PART 1

A heavy feeling settled upon Alex’s shoulders as a large red mantle was adjusted to his armor.

“Whoa!”

Alex couldn’t help but whistle in wonder as he looked over the sleek armor.

“The mantle is nice.” He started. “But, haven’t you said it was a bad idea?”

“It is, normally. But, you’re about to become the ruler of this world and it’s a tradition for leaders to wear them during the pledge in this world.”

Astra tried to reassure him, as she had her eyes shining, seemingly occupied by organizing a large procession of flying piranhas or ‘Boys’ as they called them.

Meanwhile, Coolen also had her eyes shining. However, in her case, she was minutely making adjustments to his mantle and armor for them to work together seamlessly.

“Not right… it needs more fabric… less stress on the muscles…” Her mutterings were quiet yet focused.

On the other hand, Pyra bounced around from one place to another.

“Hump. Would you believe them? They approved of the mantle but rejected the jetpack... Really, I raised such ungrateful brats!”

Ignoring Pyra's tantrum, Alex gazed down at Coolen's head, his eyes trembling.

Coolen's cold and calculated nature had a calming effect on him amidst the flurry of activity around him.

It was as if her precise and methodical approach helped anchor him in the midst of the chaos.

“Will these adjustments really prevent my muscles from snapping?” He said nervously, clenching his fingers to reassure himself.

Coolen didn’t turn her head, too preoccupied by her current job, but she still spoke.

“Don't be anxious. That blockhead of Aqua would never allow any harm to come to you. She was just overly enthusiastic and committed a mistake.”

Her words should have been reassuring, yet the frigid tone of her voice failed to make Alex feel a bit better.

“Absolutely. You can trust that we'll have you properly fitted and presentable by the time Aqua arrives with the Boys.”

Astra added in, though she was looking at the wall, setting some kind of display.

And was that a big surprise to Alex. It seemed that as a punishment for providing Pyra with incorrect readings for the design, she had been assigned the duty of leading the front of their people's procession.

That thought made a snicker escape out of Alex's mouth.

“Well, it was quite good to witness her depressed face while carrying that baton.”

“I know, right?” Pyra added in.

It was at that moment, that the sounds of horns sounded, signaling the start of the procession.

Stillness filled the room for a second before the women sprang to attention.

Coolen stood up and lightly pushed Alex. Pyra's energetic bouncing came to a halt, and Astra gracefully swung the door open.

As they prepared to step out into the grand event, Astra's calming voice reached Alex's ears.

“Remember, you're only required to accept their pledge. There's no need for a speech.” Astra reminded Alex. “Cameras will be broadcasting the event worldwide, understood?”

“Okay…” Alex responded confidently, though his sweating hands betrayed him.

Alex's heart reverberated in his chest, each beat akin to the resounding pulse of a war drum, as he took each step forward.

Regardless of his fear, he advanced until he could see the form of Aqua leading the procession.

Five lines of the metallic, wide-eyed fish that the Astraliths called "Boys" followed behind her in perfect formation.

Aqua was smiling confidently as she proudly displayed her body adorned in a white, long-sleeved shirt paired with brilliantly blue super short shorts.

Her outfit was a stark contrast to her fiery hair, making her a striking figure against the backdrop of the world.

Much to Pyra’s chagrin, all the Astraliths had decided to wear the same style of clothes she had selected, to create a sense of unity and cohesion.

The only major differences Alex had managed to see were the colors of the shorts and the fact that the back of the shirt displayed their respective number.

‘Perhaps they are planning to start a sports team.’

Alex’s thoughts were wild. However, no matter how much he wished to run away from reality.

So, he squared his shoulders and forged ahead, a resolute smile fixed upon his face.

As he reached the center of the plaza they were on, the lines of his metallic subordinates elegantly divided into two and formed up to surround the circular plaza.

Like guard dogs.

Then, among the streets of the city ahead, a multitude of the locals, the Elysians, appeared on the scene.

The men, clad in dull gray chest armor, emanated a distinct air of determination, their presence carrying an undertone of quiet threat.

Standing tall and resolute, they seemed ready for anything.

Amidst them, the women looked quite valiant, with a certain shine to their eyes and slightly tanned skin.

The scene was made all the more poignant by the sight of children, clinging tightly to the bare legs of their mothers.

