Part 1/6 - The Enigma of the Winds
Amidst a vast expanse of drifting clouds and turbulent, storm-like winds, a grand airship soared gracefully through the sky. It glided through the sea of clouds as though it were a majestic fish swimming effortlessly through a soft, ethereal ocean.
Onboard this luxurious vessel was Princess Keela Thunderwill of Skyperion.
Though she was technically traveling under royal status, she carried herself as casually as if she were just another companion in the group. They had just emerged victorious from a battle against sky pirates, but rather than being weighed down by the fight, the atmosphere was filled with excitement.
The looming political turmoil in Skyperion still lingered at the back of their minds, yet Yue and Draco managed to lighten the mood, drawing everyone's attention to the breathtaking scenery outside.
For a while, the group admired the view—it was like gazing upon an endless sea made of clouds. But as time passed, the novelty faded, leaving behind a sense of monotony. No landmarks, no shifting scenery—just an endless white abyss.
Even Yue, usually the one to keep the atmosphere lively, was starting to look bored.
"Hmph… I'm tired of guessing what animals these clouds look like," she pouted, puffing up her cheeks.
Draco took the hint and tried to shift the conversation. "Alright then, Osiris, got anything interesting to tell us?"
Osiris immediately perked up. She loved explaining things whenever someone asked. "Hmm, how about this—does anyone know why Skyperion is a floating continent? Do you know, Princess?"
Keela let out an exasperated sigh. "Oh, please. Just call me Keela. No need for the formalities." She folded her arms, thinking for a moment. "As for why it floats… Well, according to what my tutors taught me, this land was blessed by the God of the Winds—a divine gift to honor the noble Avian bloodline for their contributions to Arcadia."
Then, she shrugged. "But honestly? I don't believe that story. That's just something the royals keep repeating to themselves. There's got to be a more logical explanation."
Mirelle chuckled. "Well, Keela, that story does sound exactly like something royalty would say." She rested her chin on her palm. "But if you ask me, I'd guess it has something to do with buoyancy, like the Silver Whale submarines in Undine—combined with some rare form of magic."
Osiris nodded. "You're actually not far off. Once we arrive, you'll notice that each floating landmass has the shape of a turtle's shell. The way the wind moves over the curved tops is much faster than how it moves along the flatter undersides. This difference in airflow creates—"
"Lift!" Akira blurted out.
Everyone turned to look at him. He scratched the back of his head apologetically for interrupting.
Osiris smiled. "Yes, exactly. It works just like an airplane wing."
She continued, "But that alone wouldn't be enough to keep an entire continent afloat. Can anyone guess what else plays a role?"
Mirelle glanced outside. "Does it have something to do with the wind? It's incredibly strong out there."
Osiris nodded. "That's part of it. Skyperion sits in a region where the eastern equatorial winds converge, creating a low-pressure system with immense wind speeds. Even after passing through Gnome, the winds remain powerful. Then, as they collide with Skyperion's unique terrain, they get compressed and forced upward, increasing their velocity even further.
But that's not all."
Draco gawked. "There's more?!"
Elina chimed in. "Could it be the material? When making airplanes, special materials are needed. Maybe the soil of Skyperion is unique?"
Osiris beamed. "Bingo! The land of Skyperion is composed of a lightweight yet incredibly durable mineral. It's aerodynamically efficient, allowing it to support massive amounts of weight while still remaining afloat.
But that's not the only thing. Everything in Skyperion—the trees, the structures, even the people themselves—are naturally lightweight. The Skyperions can fly, so the burden of weight is significantly lower than on any other continent.
Plus, deep within the floating landmasses, there are gas pockets filled with a substance lighter than air, further aiding in buoyancy."
Elina nodded in understanding. "So that's why they're so strict about weight and volume regulations on airships. It's all about balance."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
But Osiris wasn't done. "And even that's not all."
Draco clutched his head. "You've gotta be kidding me! What else could possibly keep a whole continent floating?! Other than anti-gravity magic, I can't think of anything!"
Silence.
Everyone turned to look at him.
