On the planet Siw Venus, a massive dome covered the entire city, sheathed in translucent glass that reflected a dazzling brilliance. Inside, the city shone in pristine white tones, its beauty carrying both classical elegance and hints of the medieval age, blended in perfect harmony.
Eugene walked forward, her eyes wandering across the surroundings before heading straight toward the great city dome's entrance.
Two guards stood there, both towering with gray skin and pointed ears like elves. Dressed in skin-tight white suits and armed with sleek weapons that looked as if they had slipped out from the far future, they watched the gate with sharp vigilance.
Eugene approached, her expression stern and serious. She stopped at the entrance, arms crossed, and locked eyes with the gatekeepers—for an entire hour. The guards broke into a nervous sweat, faces paling. At last, Eugene spoke:
"So, to enter the city… I need to pay, don't I?"
The two guards answered in unison, "Yes. Five units." They glanced at her, silently groaning inside:
Seriously? We waited an hour just to hear one line?
Eugene paid the five units and stepped into the city, where the bustling crowd spilled through the streets—merchants, strange-looking aliens, non-humans, elves, and ordinary people alike.
She crossed her arms again, deep in thought, as if trying to figure something out.
"So this is what's inside the dome… Hmph. I'd better get supplies first. But where should I start?"
Her eyes fell on a small shop with a green roof, designed in a medieval fantasy style. Pots of plants decorated the entrance, and shelves inside overflowed with goods. Without hesitation, Eugene strode in.
Ding… ding… The sound of a small bell above the door rang out across the shop.
"Welcome, dear customer! Is there anything you'd like, or something you're looking for? Please feel free to ask," said a young clerk with bright orange hair tied into twin braids. She wore a white long-sleeved shirt and yellow trousers, greeting Eugene with a cheerful smile.
But Eugene's expression remained cold and severe. Her voice came out deep and booming, like that of a man:
"Do you sell provisions?"
The clerk stiffened, trembling, eyes lowered in fear. She thought to herself: What's with this? I was being polite, and she looks at me like that?
Eugene raised her voice, a sharp edge of annoyance cutting through:
"Well? Do you have any, you little runt?"
The clerk squeaked, "Y-Yes, yes we do!"
Eugene grunted, "Food that lasts a long time. Pills that make you full will do."
The clerk darted away, quickly returning with a small container.
"Here you go! We have a long-lasting nutrient pill. Just one pill keeps you full for an entire week." She showed it with a faint, nervous smile.
Eugene glared. "Are you mocking me, brat?"
The clerk flustered. "N-No, not at all!" But inside she fumed: Who's mocking who here? Just because she's taller than me, this redhead thinks she can bully a cute little clerk like me?
Out loud, she asked, "So… will you take it, customer?"
Eugene nodded. "Fine. I'll take it." She paid, turned, and walked out of the shop.
The clerk stuck out her tongue at Eugene's back, her face twisted in playful spite.
"Bleh, stupid redhead."
Outside, Eugene returned to her spaceship, where Kai was sitting on a rock munching on snacks, while Rese lay inside the ship on a bed, casually reading a book.
Kai stood up as Eugene approached. "Back already, Eugene? Perfect timing—I was waiting for you."
Eugene replied, "Are we ready to leave? The supplies are secured."
Kai smiled. "Before we go… how about we take a walk first? There are so many things I want to ask you—it's like a mountain piled up in my head."
Eugene answered with her usual serious tone. "All right. What is it you want to ask?"
The two of them strolled side by side, talking as they went. At one point, Kai asked:
"Eugene, I've always wondered. How can some people float out in space without dying? I mean, space has no air to breathe. Anyone would die instantly out there. So how can they survive? And how do they breathe?"
Eugene explained, "Normally, a living body functions automatically. But we… we trick our brains. We force the body to keep working without depending on oxygen. It's about taking direct control over the body's systems—like regulating your own blood flow, or keeping your body temperature steady—so you can endure the vacuum of space. But to do that requires a mind trained to the very highest level."
As they walked, Kai's eyes caught sight of a black dog being bullied by three thugs. Without hesitation, he rushed in.
"Hey! Stop that right now! Picking on a helpless animal that can't even fight back—what kind of cowards are you?"
The three thugs turned toward him, sneering.
"Look, a hero. What do you think, boys? Should we rough him up?"
Another thug laughed. "Do it, boss!"
The three lunged at Kai. But before they could land a blow, Eugene hurled a blast of fire that burst in front of them, blocking their path.
"You punks want to play tough? Care to try my flames instead?"
The thugs froze, their faces blanching. "Damn—it's the Chosen! Run!" They bolted in panic, disappearing down the street.
Kai knelt beside the frightened black dog, stroking its head gently.
"It's all right now. You must be hungry, huh?" He offered the snack he'd been carrying, and the dog devoured it eagerly.
Eugene, watching from behind, couldn't help but feel impressed by Kai's kindness. And so, together, the two of them returned to their ship, ready to set out once more.