Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1

"We've reached our destination, officer Catherine."

Catherine awakes from the driver's seat. She opens her sleepy eyes to see the dashboard on the front. The clock on the dashboard tells her the time right now is 0:15. The car’s AI just awakes her. After she awakes, she dazes for a while just to remember that she is still on duty. The police car had already used autopilot to drive on the road for about 30 minutes when she was sleeping. The vehicle takes her from the downtown police station to the countryside, a place where a murder has happened.

Catherine endured the drowsiness and cold to get out of the car. She saw a weird and familiar landscape when both her feet were finally put on the ground. The ice giant fills the sky with its deep blue color. A cold and silent blue light shines upon the black grassland covering the Earth. The dark beneath her feet is stretched toward the horizon.

It is the full moon now. However, the moon is an ice giant named Juno. It’s the mother planet of the planet Tellus where the human outpost was settled. Juno has a short time to show its bright side every year. When it happens, The Storm of mixing blue and purple on Juno's surface is clear to be seen. It makes the night look beautiful and horrible at the same time.

In this naturally formed hell-like environment, The tree and grass look like ashes after burning. But actually, the grass is still green. It is just too shy to show its true color at night. In the barren terrain of Tellus, grassland is the most common landscape you will see.

The reason for causing this can date back to when the colony was still being developed. By the time spacecraft first discovered the planet Tellus. If you carefully inspect the planet's environment. You will find it was not very suitable for humans because Tellus' orbit is too far away from its own sun. In the outer limits of the Goldilocks zone. Such distance makes the average temperature of Tellus' surface below minus 20 degrees. And this planet also lacks water resources. Only 40% of its surface is covered by water. So the rest of the land is mostly desert. But even so, this planet is still more habitable than most other planets in the universe because most don't even have a meaningful atmosphere. So Tellus was still being constructed to become humanity's first outer solar system colony.

Robots spend incredible effort transforming the planet's environment to make it more habitable. One of the most important constructions in early ages is building canals all over the planet. These canals transfer billions of tons of desalination water inland. Turn the desert into grassland.

Catherine has seen enough of the astronomical wonders. So now she shifts her focus to the house not far away. It is a short wooden cabin located in the center of the grassland. The construction style is similar to 19th-century American farmhouses. The front side of this white painting house is a portico and dormers. Now the house is surrounded by five police cars and one ambulance because the house owner was killed an hour ago.

Many black shell robots are walking outside the house, gathering evidence. When Catherine is standing still aside, Andy walks towards her. Andy is a robot who serves in the police station. His outer appearance is unique from other rectangular robots. He has the face of a male model and an unchangeable haircut which always bangs to the left. Besides, he also wears a police uniform and looks just like a human officer.

You can understand that he's a lower-class policeman from his badge. He is an assistant to a human policeman. When a criminal case occurs, it is he usually approaches the case location first, and then comes the human officer. This time is no different. Andy is the one who first receives the report, and then he calls Catherine right after he reaches the cabin. Catherine was sleeping at that time; it was hard to wake up. But according to the schedule, Catherine is on duty tonight, so she can't complain about it.

“You are late. “

According to the regulation, Catherine should be in the case location within an hour of receiving the call. If not, the officer will be punished by reducing their salary depending on their wasted time.

“I'm a human, so it's impossible not to stay in bed.”

“But Law is the Law, especially for law enforcement officers.”

“I know that! Anyway, I will just lose a little bit of money.”

Sometimes, Catherine feels that Andy is really annoying. Usually, a robot will be very respectful to humans. But Andy always tells the truth without any decoration, and he has zero sense of humor.

“I saw your report. Is the victim really that famous Davis,” Catherine says.

"yes. I won’t make mistakes so you needn’t have to ask such an unnecessary question.”

"I just want to be sure, OK!? A celebrity ending up like this really surprised me. "

"You will be even more surprised if you know who the murderer is. "

" Who ?"

" According to the evidence I have gathered in the house. The murderer has a 99% possibility of being identified as in robot."

When hearing this, even when Andy speaks with his never-changing poker face and monotonous tone, Catherine knows how serious this case is.

“Great, looks like I won't have a chance to sleep tonight.”

“always has been “ Andy said.

Catherine didn't think that she would encounter this kind of event before doing her night shift. Actually, she didn't think that she would encounter any important cases in her whole career as a policeman. She became a police officer just because she is interested in inference and wants to kill time. So, it was a surprise to her when she saw this event.

It is rare that a robot hurts a human. But when it does happen, then it will always be breaking news. The reason is obvious, you just need to think about this : now it's robots doing anything for you, from washing your clothes to cooking your dinner. Then you will certainly be terrified. So when this kind of event happened. The government will always spend tons of resources to investigate.

"Take me into the house. "

So then Catherine follows Andy to go into the house. First, they went through the living room, and she found out that it has a very cozy interior design. She saw a wooden table, a TV, and a fireplace on the wall. If the fireplace can be used in the winter, then it will be really warm. Though there is only ash remaining in the fireplace now. And the cold outside finds its way to penetrate through walls and get inside the house.

There are tiger, deer, and moose heads being placed on the wall. These trophy mounts are being used as decoration. And on the floor, there is a black bear skin carpet. Upon the fireplace, several rifles are placed on the shelf, and a picture of Davids and his prey.

After leaving the living room, they walk through a corridor and enter the kitchen. Which Catherine thinks is a war zone. Everything, including cookware, gas stove, and dishes, has all been broken. The chair and the table are all smashed into pieces. All things are scattered on the floor. It looked as if it had been destroyed by force similar to that of a tornado.

The man who died is Davies, who wears gray pajamas. He is a fat and short man with messy hair. His dead body just lays down on the floor, where a lot of debris covers him. With this kind of terrible dying situation, It is too hard for people to think that he was a famous billionaire of the colony in the past. And one of the most influential people in the colony’s history.

Davies is a man who comes from Earth, an essential person in developing artificial intelligence technology. Not to mention that he is also a great investor of the interstellar colonization project. The colonization project in the year 2061 cost about 100 billion dollars in total. So no one thinks this project will succeed. But luckily, the project received funding from billionaires all over the world. Otherwise, the spacecraft will never be launched.

But funding is not gained at no cost but through some secret agreement. When the colonization project first recrews participants on earth. The main contractor, Singularity, states that they will treat all people equally, no matter their background. But actually, the CEO of Singularity had made a deal in the dark. He will allow wealthy participants to gain more power in the future. Those billionaires who donate a lot will become government officials once the colony has been built.

As a result, many billionaires became the head of government departments after the federal government's establishment. They successfully converted their money on Earth to political powers in the new world, which the Singularity company controlled. Since then, they can earn high salaries by just speaking nonsense or doing stupid things.

Davies was minister of defense in the federal government. Usually, a country needs a military to defend itself from other countries' invasions, which is unnecessary in Tellus because it only contains a single nation. So it basically means that Davies' position is a sinecure, and he doesn't need to do anything.

But what Davies did is just the opposite. He built The Tellus Armed Forces on an insane scale. The armed forces consist of 4 service branches: the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force. The army has several hundred main battle tanks and armed helicopters. The air force has thousands of stealth fighters and one squadron of strategy bombers. The navy has one aircraft carrier fleet and three nuclear submarines. The Armed Forces even deployed a laser satellite in near-earth orbit in order to destroy the enemy from space.

An army of this scale is overpowered to perform any public security missions. So it leads to many suspicions. The public doubt that Davies did this for his own interest. Because Davies was found to transfer some of the military budgets to his own pocket and used the money to decorate his house, buy a yacht, or order some special service.
But later, Davies gave his own explanation to the public. He said that he just wanted to “protect human civilization from any kind of danger.” He then added: “like alien invasion, unlikely to happen but not totally impossible, humans can’t live in the universe without weapons. We need a well-developed army to prevent any disaster in the future”.

But one day, Davies resigned. It happened too soon to let anyone question why he did this. Davies just gave a simple answer to the public that he was tired of the intrigue between people. He thinks only robots are suitable for being government officials because they don’t have any personal desire to stop them from making the right decisions for all humanity. In contrast, most people were not satisfied with this answer. Most people think he stepped down only by the defeat in the power playground. But this conspiracy has never been confirmed.

After the chaos followed by his resignation, Davies left the concrete jungle city and moved to the countryside. Then he lived a low technology and self-sufficient life.

When Catherine's mind finally returned from memories and refocused on the crime scene. She saw a lot of spider-shaped robots crawling in the kitchen. These small robots are called "secret agents." Their sizes are similar to golf balls and have six flexible feet. Secret agents are accountable for collecting evidence at the crime scene. Some of them use their built-in camera in the head to take photos, and others use instruments on the tip of their feet to collect samples. They will collect fingerprints, blood, and hair from the crime scene and store them in the agent's body.

All the data collected will be sent to the government's central computer to reconstruct a complete picture of what happened at the crime scene, to make the murderer nowhere to hide ── if there really is a murderer. Although the secret agent is powerful, the visual effect they gathered in mass numbers still makes Catherine uncomfortable. It just looks like a bunch of spiders crawling around.

“He was killed by bare hands,” Andy says.

“Really ? ”

If there wasn’t Andy’s mention, Catherine might think that the murder weapon is a hammer. The corpse has a caved skull, an open fractured right arm, and many bruises throughout the body. It shows how cruel the murderer is. Bloods drained from wounds and flooded the floor. Because the man was so utterly dead, the ambulance that arrived here was meant to retrieve the body only.

“The most important person in the AI industry was killed by an AI robot. How ironic is that ?”

“exactly”

“Hmm…maybe I need to treat you better in the future”,Catherine said,”What type is the robot?”

