Chapter 12 Aurelian Sola

The metallic wheels of the pushcart squeaked loudly as they rolled over the cold glass floor of the long, circular corridor. Beneath the clear crystals lay an uneven black surface of stone, carved with glowing blue letters and symbols. Only two people were allowed to ever travel this path or use it under any circumstances, leaving the corridor empty and silent.

With each heavy footstep from her boots, the near-glowing characters flickered, almost as if responding to her presence. A solemn ambient music whispered softly, filling the air around her. Soon, a mixture of blue and red textures rippled and flowed, jumping across the walls as their colors intermingled in misty forms.

As Yusciel continued down the corridor, her gaze fell upon the bottles of liquor swaying in the bucket of ice-cold water. Adjacent to them rested a Shefton Cake, its surface adorned with a thick layer of chocolate and delicate white icing drops encircling its edges, sprinkled with bits of chocolate flavoring. A subtle smile graced her lips before she hastened her steps, captivated by the lingering music in the air. Before she knew it, Yusciel found herself spontaneously singing a hymn, crafting lyrics on the spot.

“The tides of time, they ebb and flow~

Fortunes rise and then they go!

But in the depths an architect's dreams,

A golden light forever gleams.

Our Golden Age will return again!”

Tuning her voice to harmonize with a particular rhythm, unconsciously syncing with the ambiance of the tunnels as her musical guide. Finally, she reached the end of the corridor, where metal walls splits into three, sliding aside to reveal a spacious area with a bridge leading somewhere. Without pausing, she pushed the cart forward, stopping once she entered to tap a black panel on the frame.

Turning back to verify, the red and blue misty smoke disappeared, along with the glowing characters etched on the black stones. Satisfied with the outcome, she nodded before carrying on, the walls closing automatically behind her.

Guiding the pushcart alongside the long metal railing, Yusciel inspected one side of the bridge to observe an artificially made lake below. Living fishes swam gracefully through the clear waters, surrounded by lily pads and delicate white flower petals emerging from slim stems that disappeared beneath the surface. A small tree with pink leaves stood in the center, rooted itself on cracked stone with some of its foliage draping into the water. Further along, a stack of rocks formed a water wall, with water cascading over the top. Hidden lighting adorned across the area, casting a gentle glow that highlighted the natural environment without overwhelming it.

The bridge, constructed of metal pavement and railings painted to match the surrounding theme, extended before her. Softly lit lanterns at intervals illuminated the pathway. In the distance, Yusciel spotted a massive glowing orb positioned at the center, hovering above as the bridge's path curved to the sides; several display panels were positioned on the sides facing the orb.

‘Orbis Aetheris Core…’ Yusciel thought to herself. ‘I’ll check on you later.’

The floating Orbis Aetheris Core was encircled by mechanical rings, each inscribed with glowing letters that flickered in an irregular pattern; from these letters, wisps of mist, occasionally blue and sometimes red, emerged and drifted away. Following these wisps, Yusciel observed as the mist gradually faded into the darkness above, filled with twinkling lights reminiscent of the night skies of space that she knew so well.

Yusciel made her way around the floating core where the two bridges converged. She pressed forward, pushing the cart to reach the other side. As she approached the end of the bridge, she was met with a darkened, thick glass that observed her to the inside. Undeterred, she continued on, eventually reaching the center entrance.

Stepping inside, she found herself in a spacious and grand room, adorned with towering columns made of violet material, intricately etched with golden patterns. Quartz stones lustered underneath her feet, illuminated by crystal yellow and blue rods dangling above. Moving towards the right side of the room, she spotted a luxurious living area. Elegant white and black leathered sofas were accented with numerous pillows, encircling the circular table at knee level.

Pushing the cart around the chairs to the tables along the walls, Yusciel placed it carefully before returning to the area for any issues. Spotting the unlit fireplace with a large monitor display placed on the column. Numerous shelves lined the sides, filled with books with some containing rare pieces of literature. Everything appeared to be turned off as expected. Stepping onto the rug that adorned the walkways, she continued to scan the area.

“A week off without dust—did Mr. Celton came here, perhaps?” She wondered aloud, nodding in satisfaction.

Yusciel walked back to the pushcart and approached the table where she found a panel embedded on the wall. Giving it a tap, to activate it, the familiar menu appeared. Navigating through the options, she adjusted the temperature lower, and activated the fireplace. With everything set, she took off her boots, leaving only her white socks on, and then transferred the cake from the cart to the table in the living area before going back for the plates and utensils.

Placing the plates, knife, and fork on the sides of the round, glass table, Yusciel suddenly paused, realizing, “Ah, right, music…” She tapped on the glass table, revealing another set of menus on its surface and navigated through its options to turn on musical instruments playing through the hidden speakers, as well as activating one of the cleaning androids.

