's proposal.

  "Shiva is right. We should not let this mystery to ruin the fun." Beltrand agrees.

  "But this is also fun. Discovering mystical creatures besides those on Yhigressia." Claustrine answers with a wide smile on her face. Her curiosity is piqued again.

  "No." Mateo and Shiva's short answer as they look at her with disbelief.

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  The Party continues their vacation to the north, their next location is Moutain Provinces. The Radio is telling news which everyone listened silently.

  "The Delgado family which went missing two weeks ago was still not found. There's no evidence left of a father, mother and 3 childrens alongside their vehicle, a red Ford Conquest. Authorities speculated that they become a target of an infamous carnapping group active in Northern Luzon which where Delgado Family is last seen. If you have any information, contact the authorities imediately."

  After the news. Shiva changed the channel to a music oriented one.

  "Damn. It's seems that crime are also rampant in this world." Beltrand's opinion as he have a melancholic expression.

  Sophia is praying for the family.

  Mateo meanwhile. Realizing that there's really nothing they can do decides to avert his attention by asking his brother.

  "Why moutain province Bro?" Mateo asked.

  "Because mom wants me to send those behind us to our relatives in Benguet."

  Grand Ecstasy looks on the compartment behind them and see cardboard boxes and plastic containers with tight seals.

  "These are the things you bought in Batangas right?" Claustrine asked as she remembers Shiva buying on shops as she do picture taking and enjoying the town's delicacies with Shirna.

  "Isn't this too much for a gift?" Mateo is confused.

  "Just understand it bro. They rarely get those stuff there."

  Beltrand picks one of the box and open it which the others also look. And they see bunch of dried fish, tinapa, and dried squids.

  "I pressume they landlocked." Beltrand asked Shiva.

  "Precisely."

  "How about this?" Sophia picks a seald plastic container and ready to open it.

  "No no no! Wait! Don't ope-" Shiva panicly screams.

  .

  .

  .

  The van stops on the side of the road. The door opens where Grand Ecstasy and Shiva leaves in panic. The otherworlders are just coughing and breathing fresh air while Mateo and Shiva is in complete disbelief.

  "What the fuck is that?!" Beltrand's shock as the smell still lingers on her nose.

  "Pwe! Pwe! The smell!" Sophia is almost crying as she's the closest to the smell.

  "I should really warned you guys earlier about that." Shiva is facepalming.

  "Eeeeeeeeeee! Pwah!" Having a sensitive smell, Shirna feels the strong odor especially in such enclosed space.

  "Why Mrs. Ligaya even want to gift something like that on your relatives? Does she have grudge on them?" Claustrine's genuine question as she picks her perfume and sprays herself just to get rid of the smell.

  "That's a bagoong. Basically, fermented small shrimps and it's a delicacy. But why you even buy a fresh one Shiva? Isn't a cooked one better?" Mateo's also genuine question to his brother.

  "Don't blame me. Mom says it's better to give it to them raw and fermented. She said the longer it ferments, the better."

  "Geez. She must expecting that they would be the one that will cook it. Well whatever, I gonna close it tightly." Mateo returns to the Van.

  "Phew, thank God Sophia gently put it and didn't just throw it everywhere. Or else we really having a disaster." Mateo says as he opens the windows to let the smell escape.

  "Let's have a break on the next stop. I'm also get hungry after smelling that." Shiva's honest words as he recieves confused looks from the otherworlders.

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  Grand Ecstasy just have a lunch on a lone carinderia in the forested area, side of the road which also used as pit stop of busses traveling for days. They just resting a bit before they go back on their travel.

  As the others happily chatting, Shirna meanwhile is transfixed on one thing, he just listen and not giving a glance. As far behind them is a man with a cap eyeing their van and their group repeatedly while he's talking quietly on his phone. His keen hearing makes him focus the sounds coming to his ears and clearly hears what the man is saying.

  "Yes bossing. The van looks new and fresh. And the occupants are bunch of dumb tourists. We're good."

  Shirna taps the leg of Mateo which is on his side. After more taps, Mateo finally focus his attention.

  "What's wrong Shirna."

  "Shhh... Don't make it obvious. We're being observed. It must be the same criminals that we heared from the radio."

  After hearing Shirna's whispers. Mateo is shocked but only a bit as his expression become serious.

  "Come on guys. Let's go." Mateo stand up but calmly. In order to not alert the look out.

  But his serious expression is already a giveaway that something is not right so they just follow Mateo and return to their van.

  "Shiva. Just continue driving and don't panic and speed up."

  "Huh? What's wrong?"

  "We might get followed. It must be the carnappers."

  Finally understanding the situation. Grand Ecstasy swallowed a lump as they realized Mateo wants something to them.

  "Mateo..." Claustrine looks at Mateo with sad concern.