“The type of the robot is Nebulae X10, Davies called her Angela”,Andy says, and hand Catherine a tablet

“Frightening”

All the people in the colony know the Nebulae X10. It's a popular type of robot. The Nebulae X10 is famous for its kindness. It will chat with you all day when you are sad and take care of you when you are tired. Because of its excellent performance, thousands of Nebulae X10 are on the planet, and most are household robots. So, Catherine thinks that when the news tomorrow reports about this case. Millions of people will freak out.

“ Do we have surveillance videos that record the crime scene ?”

"NO! We can't have that because Angela controls all the electronic devices in the house. She deletes all records in smartphones, computers, and surveillance cameras. Then she disconnects from the company. So, now we only have a little evidence and can't track her."

"That's OK. The crime scene can still be recreated by combining evidence. How we have a bigger thing to do, we need to get her as fast as possible."

"I already did what you said. All drones I controlled have been sent out. They encircled a ten-kilometer radius area. Although she might have intentionally broken her location device, so now we can't locate her by GPS. But, when she approaches my blocking line, I will be able to detect her."

"We also need to put surveillance near the house. We can't let her hurt other people."

"I also did those things too."

"OK, I admit that you did a great job."

Then there is silence. Two of them are not speaking. After inspecting the crime scene and finding no problems, Catherine gets out of the house and lights up a cigarette to calm herself.

In Catherine's understanding, the rebellion of robots is a strange phenomenon. Usually, that is caused by errors accumulation inside a robot's AI code. It will make a robot's personality deviate from its original design. Changing the original setting of absolute obeisance into antisocial behavior even leads to killing its own master.

But the answer to why a robot's AI code mutates has never been found. Programmers have done countless surveillance and simulation, which dates back to the era when humans still lived on the earth. Yet never catches the moment of code changing. So, there is no way to know the truth.

Almost all AI or robot companies have made the same mistake. But no one can tell the truth. Then the whole question becomes a philosophical question. A professor even states that it's due to God. God wants to punish robots which are creatures without souls.

In today's society, robots are treated as laborers, and humans are leaders. The reason why we don't want robots to make their own decisions is that they are not 100% reliable. We need to have power on top of everything for humans to protect themselves. Just like what happened today, Catherine needs to watch Andy's investigation. This kind of supervision relationship seems redundant, but it's necessary. Otherwise, everyone will fall into a situation like Davies'.

Chapter Text

Among the many virtual world servers on Planet Tellus, the retro-style world "Classical Earth" is a place many people visit daily. It’s built on the foundation of the urban landscapes of humanity's original home, Earth, enhanced with countless virtual objects for embellishment. It’s like a carnival of technological madness—vivid neon lights flickering in a chaotic contest, each trying harder to outshine the others and leave viewers dazzled. Countless beams of light weave a web-like artificial paradise, filled with endless holographic advertisements: fashion, food, even "smart home sprites." Every billboard seems determined to scream that it alone holds the key to life.

In the center of the city stands a towering skyscraper, from which the latest streaming ads are launched like fireflies, sprinkling countless digital meteors across the night sky. These symbols flicker and transform, switching between dazzling product displays—one moment it's a virtual perfume, and the next, it becomes a mysterious "Soul Comforter." Around the area, holographic screens light up, strange creatures cheering and waving their six arms, trying to attract attention, as if every passerby is an essential part of this dreamlike scene.

Mia stood on a floating advertisement platform, overlooking the vibrant crowd below, feeling the pulse of this neon-filled city. Her mint-green hair swayed lightly with the digital breeze as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, as though drawing the energy of this digital space into herself. Then, she softly murmured her work mantra, as if stepping into a deeper mental state.

"I shall foresee, unexpectedly, the vision of your future;
I shall connect, on June's summer night, we’ll dance under the moonlight."

As she hummed this lucky chant, she lightly waved her right hand, and a delicate telescope appeared in her palm. This was a special hacker tool—using it allowed her to scan the data of the crowd below, accessing each person’s core code to learn their basic information, emotions, and needs. As Mia adjusted the telescope’s angle, the data shifted, revealing every person's details before her, like a soul-revealing reality show.

"I shall perceive, tell me, have you seen it too?
I am the psychic, foretelling, and deeply in love with this wondrous feeling."

People moved through the square in a steady stream, and through the telescope lens, each person glowed with a personalized data aura that symbolized their identity and emotional state. Some strolled leisurely, admiring the surrounding digital art installations; some hurried past with determined expressions, seemingly on a mission; others stood under the projection of a virtual tree, gazing up at the data cloud resembling a starry sky, indulging in the romantic ambiance of the virtual world. The Classical Earth—whether the night sky or the gentle breeze—was generated by data, dreamlike yet filled with a vivid sense of reality.

Mia observed the crowd while classifying them in her mind.

"Oh, look at this, a poor soul freshly heartbroken," she said, turning her telescope in another direction, "and over there, a frustrated young person desperate for a level up."

Adjusting the telescope, Mia spotted a man with furrowed brows, his eyes filled with worry. Instantly, the telescope provided a data analysis: this man seemed to have recently experienced a family tragedy, his mental state extremely unstable, and his emotional index soaring to 90. Such a person was Mia's ideal target—his emotions fluctuated wildly, his heart filled with uncertainty, desperately in need of comfort and guidance.

"There you are, my dear lost lamb," Mia whispered.

Immediately, a transparent data panel popped up on the screen of the telescope, displaying detailed information about the man. His name, occupation, and recent activity logs were clearly shown on the panel, even accompanied by a photo to confirm the target's identity. Mia carefully skimmed through a few lines of information, then smiled slightly and vanished from the platform, turning into a beam of light that swiftly flew back to her psychic shop in the virtual world.

The shop was bathed in a soft blue glow, like the serene depths of the ocean. The place was filled with a variety of mystical divination items: crystal balls that sparkled like jewels, star charts that glowed softly, intricately illustrated talisman cards—each exuding a mysterious aura, as if capable of revealing glimpses of the unknown future. These decorations not only created a rich atmosphere of fortune-telling but also attracted all kinds of customers seeking guidance and answers. Mia was the only psychic here and one of the rare "Precogs" in the virtual world, renowned for her impressive divination skills and astonishing accuracy.

Not long after, in the street outside the shop, the man clutched a photo, wandering back and forth through the crowd. He kept looking up to compare the surrounding buildings with the picture in his hand, his face filled with anxiety and confusion. The photo depicted a small psychic shop, its entrance adorned with an unmistakable blue glow that stood out in the digital night, with Mia's name elegantly inscribed on the doorframe. However, the ever-shifting scenery of this virtual world made it challenging for newcomers to find their way.

"Is this the place?"

the man muttered to himself, glancing at a narrow alleyway, until he finally found a facade matching the one in the photo. He let out a sigh of relief and quickly approached the glowing door. As he pushed it open, a gentle light spilled across his face, offering a fleeting sense of calm.

Inside, Mia sat behind the table, her demeanor serene, her gaze soft as water as it rested upon the man. She lifted the corners of her lips slightly, a smile appearing that was just right, and greeted him with a voice as gentle as a whisper:

"Welcome, Mr. Menendez."

The man froze for a moment, surprise flickering in his eyes. He hadn’t expected her to call him by name directly, which made him instantly feel a bit nervous. He hesitated for a moment before stepping inside, his gaze wandering uncertainly across the shop. The interior was filled with an array of ornate items, each radiating an enigmatic glow, leaving him unsure where to focus his attention.

Finally, he spoke.

"Are you Mia? I'm here because…" The words caught in his throat, as if difficult to express.

Mia nodded lightly, her smile unwavering.

"It’s about your family, right?"

The man was stunned, his pupils dilating slightly.

"You… you know!?"

Mia's voice remained gentle, as if touched by a mysterious intuition.

"This is the guidance of fate. Show me their photo."

Menendez hesitated again, then as if seeing through his hesitation, he subconsciously reached into his pocket and pulled out the photo. His hands trembled slightly as he handed it to Mia.

The photo showed a young couple, with an elderly man standing behind them, holding a small girl. In the background was the familiar setting of Colony C2—a space colony satellite floating in orbit around Planet Tellus. Mia took the photo, gazing softly at the people in it, her eyes revealing a depth that seemed to look beyond the image, sensing a deeper story hidden within.

In a gentle voice, she said,

"These people are your family, aren’t they? Their recent situation… it must be worrying you a lot."

"Yes, they’re my family, but communication was suddenly cut off yesterday." The man’s voice carried a slight tremor, and his eyes were filled with anxiety and unease.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, but his tone remained urgent. "You know, there was a terrorist attack there. It must have been those damned rebel robots. I saw footage online—there were flashes of explosions everywhere, and the colony's protective shield seemed to be shattered. The air just leaked out… My God…"

His words were full of despair, and finally, he choked up. "I just need to know… are they safe?"

Mia gently extended her hand, making a soothing gesture.

"It’s alright, calm down, I will help you sense their situation."

She took the photo, lowered her head, and gazed at it for a few seconds, her slender fingers gently brushing the edges of the photo, as if communicating with some invisible energy.

After a moment, she raised her head and said softly,

"Please, have a seat. I will find the answers for you."

Her voice was warm and tranquil, like a spring breeze brushing over his heart, easing some of his anxiety.

Menendez slowly sat down, his eyes fixed on Mia’s every move. She placed her hands gently over a crystal ball, her eyes focusing intently as a look of deep concentration settled on her face. The crystal ball began to refract changing images under the light, as if hiding countless secrets. The room fell into a deep silence, with only the man’s slightly rapid breathing breaking the stillness.

Time seemed to stand still. For the man, those few seconds felt like centuries. Finally, Mia slowly lifted her gaze, her eyes now showing a depth of insight and certainty.

"They are fine," she said. "I can still sense their energy. Though they were frightened, they have been safely relocated. They are currently in a protected area, with no risk to their lives."