Osiris suddenly burst into giggles, unable to contain herself. "Pffft—K-k-khh! Yes—y-you're absolutely right! Aha—hahaha!!"
The group stared in shock. Not because Draco had accidentally given the correct answer, but because Osiris—the ever-composed AI-Cyborg—was actually laughing like a normal person.
She wiped away a stray tear and took a deep breath. "Yes, you got it. Anti-gravity."
Skyperion contains a special mineral that naturally repels Arcadia's gravitational field. This anti-gravity ore is what allows the continent to stay suspended.
However, the exact mechanism is still a mystery. Some scholars believe it's purely a magical phenomenon, while others theorize that it's connected to divine energy—just like the story Keela mentioned earlier.
"No one knows for sure," Osiris concluded.
Yue's eyes sparkled. "Wow! So many factors have to work together just to keep this place floating. That's so cool! Osiris, do you have any more fun facts?"
And with that, Osiris launched into another long-winded, highly technical lecture.
At first, everyone listened attentively.
Then…
Draco's eyes started spinning in circles.
Yue yawned again and again before finally resting her head against Akira.
Mirelle, initially pretending to be interested, soon followed suit—casually leaning against Akira as well.
Keela rolled her eyes but ultimately let it slide. "Osiris, it seems like your 'students' are about to pass out." She smirked. "If Akira stays like that any longer, he's going to lose all feeling in his arms."
Osiris glanced at the drowsy group and chuckled. "Fair enough."
With that, the team retreated to their seats, strapping themselves in for a long, peaceful rest.
Mirelle, however, looked slightly frustrated—after all, she had only just started leaning against Akira before Keela interrupted.
One by one, they settled in as the luxurious Kirov airship continued its journey, gliding effortlessly through the boundless ocean of clouds.
Part 2/6 - Arrival in the Land of the Winds
A crisp, professional voice rang through the speakers, waking us from our slumber.
"Good day, passengers of SKP Royal Number 7. We have now arrived in Skyperion. Please return to your seats, fasten your seatbelts, and follow all instructions provided by our crew. Thank you for flying with us. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey."
Still groggy, we stirred awake and instinctively turned toward the windows.
The view that greeted us was breathtaking.
Akira, in particular, couldn't take his eyes off the landscape. In games and novels, floating islands were often depicted as inverted cones—with a flat surface on top for habitation and jagged, pointed bottoms.
But Skyperion was completely different.
Instead of a conical shape, the floating landmasses resembled the backs of colossal turtles, just like Osiris had described.
The tops of the islands were smooth, domed, and sky-blue, as if polished by centuries of relentless wind erosion. At the front of each floating landmass, enormous aerodynamic windbreakers had been constructed—shaped like the heads of turtles, engineered to masterfully redirect air currents.
On the sides, massive propellers resembling outstretched flippers extended outward, adjusting the islands' directions as though they were swimming through the sky. At the rear, tail-like stabilizers helped maintain balance.
Below each island, countless wind turbines spun tirelessly, harnessing the powerful gales while simultaneously slowing down the airflow underneath.
On the top surface, however, each landmass was equipped with what appeared to be jet-like propulsion systems. Some of the smaller islands had four enormous balloons attached to them, likely as a temporary measure to compensate for unstable buoyancy.
What caught Akira's eye the most, though, was the intricate network of interwoven steel cables linking the islands together. The cables weren't just ordinary tethers—they were woven in a spiral pattern, layer upon layer, reinforcing their strength.
"This isn't a chain of floating islands," Akira mused internally. "It's more like a massive web of turtle-shaped kites, tethered together in a colossal spiderweb."
And rather than landing on top of the islands, their flight path led them beneath one of these giant airborne turtles.
It reminded him of divers entering a submarine from below.
Their airship descended toward a large docking station, embedded within the belly of one of the floating landmasses—one of Skyperion's major airports, located in the eastern region.
From here, they would need to board domestic flights to continue their journey deeper into Skyperion.
⸻
The moment they stepped inside, the fusion of culture and technology became evident.