Slowly, Alex found himself surrounded by the alien species that bore a striking resemblance to humanity.

Their differences were subtle, like their unusual ears and vibrant hair colors, but their similarities far outweighed any distinctions.

With a slight tilt of his head, Alex glanced upward.

High above, a series of large, round screens projected his image and transmitted it all over the cities of this world.

Alex gulped, the sound resounding all over the plaza for a second.

It was as if the collective breath of the crowd had been momentarily suspended, and the hush enveloped the scene.

Then, like a sea being cut in half, the crowd around him dropped to their knees.

Their faces, a mix of determination and reverence, turned toward him with unwavering focus.

In the midst of this display, Alex's heart seemed to swell within his chest.

A surge of warmth enveloped him as the words, spoken with conviction, reverberated through the air and reached his ears.

“By our pride, and that of the past generations, we solemnly swear to be loyal to King Alexander Castlewood with our all.”

It was a pledge that resonated deeply at the core of his being.

And as he stood there, surrounded by these steadfast faces, he found his own resolve mirrored in their unwavering gazes.

He took a second to take in the moment, then he met their pledge with his own promise.

“And I swear to respect that loyalty.”

His voice, once uncertain, carried a newfound strength as he affirmed his role in this new world.

With that said, Alex turned back, his face serious as he walked back to the room where the Astraliths waited for him.

“Raise!” Were the last words he uttered, before closing the door behind him.

It was a simple ceremony, but it was something that held a special meaning for the locals. A show of loyalty to their leaders.

“Fuh!” Alex let out a long breath, his shoulders sagging with a mixture of exhaustion and relief.

“I can’t believe everything actually went smoothly.”

“Tsk, of course it did.” Pyra chimed in with an air of playful arrogance, her energy still bouncing off the walls.

“Mah, come on, we practically saved their hides, it was obvious they would be grateful! We are super amazing!”

Alex's gaze shifted to Pyra, his expression a mix of amazement and disbelief. “Yeah, I guess, but it's like... a whole new level of crazy, you know? Being treated with that much reverence.”

A smirk tugged at the corner of Pyra's lips as she observed Alex's contemplative demeanor. “Oh, come on, baby king. You secretly loved every moment of it. Admit it!”

Alex's cheeks flushed a faint shade of pink, a sheepish grin breaking through.

“Alright, fine. Maybe I did. It's just... I've never been the center of attention like that before." He explained, looking down at his fingers, before clenching them. “And I liked it.”

A self-satisfied smile got etched in his face.

Pyra's laughter filled the air, rich and vibrant. "Well, get used to it, my king. With that big old title on your head, you're gonna be the center of the storm from now on."

Alex let his fingers uncurl, a sense of contentment settling over him. His shoulders relaxed, and he felt like he could rest.

However, as if the universe decided to pull the rug from under him, that tranquil moment was short-lived.

“Good job, and it’s good you think like that.” Astra interjected, her voice carrying a serene but sly tone that made Alex's heart skip a beat. “After all, you have to choose a wife now.”

“Huh!”

Alex’s eyes widened, his mouth agape as his mind came to a screeching halt.

“What the hell!”

Astra’s smile became strained under the weight of Alex's incredulity, while Pyra's eyes gleamed with a mischievous flame.

“It was a condition set by the Elysian tribes for swearing loyalty.” Astra explained, her tone not fitting with the shocking news. “They wanted to bind the dynasty to one of their own.”

Standing there, Alex felt like a deer caught in headlights, his thoughts an incomprehensible mess.

Before he could even begin to wrap his mind around the situation, Pyra chimed in, her voice dripping with playful enthusiasm.

“Don’t worry, I will help you choose the most amazing wife.”

And just like that, any lingering trace of self-satisfaction evaporated, replaced by a chaotic mess and anxiety.

PART 2

In a dimly lit corner of the small tavern, named the Firekeeper, the soft glow of three round screens had congregated people to hear the news.

Patrons, from old to young, were huddled around, drinks in hand, their attention focused on the screens displaying an interview of Alexander, their newly crowned king.

The reporter's voice cut through the ambient noise, crisp and professional.

“So, we have heard you rejected the brain implant to improve your memory?”

Alex's face, illuminated by a strong orange light, appeared troubled as he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees.

“Yes.” He responded firmly, his voice carrying a subtle hint of annoyance. "I have a personal dislike to the idea of altering my body in such a way."