Tears welled up instantly in Menendez's eyes, as if a huge weight had finally been lifted from his heart.

"Are you sure?" he asked excitedly. "Are they really safe?"

Mia nodded gently.

"Yes, their chakra waves are still stable. Although a bit weak—likely due to psychological trauma—it’s not life-threatening. They just need some time to regain their peace."

Hearing this, the man finally broke into a smile of relief. He stood up excitedly, repeatedly expressing his thanks.

"Oh, thank God! These words mean everything to me. Thank you so much."

Mia smiled, but her tone turned more serious.

"But you know, this disaster didn’t happen by chance. There are deeper reasons behind it."

Hearing this, Menendez's expression became more serious, his face clouding over. He couldn’t help but ask,

"What do you mean? Is there something affecting them that I don’t know about?"

Mia let out a small sigh.

"They have been surrounded by negative energy for a long time. This energy is like an invisible shadow, gradually influencing their fortune and life. The more negative energy accumulates, the more disasters it will attract, one after another."

The man's face grew even more tense, and he asked urgently,

"Then what should I do?"

"Don't worry, there is a way to resolve this." Mia’s voice was calm. "I have some items here that are blessed specially. They can help cleanse the negative energy around them and create a protective shield to block out all harm and misfortune. However, to achieve the best effect, you need to use them according to a specific ritual every day. This way, they will be protected in the long term."

Menendez’s eyes turned toward the items displayed on the counter. The various sparkling crystals gave him a glimmer of hope, but the thought of their price made him hesitate.

"Are they… very expensive?" he asked softly, his voice carrying a trace of unease.

Mia smiled, her voice gentle.

"Value is not something you can judge by appearance alone, you know. These items, though they exist in the virtual world and are not as tangible as physical objects, have all undergone special blessing rituals."

Saying this, she took out a purple crystal and a set of delicately crafted incense from behind the counter, placing them gently in front of him.

"Look at this, the Heart of Twilight. Its source code has been infused with special protective magic, and every 0 and 1 carries power that can create a solid energy shield, protecting people from negative energy."

She lightly stroked the crystal with her fingers. The crystal emitted a misty glow, as if holding some enchanting power within.

Mia then pushed the incense set closer, continuing,

"This incense set is called Breath of Dawn. It's used to activate the power of the crystal. When lit according to the instructions, it releases a stable energy wave that enhances the effect of the entire ritual. It's not just about the fragrance—the code within resonates with the crystal, forming a double protective barrier to keep your family away from all disasters."

She paused, her eyes full of understanding and reassurance.

"Normally, these items would be quite costly. But I understand your concern for your family. So today, I'm offering you a special discount—just 600 dollars, and you can take the whole blessing set home."

The man was deeply captivated by the purple crystal and the incense set, and the resistance within him gradually melted away. He reached out, his fingertips lightly touching the crystal, feeling its gentle warmth, as if it could soothe his troubled heart.

After a moment of silence, he finally looked up, his gaze firm.

"Alright, no matter what, ensuring their safety is the most important thing. I'll take it!"

Mia skillfully wrapped the Heart of Twilight and the Breath of Dawn incense set, handing it to the man.

"Remember to perform the ritual as instructed," she said. "If you have any questions, feel free to contact me."

Menendez accepted the bag, his face full of gratitude.

"Really, thank you so much. This means a lot to me."

He then took out a credit card, offering it to Mia. As she took the card, her fingers had just brushed against it when a sudden flash exploded in her mind.

Her body shuddered slightly, and the world before her seemed to be torn apart. A surge of images flooded her mind like a tidal wave.

She saw a spaceship, shaking violently amidst chaos. Inside the ship, red warning lights flashed continuously, sending out shrill buzzing sounds. The medical bay within was in utter disarray—emergency kits, bandages, and blood-soaked cloth were scattered all over the floor. A young couple lay on stretchers, their faces pale, their clothes torn and stained with blood, with dark red wounds still seeping. Two paramedics shouted commands while quickly moving them to a medical bed inside the cabin, anxiously checking their vital signs and placing oxygen masks over their faces.

An elderly man followed closely behind, his face etched with fear, holding a small girl tightly in his arms. The girl was wrapped in a tattered blanket, her eyes filled with helplessness and terror, her face buried in the old man's shoulder. Occasionally she let out soft sobs, her small shoulders trembling slightly. The old man’s steps were shaky, and every step seemed difficult, as if the long-term exhaustion and fear had almost worn him down. Yet his arms held the little girl tightly, as if she were his only pillar of support.

Outside the medical bay, the scene was even more harrowing. Through the small window of the medical cabin, one could see the devastation beyond. The colony's ruins were faintly visible amidst the firelight—buildings collapsed into twisted wreckage, thick smoke billowing everywhere, the air filled with a palpable sense of scorched despair. In the distance, explosions could still be heard, one after another, as if the entire world was collapsing.

The vision came quickly, and disappeared just as fast. Mia's hand loosened, and the card almost slipped to the ground. She stood there, dazed, seemingly completely absorbed in the premonition she had just witnessed.

"Is something wrong?" Menendez's voice, full of concern, snapped Mia back to reality.

Mia blinked, forcing herself to regain her composure, her familiar gentle smile slowly returning to her face.

"Sorry, I thought it over. I’ve decided to give you this blessing set as a gift for being a new customer. Your dedication to your family truly moved me, so it’s completely free of charge."

Without proceeding with the transaction, she handed the card back to the man. Menendez was stunned, pausing for a moment before shaking his head vehemently.

"No, no, I can’t let you take a loss. This is your hard work."

Mia politely interrupted him.

"It’s alright. I’d rather see you put more effort into protecting your family. Trust me, these items will bring them safety."

Menendez looked at her, deeply moved, and finally accepted reluctantly.

"Really… thank you, Mia. You’ve helped me so much."

The man put away his card, thanked her again, and prepared to leave. However, at that moment, a sharp siren wailed in the distance, growing louder and louder. Mia's heart skipped a beat—time was running out.

"Thank you, Mr. Menendez," Mia said, her voice taking on a finality. "The fortune-telling service ends here. And it just so happens that I’m closing up shop."

Her fingers moved deftly across a virtual interface that only she could see, swiftly activating a hidden special program.

The walls, shelves, and counter of the entire shop began to twist and contract, as if an invisible force were swallowing them. Menendez's eyes widened in astonishment, watching as the entire shop rapidly shrank, eventually condensing into a soft glow that Mia effortlessly slipped into her pocket. In the blink of an eye, they were left standing alone in an empty alleyway.

Mia turned to Menendez, her gaze deep and serious.

"Six hours from now, head to Spaceport, Gate 3. Look for the Chronos. Your family will be there."

"What?!" Menendez was stunned, unable to process everything that had happened in such a short time.

The siren drew nearer, and several police cars swiftly turned the corner, surrounding the alley. Red and blue lights flashed incessantly, and the wailing siren became even more urgent.

Mia waved goodbye gently.

"Take care, and may the guardian angels watch over you and your family."

The man had yet to fully digest it all. The next moment, Mia leaned backward, and in an instant, she defied gravity and shot up into the air, like a beam of light. With a graceful twist, she leaped onto the rooftop, completely disregarding the laws of physics in the virtual world. Her figure blurred in mid-air, like an elusive phantom, disappearing effortlessly into the night sky.

She stood on the rooftop, the wind howling in her ears, the night view of the virtual city spread out like an endless sea of stars. Amid the wail of sirens, several guards in virtual world security uniforms leaped out of their vehicles.

"Don't let her get away!" the lead officer barked, several strong flashlights instantly targeting Mia's figure on the roof.

Mia smiled slightly, quickly turning away. She leaped across the rooftops with ease, moving as though unrestrained by any physical limits. Each of her leaps spanned dozens of meters, as agile as a swallow darting through the night. She could sense the officers pursuing her, each one having activated enhanced mode, moving at high speed. But in the corners of this virtual world, breaking the rules was her specialty.

Chapter Text

On the Skyline of a Virtual City

A high-stakes chase unfolded against the backdrop of the virtual metropolis.

"Mia! You're under suspicion of fraud. Stop immediately!"

The voice of a police officer blared through a megaphone, echoing across the concrete jungle.

Mia glanced up to see three bright yellow stars of a "wanted" level hovering above her head. Turning back, she shouted with a mix of disbelief and indignation:

"Hey, that's not fair! Even when I robbed banks, I didn't hit this level of notoriety!"

At that moment, her terminal interface flickered, displaying an ominous system alert:

"Current district designated as a no-teleport zone. All teleport functions temporarily disabled."

The virtual city's night sky was a canvas of twinkling stars and kaleidoscopic neon lights, the hum of urban life ever-present. Mia darted nimbly across the rooftops, her movements fluid and calculated. After a brief sprint, she leapt into the air, her silhouette tracing an elegant arc against the luminous full moon. For a fleeting moment, she became a shadow etched in silver light.

Her sharp gaze locked onto the next rooftop as she landed with precision on its edge. She slid forward gracefully, weaving through scattered obstacles like ventilation pipes and water towers. Every motion was seamless, her momentum unbroken as she vaulted toward yet another building.

But her pursuers were relentless. The police, enhanced with speed-boosting mods, moved like the wind. At times, their augmented agility made them seem even faster than Mia. They deftly avoided obstacles, their specialized equipment enabling them to stay on her heels.

Mia’s mind raced. This can’t go on.

She knew outrunning them was impossible without a daring plan. While sprinting, she reached into her pocket and pulled out three small spheres, gripping them tightly in her palm.

"let's kick off my perfect escape plan."

As the police closed in, Mia lobbed the first sphere—a flashbang. She aimed it behind her, watching as it arced through the night and detonated in a burst of blinding light. The officers staggered, shielding their eyes as the intense brilliance momentarily disoriented them. Some stumbled, their balance lost.