Twisting her body, she scanned the space. To the left of the entrance, there were numerous bookshelves stacked one after another, with a visible table and several chairs found through the gaps, enclosed by gray-tinted glass walls. Further ahead the office section, there was another circular door leading elsewhere—suddenly opened to reveal a humanoid-shaped individual, complete with black hair, human-like skin, and a servant’s uniform entering.

Yusciel squinted, peering through the gaps to catch sight of the android holding a portable vacuum cleaner. She called out, “Hey, refrain from using anything loud. I prefer a quiet environment.”

Upon hearing her words, the android retreated back to the room, prompting Yusciel to slump back into her sofa. Then, a thought struck her: ‘How plausible is it to create more androids capable of operating remotely to harvest souls?’

After a brief moment of consideration, she shook her head. ‘It’s not feasible to develop those androids quickly… I’ll have to wait until my body is fully matured. It’s a great idea if I don’t want the Gods to suspect me.’

Yusciel glanced over her shoulder to see the android entering the area. “Hey, come here for a moment. Bring a knife, clothing, and a cleansing spray,” she called out.

Upon receiving her instructions, the android retreated briefly to the door before returning with the requested items. Walking to the spot behind the sofa where Yusciel had gestured, holding out the requested items for Yusciel. She took the knife, sliced a small portion of her thumb, and watched the crimson blood drip from the fresh wound.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Ignoring the throbbing pain, she sighed. “I’m still bleeding. Even though 50 years typically pass by in the blink of an eye…” She remarked, handing the knife back to the android and used the white clothing to wipe away the spilled blood.

With a single wipe, the bleedings stopped, and upon inspection, the wound had completely healed. Turning forward to the fireplace, Yusciel laconically instructed, “Incinerate the clothing and use the cleansing spray. Ensure the scent of blood is completely gone. Then, continue with your tasks.”

As the android complied, ignoring the noise of the spraying, Yusciel picked up the knife next to the plate and sliced a sliver of the Shefton Cake, placing it on her plate. Switching to a fork, she took a piece and filled her anticipating mouth with chocolatey flavor. Thinking silently, ‘Even if I create more androids, obtaining Aerex for the fuel is difficult and costly—quite too big to justify its potential outcome. And now that I think about it, there wasn’t a time the required materials had stable pricing—quite volatile and even rarer in certain months. No wonder I didn’t do it.’

Consumed by her thoughts, Yusciel was suddenly jolted back to reality as the sound of approaching footsteps and metal clunking. She turned towards the entrance, where Celton’s tall figure came into view, pushing a cart.

Before suddenly, a realization dawned on her, thinking, ‘Oh, I allowed Mr. Celton entry already. There was no need to disable the security.’ She tapped on the glass, revealing various menus, and quickly navigated to reactivate the security controls for her private quarters.

Once finished, she turned her attention to Celton, she raised her hand in a silent greeting as he approached. A bruise on his cheek caught her eye, prompting her to stand up abruptly, her hands sinking to the soft leather backrest of her sofa.

‘His eyes… appear normal. He doesn’t seem angry anymore.’ Yusciel thought to herself, observing in silence as Celton passed by her, heading towards the table further ahead.

“Did Joseph punch you?” she inquired, her gaze following him as he pushed his cart to the vacant table closer to Yusciel's occupation.

As he continued, Celton replied, “So it seems…”

Yusciel murmured a soft “Mhm,” while nodding and readjusting her posture, embracing the nearby pillows between her knees and chest.

The atmosphere in the living area was hushed as the clinking of glass accompanied Celton’s movements, and the soft crackling of the fireplace. Yusciel’s gaze remained fixed on the delectable cake in front of her, the warm lighting adding to its allure. In a moment of peace, she reached for her fork to feast upon the slice, only to be gently interrupted by Celton’s concerned voice penetrating the silence, “How are you?”

“The same as any other day…” She replied softly, her voice carrying a hint of weariness.

The pale yellow streak of light danced off the glass, casting shadows as Celton’s slender legs came into view, gracefully navigating the chairs to take a seat. He laid a towel at the center of the table, followed by a wet bucket filled with liquor bottles, and then glasses nearby—sliding one within Yusciel’s reach. Lazily, she found herself savoring the flavorful burst of cake in her mouth.

“Have you ever tasted this before?” Yusciel inquired, looking up to see Celton pulling the cork with his hands clad in black gloves.

Celton shifted his gaze. “This—A Shefton cake? No, I haven’t. That’s from Nunu’s pasteries, right? I have heard many praises about it from others.”

“A~yep.” She affirmed, sliding her plate forward towards him. “Try it.”