A range of reactions rippled through the gathered crowd inside the bar.

Some patrons remained silent, their faces reflecting acceptance of their new ruler's choice, though uncomfortable. After all, his reluctance to alter himself was understandable since he was an adult.

However, not everyone was happy with such a decision.

A current of discontent bubbled beneath the surface.

“He's spurning our traditions.”

“He can’t be trusted.”

Murmurs of dissent wafted through the air like a brewing storm.

Skeptical eyes flashed with suspicion, casting doubt on the outsider who now claimed their throne.

“He's showing no regard for our ways!”

A disgruntled man rose from his seat. His voice carried across the tavern, demanding attention from every ear present.

A ripple of nods and exchanged glances greeted his words.

“That’s why I didn’t swear my loyalty to him from the beginning.”

Finally, Ethan spoke up, his voice garnering respectful gazes.

And with his words, the bar's atmosphere shifted, an almost palpable tension settling in the air.

The division among the patrons was stark. Some saw Alex's choice as a rejection of their values, an affront to the path that had led their people for generations.

Amidst the dissent, a seasoned warrior with a grizzled face raised his mug in a silent toast.

This seasoned warrior with a face weathered by battles and scars, paid tribute to Ethan's declaration.

The warrior's voice boomed, commanding the attention of all present. “You're speaking true, Ethan.” His voice carried the weight of conviction. “No round eared man deserves my loyalty!”

“Aye!”

Some of the patrons accented, raising their mugs in unity with the warrior's sentiment.

In response, the air within the tavern seemed to grow stale, charged with a palpable tension.

Those who had opted to remain silent and witness the unfolding scene, began to create some distance from the increasingly agitated individuals who stood at the heart of the brewing storm.

With a series of subtle nods and knowing glances, a group of veterans among the patrons silently signaled each other.

These individuals had seen their share of chaos and unruly behavior over the years. Dealing with a rowdy group was nothing new to them, and they understood the importance of keeping a situation under control.

However, much to the drunken group's fortune, a heavy voice crashed through the air like a thunderclap.

“If even a single glass shatters in my establishment, I can assure you that your final resting places shall be as deep as the sacred abyss!”

The proclamation hung in the air, an ominous promise that seemed to weigh heavily on the hearts of all present.

As the words settled in, Ethan's defiant expression shifted to a grim shade of gray, his lips suddenly parched as he remembered the bar owner's formidable reputation.

Turning slowly, he exchanged a wary glance with his fellow discontented patrons.

In that moment, a mutual understanding seemed to pass between them, an unspoken agreement reached through silent nods.

In a synchronized movement, the group began a cautious retreat, their earlier bravado evaporating.

Shamefully, they sidled back towards the entrance, no longer interested in pushing their luck against one of the most terrifying beings of the city.

“I’ll break whatever I want to!”

Of course, there was always a fool determined to flirt with death. But today, it seemed, no one was eager to join him in this lost cause.

Instead, they opened the door and rushed out with a loud sound.

Paulin, one of the men among them, doubled over, his chest heaving as he clutched his knees in relief.

“That was the she-man, right?” Paulin panted between breaths. “The one who survived a direct hit from a queen Gemcrab?”

As if to answer his question, the fool who had dared defy the bar owner was unceremoniously kicked out of the bar.

He sailed through the open door like a sack of fruit, landing on the floor with a sickening thud and a splatter of blood that escaped his lips upon impact.

Then, he proceeded to roll roughly through the floor until he hit a round wooden barrel.

The bar owner's stern voice followed him out.

“And don’t come back! We don’t want your ilk around these parts.”

“Thud!”

With a firm hand, the door slammed shut, creating an uncomfortable silence in the now sober men.

“That… we chose the wrong place to complain.” Ethan admitted with a rueful shake of his head.

The grizzled warrior who had shared Ethan's sentiments earlier narrowed his eyes.

“What do you mean?”

Ethan let out a deep sigh. He stared ahead as he remembered some rumors from his younger years.

“It’s said that the she-man hates cybernetic upgrades, his support of the new king must be ironclad.”

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The realization dawned on the other patrons, their faces contorting into disbelief.

“Shit!”

“Man, no wonder!”

The other men started complaining, their faces twitching in annoyance at themselves for choosing such a place to relax.