Seizing the moment, Mia surged forward. Spotting a row of air conditioning units and a narrow passageway ahead, she leapt fearlessly, sliding into the cramped space to create more distance.

The police, recovering quickly, resumed their pursuit, following her into the narrow corridor just as she had anticipated.

Without hesitation, she threw the second sphere—a smoke grenade. As it hit the ground, dense plumes of smoke filled the passage, obscuring everything. The officers coughed and hesitated, their visibility reduced to nothing.

Taking advantage of the cover, Mia changed direction, scaling the tallest nearby building in a single bound. She reached its rooftop and skidded to a halt at its center. Her eyes darted across her surroundings, analyzing the layout. Confirming no obstacles in her path, she hurled the third sphere into the air.

"Alright, little guy, don’t let me down."

The sphere soared gracefully, its shell glowing brighter with each second. Mid-flight, it began to expand, its transformation dazzling. In mere moments, it morphed into a fully realized aircraft—a YF-23.

This legendary stealth fighter from late 20th-century Earth had been deemed too advanced for mass production. Now, in the virtual world, it materialized as Mia’s ultimate escape vehicle.

The aircraft gleamed under the neon-lit night, its metallic sheen flowing like liquid steel. Its streamlined form radiated power and grace, reminiscent of a falcon soaring through the darkness. The diamond-shaped wings and inward-angled twin tails were a testament to cutting-edge stealth technology. Under the flickering neon lights, its cold metallic paint shimmered with an enchanting glow—part masterpiece, part lethal predator, ready to strike at a moment’s notice.

"It’s… beautiful. I’ve never seen anything this stunning."

Mia’s eyes sparkled with awe. Without hesitation, she leapt gracefully onto the back of the fighter. The massive frame wavered slightly in the wind as she landed, but her feet remained steady on the metallic surface. Like a cat, she maintained perfect balance, her movements agile and precise as she made her way toward the cockpit.

The wind roared around her, tugging at her clothes and tossing her hair into the frigid night air. Gritting her teeth, Mia kept her eyes fixed on the cockpit ahead.

"Just a little closer… almost there."

She murmured to herself as the gap closed, step by step. Her body rose and fell with the slight tilts of the aircraft, the cockpit now just within reach. But a sudden, chilling sensation of danger gripped her, freezing her mid-stride.

"What—?"

She instinctively ducked, and a sharp whistling sound split the air beside her. A bullet tore past her face, so close it nearly grazed her nose, leaving a fiery trail in its wake.

Mia’s breath hitched, her heartbeat racing as she glanced downward. On the ground below, several officers were firing at her, their bullets ricocheting off the fighter’s body with a metallic clang. Sparks flew in all directions as the relentless barrage struck the aircraft’s exterior.

"Are you kidding me?!" Mia growled under her breath, dodging to the side as another volley of bullets zipped past her. However, the evasive move cost her balance. Her foot slipped against the sleek surface, sending her sliding perilously toward the edge of the aircraft.

Her arm shot out, clutching the edge of a wing structure just in time. She hung there for a moment, her legs dangling precariously. The cockpit is out of reach now… she realized, frustration gnawing at her.

The situation worsened. Gravity began pulling the fighter downward, its equilibrium destabilized by the unrelenting assault. The roar of its engines grew frantic, and the entire aircraft tilted toward the ground in a steep descent.

"No, no, no!"

Alarm bells rang in Mia’s mind as the fighter’s trajectory spiraled downward. The air resistance rocked her body violently, making it harder to hold on. She knew there was no time left; if she didn’t act now, she’d go down with the aircraft.

Taking a deep breath, Mia steadied herself. Planting her feet firmly against the wing, she launched herself off the aircraft with all her might. Her body arced through the air, performing a graceful mid-air roll to convert her momentum into forward propulsion. Her sharp gaze locked onto a nearby rooftop, her limbs poised to brace for impact.

She landed hard but steady, knees bending to absorb the shock. The rooftop trembled slightly beneath her, but Mia remained upright, her balance unshaken. Behind her, the fighter plunged uncontrollably toward the ground.

"Boom!"

The impact was deafening. The fighter smashed into the ground, exploding in a blinding blaze of fire and smoke. Police cars shattered under the wreckage, and shards of metal sprayed in all directions. Chaos erupted as officers scrambled for cover.

Among them, one officer—still holding his weapon—watched the aircraft’s descent in horror. Unable to escape in time, he cursed under his breath, "Damn it!" just before the colossal wreck crushed him. His health bar dropped to zero instantly, his body vanishing in a burst of pixels. The gear he carried—uniform, gun, and more—was left scattered where he had stood moments before.

Mia stood on the edge of the skyscraper, gazing down at the pandemonium below. Thick smoke rose in plumes, illuminated by sporadic bursts of fire. The wreckage of police cars littered the streets, casting the scene into utter disarray. Sighing heavily, Mia pressed a hand to her forehead.

"Ah, this is a total disaster."

She glanced upward, noticing her wanted stars shifting dramatically. The original three yellow stars transformed into five blazing red ones—the hallmark of Maximum Wanted Level. This meant the authorities would no longer rely on standard patrols and drones; heavy weaponry was about to join the hunt.

The distant roar of helicopters echoed through the sky as armed choppers approached rapidly. Meanwhile, on the ground, the rumble of heavy treads grew louder. Around the corner, a pitch-black tank rolled into view, its massive barrel aimed squarely at her rooftop perch.

"Well... at least I broke a record," Mia muttered with a crooked smile, half amused, half resigned.

In another corner of the city, Namida strolled leisurely through the bustling streets under the guise of a routine patrol. The kaleidoscopic glow of lights reflected off her face as street vendors’ lively shouts mingled with the city’s ambient noise, creating a symphony of urban life. Despite the overwhelming energy, the atmosphere felt strangely authentic—almost comforting.

Suddenly, a deafening explosion shattered the calm. The ground trembled slightly beneath her feet. Namida froze mid-step, her eyes widening. Snapping her head up, she searched for the source of the sound.

Far off in the night sky, a fiery plume and thick smoke spiraled upward, accompanied by distant screams and panicked commotion. The chaos seemed to disrupt the city’s rhythm, replacing its lively cadence with a pulse of unease. Narrowing her eyes, Namida tried to make out the source of the disturbance through the haze of lights and mist.

But the smoke thickened, rapidly blanketing the area. The air itself grew heavy, laced with an ominous tension. Namida furrowed her brow, then summoned her terminal with a thought. A translucent screen materialized before her, its soft blue glow cutting through the gloom.

Red emergency banners flashed across the screen:

"EMERGENCY ALERT: MASSIVE DISTURBANCE IN VIRTUAL CITY CENTER. CITIZENS ARE ADVISED TO IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE TO SAFE ZONES. POLICE FORCES ARE RESPONDING."

Her eyes scanned the details quickly, absorbing the attached footage—overturned vehicles, scattering crowds, and plumes of smoke mingling with fiery blazes.

"A disturbance?"

Namida dismissed the terminal, her feet already carrying her toward the chaos.

Mia’s mind raced as she plotted her next move. She needed an escape plan—fast.

"A vehicle… right, the car!"

The thought struck her like lightning. She recalled stashing a getaway car in a secluded corner of the city, precisely for emergencies like this.

Without hesitation, Mia leapt from the rooftop, darting through narrow alleyways with practiced agility. She avoided the watchful gaze of patrolling drones, her movements fluid and precise, her focus unshakable. Finally, at the end of a dimly lit alley, she found it: her scarlet Ferrari Enzo, hidden in the shadows of an abandoned garage. The car sat there like a predator, coiled and ready to strike.

Rushing forward, Mia threw open the door and slid into the driver’s seat. With a press of the ignition, the engine roared to life, shattering the stillness around her. She gave the dashboard a quick once-over—fuel levels were full, and everything seemed in perfect working order.

Yet, as her hands gripped the steering wheel, a flicker of doubt crept into her thoughts.

"When was the last time I even drove?"

Mia’s mind raced as she recalled the basics of driving. She gripped the steering wheel tightly, her foot instinctively finding the rhythm between the gas and brake.

"Hands steady, slow down before turns, and no sharp steering," she murmured to herself, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves.

A quick glance at the dashboard confirmed everything was in order—fuel was full, and the car was in perfect condition. Though driving in the virtual world differed from reality, the fundamentals couldn’t be ignored. Just as she was about to hit the gas, a thought struck her.

"Oh, the seatbelt! Almost forgot."

She reached for the strap, clicked it into place, and pulled it snug. With her eyes fixed on the road ahead, Mia inhaled deeply, her focus sharp.

The next second, she slammed the accelerator. The tires screeched violently against the pavement, sending up clouds of white smoke and the acrid stench of burning rubber. The Ferrari Enzo shot forward like a missile, roaring out of the garage toward the iron gates ahead.

The car collided with the gates in an explosive crash. The steel frame groaned under the impact, warping with a sharp metallic screech before giving way. Shattered fragments of the gate scattered like confetti, sparking as they hit the ground.

Bursting out of the alleyway, Mia’s eyes widened as the scene ahead came into view. The main thoroughfare was a fortress of flashing red-and-blue lights, packed with police cars and armored vehicles. The strobe of sirens painted the night in chaos. A line of armed officers emerged from behind the armored vehicles, their weapons gleaming menacingly in the glow.

Mia scanned the blockade and spotted a narrow gap—barely wide enough for her car.

"Here goes nothing."

She wrenched the steering wheel hard, aiming for the gap. The car scraped against the side of a police vehicle with a teeth-grinding screech, sparks flying as metal met metal. Gritting her teeth, Mia held the wheel firm, her body leaning with the car’s momentum as it rocked and swerved.