The interior of the airport resembled a futuristic Tibetan city, where traditional aesthetics seamlessly intertwined with cutting-edge engineering. The walls and ceilings were lined with sleek, spacecraft-like metallic structures, yet the decor retained elements of ancient Skyperion heritage.
Above them, Skyperions with majestic wings soared freely, while below, travelers and tourists bustled about, walking along designated pathways like a typical international airport.
Despite the constant movement and activity, the space exuded an air of tranquility and grandeur—a stark contrast between orderly refinement and untamed freedom.
But that peace wouldn't last for long.
Akira caught sight of a few people turning their heads toward Keela, their expressions shifting as though they were beginning to recognize her.
Keela must have noticed too, because she quickened her pace, leading them straight through the arrival procedures with remarkable efficiency.
They had to transfer to a public flight soon, and drawing unnecessary attention was the last thing they needed.
At the airport, the staff insisted on providing Keela with VIP treatment, offering an exclusive royal escort service.
But Keela refused—firmly and without hesitation.
Instead, she led them to an unexpected destination inside the airport.
A salon.
⸻
Everyone stared at her in confusion.
"Uhh… Keela?" Draco raised an eyebrow. "Why the hell are we going to a salon?"
Even more puzzling was the location of this particular salon.
It was incredibly obscure, tucked away in a hidden corner of the airport. If you weren't specifically looking for it, you'd never even know it existed.
The entrance was a contradiction in itself—so cluttered with signs that it was impossible to tell whether the place was open or closed.
Yet, the moment they stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted entirely.
The interior was immaculate—a white and glass aesthetic, making the space feel open and airy, despite its modest size.
Then, the salon's owner emerged.
And from the way they warmly greeted Keela, it was obvious—
This wasn't just any salon.
This was Keela's secret go-to place.
Part 3/6 - The Beginning of a Transformation
The moment Keela stepped into the salon, she exchanged a few words with the owner before taking a seat. Without hesitation, she began transforming her hairstyle.
Yue, ever the curious one, tilted her head. "What are you doing, Keela?"
Keela flashed a mischievous smile. "Disguising myself."
And just like that, we all understood.
To avoid the VIP treatment, to blend in among commoners, and to freely explore Skyperion without drawing unnecessary attention—disguise was essential.
The result?
Keela emerged with short, navy-blue hair, a stark contrast to her previous look.
Akira was the most shocked. His eyes widened as he blurted out, "This is Aya! If you could drop some sick fire rap right now, you'd be Aya from Little Monster!"
Keela blinked in confusion. "Little… what?"
Akira waved his hand dismissively. "Never mind, just a dumb reference."
But an idea sparked in his mind, and he decided to play along and nudge the others.
"You know," he began, "maybe we should all disguise ourselves. There were probably a ton of witnesses when we fought Zekhtau. If we show up here looking the same, people might start linking us to Keela.
And if that happens… well, the royal court might see her as deliberately bringing in foreign forces to meddle in political affairs.
I don't think any of us want that, right?"
Everyone nodded. He had a point.
They had no intention of complicating Keela's situation.
Seeing them all agree, Akira took the opportunity to push his own agenda just a little further.
"Then let's use this chance to change things up a bit," he suggested casually. "Elina, why don't you try growing your hair out?"
Elina's eyes lit up in surprise. "Wait, that's possible?!"
The moment she realized it was, she beamed with excitement.
"I had to cut my hair short because my mentor insisted on it—for better movement in training. I was devastated when I had to cut it off."
With her rare soft expression, no one had the heart to refuse her request.
By the time her long hair was restored, Elina twirled in front of the mirror, admiring her reflection with a joyful grin.
But the one secretly grinning the widest was Akira.
"I knew it… Elina really does look like Sakura from Little Monster," he thought. With those sharp eyes and her hip-hop energy… she fits the role perfectly. And she's the oldest in our group, too, just like Sakura… Wait—hold on. How old is everyone, actually? I never thought to ask."
While Akira was lost in his own world, the rest of the group started getting ideas of their own.
Seeing this, the salon owner called for extra staff, and soon, all of them were undergoing makeovers at the same time.