Paulie looked up at the night sky, his expression clouded with a potent mixture of pain and resentment.

“We are actually in hell, right?” His voice trembled, the distress he felt seeping into each word while tears trickled down his cheeks. “I actually returned back home to find my fiancée married to another man... She broke her bow.”

A collective gasp, almost like a shared intake of breath, reverberated through the dirty street.

In the Elysian culture, where loyalty was held in the highest regard, the betrayal of one's fidelity was a wound that cut deeper than any sword.

The pain Paulie must be going through should be immense. A weaker willed man wouldn’t have endured such humiliation.

“And that was not the worst.” His voice quivered. “When I went back to the barracks, one of those hideous metallic fish assigned me to butcher the Gemcrabs piece by piece.”

A chorus of voices, a symphony of shared grievances, joined his initial lament.

“Me too!” A woman chimed in.

“I hate those bugs, why do I have to work like a slave?”

It was evident that the people present were not merely venting personal frustrations, they were echoing a collective sentiment.

Seeing the discontent among the group with their new government, Ethan remained silent, busy in his thoughts.

Until he finally acted.

“Fellow soldiers!” His voice rang out like a rallying call, a sudden interruption that cut through the murmurs and grumbles.

All eyes turned to him, anticipation and curiosity on each face.

“Don’t you find our current situation so strange?”

“Yeah.” The grizzled warrior agreed. “That king and his blue lovers had the firepower to destroy the Gemcrabs anytime!”

“Exactly!”

The sentiment was picked up by others, a wave of agreement that swelled among them.

“They could have come sooner.”

“They obviously waited for us to grow weak and conquer us!”

Their collective frustration seemed to crystallize around this shared suspicion.

The notion that the Astraliths had deliberately delayed their intervention ignited a shared sense of indignation.

It was not true, but they were far too tired of their situation to care about it.

Amidst the group, Ethan's gaze swept across the faces of his fellow patrons, from the seasoned warrior nursing his grudges to the younger members of their group, each bearing their own grudge.

A pain against the new system.

It was then that a spark ignited within him, an inspiration that injected strength into his being.

“Men, how about we form a resistance?”

His voice cut through the restless murmurs, making the group turn their gaze toward him, intrigued by the unexpected proposal

“What do you mean?” Asked Paulie.

Ethan didn’t take even a second to answer.

“Just think about it, I’m sure none of you guys attended the day of the pledge right?”

Nods rippled through the group, unanimous agreement in their refusal.

“Of course not. That was a day of shame.” One of them affirmed, and others echoed the sentiment.

Having his thoughts affirmed, Ethan's eyes gleamed with the certainty of his vision.

“Then, my friends, that's our advantage. While they believe our loyalty is already pledged, we remain free from their hold.”

Silence settled over the group, the weight of this revelation sinking in.

Ethan's words held a certain brilliance. In their absence from the pledge, they had inadvertently created an opportunity for resistance.

“You see” Ethan continued, his voice grasping their attention like a firm grip. “We can rally others who share our sentiment. We can create a network, a force that opposes their control.“

He paused, gathering his breath.

“They believe our loyalty is sealed, but in truth, we hold the power to break their illusion.”

“We must take fate into our own hands!” A young girl agreed.

Ethan's voice thundered, passionate and compelling as he continued.

“That’s right, Why should we allow someone from a foreign species to command us? We've stood as the guardians of our land for generations.”

Ethan bellowed, his determination growing. “I say we infiltrate his government and wait for the right moment to strike, to take back our right to rule our country ourselves.”

The group seemed to feel like this was the right thing to do.

However, it was not enough to convince them. So, voices of doubt rose amidst the excitement.

“How can we infiltrate his government? We're butchers, mere grunts without influence.”

“Yeah that’s right, we low grunts have barely any voice”

“Hold your horses, boys and girls.” The grizzled warrior put a stop to their complaints. “Ethan, what's your plan?”

Ethan cleared his throat, feeling a fire burning within him.

“It's simpler than you think. I have just gotten a job as a guard for Lady Ashborne…”

And so, under the bar owned by the strongest Elysian, the spark of rebellion that would change the fate of this world formed.

PART 3

Word after word swirled before Alex's eyes as he tried to make sense of the document before him.

Frustration simmered within him, slowly reaching a boiling point until he couldn't contain it any longer.