Yusciel watched as he moved, pouring the alcohol into her glass and his before placing them back into the cold ice bucket. Pulling up his white sleeves, Celton took a fork and sampled the cake, guiding it to his mouth with his other hand underneath. He nodded in approval, saying, “It’s good. As expected from a master chef,” before returning the plate to Yusciel.

“You can have more of the cake, you can even finish it all,” she offered. Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind as she lifted her chin from her knee, “Hey, can you do me a favor and return to your original form?”

“What for?”

“Uh,” she averted her gaze. “Nostalgia purposes?” she answered, slightly tilting her head.

“Why is that question?” He lightly sighed, a smile softened his face.

He took off his gloves, placing them on the table as he picked up his glass filled alcohol, offering to start drinking. She reciprocated and they clinked their glasses loudly. They both took a long sip before setting the empty glasses back on the table. When Yusciel looked up, Celton’s appearance had changed. He transformed from a tall adult male to a teenager, with his features significantly altered.

Not only did his physique change, but his hair turned silver and his eyes became red. Two sharp fangs were protruding, visible underneath his upper lip. Unexpectedly, his adult clothing hung loosely on his teenage form, looking somewhat out of place.

“Ah,” Yusciel murmured in realization.

“I’ll get changed…” He said, rising from the sofa and walking away, dragging his clothes.

Yusciel nodded, acknowledging his departure. Using this time, Yusciel adjusted the ceiling lights to dim, leaving only the pathways illuminated. The once bright room now appeared dark, with the fireplace providing a warm glow to the surrounding living room area.

As she poured another glass of alcohol, she suddenly heard muffled footsteps and noticed shadows moving again. Celton’s new appearance caught the corner of her eye. Turning towards him, she saw that he had changed into comfortable attire—a long-sleeved checkered shirt, sleek pants, and pink mufflers. He returned to his seat.

The space between them was filled with a calm silence, accompanied by the flickering light of the fireplace and the soft strains of classical music. Celton gracefully raised the glass to his lips and took a sip.

Yusciel, her gaze fixed on the fireplace, remarked, "It's been a while since you last came into my room, hasn't it?"

In her peripheral vision, she saw Celton swirling the liquid in his glass. "That was seven years ago, Yusciel..."

"Seven years," Yusciel echoed thoughtfully. "It seems like only a short while ago. Twenty years since we created Wanderland; we have come a long way since then."

"Twenty years is a significant span of time," Celton replied, crossing one leg over the other. "Indeed, many things have happened in that time."

Yusciel glanced at Celton. "Have I ever told you where I came from, Mr. Celton?"

Celton's brow furrowed. "Could you please change how you address me?"

"Sorry, but that’s not possible," Yusciel said, tucking her chin back against her knees. "Calling you so is a sign of respect I hold for you. Without you, Wanderland would never have come to be."

"You’ve given me so much—unimaginable amounts. From saving me from that place, giving me money, freedom, people, an island, a place... There are countless things," Celton replied.

"Just accept it," Yusciel smiled. "Perhaps all the misfortune from the count's home led you to the fortune of meeting me."

"Then, could I be luckier than this?" Celton asked, locking his gaze with Yusciel's. "Could I be fortunate enough to stand by your side forever?"

Yusciel took a deep breath, leaning back on the sofa. "The concepts of love and marriage are quite foreign to me, and—"

"The Seed," Celton interrupted. "I understand, but I want to help you with it. No matter how many bodies we have to—"

"No, I don't like that," Yusciel interjected. "Wanderland was meant to be a place for my passions, to achieve the creative lifestyles I truly desire. But now, because I confided in you in the past, Wanderland has strayed from my intentions."

Shock flashed across his face as Celton muttered, "I... I didn't mean for that to happen. I apologize," abruptly standing up from his chair. "I'll change it back to how it was—"

"No," Yusciel interrupted once more. "There's no need. I won't place all the blame on you for the changes that have helped the Seed grow. It wouldn’t be fair when I had the chance to stop you. Please, sit down and listen to me."

Listening to Yusciel's words, Celton returned to his seat. The space was filled with silence once more before Yusciel raised her glass, and Celton followed suit, taking a long sip to savor the flavor, while her eyes clouded with thoughts.

After placing the glass back to the table, Yusciel began solemnly, "The Seed isn't the only reason why I can't be with you. My past, everything about it is something I can't quite escape."

Celton nodded silently, his expression understanding, as he refilled their glasses. Yusciel watched, taking a deep gulp before continuing, "I am a reincarnated individual. I come from a planet called Aurelian Sola, and I am the only survivor after it was destroyed by alien invaders. If I told you that, would you believe me?"