Of course, behind the scenes, Akira was subtly steering their transformations toward the looks he had in mind.
⸻
• Osiris switched places with Elina—now that Elina had long hair, Osiris decided to cut hers short. She also dyed her platinum blonde hair with soft pink undertones. She looked pleased with the results and found herself wondering, I wonder what Cain will think when he sees this?
• Mirelle kept it simple. She only dyed her snow-white hair to jet black, and that alone was a huge change for her. But when Akira casually suggested adding a slight fringe, she hesitated before shyly agreeing.
• Yue excitedly joined in, too. She dyed her golden-orange locks to a deep brown and added more volume to her hairstyle. While it didn't seem like a dramatic change to the rest of us, Yue absolutely loved it, and that's what mattered.
Now came the guys' turn.
They weren't sure how much they could change, but Akira took charge.
• Draco had his messy, spiky hair trimmed into a sharp undercut. His beard and sideburns were neatly shaped, giving him a clean, refined look. When he looked at his reflection, he rubbed his chin, puzzled.
"…Feels like I'm looking at a different person," he muttered.
We all burst into laughter.
"Well, duh!" Elina smirked. "That's the point of a disguise, dummy!"
What surprised us the most wasn't Draco's reaction, but Elina's laughter.
She had always carried herself with a serious, intimidating presence.
But ever since resolving the chaos in Draft and reuniting with Osiris, she had slowly started to reclaim her old self—the one who could genuinely laugh and joke around.
She playfully slapped Draco's shoulder, still giggling.
"Relax, you actually look pretty handsome now. Don't sulk, alright?"
Draco glanced at her from the corner of his eye. His expression remained stoic, but—
his ears were completely red.
"…Mm."
⸻
And then, it was Akira's turn.
The girls gathered around him like a pack of wolves, debating over what style would suit him best.
After much back-and-forth, they all agreed—just pushing his hair back and tying it into a top knot was more than enough.
But to complete the transformation, he would also need a wardrobe change.
That's when the salon owner led them next door—to her friend's boutique.
It was a store filled with avant-garde fashion, run by an exceptionally talented designer.
A fashion expert who, despite being a flamboyant drag queen, had an impeccable eye for style.
⸻
Keela was the first to step out of the dressing room.
With her sharp, short hair and a bold, commanding outfit, she radiated confidence—an aura of unwavering determination.
Even though she was in disguise, her noble upbringing was impossible to hide.
There was something in her posture, in the way she carried herself—graceful, yet undeniably strong.
Elina, meanwhile, was having the time of her life.
She was the most enthusiastic about the transformation, and it showed.
Her hip-hop-inspired outfit was bold, expressive, and effortlessly cool—oversized streetwear with sharp accessories, giving her an undeniable stage presence.
Akira grinned, nodding in approval.
"Yep. That's Sakura, alright. If you could rap and dance, this would be spot on."
Elina smirked, crossing her arms. "Oh? Maybe I should try."
Osiris, on the other hand, had been completely at Elina's mercy.
Dressed in pure white, her outfit gave her an almost ethereal look—something that complemented her angelic wings perfectly.
"I wanted something that would match your wings," Elina explained with satisfaction.
Osiris examined herself in the mirror, tilting her head slightly.
She smiled softly. Would Cain like this?
Once again, his face surfaced in her mind, and she quickly shook the thought away.
Mirelle, as expected, kept it simple.
She normally wore all white, but this time, she opted for darker tones to match her newly dyed hair.
A white blouse, a black skirt, knee-high leather boots, and a long, flowing black coat.
Minimalistic—yet somehow, it made her look elegant and authoritative.
Akira observed her quietly, noting how the dark colors gave her an air of quiet mystery.
It suited her perfectly.
Yue, however, wasn't as thrilled.
She had reluctantly let the girls dress her up, but in the end, she loved it more than she expected.
Originally, they tried several cute outfits, treating her like a living doll, much to her dismay.
But in the end, they settled on something more practical.
Instead of a frilly dress, she went for a casual streetwear look—a denim skirt, a stylish oversized hoodie, and a beanie that helped cover her fox ears.
