The hovercar purred gently as it soared above the emerald forest canopy, leaving the chaos of the roadside encounter behind.
Inside, Alex sat comfortably, trying to maintain his composure as a pair of curious golden eyes stared up at him.
"Big Bro, do you like sweets?" Sophia Starlight asked, her innocent tone filled with childlike curiosity.
Alex blinked. He had just realized something… something terrifying.
(Inner monologue) "Sophia Starlight... Isn't that the little sister one of the main heroines — I'm in a hovercar with one of the main heroine's family!? That makes her... Seraphina Starlight's little sister? The Ice Queen of the game?!"
"Well I will think about that later".
He forced a calm smile. "Of course I do. Who doesn't like sweets?"
Sophia giggled and leaned against his arm, holding a lollipop. "You're nice. Can you stay with us forever?"
Alex coughed, slightly flustered.
Sonia, sitting across from them, watched Alex sip tea with surprising grace. She raised an eyebrow. "You're well-mannered for someone dressed so... rugged. You've clearly been in fights. But your posture is textbook noble."
Alex smiled lightly. "My mother used to teach me and my sister noble etiquette. Said we may not have titles, but we should have pride."
Sonia's eyes softened, her voice gentler. "A wise woman."
She didn't press further, sensing that the story had pain behind it.
Sophia, meanwhile, was climbing onto Alex's lap, chatting endlessly about her favorite desserts and how boring noble balls were.
Mid-sentence, she yawned and rested her head on his chest, slowly dozing off.
Alex gently patted her head, an unexpected warmth blooming in his chest. "Just like my little sis used to..."
As the car glided over a massive hill, the horizon opened up—and Avaloria revealed itself.
Towering floating platforms hovered in the air, held aloft by glowing crystal cores. Massive golden gates ringed the lower city, pulsing with runes and defense barriers.
Hover-trains zipped between towers. Skybeasts with armor pulled noble carriages. The city shimmered with a fusion of advanced tech and ancient magic.
Alex's jaw dropped.
"In the game, it looked cool. But this… This is insane."
He grew quiet as memories of his sister flooded his mind. Her pale, sleeping figure in the hospital bed. Her smile when he promised to bring back snacks.
Sonia noticed. "Something wrong?"
He hesitated. Then, for once, he didn't lie.
"I have a sister. She's in the hospital. I need to make sure she's okay."
Sonia nodded in understanding. "Family is everything."
Alex smiled faintly. "Yeah."
After a pause, he tilted his head. "Why are you traveling with so little security? Not exactly typical for nobles."
Sonia's expression turned serious. "Something urgent came up. We couldn't wait for escorts. That's all I can say."
Alex nodded. "Not my place to pry."
The car began its descent. The landing pad was sleek and buzzing with transport personnel.
As they stepped out, Sonia extended a glowing contact card. "If you ever need help in Avaloria, the House of Starlight owes you."
Sophia, half-awake, hugged Alex's leg. "You better visit, Big Bro! You promised!"
Alex turned dramatically, striking a pose with wind in his hair. "Fear not! I, the incredibly handsome and dashing Alex Dragonheart, shall return!"
He immediately tripped over a cable.
Sophia burst out laughing.
Then, with a beep, Alex's smartwatch blinked. A transfer: 1,00,000 Credits.
He looked up. Sonia grinned. "For your sister. !"
Alex sniffled dramatically. "You're going to make me cry."
Sonia chuckled. "I insist. Don't try to return it."
Alex bowed like a true noble. "Then I shall accept your kindness with the grace of a dragon and the wallet of a merchant."
He turned and began walking toward the city terminal.
"Alright, Sis. I've got credits, contacts… and a new purpose. Hold on. I'm coming."