The space capsule carrying Ruby drifted through the vastness of space, its destination the planet Teruda, lying to the southwest.
Before long, the planet appeared in view—its lush green expanses intertwined with stretches of brown, a world of nature's beauty preserved.
The capsule descended, landing near the spacecraft where Kai and his companions had parked.
Inside a quiet guest room, Rese, Eugene, and Septa were still resting. A faint glow from outside filtered through the window. Rese stirred first, stretching her arms high, her body twisting slightly to shake off the stiffness.
"Yaaawn..." Her long yawn filled the room. Tilting her head, she slowly opened her heavy eyelids, her vision blurred from sleep, breath warm and unsteady.
Kai, who had woken earlier, sensed Ruby's presence below through his prophetic sight. He quietly left his room and made his way to the landing site. Just as he arrived, the capsule opened, and Ruby stepped out.
Kai's voice cut through the silence.
"Mas is dead, isn't he?"
Ruby froze, then rushed into his arms.
"Mas died in agony... he saved my life. I miss him so much. He shouldn't have died... What should I do, Kai?"
Kai's reply was soft, almost tender.
"Ruby, remember this—Mas's sacrifice saved you. That was his choice, his will. He didn't die in sorrow; he died protecting something precious. That something... was you. Live on for him. I'm certain Mas would want that."
Ruby pulled away, wiping her tears.
"I want to go to the eastern base on the planet Meta. Will you take me there?"
Kai nodded.
"Of course. Wait here for a moment."
He hurried back to the inn and spoke to the elderly innkeeper.
"I'd like to check out. We'll be leaving for another planet."
The old man smiled kindly.
"Certainly, sir. Leave the room as it is—I'll take care of the cleaning."
Kai then knocked on Eugene and Rese's door.
Knock, knock...
The door creaked open. Eugene appeared, his hair a tangled mess, his half-lidded eyes dazed as if pulled straight from a dream.
"What is it, Kai?" he murmured sleepily.
Kai's expression was grave.
"Wake Rese. I'll get Septa. We're leaving today."
Eugene blinked in confusion.
"Wait, weren't we supposed to stay here for three weeks?"
"Change of plans," Kai said firmly. "The southern base has been attacked. We're heading east, to the base on Meta."
At that, Rese stretched and sighed.
"So we're really leaving for the eastern base, huh? Ugh, just when I was starting to enjoy this pretty, fantasy-like city... But if that's the leader's order, then Rese obeys."
After gathering their belongings, Kai returned to his own room. He found Septa already prepared, her luggage neatly packed. She stood tall, smiling faintly.
"I am ready, my lord. Allow me to accompany you."
Kai stared at her, slightly bewildered.
"'My lord'? Did you pick that up from Rese?"
Septa answered calmly.
"She lent me one of her books. I suppose I got a little carried away."
Kai's expression stayed blank, though a flicker of unease crossed his eyes.
"Great... what is this, some kind of cult she's roping them into?"
The four of them descended from the inn, where Ruby was already waiting outside. She looked at Septa in shock, fear flashing in her eyes.
"Kai... what's going on? Isn't that redhead dangerous?"
Eugene flinched, guilt shadowing his face. He stepped forward, voice soft, almost pleading.
"I'm sorry, Miss Cat. I regret what I did. Please forgive me."
Ruby's eyes narrowed, distrust lingering.
Kai gently placed his hands on Ruby's shoulders.
"It's all right. Eugene has changed. Back then, she only lost herself to her power. But now she's a friend, no longer a threat. I promise you."
Ruby said nothing, though her silence carried doubt.
Together, the five of them boarded Kai's white van-like spacecraft. Kai took the pilot's seat, preparing the vessel for launch.
Inside, Rese leaned toward Septa with a grin.
"So, what do you think? Aren't my novels the best? Which one's your favorite?"
Septa smiled politely, sitting with the grace of a noblewoman.
"The one about love with a senior on a spaceship. It was wonderful."
Rese beamed.
"See? I knew it! And I've got more—like First Love, Bumping into You." She rummaged in her bag and handed Septa another book.
While the two chatted happily, Eugene sat in silence, and Ruby stared out the window, her face shadowed with grief.
Kai, watching through his prophetic sight, sighed inwardly.
"Strange book titles... where does she even find these? And Ruby's heart is still drowning in sorrow."
"Rese, give me the coordinates for Meta."
"3333, boss," she replied cheerfully, before turning back to her conversation with Septa.
The ship lifted off, rising through Teruda's skies and breaking past its atmosphere.
Coordinates confirmed: 3333. Preparing jump sequence.
"Three... two... one..."
The engines roared.
Vroooom! Fwoooosh! Whiiir!
The spacecraft surged into the void, leaving the world of Teruda behind.