As the group journeyed onward, they encountered unforeseen obstacles that forced them to consider entering Smiling Town despite Ren's initial reluctance.

It all began with a sudden change in weather, as dark clouds gathered overhead, threatening a torrential downpour. "Great. It was sunny a while ago," Elena remarked, her gaze shifting to the darkening sky. "Why did it suddenly start to rain?"

"Weather here couldn't change at a whim," Pamela interjected, her tone urgent as she urged everyone, "We have to find shelter fast. It's not safe to travel outside here with a storm brewing."

"Eh?" Azazel placed his hands behind his head, his expression nonchalant. "What could be dangerous about it? Back in my realm, we'd travel in streams that could get you lost in seconds, and if you're not careful enough, you could be trapped for all eternity with nothing but darkness as your friend."

Pamela stared at Azazel, a mixture of confusion and disbelief crossing her features. Just where in the hell did he came from?

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Pamela continued, "That's not the point. If you get caught in the heart of the storm, there's a high chance that you'll be ripped to shreds or worse . . ."

"Worse?" Desira questioned, her curiosity piqued.

"Worse, you could get separated and flung into another area by the tornadoes and whirlwinds!" Pamela elaborated.

But then she paused, a realization dawning on her. Wait . . . she should be glad if they were separated by the storm. It would be her chance to escape.

However, Pamela didn't want to be caught in the storm when it hit. She knew firsthand how terrifying and painful it could be. She had braved the storm once . . . let's just say it didn't go well for her. After that day, she swore she would never do it again.

"You can't make me storm that storm," Pamela declared firmly. "I will not go there, you'll have to drag me to make me!"

Desira grinned mischievously. "That could be arranged."

"Should we enter the town, Ren?" Evie inquired, her voice rising above the brawling and aligning of the others.

Ren paused for a moment, considering their options before responding, "I don't know if that goddess is telling the truth about that storm but . . ."

He glanced over at the dark clouds, noticing the winds picking up and thunder rumbling in the distance. He could also see a hurricane forming in the horizon.

"It would be a problem if we got separated. Instead of hurrying to Whispering Peak, we might be delayed if we get separated here."

Evie nodded in agreement. "Then . . . should we stay at Smiling Town until the storm passes?"

Ren scratched the back of his neck, his gaze fixed on Smiling Town. "As much as possible, I don't want to go inside a place that's controlled by a god or goddess, but in this case, I think we don't have a choice. Let's just keep a low profile."

With Ren's decision made, the discussion came to an end, and the group anonymously agreed to enter Smiling Town, much to the warlords' satisfaction.

The only one who wasn't happy about it was Ren, a sense of foreboding gnawing at him as he thought of what might happen inside the town.

With no shelter in sight except Smiling Town, they had no choice but to enter the city. "We have no other choice," Ren stated, his voice edged with frustration. "We can't risk getting caught in this storm."

The group veered off the main path and approached the outskirts of Smiling Town. Smiling Town nestled at the foot of rolling hills, its quaint charm evident in every cobblestone pathway and weathered wooden structure. The town exuded a welcoming atmosphere, despite the eerie undercurrent that lingered beneath its cheerful facade.

The buildings, though simple, possessed a rustic elegance, with two-story structures boasting blue-tiled roofs that glistened under the intermittent sunlight. The walls were crafted from sturdy timber, their surfaces weathered by years of exposure to the elements, yet still retaining a sense of warmth and character.

Narrow streets wound their way through the town like labyrinthine paths, bordered by rows of quaint shops and cozy residences. The alleyways, barely wide enough for two people to pass, were shrouded in shadow, casting an air of mystery over the otherwise bustling town.

Despite its size, Smiling Town was a hub of activity, with townsfolk bustling about their daily routines with smiles plastered on their faces. Merchants peddled their wares from colorful stalls lining the streets, their voices blending into a melodic symphony of commerce like the storm couldn't dampen their mood. At the heart of the town stood a grand fountain, its waters shimmering in the sunlight as they cascaded gracefully into a crystal-clear pool below. Surrounding the fountain were benches adorned with vibrant flowers, inviting weary travelers to rest and take in the tranquil beauty of their surroundings.

Despite its idyllic appearance, there was an unsettling uniformity to the town's cheerfulness, as if each smile was painted on, masking deeper emotions that lay beneath the surface. It was a place where happiness was not just a state of mind, but a requirement enforced by unseen forces.

As Ren and his companions ventured deeper into Smiling Town, they couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, as if the very essence of the town itself was scrutinizing their every move. Desira's discomfort was palpable as she eyed the brightly colored buildings lining the streets. "This place gives me the creeps," she muttered under her breath.

But then, her demeanor shifted into cheerfulness. "I wonder where the shops are."

"I want to sample the food here," Vivi exclaimed excitedly.

Azazel raised his hand enthusiastically. "Me too!"

"It's the weapon shop for me," Iraelyn declared. "I wonder if they have an arena here."

"Then I will go to the apothecary," Malifira muttered.

And with that, everyone went their separate ways.

"Hey! Where are you all going?! There's a storm coming!" Pamela exclaimed.

Desira simply waved her hand dismissively. "We're already inside the town, so its fine. We'll meet you at the inn later."

"Come on, guys, we're not here to sightsee. There's a storm about to hit, and we need to find shelter in an inn," Elena urged but Azazel and his warlords were already gone.