“I can’t take it anymore!”

His exasperated outcry reverberated through the room as he slumped forward, his forehead meeting the cool surface of his desk.

His fingers pulled his hair in exasperation.

The ever serene Astra smiled, her red eyes gleaming as she used her telepathy to control the holographic documents.

“Come on, my king. We are almost over.” Her words held a touch of encouragement. “You just need to make a decision about Lord Ashborne's request for a heroes' cemetery for the fallen soldiers.”

Hearing her, Alex's head abruptly rose, his eyes narrowing at her.

“Astra! This is your fault! I told you I hated reading!”

Alex's exclamation burst forth, the words reflecting a mix of frustration and playful accusation.

His index finger trembled as he pointed dramatically at the ever-composed Astra, as if she were the cause of all evil.

"Besides." He continued, a hint of exasperation coloring his voice. "This request is practically a no-brainer. It's just... I'm getting a headache."

He let out a dramatic sigh, his hand falling to the desk with a defeated thud.

“Who asks for a platinum alloy tomb for their pet, anyway? And a Gemcrab head as an ornament for the fence? Are they serious?”

Alex's eyes scanned the holographic documents before him, the words and figures swimming in a sea of confusion.

He shook his head, a small, sheepish grin tugging at his lips. “I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I hate reading. Always have.”

With a rueful smile, Alex leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping a rhythm against the armrest.

"Most of these requests seem fine at first glance, you know? But then, when you really look at them, they're... odd. I mean, who requests gold plated toothbrushes?"

He chuckled, trying to relax himself. "It's like the nobles are testing us, trying to see how much they can get from us."

He let out a sigh, his shoulders sagging as he leaned back in his chair.

“Forget it!” He finally snapped! “From now on, prepare an AI to dictate these reports, or I swear I'll go cross-eyed trying to keep up with them.”

Astra's smile remained serene, but a subtle twitch of her left eyebrow betrayed her amusement.

She met his gaze with a knowing glint in her eyes.

“I thought you would never ask.” She revealed. “In fact, I had an AI prepared a few days ago, when the requests started piling up.”

“You…”

Alex’s finger trembled even more in anger, a frown twisting his face.

He couldn’t find the words to express the fire in his chest.

Astra's response, though, was as composed as ever. “Sometimes, my king, I do believe I understand you better than you understand yourself.”

A wry smile tugged at the corners of Alex's lips. “And sometimes, Astra, I wonder if I'm just here to keep you entertained.”

Astra's reply was soft, yet charged with warmth. "You have more important qualities, Alex. Leadership requires more than just clumsy charm."

With an exaggerated huff, Alex dropped his head onto his desk once again, his voice muffled by the cold surface.

"Sometimes... you drive me crazy, Astra."

Astra's response was calm. “I love you too, my king.”

“Right, right.” Alex muttered, his tone a mix of playful annoyance. “I suppose I'm stuck with you, aren't I?”

Astra chuckled, an artificial tone leaking out her throat. “In more ways than one.”

He let out a resigned sigh, his voice muffled by the desk. "Fine, fine. Let's just get this AI thing sorted out."

At that moment, Astra decided to approach Alex’s large desk.

Her eyes returned back to her normal red as the holograms flickered out of life.

She extended her right hand, gently caressing Alex’s hair with fingers.

“You know.” She began in her usual composed tone. “You could put a stop to these Elysian power plays if you were to select a wife from among them."

Her voice held a soft reminder, a gentle nudge.

Alex let out a half-hearted sigh, his face contorting with a mix of reluctance and bemusement.

The idea of entering a union that required more care and consideration than he felt capable of didn't exactly set his heart racing.

“Ah, marriage, the ultimate negotiation tactic.” He mused with a hint of self-deprecating humor. "Just one more thing to add to the pile of responsibilities.”

Astra's fingers continued their soothing path through his hair, her touch both calming and thoughtful.

"For the Elysians, it's more than just a negotiation, Alex. It's a tradition deeply woven into their culture, a symbol of unity and commitment."

He let out a melodramatic groan, his head lolling to the side in mock exasperation.

Having someone you have to treat with the greatest care of all didn’t appeal to him.

It didn’t help either that his last girlfriend tried to stab him with a fork after he ripped her mother’s skirt by accident.