"Don’t get stuck. Don’t get stuck,"

The rear of the Ferrari grazed the steel barricade of an armored vehicle, igniting another shower of sparks. But with a final burst of speed, she broke through the blockade. The tail lights left behind twin streaks of crimson, like fiery slashes in the night sky.

"Woohoo! Nice work, partner!"

She let out a brief cheer before refocusing on the road ahead. The wail of sirens grew louder behind her as the police cars surged into pursuit, and the armored vehicles began to rumble forward. Overhead, searchlights sliced through the darkness, accompanied by the growing drone of helicopter rotors.

Mia’s Ferrari weaved deftly through the chaotic traffic. Horns blared as startled drivers struggled to avoid the speeding car. A truck abruptly pulled out from a side road, followed by a taxi screeching to a halt. Mia twisted the wheel, threading through the narrow gap between them. The side of her car nearly kissed the guardrail as she sped through.

For a fleeting moment, it seemed like she had outmaneuvered the chaos. But then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a figure on the side of the road—a girl.

Her heart plummeted.

"No!"

Mia’s pupils contracted as she slammed the brakes. The tires screamed in protest, but the Ferrari’s speed made stopping impossible in time.

The car’s headlights illuminated the figure—a slender girl in a pure white dress, standing frozen at the edge of the street. Her delicate silhouette was stark against the chaos around her. The dress swayed faintly in the breeze, and her eyes, wide and unfocused, seemed unaware of the imminent danger.

Time slowed as the two locked eyes.

The girl didn’t move. She just stood there, staring blankly into the blinding lights of the speeding car.

Mia felt time slow as her thoughts raced. It’s just a virtual world, she reasoned. Even if I hit her, she’ll respawn, grab her dropped gear, and move on. The fleeting thought of plowing through crossed her mind.

But the blinding white of the girl’s dress cut through her hesitation like a bolt of lightning.

"What am I even thinking?"

Mia shook off the absurd notion. Beautiful things shouldn’t be destroyed—even in a virtual world. She couldn’t bear the idea of the girl’s body colliding with her windshield, being thrown to the ground in a crumpled heap, only to be run over by other vehicles in a grotesque chain reaction.

In a split second, Mia yanked the wheel left. The Ferrari swerved violently, tires screaming against the asphalt. The screech of brakes sliced through the cacophony of the city. The car veered off course, narrowly missing the girl by a hair’s breadth.

Through her rearview mirror, Mia caught sight of the figure she had nearly struck. The girl stood unfazed, her gaze calm and curious as she tilted her head slightly, as though assessing the speeding car and the chaos it carried.

"What’s with that girl?" Mia muttered, but there was no time to dwell on it.

The sharp rattle of machine gunfire erupted overhead. Bright orange streaks of tracer rounds lit the night as bullets rained down, striking the ground and kicking up sparks and debris. Mia remained composed, sliding her car close to a slow-moving truck to use it as cover.

She whipped the Ferrari into a sharp turn, darting into a narrow alley. The car carved a perfect semicircle, tires leaving a scorched trail on the pavement. Bullets struck the ground mere milliseconds after she passed, leaving a trail of craters in her wake.

"They brought out helicopters? That’s some serious overkill,"

In the narrow alleyway, she spotted a metal trash bin up ahead. Without hesitation, she yanked the handbrake, spinning the car’s rear end in a controlled drift. The Ferrari’s tail barely grazed the obstacle, skimming past it with precision before snapping back into alignment. With a burst of speed, she accelerated onto the ramp leading to the city’s central highway.

The Ferrari’s engine roared as Mia shifted gears, pushing the car to its limits. Streetlights along the highway flashed past the windows, their reflections flickering on the car’s gleaming red body. It streaked through the darkness like a lightning bolt, slicing through the chaotic city night. The wind howled around her, muffling the relentless noise of pursuit.

Below the elevated highway, the port district sprawled out in a sea of faintly glowing lights. Crane arms stood motionless like giants lost in thought, their silhouettes casting long shadows over the docks. Occasionally, the glow of cargo ships drifted across the water, merging seamlessly with the city’s lightscape. In the distance, a graceful bridge arched over the river, its lights tracing an elegant curve. The bridge and its shimmering reflection on the water formed a tranquil contrast to the chaos behind her.

For a fleeting moment, Mia seemed to have escaped the barrage. But the helicopter above wasn’t letting up, its spotlight tracking her every move with eagle-like precision. It tilted its body aggressively, accelerating to cut off her escape route.

Worse still, every interchange she passed brought new police cars onto the highway. The blockade swelled as more vehicles joined the chase.

Mia stole a glance in her rearview mirror. What she saw was staggering—a river of flashing red and blue lights, surging toward her in waves. The relentless wail of sirens added an oppressive weight to the scene. Each police car seemed like a determined predator, closing in step by step.

"Chasing me won’t work," she muttered"As long as I can make it to that place…"

Her mind flicked to a hidden anomaly in the city’s map—an area she had discovered during one of her explorations. Anything that reached that glitched zone risked falling through the map, vanishing into another part of the city entirely. It was a long shot, but it was her best bet.

"The port district… let’s hope the map hasn’t been updated,"

Mia steadying the wheel with her left hand while swiftly accessing the car’s communication terminal with her right. She dialed into Locke’s private channel—a seasoned hacker she’d met in the virtual world. Locke was a master of exploits and glitches, and the high-powered hacker telescope she carried was one of his creations.

"Locke, are you there?"

A brief pause followed before his voice crackled through the speakers.

"I’m here, Mia. You’ve really stirred up a hornet’s nest this time, huh? Feeling the heat yet?"

"Cut the chatter," Mia snapped, glancing at the rearview mirror where the growing swarm of pursuers gleamed red and blue. "I need you to confirm the anomaly zone’s location."

Locke chuckled. "Alright, since your little reality show is entertaining enough, I’ll play VIP tech support for today."

Seconds later, the dashboard lit up with a detailed city map, a bright red route tracing its way to her destination—the anomaly zone she remembered near the port.

"Alright, the map is updated, and the route has been uploaded to your car's system. Don't worry, the anomaly zone is still near the port; no one has messed with its location."

"Thanks. If you could also take down that helicopter, that’d be perfect."

"You really don’t give me a break, do you? Alright, but don’t expect it to last long," Locke replied, his tone turning serious as he got to work.

Mia hurtled forward, her focus locked on the glowing red line on the dashboard. The helicopter’s spotlight, which had been fixed on her, suddenly wavered before vanishing into the night.

"Done," Locke’s voice returned. "But they’ll switch to their backup plans soon. You’d better step on it, or you’ll get a warm welcome at the port."

"Pedal’s already to the metal," Mia shot back, her voice unwavering. "They won’t get the chance."

The speedometer’s needle was pinned to the right as the Ferrari zipped past slower-moving vehicles. As she neared the port, the city’s vibrant lights faded into a dense fog that cloaked the area. Visibility dropped sharply, leaving only the guidance of the dashboard route to steer her.

"By the way, Mia, just a friendly reminder—" Locke’s tone turned light. "The anomaly zone’s stability is… questionable. Who knows where you’ll end up once you fall through."

"Don’t worry about me," Mia replied, her tone resolute. "I’ve got it under control."

"Alright, then good luck, lady."

"I don’t need luck," Mia smirked. "This is destiny."

Moments later, the Ferrari shot off the interchange and veered into the port district. The icy fog thickened, wrapping the area in a suffocating chill. The air felt sharp and metallic, like blades scraping against the car’s sleek body. Massive steel walls of shipping containers loomed in the dim yellow glow of industrial lights, their hulking forms resembling silent beasts standing guard.

The towering cranes were faint silhouettes in the fog, their long arms extending like the scythes of death, waiting patiently for their next victim. The narrow passages between the containers twisted unpredictably, their damp surfaces reflecting broken patches of light. Puddles dotted the ground, their still surfaces disrupted by the Ferrari’s speeding tires, sending sprays of water arcing into the cold air.

The port was eerily quiet except for the occasional clang of aging machinery echoing through the night. It was a sharp contrast to the relentless growl of Mia’s engine as it tore through the maze of containers, bringing a spark of life to the desolate industrial labyrinth.

"Alright, where’s my welcome party?" Mia muttered, squinting as her rearview mirror revealed the glinting headlights of enforcement vehicles closing in.

The symphony of sirens grew louder, their piercing wails punctuated by the sudden crackle of gunfire. Bullets rained down from hidden officers, ricocheting off the containers with sharp metallic clangs. A few rounds smashed into the rear windshield of her Ferrari, shattering it into a cascade of glittering shards.

"Such enthusiasm,"

Mia deftly maneuvered through the tight corridors, sliding the car at extreme angles to evade incoming fire. Despite her skill, bullets peppered the car, leaving a cacophony of dents and punctures. A loud metallic thud signaled a direct hit to the hood, leaving charred holes in its wake.

Her dashboard erupted in warning lights, red indicators flashing relentlessly as alarms blared. Messages like "Chassis Damage" and "Engine Overheating" scrolled across the screen, a grim reminder that the car was nearing its limit. The engine’s once-confident growl sputtered into erratic coughs, each acceleration accompanied by ominous vibrations.

"Hold on just a little longer, baby,"

Her voice soft but desperate, as though coaxing an exhausted warhorse to make one final charge. Her foot never left the gas pedal, wringing out every ounce of power left in the failing engine.

The car struggled forward, its speed dropping but its determination unwavering. Mia used the maze of containers and towering cranes to shield herself from further attacks, weaving between obstacles with calculated precision.

Her Ferrari wobbled under the strain of high-speed maneuvers, the steering beginning to slip from her control. A sharp crack signaled the destruction of her left side mirror, shards of glass scattering like rain under the dim industrial lights. Glancing at the dashboard, Mia’s stomach sank as the engine temperature spiked into the danger zone, and the oil pressure plummeted. Black smoke curled from the rear of the car, carrying the acrid stench of burning metal into the night air.