She pouted at first, disappointed that she had to hide her unique features.
But then—
Akira, leaning casually against a nearby chair, offered his opinion.
"It actually suits you."
Yue blinked. "Really?"
He nodded. "Yeah. It looks natural on you."
That was all it took.
Yue instantly brightened, spinning once in front of the mirror with renewed enthusiasm.
The girls cooed over her adorableness, before proceeding to playfully smother her with hugs.
Draco emerged from the dressing room last, looking unexpectedly refined in his sharp new style.
His rugged wildness had been tamed into something more sleek and composed, yet his undeniable strength still radiated through.
It wasn't overly formal—he wasn't suddenly a nobleman in a suit—but it was a structured, polished look that made his broad physique even more striking.
For the first time in a long while, Elina struggled to meet his eyes.
She was used to rough-and-tumble Draco, the battle-hardened warrior who fought with sheer recklessness and power.
But this Draco—this clean-cut yet effortlessly strong version—
It was dangerous in a completely different way.
Elina quickly looked away, her fingers tugging at her sleeve as if trying to ground herself.
And then—
Akira himself.
The moment he stepped out, the entire room fell silent.
With his topknot, stylish sunglasses, and a casual yet rebellious outfit, he looked like a rockstar on vacation.
A pair of fake earrings glinted under the lights, adding just the right amount of edge to his already dangerously charismatic aura.
Mirelle—who had been perfectly composed until now—suddenly turned away, pressing a hand to her chest.
Her heart was pounding painfully fast.
Keela, on the other hand, was frozen in place, eyes slightly wide as her fingers brushed against her lips, as if trying to suppress a reaction.
Her ears, normally poised and refined, were burning red.
"…Well," Osiris remarked dryly, breaking the silence. "That's a problem."
Akira grinned to himself, oblivious.
"That makes five of them now… Sakura, Hye-rin, Aya, Aurora, and Shina."
His mind was already racing ahead.
If they ever made it to Earth—
He was going to complete the set.
He just needed Mei and Jin to round it out.
That would be all seven.
His dream idol group.
…Unbeknownst to him, his shameless obsession was beginning to take root.
And one way or another—
It was going to cause trouble.
Part 4/6 - Climbing the Giant Cables
With our disguises complete, we headed toward the public transport airship system.
These transport ships latched onto massive suspension cables, each Skyperion island being connected by four enormous strands. The ships themselves hung beneath these cables, forming a long sequence, like a series of gondolas linked together—or rather, to Akira, it looked more like a roller coaster ride.
"I really hope this isn't going to be as stomach-churning as an actual roller coaster."
The airship took off smoothly, gliding forward with an unexpected gentleness.
Despite the howling winds outside, the cabin remained eerily silent.
Akira furrowed his brows. "Why is the ride so quiet? I thought the winds out there would be crazy strong. How come we don't feel anything?"
Keela leaned back, answering casually, "It's got rune enchantments. Wind-blocking and noise-canceling runes."
Mirelle crossed her arms. "Skyperion must be far more advanced with rune technology than I thought. Runes aren't exactly easy to craft."
Keela shrugged. "I don't know if we're advanced, but a lot of this was developed thanks to Sir Gryphonnix and my mother. They've worked together to improve the lives of our people in ways we never imagined before."
Yue perked up. "Sir Gryphonnix? The Guardian? Mom used to mention him sometimes."
Keela nodded. "Yeah, that's him. But unlike the other Gate Guardians, he doesn't live in the capital. He prefers solitude, studying ancient ruins to further his research on rune magic."
Akira tilted his head. "Wait, wasn't there something about Skyperion having a lot of runic artifacts? But wouldn't it be dangerous for a Guardian to leave his gate unattended? I doubt he has machines like Zekhtau to watch it for him."
Keela smiled. "Uncle Gryph uses a magic transference orb. It allows him to monitor and regulate the gate's defenses remotely. It's an ancient artifact, and no one knows how to recreate it anymore."