“Can't I just declare a national holiday and call it a day?”

Astra's chuckle was a gentle melody in the air. "Unfortunately, it's not quite that simple."

His shoulders slumped in mock defeat. "Figures."

“I know, this is important…”

He hesitated for a moment, too scared of sharing his own insecurities and fears.

But he finally steeled himself and confessed.

“It’s just… I don’t want to end up tied up to someone who doesn’t see me as the center of their world.”

His mouth, hidden from sight, twitched in shame.

Astra's fingertips, which had been soothingly traversing his hair, halted mid-motion. Both of her eyebrows began to twitch almost comically.

His words hung in the air, an unspoken admission that exposed his vulnerability.

“I see… You’re hopeless… An egotistical hopeless.” She declared, her eyes gaining a certain fire.

Without hesitation, she turned her attention to the office's wooden door.

“Pyra, get in. We were being careful for nothing. This king is as foolish as ever.”

The door swung open, revealing Pyra's form framed in the threshold.

The sound of Pyra's entrance was as grand as the motion of her arms flinging wide.

Her fiery hair and mischievous gaze seemed to amplify the charged atmosphere in the room.

But it wasn’t just Pyra waiting for the moment to make an apparition. Behind her, all the Astraliths were present, eager expressions on their faces.

“It was about time!”

Pyra made a great entrance, her smile wide open.

However, she was fastly shoved aside by an Eager Aqua holding her funny red navy hat in her hand.

“Don’t listen to her!” She exclaimed as she telepathically turned on the hologram of a woman. “Lady Asta is the perfect candidate! She's a headwoman at a hospital and renowned for her mastery of cybernetic implants!”

“Oi!” Pyra, not to be outdone, activated her own hologram, projecting an image of a pink-haired, muscular woman.

“Miss Syrup is far superior!” Pyra declared energetically. “She can tear apart a Gemcrab with her bare hands and is fond of explosions!”

Alex didn’t have the chance to answer but he still shuddered at the thought of his little treasure being handled by such a woman.

His eyes spun as the next image of a mature woman with blue hair appeared before him.

“Rubbish! Lady Coldair is the only logical choice.” Marin interjected decisively. “She has shown to revere us and is held as the most caring woman of the entire Elysian tribes.”

It was at that moment that Astra’s serene voice broke through the chaos. Her words were sharp and painful to the young king's self-esteem.

“Please Ladies! It’s obvious our messy King requires a leader with a cool head, one capable of handling his messes.”

With a wave of her arm, Astra projected an image of a confident red-haired woman clad in a distinctive blue military jacket.

“Allow me to present Lady Ashborne, the military commander of the Ashborne territory!”

Coolen dismissed this proposal with a disdainful huff. “Hump. I think Lady Catherine is better off as she is an experienced bankhead.”

Pyra, of course, couldn't hold back from interjecting with her own opinion. “No way! Syrup is the real deal!”

In the midst of the heated discussion among the fifteen women, tension crackled in the air, telepathic exchanges gathering like sparks, ready to be unleashed at any moment.

As the chaotic scene unfolded, Alex's gaze darted from one face to another, his mind becoming a whirlwind of potential wives.

However, amid this maelstrom of choices, a particular smile managed to break through the chaos and call out to him.

It belonged to the red haired woman, there was something about her that drew him in.

Her blue eyes, her confident smile, it was what he desired.

Truth be told, Alex had quietly made his choice long before, having already looked through the profiles of the prospective candidates sent his way.

It was just, he had wanted to delay this matter as much as possible.

But the time for delay was over, and he knew he could put it off no longer.

“That one!” He said, pointing at Ashlynn Ashborne’s profile. “I chose the fiery one favored by Astra.”

“Yes!”

Astra couldn't contain her excitement, her usual serenity giving way to a triumphant raised fist.

“Not fair!” Pyra protested, her voice carrying a playful pout as she dramatically fell to the ground in mock defeat.

Laughter erupted through the room, breaking the tension and infusing the moment with a sense of comedy.

PART 4

Alex felt the gravity of Mantra pull him, his body quickly adapting to the slight change compared to his ship’s artificial gravity.

“We have arrived!” Pyra's voice burst forth, accompanied by her outstretched arms. “It was so boring, as usual!!”