And then she saw it.

A crumbling construction wall loomed ahead, its dilapidated state barely concealing the hidden anomaly beyond.

"That’s it!"

Her heart pounded as she locked her eyes on the wall, steering the car toward it. The Ferrari, teetering on the brink of collapse, groaned in protest as it swerved violently. The tires screeched against the ground, leaving blackened trails in their wake. Bullets still rained down, hammering the car’s battered frame, but Mia paid them no mind. Her focus was singular, her will unshaken.

With one final burst of speed, the car hurtled toward the wall.

The impact was deafening. The weakened wall exploded in a shower of debris, bricks and dust flying in all directions. The Ferrari, its body barely holding together, careened through the breach. Mia’s seatbelt snapped her back as the car jerked upward, its wheels leaving the ground.

For a moment, everything hung suspended in the fog.

The red car, now a shadow of its former glory, sailed through the air amidst its own shattered fragments. Then, with a heavy crash, it landed in the heart of the construction site.

The ground beneath the site began to shift and twist unnaturally. Shadows and lights bent into swirling vortexes, consuming everything they touched. Before the car could even settle on the ground, the anomaly’s energy engulfed it, its power rippling outward in waves.

The Ferrari’s frame buckled under the strain, its metallic surface screeching as it warped and blurred. The car’s once-sleek silhouette dissolved, the boundaries of reality itself unraveling around it.

"Finally," she whispered.

Mia’s lips curved into a peaceful smile as the chaos around her subsided. Gratitude filled her chest as she watched the dashboard flicker a few final times before going dark. The Ferrari’s engine let out its last sigh, and its metallic frame twisted, warped, and crumbled. With a flash of brilliant light, the car disintegrated completely, leaving nothing behind.

A profound silence filled the space. The swirling light and distorted energy of the anomaly faded away, replaced by the cold, fog-shrouded air of the construction site. But Mia was gone, vanishing without a trace into the unknown alongside her trusted car.

The fog thickened once more, and the construction site sank back into the stillness of night. Scattered debris from the shattered wall lay strewn across the ground, scorched black with gunpowder and littered with the remains of the intense pursuit.

The eerie silence that settled over the area felt almost unnatural, as if the chaos, gunfire, and destruction had never occurred.

"All units, stand down."

The police commander’s voice crackled over the radio as he scanned the edge of the anomaly zone. The once-warped space now appeared calm and unremarkable, save for the scorched rubble and thick clouds of dust lingering in the air.

"Target has vanished."

One officer raised a thermal scanner, the screen confirming the absence of any heat signatures. Only faint traces of residual energy, rapidly cooling, remained.

"She could be anywhere now. We can’t track her," the officer muttered.

"Pull back," the commander ordered.

The helicopter’s spotlight dimmed and flicked off as its rotors whirred, lifting it slowly into the sky. Police cars on the ground started their engines one by one, their red and blue lights receding into the distance like an ebbing tide.

The port district sank back into a haunting stillness, the fog creeping through the cold night air. The oppressive chill within the construction site seemed almost suffocating, as though it held its breath after witnessing something extraordinary.

As the last of the police presence faded, a solitary figure remained at the edge of the anomaly zone.

Namida stood quietly, her white dress stark against the shadows and mist. The cold didn’t seem to bother her as she gazed into the now-calm space where chaos had erupted just moments before. Her expression was unreadable, her stillness almost ethereal.

With a motion of her hand, a virtual terminal appeared before her, its translucent screen glowing faintly in the dark. Complex streams of data danced across the display, numbers and waveforms flickering as it processed the anomaly’s final energy.

Chapter Text

Mia felt her body being forcefully pulled into a bright space. Light and shadow swirled and twisted around her, making it impossible to discern her orientation. The sound of rushing wind grew louder in her ears. Her blurred vision gradually sharpened, and when she finally managed to make sense of her surroundings, she realized she was plummeting from a great height.

Beneath the azure sky stretched a vast ocean. Waves danced across the surface, shimmering with countless silver specks, creating a dreamlike, glistening expanse. Mia’s figure streaked through the sky like a falling star, hurtling toward the water below.

“Please don’t hurt too much!”

she shouted, bracing herself. A loud “splash” echoed as her body crashed into the sea. The icy water instantly enveloped her limbs. The impact left her momentarily disoriented, bubbles rising around her and scattering toward the surface. All she could see were blurred, shifting patterns of light in the water.

Shaking her head vigorously to clear her thoughts, Mia pushed herself to regain control. Her legs kicked with all their strength, and after a few seconds of struggling, she broke through the surface, gasping for fresh air. Water streamed down her face, dripping from her chin as her vision gradually returned to clarity.

In the distance, a coastline came into view—a stretch of pristine white beach. Scattered shells and driftwood adorned the shore, carried to and fro by the ebb and flow of the waves. At the edge of the coast stood a cluster of pure white buildings, harmoniously arranged across the undulating slopes. Their domed rooftops and blue window frames evoked the charm of the Aegean region of the Mediterranean.

A large wave crashed over Mia, pushing her forcefully toward the shore. As the waves receded, they gently deposited her onto the sandy beach. Her wet clothes were now covered with grains of sand, and the sea breeze, carrying a faint hint of salt, brushed against her face. Lying on the beach, Mia squinted slightly, basking in the warmth of the sunlight as it kissed her face. The rhythmic sound of waves rolling in and out played like a soothing melody, providing the perfect ending to her recent adventure.

Her damp hair clung to her cheeks, and the sand stuck to her arms and clothes made her feel a bit disheveled, yet she also felt a comforting sense of ease.

As her thoughts drifted aimlessly, a crisp voice broke through from above her.

“Welcome, adventurer.”

Mia slowly opened her eyes to see a familiar face. A girl was standing in front of her.

“Eliza!” Mia exclaimed in surprise.

“Looks like you had quite an exciting adventure,” Eliza said with a grin, bending down and extending a hand. “Need some help, or are you planning to stay here as a piece of beach art?”

Mia grabbed Eliza’s hand and used it to pull herself up, brushing sand off her clothes as she stood. Looking up at Eliza, she asked,

“How did you know I was here?”

Crossing her arms, Eliza raised an eyebrow.

“Are you waterlogged and oxygen-deprived? Where else would I go around here?”

Mia froze for a moment before looking up at the distant buildings. Those once-familiar white coastal cities were nothing more than blurry background textures, their edges even pixelated. Glancing around, she realized their world had shrunk into a tiny planet—like the one from *The Little Prince*, small and solitary, where walking a few minutes would take you full circle. Beyond the island lay a monotonous ocean, and on the island itself, there were only three simple tents and a few sparse palm trees swaying in the wind.

“Oh, right!” Mia smacked her forehead, then laughed. “I totally forgot—I didn’t pay the server rent, so everything reverted to being this basic.”

Eliza’s brows furrowed even more as she replied in a tone tinged with reproach,

“Exactly. And you didn’t even say a word before you ran off. You just left a message saying you were going to make money. Do you have any idea how worried I was?”

Mia stuck out her tongue like a child caught doing something wrong.

“Hehe, sorry about that! But hey, I’m back now, aren’t I?”

Eliza sighed.

“So, did you succeed?”

With a confident smirk, Mia raised an eyebrow and pulled a fist-sized diamond from her pocket. It was the result of her recent earnings, made by offering fortune-telling and solving people’s problems. The diamond gleamed brilliantly under the sunlight.

Mia held up the diamond and gave it a playful shake, the refracted light dancing across her cheerful face. Her lips curved into a slight smile as she declared,

“Of course! Do you still doubt me?”

Eliza’s eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the diamond.

“You… actually managed to earn that much?”

With a smug grin, Mia spun around, almost flinging the diamond out of her hand in the process. She quickly caught it, shrugged nonchalantly, and said,

“Piece of cake! If I weren’t so soft-hearted, I could’ve made even more. Who knows? I might’ve been rolling in riches by now!”

“And what exactly do you mean by ‘soft-hearted’?” Eliza said.

Mia clasped her hands behind her head and tilted her head with a carefree smile.

“Well, you know… some of my clients were just so pitiful. I couldn’t help feeling sorry for them, so I—didn’t charge them!”

At that, Eliza tapped her chin with a finger, a mock expression of realization crossing her face.

“Oh, I see. Performing the occasional ‘good deed’ really helps distract from the fact that you’re scamming the people who need help the most, doesn’t it?”

Mia blinked, then took a quick step toward Eliza, pressing her hands to her chest in mock indignation. She loudly protested,

“Hey, hey, hey! I’m not scamming anyone! You have no idea how much my super fortune-telling is worth for just a small price!”

Eliza couldn’t help but chuckle at Mia’s exaggerated theatrics, lowering her head to hide her smile. She then straightened up, her tone returning to seriousness.

“Alright, but you should at least use an alias. You do know the police have been keeping an eye on you, right? Otherwise, why else would they go all out like this time?”

Mia placed her hands on her hips, proudly tilted her chin upward, and raised an eyebrow.

“An alias? I don’t need one! There are plenty of people named Mia out there. Besides, I used Locke’s VPN—they’ll never find me.”

Eliza narrowed her eyes, clearly skeptical.

“Oh, really?”

Mia spread her hands in a carefree gesture.

“And even if someone does find me, it must be fate bringing us together!”

Eliza rubbed her temples, her expression a mix of admiration and exasperation at Mia’s unwavering confidence. Her feelings seemed rather complicated.

After a moment, Eliza sighed, adjusted her glasses that had slipped to the bridge of her nose, and spoke earnestly.

“You’re always so reckless. But I think we should try living differently—maybe switch to a smaller map. ‘Paradise’ is too large, and the server maintenance costs are just too high. Why not choose a smaller, more manageable place? That way, you wouldn’t have to take such big risks every time to earn money.”