Then, with a playful twinkle in her eye, she added, "By the way, Akira, are you coming to meet my mother?"
Her tone was lighthearted, but her hopeful gaze said otherwise.
Akira gave a straightforward nod. "Of course. I was already interested in studying these runes. Since I'll also get to meet your mother, I'll gladly pay my respects."
But then, he frowned slightly. "That said… isn't Skyperion's political situation pretty tense right now? Are we walking into trouble?"
Keela sighed, her smile faltering. "Not yet. But I don't know how much longer that will last. Things are… getting more tense by the day."
Draco's expression darkened. "It's that bad?"
Keela hesitated before answering.
"My father… his health is failing. He's old and weak, and that's left a power vacuum.
The nobility—they back my brother Evan.
Meanwhile, the middle and lower classes support my brother Kalan.
If a succession battle erupts… I don't even want to think about what could happen.
Why can't they just talk things through like rational people?
Why does everything have to turn into a power struggle?
I really hate how Skyperion's system works…"
A heavy silence settled over the group.
Yue, sensing the burden Keela carried, scooted closer and gently held her hand.
In response, Keela pulled her into a hug, as if seeking comfort in her warmth.
A small, fragile moment of vulnerability.
A reminder that beneath all the politics, this was still her family.
That she was being forced to watch her loved ones turn against each other.
How painful must that be?
Yet before anyone could dwell on it further, the airship came to an abrupt stop.
We had arrived—without realizing it.
Thanks to the silencing runes, we hadn't even noticed.
Part 5/6 - Lucia Altair
We had arrived at Seraph Isle, the Guardian stronghold of Skyperion.
The island's architecture was a blend of Draftian technology and Skyperion's aerial aesthetics—towering wind turbines, sleek metallic buildings, and even humanoid robots patrolling the streets. It gave off the atmosphere of a futuristic Chinatown, yet it maintained a sense of serenity and order.
Seraph Isle was massive, large enough to be considered a small country rather than just a city. For those without wings, six-seater hover drones were available for transportation.
However, our group exceeded that capacity, so we had to split into two.
The moment we approached, Yue immediately jumped onto Akira's back, clinging to him like a koala.
Mirelle quietly latched onto his sleeve, while Keela took hold of his other arm.
Draco groaned. "Ugh, if it's gonna be like this, I'll just take the other one alone."
Elina smirked. "Like hell you are. I'm coming with you."
She then turned to Osiris. "Want to join me?"
Osiris nodded eagerly, though her gaze flickered toward Yue.
Would I ever have the courage to hold onto Cain like that? Would he even teleport me if I asked? Ahhh… I'm thinking about him again…
She quickly lowered her head, trying to hide her flustered expression.
⸻
The hover drone took us straight to the Guardian Headquarters—a massive complex that doubled as an embassy.
We were led into the administrative building, where we were scheduled to meet the one in charge of this facility—Major Lucia Altair.
After passing through layers of security, we were asked to wait in a reception room.
Soon, a short-haired woman in a futuristic Chinese-style uniform entered. She walked with military precision, her posture flawless, but there was a rigid stiffness to her demeanor—almost mechanical.
When she spoke, her tone was as formal as it could get.
**"Welcome, Princess Keela. Major Elina. Major Akira. And all esteemed members of your team.
On behalf of Lord Castro and Lord Zekhtau, I have been instructed to provide you with the highest level of hospitality.
Accommodations have already been arranged.
Should you require any assistance or request any provisions, do not hesitate to inform our staff.
May balance be with us all."**
There was a brief moment of silence before we responded.
Her tone was so stiff and professional that we barely had a chance to engage in casual conversation.
But before leaving, she offered a final warning.
**"Before we part ways, I must advise caution.
While the political tensions within Skyperion are volatile, I urge you to avoid involvement.
Not only for your own safety, but to prevent any repercussions between both continents.
I hope your assigned mission proceeds smoothly.
Best of luck.
Good evening."**
Then, she marched away, her movements just as robotic as before.
⸻
The staff escorted us to our lodging.
