Chapter 216 Epilogue 2
— 3 Days Later - Atlanteus Base —
The Atlanteus Base shopping district stood as a subterranean marvel, a thriving underground city designed to cater to every conceivable need and desire of its residents. Erina Sun, a recent escapee from a prisoner ship, remained captivated by this underground wonderland even after three days of exploration. As she strolled through its bustling streets, the base's advanced technology continued to astound her, and the artificial sunlight above provided a constant source of amazement.
The shopping district teemed with life, offering a diverse array of stores. From high-end boutiques showcasing the latest fashions to practical shops stocked with everyday essentials, Erina couldn't help but be drawn to the myriad of goods on display. She marveled at everything, from futuristic gadgets to exquisite artwork, each store a treasure trove of possibilities.
The air was infused with a mouthwatering blend of aromas wafting from numerous restaurants that lined the district's streets. Whether it was the cozy cafes serving aromatic coffee or the elegant fine-dining establishments, the dining options mirrored the base's multicultural community. Erina delighted in tasting flavors from around the world, savoring the culinary richness the base had to offer.
Movie theaters, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, screened the latest films, rivaling any above-ground cinema. Arcades buzzed with laughter and excitement, while virtual reality centers whisked participants away to fantastical realms. Live performance venues showcased the talents of artists from the base's culturally diverse community.
As Erina meandered through this bustling underground city, her heart swelled with gratitude for her new home.
Amidst the vibrant streets, her keen eyes locked onto a familiar figure, a fellow newcomer to this world of magic hidden beneath the veneer of normalcy. It was Molly, someone who, like Erina, had been thrust into the Curtained World, where magic, folklore, and mythology became real.
"Molly!" Erina called out.
Molly, clad in a technician's jumpsuit, was navigating the busy street alongside her senior colleagues from her workplace within the base. Upon hearing a familiar voice, she looked across the bustling thoroughfare and spotted Erina Sun.
"Oh, Sister Erina!" Molly waved enthusiastically at Erina. She then turned to her colleagues, politely excusing herself as she made her way toward Erina. Since it was already 5:30 PM, the customary time for her to leave work, her colleagues bid her farewell with warm smiles.
As they reunited in the midst of the underground city, Molly inquired innocently, "Do you want to visit Ms. Michaela today?"
Erina's expression shifted, resembling someone who had just bitten into something unexpected, like a fly. Her visit to Michaela, the archangel who had saved her and her fellow captives from the prisoner ship, weighed on her conscience. She felt obliged to see her, especially since Michaela had been mentally scarred by the mages who guarded them during the rescue.
Erina had visited her once before.
However, there was a complication. During her previous visit, she had witnessed Daniel, the owner of the base and a powerful mage, sharing a passionate French kiss with the archangel. This sight had left her feeling like an intruder, prompting a hasty retreat from the medical center before the two lovebirds noticed her.
Later, she had learned from the base's inhabitants that Daniel was not only the owner, the mage but also had a wife and a lover, and now, an affair with Michaela, the archangel. Erina's feelings toward Daniel had grown exceptionally complex. On one hand, she was grateful to him for sending Michaela to rescue them and providing her and her companions with a place to stay, sheltering them from the authorities.
Yet, on the other hand, she couldn't help but feel a sense of disgust towards Daniel. She still held onto her modern-day mindset, one that clashed with the traditional polygamous values of mage society. Her father had informed her that in mage society, polygamy was considered the norm, particularly within prominent mage clans, where it was often viewed as essential due to the low fertility among mages.
These conflicting emotions left Erina in a state of inner turmoil as she contemplated her relationship with the enigmatic owner of the base.
"What are you thinking about, Sister Erina?" Molly asked again, drawing Erina back from her inner turmoil.
"Oh! It's nothing! Let's find something to eat! My treat!" Erina cheerfully said, attempting to shift the conversation away from the prospect of visiting the archangel.
"Yay! Lucky!" Molly jumped with joy before eagerly following Erina to their regular restaurant.
—
The restaurant, tucked away in a quiet alley just two blocks from the bustling shopping street, exuded an undeniable charm. Its location was far from the main thoroughfare, and as a result, it attracted only a select few customers. The owner, a grumpy bald old man of few words, seemed to care little about drawing in a larger crowd. His focus was clearly on the culinary creations that emerged from his kitchen.