“Don't be so dramatic, Pyra.” Alex couldn't help but roll his eyes, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “It takes barely a few minutes to descend from the mothership to the planet's surface”

Pyra’s puffed her cheeks, blazing like embers. “It doesn’t matter! Being inside your office all that time is so boring! I can’t believe you transformed a transport ship into your personal office!”

Alex looked to the side while rubbing his head. “Well, you know, it's just more practical this way. Plus, I find the hum of the ship's engines oddly soothing.”

Pyra snorted. "Soothing? More like soul-draining. I can't believe you've managed to turn a perfectly good transport ship into your own dull haven."

Fortunately for the young man, Astra interrupted them by waving her hand to open the main hatch of the ship.

The interruption effectively cut through the escalating theatrics between Alex and Pyra.

“Stop being so melodramatic, Pyra. We have pressing matters to attend to now.”

Pyra huffed, but she relented as she gave her a resigned nod.

Casting one last fiery glare at Alex for good measure, she trailed behind him in his sleek armor and Astra in her own version of Pyra’s attire.

Stepping out onto the world of Mantra, the sight that greeted them was quite bleak.

A sprawling expanse of land stretched out, with a deep brown scorched crater at the center.

Its scorched edges extended like the remnants of a dragon's breath, forming a stark contrast against the verdant island upon which they stood.

On the edge of such a crater, there was a long brown building. It stretched along the horizon, its walls full of rows upon rows of windows.

Contrasting with the brown crater, a verdant metallic fence covered the building.

Inside the fence, and outside the building, there was a playground for childrens, from swings to what looked like a smirking koala statue.

In such a place, there were children of the Elysian tribes, laughing.

Alex's gaze swept across the scene, a warmth tugging at the corners of his lips as he observed the scene unfolding before him.

“So, we got rid of the crater radiation?” Alex turned to Astra as he surveyed the kids playing with a smile.

Astra's response was steady, her voice carrying the weight of both accomplishment and caution.

“Mostly, yes. We've succeeded in purging the region of immediate danger. However, the heart of the blast's epicenter is still dangerous, so we will cordone the zone for now.”

Pyra couldn’t help but whistle at that, her face growing mischievous.

“One of my boys even got his right side damaged by the radiation. Poor thing was complaining until we patched him up good as new.”

Pyra reported offhandedly, for her, such occasions were common because of her love of pyrotechnics.

That didn’t stop Alex from having a sweatdrop drop his forehead.

“I see… I pray for his recovery.”

He changed his focus to Astra. “Astra, have we gotten ahold of all the homeless orphans of the world?”

Astra's gaze also shifted toward Alex with a serene smile, before reporting.

“We did. Excluding those children who have been adopted into loving homes, we have successfully identified and got a total of 100,055 children.”

Alex had had his brow furrow at that number.

It was actually short of his initial expectations, having expected millions from his world.

It seemed the Gemcrabs had little regard for civilians, leaving this world ravaged.

“I don’t think we have that many children in this orphanage?”

Alex scratched his head, picturing a building where children barely had the space to turn around as the Boys flew above them, dropping food.

However, much to Alex’s shame, Pyra snickered.

“Of course not, Silly!” She chided Alex. “Aurora, Cassiopeia, Stella, Vega and Iris contracted a few locals and took a few ships and Boys to gather the children.”

“That’s right.” Astra added. “We have already gone over it, we are going to build an academy city here.”

A flash of realization washed over Alex's features, and he couldn't help but ruefully tap his index finger against his shin.

“Oh! We actually did! Back then I was just too captured looking over castle designs and forgot about it.”

He smiled sheepishly, his cheeks gaining a faint hue.

“Mah! It doesn’t matter. So, my capital will be the academy city. It’s quite a fresh concept.”

Astra and Pyra exchanged knowing glances and said little more, having grown accustomed to Alex’s clumsy side.

Slowly, they walked until they reached the open gate of the orphanage.

As they crossed the threshold, the sight that greeted them was nothing short of heartwarming.

Long lines of children stood in anticipation with big smiles.

“Welcome, King Alexander, Lady Astra and Lady Pyra!” The children said in unison.

Their little voices and smiles warming their cold hearts.

“What a wonderful feeling.” Alex whispered, his gaze soft.

“Yes, it’s nice.” Pyra's agreement was equally soft.

Together, they continued their advance amidst the lively and exuberant greetings of the children.