Each pair was assigned a room:
• Akira & Draco
• Elina & Osiris
• Mirelle & Yue
• Keela had a room to herself
But despite having separate rooms, everyone ended up gathering in Akira's room—again.
He had hoped to get some rest, but it was pointless.
For some reason, his room always became the unofficial party hub.
⸻
As expected, our discussion immediately shifted to Lucia Altair.
Her rigid personality made her seem almost inhuman.
Yue, being Yue, started mimicking her stiff movements in an exaggerated robot impression.
The room erupted into laughter—even Elina, who rarely let loose, was chuckling.
Draco, watching Elina laugh so openly, had a passing thought.
She used to be just like Lucia—stoic, rigid, emotionally distant… But now, look at her. She's laughing. Smiling. Being herself again. It's… really adorable.
His softened gaze didn't go unnoticed.
Akira, ever the observer, nudged him playfully.
Draco quickly snapped out of it and cleared his throat.
"Ahem. What, you expect me to do the robot too?" He stood up, moving stiffly next to Yue.
"Like this?"
And just like that, the laughter intensified, tears forming in the corners of our eyes.
⸻
Dinner arrived soon after.
Compared to Draft's military rations, the presentation was aesthetic and refined—elegant plates, beautifully arranged portions.
But the moment we took a bite…
Something felt off.
The textures were strange.
Some items dissolved in our mouths like cotton candy.
The bread was so thin and crisp, it barely felt like food.
Even the main courses were light and airy, almost too delicate to be satisfying.
The flavors were exquisite, but…
We weren't getting full.
Yue was the first to break.
"Waaah! I'm still hungry!"
She turned to Akira, clutching his sleeve, eyes pleading.
"Big brother, take me out for real food! Please, please, pleaseee~!"
Her weaponized cuteness was at full power.
Akira, who was also far from full, sighed.
"Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.
Let's go find something actually filling."
Yue cheered, throwing her arms around him in a hug.
The others, meanwhile, stared down at their half-eaten meals, then exchanged glances.
Everyone was thinking the same thing.
Even the soup—which was literally liquid—felt heavier than the main dishes.
We needed real food.
Part 6/6 - The Nighttime Atmosphere
As the evening settled, we wandered into the local market, searching for something more satisfying than the airy meals we had earlier.
To our disappointment, even the meats here were unnaturally light—a consequence of Skyperion's weight-conscious cuisine.
With no other choice, we returned to the Guardian headquarters and borrowed their kitchen to cook for ourselves.
Akira skillfully sliced fruit with the same precision as he wielded his twin swords, preparing ingredients for smoothies.
Mirelle used her water magic to create ice, while he and Draco worked together to shave it down.
Meanwhile, Mirelle—with Yue as her eager assistant—set about baking a quick batch of bread (though it was more like reheating than actual baking).
Keela, on the other hand, displayed an unexpected level of culinary skill, leaving everyone stunned.
For someone of royal status, she moved far too naturally in the kitchen—almost effortlessly—as if she had been doing this her whole life.
Elina and Osiris assisted her, but it was clear who was leading the kitchen.
⸻
The dinner we prepared was simple, rushed, and homemade—but infinitely more satisfying than anything we had eaten since arriving.
"Keela, you're insanely good at cooking," Akira remarked, genuinely impressed.
"Seriously, where did you even learn all this?" Draco asked, stuffing his mouth.
Keela laughed modestly. "I just… picked it up."
But the real surprise was her ridiculous inventory of kitchen gadgets and random supplies.
At some point, she even pulled out a first-aid kit—despite Yue already being there to heal wounds with magic.
It reached a point where Akira couldn't help but think to himself:
"Keela… are you secretly some kind of yellow robot cat with a four-dimensional pocket?"
Of course, no one else would get the reference.
But the thought alone nearly made him burst out laughing.
⸻
After dinner, we decided to take a walk outside.
From up here, the twin moons felt so close, almost as if we could reach out and touch them.
The sky was a breathtaking canvas, filled with countless shimmering stars, so bright that it almost looked like daytime.
We found a scenic viewpoint, where other travelers and tourists had also gathered.