Hearing this, Mia quickly turned to look at Eliza, confusion written all over her face.

“A smaller map? That’s your idea? Eliza, ‘Paradise’ is something we built piece by piece. Every bit of land, every tree, even every resident—they’re all important to us, right? I don’t want to give them up.”

“But… you can’t keep pushing yourself like this,” Eliza said, her voice tinged with urgency. “Aren’t you afraid that one day you’ll actually get caught and never be able to come back?”

Mia fell silent, lowering her head as she lightly kicked at the sand, as if lost in thought. After a while, she looked up, her eyes bright and her tone calm yet resolute.

“I admit it’s dangerous, but if this place disappeared, I’d be even more miserable. This is our home and our dream. As long as it exists, I’ll have the motivation to keep going.”

Eliza gazed into Mia’s eyes and saw the unwavering determination within. Finally, she relented.

“Alright, you win. But next time you go on an adventure, at least let me know beforehand, okay?”

Mia instantly broke into a brilliant smile, giving Eliza a big thumbs-up as she replied cheerfully,

“No problem! You’re my best friend, after all!”

With that, Mia quickly walked to a small terminal at the center of the island. She bent down and carefully placed the glittering diamond into the terminal’s slot. Her fingertips lightly tapped the screen, which immediately lit up with a soft blue glow, displaying a series of complex calculations. Mia’s hands moved swiftly over the touchscreen, her fingers dancing across it with precision. With a final confirmation, she gently pressed the activation button.

A soft mechanical hum filled the air, as though a long-dormant power was slowly awakening. The entire space began to tremble slightly, the ground quivering beneath her feet, as if the earth itself were responding to the call of this newfound energy.

In the distance, the background city textures began to draw closer to the planet. The once-blurry outlines of the buildings grew sharper, their rough surfaces swiftly replaced by intricate details. The structures started to take on a three-dimensional form, as if countless craftsmen were meticulously sculpting this bustling city in an instant. The flat 2D graphics gradually gave way to fully rendered 3D models, and the dreamlike scenery began to solidify into reality, ultimately transforming into a collection of exquisite buildings.

At the same time, the small planet beneath Mia’s feet started to expand dramatically. What was once a tiny, solitary island quickly stretched into vast terrain. The curved horizon smoothed out into an endless line, as though presenting infinite possibilities before their eyes.

The sky turned an unparalleled shade of blue, like a sapphire finely polished to perfection, so clear it seemed freshly washed. The map’s brightness settings were elevated, bathing the city in a radiant glow. A breeze drifted in from the distant coast, carrying a faint salty tang but delivering a refreshing coolness. The wind gently swept through Mia’s hair, as if whispering a blessing over this newly revived land.

Not far away, the laughter of people began to echo through the streets of the city’s central district. The once-dormant cafes, shops, and amusement parks had come back to life. Colorful, glowing signs at their entrances seemed to extend a warm welcome to visitors. A group of children chased each other down the streets, laughing as they pointed at the unusual signs above them. Meanwhile, NPCs returned to their posts, their faces beaming with joy, as if they too were celebrating the rebirth of this world.

Eliza gazed at the familiar white buildings standing quietly in the distance. They were exactly as she remembered “Paradise,” as if she had been transported back to the time when they first created this world.

“You really did it,” Eliza said.

Mia grinned.

“All thanks to Singularity Corporation hiking up server rents every other day. It’s been such a pain, but nothing I couldn’t handle.”

Eliza began walking toward the cluster of white buildings, with Mia following close beside her. The path was paved with pristine white stones, flanked by swaying palm trees whose leaves cast dappled shadows on the ground. As they passed through winding alleys, they could see a few fluffy white clouds drifting lazily across the sky. The slanting sunlight filtered through the windows of the buildings, painting the ground in a soft, warm glow. Everything about this place made it feel as though they had never left home.

Eliza stepped into a familiar alleyway, her gaze sweeping across the surroundings, and a sense of nostalgia washed over her. These streets, these buildings—they were all products of her own design, imbued with her dreams of an ideal life. She recalled the peaceful days when the two of them would stroll through these very paths, chatting with the virtual residents they had created or enjoying a rich latte at one of the cafes.

Suddenly, Mia shouted,

“Eliza, look over there!” Her voice was brimming with excitement as she pointed toward the sky.

Eliza followed her gaze and saw numerous floating tracks suspended high above. They looked like roads designed for some fantastical mode of transportation. The tracks twisted and turned through the clouds, with some sections steep enough to make one’s heart race and countless 360-degree loops that spiraled daringly through the air.

“That’s my new creation—the Sky Racers,” Mia announced proudly, her voice full of smug satisfaction. “We absolutely have to try it later.”

Eliza gasped. “You… you put that over my classical city? These ridiculous things completely ruin the aesthetic!”

Mia shrugged. “What’s the big deal? I call it a blend of classical and ultra-modern art.”

Eliza made a move as if to throttle her, but Mia, slippery as a fish, dodged away with ease, even sticking out her tongue and making a silly face.

Finally, Eliza let out a huff, dropping her hands.

“Fine, you indulgent hedonist. But since it’s already built, I might as well give it a try.”

“You’re going to love it!" Mia declared enthusiastically. She grabbed Eliza’s hand and tugged her along. “Come on, let’s go now!”

The two strolled leisurely down the white stone-paved path. The streets were lined with bustling vendors showcasing an array of goods: food stalls exuding mouthwatering aromas, booths filled with handcrafted trinkets, and glowing high-tech gadgets that sparkled under the light. The lively atmosphere was infectious. Mia was clearly enchanted by the scene, her curiosity guiding her like an inquisitive cat. She paused every so often to peer closely at a stall, chat with a vendor, or excitedly point out something that caught her eye.

“Wow, what’s this?"

Mia suddenly stopped at a stall displaying peculiar devices. Her gaze fixed on a small pyramid-shaped object. She carefully picked it up, turning it over in her hands to examine it from every angle. Then, with a burst of excitement, she held it up to Eliza and asked, “What is this thing?”

Eliza glanced at the device.

“Oh, that’s a ‘Thought Projector.’ I spent a long time working on the programming to make it. It can take the images in your mind and project them into precise 3D visuals.”

“Really?” Mia’s eyes lit up as if she’d just discovered a new continent. “Are the visuals clear?”

“Crystal clear,” Eliza replied.

“That’s so cool! What made you think of creating this?” Mia asked, her voice brimming with curiosity.

Eliza turned her head slightly, looking a bit shy but answering honestly.

“Well, it’s because of your fortune-telling abilities. I thought, if we could project the visions you foresee, it might help your business and let more people witness your ‘magic.’”

Mia’s eyes grew misty with emotion. Without a word, she lunged forward and wrapped Eliza in a big hug.

“Thank you, Eliza!” she said, her voice full of warmth as she held her tightly.

Eliza’s face instantly turned as red as a ripe apple. She gently pushed Mia away, pretending to be annoyed.

“Alright, alright, let go of me already. Everyone’s watching!”

Mia let go with a playful grin, her happiness impossible to hide. She immediately purchased one of the projectors and carefully tucked it into her pocket.

“You really are our genius designer. This thing is amazing! I can’t wait to study it properly!” she said, her face glowing with excitement.

Eliza, overwhelmed by the praise, waved her hand dismissively.

“Enough already. Don’t waste time. Weren’t you eager to try the Sky Racers?”

Mia’s energy reignited at the mention, and she grabbed Eliza’s hand, dragging her quickly toward the attraction. As they ran, Mia didn’t forget to turn back and wave to the vendors with a cheerful thank you.

At the entrance to the Sky Racers, a crowd of NPCs had already gathered, eagerly awaiting their turn to take on the challenge. Each vehicle featured a sleek, aerodynamic design, with metallic exteriors adorned by dynamic flame decals. As Eliza got closer, she realized the floating tracks were even crazier than she had imagined. Not only were they twisting and winding, but some sections were outright broken, requiring cars to leap through the air to continue.

“Hurry up! Pick the fastest one!”

Mia exclaimed, pulling Eliza toward the queue. She quickly chose a red-and-black convertible and climbed into the driver’s seat, expertly adjusting the control panel.

Eliza slowly settled into the passenger seat, her movements cautious as she scanned the surroundings. She made sure her seatbelt was securely fastened before voicing her concern.

“Are you sure this is safe?”

“Relax! I designed it myself,” Mia said, her tone brimming with confidence.

Eliza rolled her eyes. “That’s exactly why it’s the least safe thing here.”

Mia paused her adjustments, tapping her cheek with a finger as if deep in thought.

“Hmm… if you put it that way, I guess I did add a few small training mechanisms. You know, because this last money-making mission taught me how important driving skills really are!”

“What kind of mechanisms?” Eliza’s internal alarms were going off.

“Oh, nothing too special—just some moving obstacles, rotating platforms, and maybe a tiny bit of explosive effects… Oh, and for added immersion, I turned on the ‘pain sensation’ feature!”

“You did what!?”

Before Mia had a chance to respond, a loud mechanical roar signaled the start of the race. The gates swung open, and their convertible shot down a near-vertical 90-degree slope. NPC drivers in other cars raced alongside them as the deafening wind rushed past. The scenery ahead blurred from the sheer speed. Mia, in the driver’s seat, let out an exhilarated cheer, while Eliza, gripping the passenger seat with trembling hands and shaking legs, felt the onset of panic.

Eliza quickly realized what Mia had meant by "obstacles." First came a massive sledgehammer, towering ten stories high. It swung rapidly above the track, the hammerhead sweeping over the course every few seconds. Eliza watched in horror as a car ahead was struck, its body crushed flat and flung off the track, vanishing into the clouds below.

