As Helios and Kurai stepped out of the dark corridor, their surroundings transformed into the vibrant and bustling world of Radiant Garden. The city's streets were adorned with blooming flowers, vibrant market stalls, and the cheerful chatter of its inhabitants. The architecture showcased a blend of grandeur and elegance, with ornate buildings adorned with intricate carvings and colorful stained gss windows.

  Helios took a moment to absorb the sights and sounds, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. From merely looking at Ansem’s castle he khat he was ba time to a period approximately 10 to 9 years prior to the events of Kingdom Hearts 1 before this world became known as Hollow Bastion.

  Turning to Kurai, he inquired about their impressions of this world. Kurai, its dark aura shrouding its form, expressed its disapproval. "This pce reeks of light," it hissed. "There is nothing of i here for me. It would be better if this world were ed by darkness."

  Though uanding Kurai's disdain for the brighthat surrouhem, Helios remained resolute in his purpose. "I uand your ses, Kurai," he replied, his voice ced with amusement. "But for now, I o do a few things here including firming the time we are currently in. Moreover, I have heard that the esteemed wizard Merlin resides here, and I wish to lear of magi him. Suowledge will prove invaluable in our journey. Besides this world pys a crucial to the plot and I ’t have either of us messing about too much."

  Kurai's energy rippled with disi, but it reized the logi Helios' voice. Relutly, it withdrew further into Helios’ shadows, g to Helios' decision.

  Embrag the opportunity that had preseself, Helios set forth, his steps guided by a sense of curiosity and purpose. He meahrough the backstreets of Radiant Garden, which would eventually bee Hollow Bastion, abs every detail. Normally he would walk straight to his destination but the repeated battles in the realm of darkness had left his clothes tattered and he would draw too much attention to himself.

  He marveled at the craftsmanship of the buildings, admiring the ornate carvings and stained gss windows. The air was filled with the st of blooming flowers, and the joyful chatter of the townsfolk echoed through the streets, creating a vibrant and weling atmosphere.

  Guided by his knowledge, Helios made his way to the heart of the city, where Terra and the others met the legendary wizard Merlin. Passing by quaint shops and bustling marketpces, he couldn't help but be captivated by the energy and livelihat radiated from every er.

  Finally, he reached the doorstep of Merlin's humble abode, a small cottage tucked away in a serene er of the city. The cottage seemed to emit an aura of magic, as Helios drew closer. With a deep breath, he knocked on the wooden door, his heart filled with anticipation.

  “e in”, a voice filled with warmth and wisdom invited him in. As the door swung open, Helios stepped into a room that seemed to transd space itself. The interior of Merlin's cottage was three times the size of the cottage and adorned with tless shelves filled with aomes and mystical artifacts. Soft beams of sunlight filtered through the small windows, casting a bright warm glow on the worn wooden floors although it wasn’t shining that much outside.

  Merlin, with his long white beard and twinkling eyes, greeted Helios with a gentle smile. The wizard sehe darkhat the young man exuded. "Ah, a traveler you seem to have had a harrowing journey," Merlin excimed. "Why don’t you e inside and we talk after we get you ged."

  Helios, taken aback by the spaciousness and grandeur of the interior, followed Merlin's guidance. As he stepped further into the room, his eyes widened in amazement at the sheer magnitude of magical artifacts and books that adorhe shelves. He couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the knowledge and power that resided within these walls.

  Merlin led him to a side room, filled with a colle of garments of various styles and colors. "Please, choose something more suitable to your current state," Merlin suggested kindly. "After all, a ge of attire do wonders for one's spirit."

  Helios, perusing the assortment of clothing, settled upon a bd white button-down shirt, its colr left casually open. He paired it with sleek bck pants and a pair of bd white shoes, each adorned with bck shoeces. The monoatisemble reflected his affinity for band trast, a visual representation that mimicked his keybde.

  Emerging from the side room, Helios found Merlin waiting for him, a warm smile grag his face. With a wave of his wand, the wizard jured two steaming cups of tea and a pte of freshly baked ses, their aroma filling the air.

  Helios gratefully accepted the offered seat, settling into it as Merlin took a seat across from him. The cups were pced gently oable, wisps of steam rising from their surface. He reached for a se and took a hesitant bite, only to be engulfed by an overwhelmiion of hunger—a sensation that had been absent during his arduous jourhrough the realm of darkness.

  Eyes widening in surprise, Helios paused, momentarily caught off guard by the iy of the feeling. It was as if his body had suddenly awakeo the need for sustenance, a reminder of his mortal nature.

  Merlin observed Helios' rea, his eyes kling with a mix of amusement and uanding. "Ah, it seems the realm of darkness has left you quite famished," he remarked, his voice ced with gentle humor. "Fear not, young man, for the nourishment of body and spirit shall help purify your body which has been seeped in darkness."

  With a flick of his wand, Merlin jured a generous spread of food—a feast fit for a king. Ptters of savory dishes, delectable pastries, and suct fruits materialized before them, their entig aromas enveloping the room.

  Helios, his hunger awakened, couldn't help but indulge in the bountiful array of food. He savored each bite, feeling a renewed vitality c through his veins as he partook in the nourishment that had eluded him for months.

  As he ate, Helios marveled at the depth of Merlin's magic. It was not merely the juring of sustenance, but a reminder of the pic could grant one in this universe. It served as a testament to the immense power that the wizard wielded, and Helios wanted power equal to that.

  With each morsel ed, Helios felt his strength and vitality replenish. Helios truly had no idea how weak he really felt until he ed some physiourishment. As the st remnants of the feast were cleared away, Helios leaned ba his chair tent.

  "Thank you, Sir," he said sincerely, his voice filled with appreciation. "Not only for the food you gave me but also for clothes."

  Merlin's eyes twinkled with pride as he nodded in response. "You’re wele young man, so now that you’ve eaten would you care to answer some questions? " he replied, his voice tinged with warmth.

  Helios’ voice filled with gratitude, nodded in respoo Merlin's question. "Of course, Sir," he replied, his voice respectful. "I am at your disposal. Ask away."

  Merlin leaned forward, his eyes pierg with curiosity. "Tell me, young one," he began, his voice carrying a weight of wisdom. "How did you e to be in this realm? And why do you have such a strong veil of darkness surrounding your body?"