But despite the presence of other people, the moment felt strangely intimate, as if we were the only ones there.
For a while, we simply stood in peaceful silence, taking in the celestial beauty above.
Then, we moved to a nearby park, basking in the cool night breeze.
"This place is amazing…" Mirelle murmured.
"If we ignore the fact that the food is too light, the politics are a mess, and some of the people are arrogant, it's actually a pretty nice place."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
We had been avoiding political discussions, wanting to enjoy the momentary peace, but the people around us wouldn't stop talking about it.
Some argued loudly, others debated heatedly, and more than a few voices spoke of a third faction—those who wished to support Princess Keela instead.
Keela tensed.
She lowered her gaze, muttering softly enough that only we could hear:
**"This has happened before… so many times in history.
The people have grown numb to it, as if it's normal.
But it's not normal.
Why must families be forced to destroy each other?
Why can't we simply help one another?
If everyone worked together, did it really matter who sat on the throne?
Wouldn't the kingdom be stronger if we built it together?"**
Her words struck a chord in all of us.
⸻
Akira, deep in thought, decided to offer his own view.
"In the world I came from, we have several different systems of governance.
There are military-driven regimes, where power is centered around the army.
There are democracies, where leaders are chosen by the people—though that system has its flaws too.
And then… there are monarchies.
The country I came from had a beloved king—a man so deeply respected that his people cherished him like their own father.
He wasn't just a ruler—he was family to the entire nation.
It was… something truly special."
Keela looked away, blinking rapidly.
For a moment, it almost seemed like her eyes were glistening.
Keela's voice was soft, almost trembling, as she spoke—her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
"That sounds… so wonderful. If I were just an ordinary girl… I think I would have begged my mother to let me move in with you already."
Silence.
Then—
Every head turned toward her in an instant.
Mirelle folded her arms, giving Keela a knowing look as she arched a brow.
Keela gasped, flustered. "Ack—! I meant move to his country! Not… not what you're all thinking—!"
But her frantic correction only made the others smirk knowingly.
Sensing her embarrassment, Akira stepped in smoothly, a small smile on his lips.
"Yeah, my home country is often called 'The Land of Smiles.'
Most people there are kind, warm, and welcoming.
Not everyone is perfect, of course, but the sense of community is strong.
We have gorgeous landscapes, delicious food, and low living costs—so much so that some foreigners choose to move there permanently."
He had meant it as a neutral statement, but he wasn't oblivious.
He could see it—both Mirelle and Keela's feelings toward him.
But the truth was…
He wasn't ready.
They hadn't known each other for long enough.
And deep down, there was still someone else in his heart—someone he hadn't let go of.
For now, he simply wanted to cherish their friendship—to let their bonds grow naturally before deciding anything more.
If they were happy, then that was enough.
⸻
Mirelle, still mildly flustered, cleared her throat and changed the subject.
"Anyway! Tomorrow, we're meeting Keela's mother, right?"
Yue perked up immediately.
"And Uncle Gryph! Mom used to talk about him! I wonder what he's really like!"
Osiris added thoughtfully, **"I want to study those ancient runes.
I need to know—are they related to technology?
Or are they purely magical?"**
Mirelle's interest was piqued. "Ooh, that's a good question. I want to see them too."
Elina, on the other hand, had a different curiosity.
"I just want to meet Keela's mother.
She's one of the queen consorts, right?
What kind of person is she?"
Her words made us pause.
That's right…
Why was the queen consort living so far from the capital?
⸻
Draco stretched. **"Alright, plan's set.
Tomorrow, we go meet Keela's mom.
But first…
Ladies, maybe you should stop gathering in the guys' room every night.
If anyone saw, it'd look really bad—especially since we have a princess here."**
Silence.
Everyone stared at him.
…Did Draco just say something responsible?
Draco scowled.
"What? I can be a gentleman, you know."
The girls immediately swarmed him, cooing playfully.
Laughter filled the air.
Keela, who had been burdened with so much worry, finally let herself laugh along.
None of us knew what awaited us next.
But one thing was certain—
Our friendship was unshakable.