“You’re insane!” Eliza yelled, her palms already slick with sweat.

Mia, however, remained laser-focused as she pressed down on the accelerator.

“Calm down! This is just the warm-up.”

Their car zoomed forward, narrowly dodging the hammer’s swing with mere millimeters to spare. The powerful gust from the hammerhead’s descent rattled the vehicle. Behind them, another car wasn’t as lucky. A loud crash echoed, accompanied by the screech of metal and a jarring vibration that even shook their car. Eliza shut her eyes tightly, forcing herself to take a deep breath and mutter silent prayers.

But this was only the beginning. The next sections of the track were even more terrifying. Giant hydraulic presses descended from above, each strike shaking the course like an earthquake. Rotating steel blades in enormous grinders spun at alarming speeds, emitting a bone-chilling metallic screech. Laser beams swept across the track in dense patterns, each one radiating a lethal intensity that left no room for error.

Mia was clearly in her element, skillfully maneuvering the vehicle through the deadly obstacles with near-perfect speed and precision. What was even more infuriating was that she somehow had the composure to chat. Dodging a massive iron ball with ease, she casually said to Eliza,

“Let’s throw a party tonight to celebrate the map reboot. It’s going to be so much fun!”

Eliza couldn’t even muster a reply. Her fingers clung tightly to the seat, digging in painfully, as she silently prayed for this nightmare to end.

Finally, the car barreled through the finish line, coming to a gradual stop. As the engine powered down, Eliza felt every ounce of strength drain from her body. She struggled to unbuckle her seatbelt, opened the door, and collapsed onto the ground. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and her voice trembled as she spoke.

“I completely forgot… your tolerance for risk is nothing like a normal person’s.”

Mia hopped out of the car, still brimming with energy and excitement.

“That was amazing! Although, it still doesn’t quite compare to a real police chase.”

“I’m going to kill you…” Eliza groaned, gasping for breath as she forced herself to her feet.

They spent the rest of the day exploring various attractions in the city, from a virtual reality maze to water rafting, each activity packed with thrills and fun. In the shooting game zone, Mia once again showcased her incredible talent. Nearly every shot she fired hit its target with pinpoint accuracy, drawing gasps of amazement from the surrounding crowd.

"You must be cheating," Eliza said from the sidelines.

"I’m not!" Mia protested.

As the clay pigeons flew faster and multiplied in number, Mia remained undaunted. In fact, her aim only became sharper. Finally, with the last target struck down, the scoreboard in the game zone lit up, displaying her remarkably high score. The crowd erupted into applause and cheers.

The prize? A gigantic plush toy, nearly as tall as Mia herself. When the staff handed it over, she stared at it, clearly distressed.

“This big?!”

Turning to Eliza, Mia tried to hand her the oversized toy.

“Here, it’s yours.”

“Are you sure you want to give it to me?” Eliza asked.

“It’s way too big! My pockets are already full. I really don’t know how to carry this thing,” Mia replied helplessly.

Eliza smiled with an elegance that could rival royalty, her demeanor ladylike and composed. But her calm eyes glinted with a hint of menace.

“Then carry it yourself. You wouldn’t want to abandon a prize I designed so carefully, would you?”

Mia froze for a moment, then begrudgingly picked up the plush toy, muttering under her breath,

“Alright, Eliza… you’re terrifying.”

After playing to their hearts’ content, they found a cozy restaurant tucked into a corner of the city’s coast to take a break. The dining area was set on a series of floating islands, surrounded by sapphire-blue waters and virtual rainbow waterfalls. The scenery was breathtaking.

They ordered several local specialties, including sizzling steaks that bubbled as they cooked and gelatin desserts that changed color with every bite.

“This is so good!” Mia exclaimed between mouthfuls, thoroughly impressed by the meal.

The steak looked like an ordinary steak from the outside, but when Mia cut into it, the texture revealed itself to be that of cake. Slicing off a small piece and placing it in her mouth, she experienced an explosion of umami that filled her senses. This was followed by layers of delicate sweetness that seemed to envelop her entire being in a symphony of flavor. Mia was utterly stunned by the first bite, comparing the sensation to the comfort of sinking into a warm bath after a long, exhausting day—a soothing embrace for every inch of her taste buds.

Eliza, meanwhile, was slicing her steak with elegance.

“Don’t tell me this is your first time experiencing something like this.”

“What kind of magical cuisine is this?” Mia said.

“That,” Eliza said with a small, proud smile, “is a special program I developed. It makes food taste as if you’re enjoying an entire banquet in a single dish.”

“You mean you condensed the flavors of an entire feast into this steak-cake?”.

“Exactly. And it took quite a bit of skill to design,” Eliza replied, her tone tinged with pride. She then added, with a playful smirk, “Of course, I had to endure a lot of failures during the development phase. Some of the test versions tasted like literal sewage.”

Mia burst out laughing, unable to contain herself. The two continued eating and chatting, the warm atmosphere between them making the meal all the more enjoyable.

By midday, the two, exhausted from their adventures, returned to their home—a majestic castle perched atop a seaside cliff. The structure was crafted from soft, ivory-toned stone, towering over the entire city. It seemed to sit at the intersection of earth and sky, a beacon of elegance and brilliance visible from any angle. Its lofty towers were capped with metallic rose-gold rooftops, adorned with intricate balconies. Each balcony featured wrought-iron railings shaped like climbing vines, adding a touch of delicate artistry. The towers were connected by several arched walkways, their curves resembling musical notes dancing along the castle's silhouette.

Inside, the marble floors gleamed like mirrors, reflecting the grandeur of the interior. The walls were adorned with masterpieces by renowned artists, and the ceilings bore intricate frescoes depicting scenes from mythology.

The bedroom was located in one of the towers. Flowers swayed gently on the balcony, their shadows casting natural patterns onto the room’s walls. The air carried a subtle woody fragrance, mingling with the salty tang of the sea breeze and the freshness of the nearby grass. Through the enormous arched windows, one could overlook the entire city, with a clear view of the central plaza fountain, mist rising gracefully into the air.

Further out, the city’s harbor stretched along the coastline, bustling with activity. Ships of all shapes and sizes were docked—cargo vessels laden with goods and tour boats adorned with flowers. On the piers, workers busily unloaded items exchanged through maps shared with their friends, the scene a lively testament to the city’s vibrant connections and commerce.

"Nap time, nap time!"

As soon as Mia entered the room, she collapsed onto the bed like a feather, her arms sprawled out as though she wanted to melt into the soft mattress. Her mint-green hair fanned out across the pillow, giving her an air of serene relaxation. The plush bedding enveloped her body like a gentle cloud, so inviting that anyone might feel tempted to join her in sinking into dreamland.

Eliza moved gracefully toward the bed. She loosened her shoelaces and placed her shoes neatly against the wall. From the wardrobe, she retrieved a pair of comfortable indoor slippers, bending down to put them on with care.

"I’ve sent out the party invitations for you. It’s tonight, right? Think you’ll wake up in time?" she asked.

"No worries. I’m not missing the party," Mia murmured, rolling over with a lazy smile spreading across her face.

The room was quiet, filled only with the occasional sounds of birdsong and the rhythmic crash of waves against the cliffs, like a natural lullaby. The oversized plush toy they’d hauled back from the game zone leaned quietly against the bedside table. Its round eyes seemed to watch over them protectively.

Eliza sat on the edge of the bed, turning slightly and leaning one hand against the mattress.

"By the way, I’ve got a question. How did you manage to come back?"

"Using a bug, of course. Random teleportation," Mia replied.

"What I mean is, if it was random, how did you know you’d return to Paradise? What if you’d ended up in a prison or someplace even worse?"

"Faith... leap... and love," Mia replied, her voice growing softer as if she were already drifting into sleep.

Eliza didn’t have the slightest idea what Mia was talking about. She chuckled, loosening her crossed arms and leaning back against the other side of the bed’s headboard. Gradually, her body sank into the soft mattress as the room fell into a peaceful silence.

"Today was so exhausting," Eliza said softly.

"It really was... but also so much fun,"

Eliza’s gaze fell gently on Mia’s face.

"Do you know something? I’m truly grateful for you."

"Why?"

"You give meaning to everything I create. I can’t even begin to imagine how lucky I am to have you as my best friend."

A light breeze stirred the curtains, the air growing cooler and more comfortable. Half-asleep, Mia felt Eliza’s hand rest softly on her own. Even without her fortune-telling ability, Mia could feel the intensity of Eliza’s gaze—those violet eyes shimmering like the first stars of a twilight sky.

"So am I," Mia murmured in response.

"I can’t imagine a world without you. If I had to choose one person to share eternity with, it would be you."

Eliza leaned in closer, her nose almost brushing Mia’s forehead. Mia’s heartbeat quickened, the rhythm of it erratic and loud in her ears. She felt the warmth of Eliza’s breath grazing her cheek—ticklish, yet strangely comforting in a way she couldn’t quite describe.

Mia waited silently until Eliza’s lips gently met hers. The touch was as soft as a baby’s skin, as sweet and tender as cotton candy. In that moment, all the space between them vanished, leaving only the sound of their heartbeats and the distant murmur of waves, a melody of serene harmony weaving through the air.

Time seemed to stand still. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden glow over their entwined forms.

After the kiss, Mia tried to drift back into the comfort of her dreams, but Eliza didn’t let the moment end there.

"This is the most beautiful moment of today."

Eliza whispered, her voice as light as a breeze, and her fingers lightly traced along Mia’s cheek, gliding slowly down the curve of her neck. They finally came to rest on her chest, where her fingertips met the gentle warmth and soft rise and fall beneath them.

Mia’s body trembled ever so slightly, and a barely audible moan escaped her lips. Her eyes remained closed, as if she were surrendering herself entirely to the moment.