Despite the owner's gruff exterior, the dishes and drinks served here could rival the skills of a five-star chef in a grand hotel. Each item on the menu bore the mark of his culinary expertise, from delectable appetizers to exquisite main courses, and desserts that were nothing short of heavenly.
The restaurant's interior was a captivating blend of eras. It transported patrons to the days of knights and chivalry with its medieval-themed decor. Yet, despite these historical accents, it retained a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The wooden furnishings, adorned with ornate carvings, added to the restaurant's unique character.
As the evening descended, the establishment seamlessly transitioned into a lively drink bar. After 7 PM, it served a selection of fine wines and spirits, catering to those seeking a late-night sip in addition to a gourmet meal. The fusion of medieval charm and contemporary convenience made this restaurant a hidden treasure for those who discovered it, a place where time seemed to stand still amid the aromas of exquisite cuisine and the promise of good company.
"Hello! Owner, we're back!" Molly greeted the unfriendly, bald, and somewhat grumpy old man. He was diligently cleaning a wooden mug behind the bar counter.
The old man merely nodded at the two girls, who had become regular customers. He handed them menus without uttering a word. Erina got the distinct impression that every word from this man's mouth came at a price. However, Molly's sunny disposition seemed impervious to his gruffness. She eagerly perused the menu after selecting a seat by the window, her enthusiasm undiminished.
Erina and Molly were rapidly forging a friendship, largely due to their fathers. Murphy, Molly's father, had once been the commander of the Tessia Kingdom Police Force. Erina's father, Kevin Sun, held an official position. They had known each other since childhood. The revelation that Molly had been resurrected by Daniel after her death at the hands of the royal family, which had sought revenge, was a shock to Erina. If not for her miraculous resurrection, Molly would have aged and matured just like Erina.
Erina found it hard to believe at first, considering Molly had been dead for at least five years. However, with magic being real, she had come to accept that anything was possible.
Regarding Molly, her external appearance had remained that of a 14-year-old girl. However, from a technical standpoint, she was now in her late teens or early twenties, considering the time she had spent deceased. Her resurrection as a part-angel had endowed her with physical abilities far beyond those of an average human. With her enhanced strength and the power of flight, she possessed great value, both in civilian and military roles. Nevertheless, Molly had a strong aversion to combat, and thus, she chose to work as a handywoman in the base's hangar area, assisting technicians and maintenance crews.
In contrast, Murphy had faced a period of homelessness before securing a stable job within the base. Financially, he was far from affluent. This is why, during Erina's residence in the base and benefiting from the wealth of the Sun family, she often treated Molly to meals. Despite her generosity, Erina had yet to find a suitable job within the base due to her expertise in piloting. Unfortunately, Daniel had no immediate plans for fighter jets or similar vehicles, leaving her searching for her place within the base's operations.
As a result, she frequently explored the base and familiarized herself with her surroundings.
After a few moments of perusing the menu and placing their orders, the owner gave a nod before immersing himself in the open kitchen located behind the bar. His culinary skills and expertise were unparalleled, at least as far as the two girls were aware.
As they patiently awaited their food, a television within the restaurant began broadcasting news about the royal family. This elicited a sneer from Erina, while Molly's usually sunny disposition turned solemn. It was a common sentiment among the base's inhabitants that no one held much affection for the royal family. Nonetheless, they begrudgingly tuned in to the news, recognizing its importance in their lives.
The news anchor's voice filled the restaurant as the report unfolded on the television screen. A sleek graphic of Sector Alpha City and the Astral Tech Corporation logo adorned the backdrop.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we bring you breaking news from the royal palace today," the reporter began, her tone serious. "In a surprising turn of events, the royal family has announced a significant decision aimed at improving the lives of our citizens."
Erina's ears perked up as she listened intently. Molly, too, stopped her chatter and fixed her attention on the screen.
"The royal family, recognizing the need for substantial funds to invest in critical infrastructure projects, including roads, electricity, and communication systems, has made a momentous decision," the reporter continued. "They have agreed to sell Sector Alpha City to the Astral Tech Corporation in an installment plan at a fair market price."
The news sent shockwaves through Erina. Her knowledge of politics told her that the royal family wouldn't resort to such a drastic measure unless they were severely pressured. She couldn't help but wonder what had compelled them to make this decision, and what forces were at play behind the scenes.
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