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Under Rhomann Dey's guidance, they took a transport shuttle directly to a magnificent building in the city's center. This appeared to be the main headquarters of the Nova Corps, with two guards stationed before the tall metal gates.
After Rhomann verified his identity, he led Aidan and the Traveler inside. From their conversation, Aidan had learned that Rhomann held the rank of Centurion—one of the Nova Corps' elite operational positions. Centurions could mobilize Nova Force energy directly and commanded lower-ranked legions. It was one of the highest positions below Nova Prime Irani Rael herself.
The fact that they'd sent a Centurion to receive him indicated the Nova Corps took his arrival seriously.
The hierarchy was straightforward: Centurions at the top operational level, then Denarians with seventy percent of a Centurion's authority and independent flight capability, Millennians with fifty percent authority but requiring ships for flight, and finally regular Corpsmen—fresh Space Academy graduates. The structure wasn't overly complex, just efficient.
Most buildings along their route bore the distinctive three-pointed star insignia. After entering the district, it felt like entering a world of steel composed entirely of stars.
After crossing dense clusters of administrative buildings, Rhomann brought them to a golden-yellow residential structure. Considerable open space surrounded it. The architecture resembled their Star Blaster ships but smoother, more organic. Grounded, it looked like a massive sea urchin half-buried in soil. Walking up to it, even the twenty-meter-tall Traveler looked small by comparison.
"This is residential housing for legion members. Anyone who joins the Nova Corps receives a fully-equipped independent dwelling," Rhomann explained as they approached the entrance, subtly testing Aidan's interest in recruitment.
"Impressive benefits," Aidan said, smiling noncommittally.
"For unmarried members, we even arrange social matchmaking services," Rhomann continued, seeing Aidan hadn't taken the bait.
Aidan was momentarily speechless. Is he implying something? First praising my appearance, now acting like I can't find a partner on my own...
The door scanned their biometrics and opened slowly.
"Am I staying here temporarily?" Aidan asked, changing the subject.
"Yes, but come to my home first. I'll show you to your quarters after dinner," Rhomann nodded.
They approached an elevator. It seemed somewhat small for the Traveler's massive frame.
"Ah, sorry. I rarely entertain guests of this... scale," Rhomann said, looking embarrassed.
"No problem—he can shrink," Aidan waved dismissively. Under Rhomann's surprised gaze, the Traveler's twenty-meter frame shifted and compressed down to human size.
"Why didn't he do that before?" Rhomann asked, spreading his hands. The Traveler had been ducking under bridges and dodging architecture the entire journey.
"Haha... I was focused on sightseeing. Forgot to mention it," Aidan laughed. The Traveler's consciousness was still new. Data calculation was flawless, but applying magic to its own body remained somewhat clumsy.
"Alright, let's go in," Rhomann said, entering the elevator first.
The three ascended to a specific residential unit.
"This is my home. Not bad, right?" Rhomann said with slight pride.
"Very nice!" Aidan walked in, examining the construction. No fancy decorations—the entire ceiling was luminous, illuminating the interior evenly. The space seemed smaller than the exterior suggested. A transparent floor-to-ceiling window directly opposite the entrance offered expansive city views. Tables, chairs, beds—all attached to walls or floor, made of sleek metal. From elevator to hallway to room, everything had a strong "starship interior" aesthetic.
"Dad!"
A little girl's voice rang out. A red-skinned child with two pigtails ran from the bedroom, sprinting straight to Rhomann, who scooped her up.
"Hey, Dahl, we have guests today. Say hello," Rhomann said with obvious affection.
Dahl Dey stared at Aidan and the Traveler with wide, curious eyes. "Hello! I'm Dahl," she waved enthusiastically.
"Hello, I'm Aidan. This is the Traveler," Aidan responded, smiling warmly.
"Okay, go find Mom now," Rhomann kissed her forehead, setting her down.
"Okay!" The little girl nodded obediently and ran back to the bedroom. Her innocent energy brightened the mood considerably.
"So, you want to open a weapons store?" Rhomann asked, settling by the window seat.
"Yes. I need to establish a shop to earn currency, then purchase materials I require. Direct trade for corresponding materials would be ideal," Aidan explained, sitting across from him.
"What kind of weapons are you selling?"
"Let me think..." Aidan paused briefly. "Biological battlesuits, temporal distortion devices, spatial teleportation bridges, nano-edged weapons, bioengineered combat creatures..." He listed items from his available inventory.
Rhomann sat frozen, processing the implications.
"Also planning to establish a film and television production company. Create some entertainment media for distribution," Aidan added casually.
Rhomann barely registered the last sentence, his mind completely occupied by the weapons list.
"Do these weapons function exactly as their names suggest?" Rhomann asked, voice tight with excitement.
"Of course. Biological battlesuits enhance strength and speed while allowing survival in vacuum. Spatial devices—currently limited to planetary range due to stability concerns at greater distances. Temporal distortion devices manipulate local gravity to slow time within specific areas..." Aidan explained the purpose and functionality of various items.
Rhomann's face flushed. As a Centurion, he understood the strategic importance immediately. The Nova Corps' defenses were already formidable, but their expanding protective jurisdiction was stretching personnel thin. These weapons could dramatically enhance overall military capability.
"Sorry, I need to report this to Nova Prime Adora immediately," Rhomann said, quickly activating his communicator. Before the call connected, he added carefully, "There won't be any problems with your store opening. Don't worry about that."
"Understood," Aidan nodded.
This was going better than expected.