Amidst the vastness of space, far ahead of a white van-shaped spacecraft, the planet Teruda revealed itself. Green and brown intertwined across its surface, like a masterpiece of nature's artistry—lush, fertile, and unspoiled. A world where nature and life thrived in harmony.
The ship began its descent, breaking through the clouds, where enormous trees and towering marble mountains stood proudly. Below stretched a city seamlessly blended with nature, where spacecrafts rested in neat rows upon a wide courtyard shaded by giant trees.
Inside, Septa sat gazing out through the window, her face softened by a quiet smile.
"Finally… we've arrived. My homeworld."
Across from her, Rese, who had been pretending to sleep, suddenly stirred. She pressed her hands against the window, eyes sparkling at the breathtaking sight.
Eugene, waking sluggishly from the ship's bed, rubbed his temples with a dazed look, as if still piecing himself together.
At the controls, Kai guided the ship into landing. He too was taken by the scenery, his expression filled with satisfaction.
"How can it be this beautiful… such a clean, perfectly balanced city with nature."
The ship touched down upon the pristine white surface. All four stepped out together, drawing in the fresh air, their faces brightened with joy.
Rese exclaimed with a wide grin, though still clinging to the window frame:
"Wow… this is pure fantasy, boss!"
Eugene rose slowly, still weakened, and murmured as he walked:
"Septa… what are you doing here?"
Sitting upright with composure, Septa replied with a calm, neutral expression:
"I'm simply a fellow traveler—just like you, Eugene."
Eugene pressed further, his voice low:
"Then why have we come here?"
Eyes fixed on him, Septa answered steadily:
"This is my homeworld… and I've decided to return. Because I am no longer an invader."
Kai descended the ramp first, arms stretched wide as he breathed deeply, his voice ringing with ease:
"We're here to rest, everyone. After everything we've been through, we deserve it. We've had no peace since we set out… but this place is perfect. Nature, clean air, serenity."
Together, the four walked through the tree-lined paths and among the bustling citizens until they reached a grand hotel. The building resembled a medieval castle with a sky-blue roof—its walls built of wood and marble, radiating pure fantasy.
Rese pointed toward a stout old man in a suit, tie, and round spectacles, and asked brightly:
"How much is the stay here?"
"With pleasure, little miss—25 units in total," the old man said with a sly grin, his demeanor like that of a con artist.
Eugene frowned, stepping forward.
"If you try to deceive us, I'll burn this place to the ground."
The old man quickly raised both hands.
"Peace, peace, young master. No harm intended."
Eugene narrowed his eyes.
"Why do you look so familiar to me…?"
The man smirked faintly, replying with false innocence:
"Perhaps because I have many relatives, sir. I assure you, I mean no ill."
Kai placed a hand on Eugene's shoulder, chuckling lightly.
"Calm down, Eugene. He's just running an honest business—even if he looks the part of a swindler."
The man tipped his head with mock pride.
"Then I'll take that as a compliment, good sir. Now—will it be a shared room, or separate?"
Rese's hand shot up, her voice loud with excitement:
"Shared room, please!"
Inwardly, she thought with glee:
"Hehe… that way I'll get to sleep beside my boss. I'll just pretend to be scared, and then slip into his arms. Brilliant plan!"
Adjusting her glasses with a sly tug, she smirked to herself.
But Kai interjected firmly:
"Two double rooms, please. I'll stay with Septa, and Eugene will stay with Rese."
As he accepted the keys, he thought quietly:
"Septa still seems nervous, uneasy."
Septa herself stayed silent, shifting awkwardly, unsure how to act.
Noticing, Kai reassured her softly:
"It's all right. I understand."
At his words, Septa fell silent, trembling faintly, but for the first time, relief welled inside her. Tears gathered in her eyes, falling just slightly.
"You all… won't hurt me, will you?"
Kai answered with a gentle smile:
"No. None of us will ever hurt you, Septa."
That evening, they each settled into their rooms before regrouping downstairs. Septa, still uneasy, followed Kai's lead.
Eugene, waiting with arms crossed, called out impatiently:
"Took you long enough. I heard from the innkeeper—there's a festival tonight. Shall we go?"
Kai grinned.
"Of course. Let's go."
And so the four of them walked side by side, heading toward the festival awaiting under Teruda's starlit sky.