The energy was palpable, a tangible expression of the hope and enthusiasm that had taken root in their hearts.

But as they drew closer to the orphanage's entrance, a different ambiance took shape, a formality that stood in stark contrast to the children's warm welcome.

There, an entourage of the Elysian leaders awaited them.

“Welcome, king Alexander!” They intoned in unison, executing a precise slight bow.

Their greetings were measured, each word carrying a sense of protocol that was worlds apart from the joy of the children.

“At ease, Lord Ahsborne, Lady Asta, Lord Syrup, Lord Coldair and Lady Catherine.” Alex pronounced the foreign names as carefully as possible. “It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.”

Lord Ahsborne stepped forward, clasping his hands before him in a gesture of respect. “Of course, my King.” His voice held a tone of deference as he replied. “The pleasure is indeed ours.”

As the Elysian leaders stood before them, Alex and Astra engaged in a brief exchange of pleasantries with them.

The nobles smiled, their words carefully chosen to convey both respect and their interest in forging a connection.

One of the ladies, Lady Catherine, leaned slightly closer to Alex, her gaze carrying a certain spark. “King Alexander, it's truly an honor to meet someone with your vision for our future.”

Alex met her eyes with a warm smile. “Thank you, Lady Catherine. But remember, my vision is the kingdom’s vision.”

Astra, her serene presence ever steady, joined the conversation. “Indeed, working together is the cornerstone of our success.”

Meanwhile, another lady, Lady Asta, chimed in with a gentle laugh. “Oh, I've heard tales of your adventures, King Alexander. The children are absolutely enamored by them.”

Alex's cheeks tinted with a modest blush, not knowing what the lies Astraliths were spreading across the population.

“Well, I can't deny that I've had my share of misadventures.”

Pyra playfully interjected, “Misadventures? More like boldly embracing the unknown.”

Laughter rippled through the air, a lighthearted moment that seemed to bridge the gap between their different worlds.

But as their conversation advanced, it was clear that not all among the nobles shared the same enthusiasm.

Lord Syrup remained apart, his expression guarded and his gaze distant.

Curiosity getting the better of him, he turned his attention to the aloof noble. “Lord Syrup, is there something wrong?”

Lord Syrup's response was measured, his tone reserved. “My King, actions speak louder than words. I prefer to demonstrate my commitment through deeds rather than discourse.”

It was obvious what he was hinting at.

Astra exchanged a knowing glance with Alex, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

As they conversed, Pyra found herself the target of an unexpected visitor,a young child.

Her innocence was evident in every hopeful step he took. In his tiny hands, he held a small green fruit

Something that looked like an apple, but tasted like a mango and was weirdly called “melon” in the local language.

The child held out the fruit toward Pyra, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and nervousness.

“Here, Mother Pyra. I brought this for you!” The little child exclaimed, his body hunched, expecting to be rejected.

However, contrary to his fears, Pyra accepted the fruit. “Of course little sweetie, I love it.”

“Yes!” The little child turned around, running to his friends with a large smile.

Alex seized the opportunity to tease Pyra. “Mother huh? I didn’t know you had adopted a child.”

Pyra looked to the side, avoiding meeting his gaze.

“Hmmp! Well, you see, all the children who attend my fire care lessons can be considered my children.”

At that moment, Pyra held herself back, not wanting to spoil Alex's moment as a king.

‘But I’ll teach him a lesson later.’ Were her thoughts.

Yet, much to her chagrin, the pink skinned Lord Syrup seemed to have been waiting for this moment to complain.

“I don’t want to be disrespectful, but I would have preferred for our meeting to be in a more adequate place.” He said with a reverent yet arrogant tone.

“Mixing with commoner children is not good for our images.”

The tension was further accentuated as Lady Catherine chimed in, her words tinged with impatience.

“And our schedules are rather packed with the reconstruction. The journey here has consumed more time than we would have preferred.”

“Lords, ladies.” Alex raised his hands in an attempt to placate them. “Why don’t we get to the core of our meeting better!”

He paused, anticipating another complaint before he could continue.

“After much contemplation, I have chosen a partner for marriage. I shall wed Lady Ashborne.”

The revelation rippled through the gathered nobles, their reactions varied.

Lady Asta and Catherine staggered, their astonishment evident, while Lord Ashborne's satisfaction was unmistakable.