Inside the spaceship, shaped like a white van, it floated silently through the dark expanse of space. It moved steadily forward, heading straight for the planet Meta in the east.
Kai spoke while piloting the ship:
"Everyone, we're almost at planet Meta."
Rese, chatting animatedly with Septa as if they were close friends, laughed and gestured, while Eugene sat quietly, gazing out the front of the spacecraft. Ruby stared out the window, her eyes and expression heavy with sorrow.
Inside the ship, only the voices of Rese and Septa filled the cabin.
Kai thought to himself while steering:
"That mischievous Rese… chatting so cheerfully and even trying to drag Septa into some strange cult."
Rese, holding a book, shivered as if sensing Kai's silent teasing but continued talking to Septa with the same carefree energy.
Septa's voice was soft and gentle, almost like a young lady of noble upbringing:
"This book, First Love at the Collision, is so fun! I wonder if I should try something like that… maybe bump into someone?"
Rese whispered in a low voice, as if not wanting anyone else to hear:
"Hehe… my first time was with my senior. I spoke politely and sweetly, and when we first bumped into each other, I immediately knew it was fate. I fell for him right then. Septa, you'll have to try it yourself—this isn't something I can teach. You have to experience it firsthand."
Septa's eyes sparkled, seeing Rese as a true mentor, her gaze full of admiration.
Eugene, who had been silent, turned to them and said:
"You two really get along well. How do you even trust Rese like that, Septa?"
Septa's tone hardened slightly, her expression serious:
"Don't talk badly about my teacher, Eugene."
Eugene went quiet, then muttered:
"Alright… alright… she's your teacher, I get it now."
The spaceship approached planet Meta, a world similar in size to Earth, painted in vibrant blues and greens. Mas skillfully piloted the ship through the thick clouds of the atmosphere, revealing a sprawling city below. The city blended a medieval charm with hints of modernity, complete with a massive arena at its heart.
Ruby walked over to Kai at the controls and guided Mas to land the ship at the hidden base on Meta. The spacecraft touched down safely within the city.
All five of them disembarked and were greeted by Anthea, waiting for them. Ruby ran forward and embraced Anthea, tears welling in her eyes as she spoke, her voice trembling with confusion:
"Mas is gone… Anthea, what should I do? I don't know what to do."
Anthea's tone was gentle as she hugged Ruby and stroked her hair softly:
"It's alright, Ruby. I know you're hurting. Losing someone as important as Mas is painful… though I can't imagine it's as much as your pain, since you loved him deeply. But Mas is safe now. Don't dwell in sorrow."
Ruby, still in tears, whispered:
"What should I do…"
Anthea smiled gently, treating Ruby like a little sister:
"Go rest for now. Calm your heart. That's what you need to do right now."
After Anthea spoke, Ruby walked into the base to rest, while Rese and Septa accompanied her.
Kai greeted Anthea and introduced Eugene:
"This is Eugene, Anthea. He used to be an invader but has since changed."
Kai then introduced Anthea to Eugene:
"This is Anthea, Eugene. She's a Guardian, and in a way, she's like my mentor."
Anthea said warmly:
"Follow me. I want to introduce you to someone… Don't worry about Ruby. I'll take care of her."
They walked through the bustling crowd, eventually reaching a tall building. On the spacious rooftop, two lounge chairs sat beneath a large umbrella. A cool breeze swept across the rooftop, revealing a man reclining on one of the chairs.
The mysterious man, 185 cm tall, wore a white T-shirt and fitted black pants, topped with a light brown coat. His simple leather shoes matched the slightly messy black hair with orange tips, framing his sharp, piercing eyes.
Ren, the head of the Guardians, rested there quietly.