...

When I reached the surface, I was standing on a rough, dark brown, concrete-like platform. In front of me stood a sign that read "Altera Village". The machinery was quite loud, as always. "Ka-chunk ka-chunk whirrrr... Ka-chunk ka-chunk whirrrr..." It became quite repetitive.

However, I felt nostalgic, since I had consulted Adel, the chief of Altera Village, for help when I was training to become stronger. Back then, even the title of 'Little Devil' was terrifying for some, such as Aida, the accessory shop owner. She was a gentle, fragile sweetheart, it reminded me of my old self. The Ponggo race was rather odd, but they were very kindhearted and eager to help adventurers, which was a wonderful trait to have, and still is in the present day.

...

I ambled through the village, it was somewhat deserted. There weren't as many Ponggos as before, according to my recollections. I can infer that there must have been another chaotic uprising that involved death, perhaps from the Nasods again? It would be the only plausible response. Did the dispute between the two races still remain unsettled?

Thoughts aside, I decided to pay a visit to the chief's house to express my utmost gratitude for his advice. After all, I wouldn't be the infamous Yama Raja now without his guidance. I knocked on the door softly, patiently waiting for an answer.

The small, mole-like creature opened the door. "Oh, hello there, pong! What do you need, pong?" Adel looked exactly the same, I couldn't spot any differences. I, on the other hand, went through many changes and transformations, it was hard to tell that I was still the girl named Ara Haan.

"Hello, Adel." I smiled. "It's Ara. Do you still remember me?" I inquired.

"Ara... oh, yes! Ara Haan, right? You've grown to be a beautiful lady, pong! Quite different from before, I must say. I'm sure there will be a man out there that'll be extremely fortunate to have you, pong!" he complimented.

I laughed. "Thank you."

"What brings you to my residence, pong?" he asked.

"I'm just here to express my thanks to you, after helping me in the past. Now in the present, I am the Ruler of the Underworld. Is there anything I can do to help you out at all?" I replied.

"Ruler of the Underworld, eh? You don't seem wicked at all, pong! Oh, but you wouldn't hurt us Ponggos right, pong?" Adel's face turned slightly pale.

"Of course. There's no reason why I'd harm you guys."

"That's good, pong! Speaking of tasks, though... There was a commotion outside near the Altera Plains just off the coast. There is no Ponggo brave enough to check it out, and I am far too old to be in the battlefield there, you see. Please, use your abilities, pong!"

"Alright, I will." I accepted his request.

"Good luck out there, courageous adventurer! Pong!" Adel waved goodbye.

I waved back, as I left the vicinity. I started heading towards the Graveyard of Purification.

...

The skies were a orange/yellowish colour, adorned by the beige clouds. There were several floating fragments of large rocks in the air, but it wasn't abnormal or anything; this was Altera, after all. I scanned the area for anything significant. Grasslands, trees, mine carts, more grass, mountains, patches of dry land, special platforms for the mine carts... Aha! In the distance, I spotted a gang of Nasods, they seemed to be surrounding an albino girl with a light lavender ponytail and lab coat. I rushed to the scene, maybe my assistance was needed.

...

—-[CHAPTER 2 - PONG! : END]—-