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As the evening hours crept closer to the night, Aiko found herself standing amidst the lavish interior of the high-end hotel restaurant. The atmosphere was one of luxury and sophistication, with well-dressed patrons mingling about in small groups, all of them seeming to be of a class above her own.
Despite the crowd surrounding her, she felt an overwhelming sense of isolation, standing alone in the midst of those who were seemingly out of her league. The dim lighting and the gentle hum of conversation provided a backdrop to her thoughts, and as she observed the world around her, she couldn't help but feel like an outsider looking in.
As she walked towards the reception, Aiko couldn't help but admire the otherworldly charm of the hotel. The holograms of golden people dancing around the reception area created a surreal and almost magical atmosphere. It was a stark contrast to the gritty and bleak reality of the rusty hole she was used to. Despite being surrounded by people who seemed to be out of her league, Aiko held her head high and maintained her composure.
She approached the reception desk, where a towering figure loomed before her. The creature's body was encased in a gilded suit, intricately adorned with strange, foreign symbols. Aiko couldn't quite make out if it was a human or a machine, as its face was hidden behind a reflective visor. The holographic images of golden dancers swirled and shimmered around them, adding to the surreal atmosphere. Aiko felt small and insignificant standing next to this enigmatic figure, wondering if it was even capable of comprehending her human needs and desires.
But before Aiko could even speak, the figure's voice boomed through the air, deep and resonant.
"Miss Aiko Kraus, Welcome to The Formschön Hotel," it announced, its words almost musical in their cadence. Aiko felt a shiver run down her spine, both impressed and intimidated by the figure's presence.
"The chamber assigned to you, Aiko Kraus, is now available on the floor 563. You may proceed to A672," the figure announced.
As the figure informed her of her room number, Aiko's eyes widened in shock.
The 563s floor?! she thought to herself.
The size of the hotel had already seemed immense from the outside, but she had never imagined that it could be so colossal.
"Does your interface include the latest Apply program?" the figure inquired.
"Of course," Aiko responded, returning to her senses.
"May you please place the hand related to your interface here?" the figure requested, gesturing towards a small screen.
"Can I ask why you need to scan my hand?" Aiko inquired, but the figure remained silent and simply gestured again towards the screen.
Aiko hesitated for a moment, but eventually placed her hand on the screen as instructed. The device emitted a soft beep and a green light flashed briefly before disappearing.
"Thank you, Aiko," the figure said.
"Your handprint has been verified. You may proceed to your chamber on the 563rd floor."
As the interaction at the reception ended, the tall figure gestured towards the left and added
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"The elevator is located on the left-hand side. I hope you have a pleasant stay."
Aiko made her way towards the elevator, marveling at the sheer size and opulence of the hotel. The elevator doors loomed before her, towering walls of gleaming glass that seemed to stretch up into the heavens.
As she approached, the doors suddenly slid open of their own accord, revealing a sleek and futuristic interior. Aiko stepped inside, feeling a surge of excitement mixed with apprehension at the sheer grandeur of it all.
"Please connect your interface," a melodic female voice echoed from within the elevator.
Aiko's heart quickened with surprise as she heard the female voice emanating from the elevator. She hesitated for a moment, but then instinctively placed her hand on the small hand illustration etched on the glass wall of the elevator. A soft hum filled the air, and the door smoothly slid shut, enclosing her in the elevator's sleek interior.
As the glass door closed, a strange sensation rushed through her body, an indescribable pleasure mixed with a momentary loss of consciousness.
When she opened her eyes, the doors had already opened, revealing the luxurious interior of the 563rd floor. The female voice spoke once again, its tone calm and serene,
"Welcome to Floor 563."
Aiko's senses were still reeling as she stepped out of the elevator onto the floor. The experience had left her feeling both exhilarated and disoriented. But the sight before her was breathtaking. It was as if she had entered another world entirely, one that was even more opulent and extravagant than the one she had just left.
The floor was adorned with larger-than-life statues of ancient gods, crafted from shimmering gold and polished to a mirror-like sheen. The air was heavy with the scent of Jasmine, adding to the otherworldly ambiance. It was a place fit for royalty, or perhaps even deities themselves. Aiko couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder as she gazed around in amazement.
As she walked, Aiko noticed that her room was just a few steps away from the elevator, as if it had been intentionally placed there for her convenience. She couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had taken hold of her since she stepped out of the elevator. Something about this hotel and its strange technology was unsettling, but at the same time, it was alluring, like a forbidden fruit she couldn't resist.
Aiko stepped into the room, her senses overwhelmed by the luxurious and futuristic environment. The door slid shut behind her with a soft whoosh, and she found herself standing in front of a colossal bed. The pristine white linens glowed under the soft light, inviting her to lay down and rest. Aiko walked around the room, taking in the breathtaking view from the wall-to-wall windows behind her. She could see the entire city skyline glittering in the distance, a mesmerizing display of lights that seemed to stretch on forever.
The room was decorated with an elegant mix of contemporary and classic designs, with metallic accents and intricate patterns that added a touch of opulence to the space. Aiko's eyes were drawn to a large chandelier that hung from the ceiling, its sparkling crystals casting prisms of light across the room. The floor was made of a polished stone that glinted under her feet, adding to the overall sense of grandeur.
As she made her way towards the sleek bathroom, she couldn't help but notice the advanced technology that was seamlessly integrated into the room. From the voice-activated lighting system to the high-tech toilet that was seemingly capable of doing everything but fly, every aspect of the room seemed to have been designed with the utmost attention to detail.
Aiko sat down on the edge of the bed and unlaced her worn boots, her fingers struggling with the tight knots. Finally, the laces gave way, and she pulled the shoes off her tired feet. She sighed with relief as she wiggled her toes, grateful for the freedom after a long day of walking. But her relief was short-lived when she noticed the red imprints left by the shoes on her skin. She winced as she rubbed her feet, hoping the marks would fade soon. She then noticed the chipped black polish on her toe nails, evidence of days on the run without time for self-care. As she looked around the luxurious room, she felt both out of place and grateful for the reprieve it provided.
As she lay on the plush bed, the comfort of the mattress sinking beneath her weight, her mind began to wander. The events of the day, the strange encounter with the figure at the reception, and the luxurious surroundings of the hotel, all seemed surreal to her. Yet, it was the thought that had plagued her since Lysander had mentioned it that consumed her thoughts - where did the name "Baby Blue" come from?
Lost in her thoughts, Aiko closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh. She knew that there were more pressing matters at hand, but her mind couldn't help but wander. Her code name seemed to hold a deeper meaning, a significance that she couldn't quite comprehend. As she lay there, lost in thought, the soft hum of the city outside lulled her into a peaceful slumber.