Novus deftly clicks buttons and flips switches within the cockpit of the helicopter, his movements precise and calculated. 'This, this, and this,' he silently reviews the procedures for operating the specialized military copter, the A1 Stealth Hawk. Known for its ultra-high-tech features, including a self-guidance system that can navigate around any obstacle and adverse weather conditions, the copter boasts specialized plated high-tech panels that render it nearly invisible.
The A1 Stealth Hawk, a marvel of modern engineering, sits on the tarmac, its sleek design catching the dim light. The copter's body is streamlined, shaped for both efficiency and stealth, with curves that speak of speed and precision. Its exterior is coated with specialized panels, matte black with hints of dark grey, allowing it to blend into the night sky or the faintest of shadows during the day. The craft is equipped with state-of-the-art rotors designed to minimize sound, making it nearly undetectable when in flight.
Inside, the cockpit is a testament to technological advancement, with multi-functional displays glowing softly, providing a plethora of information from navigation to environmental data. Every control and button is meticulously placed for optimal ergonomics, ensuring that the pilot can react swiftly in any situation. The seats, tailored for comfort and safety, are clad in a durable, yet supple material that contours to the body. Despite its warlike purpose, the interior exudes a calm, almost serene atmosphere.
Pilot specialist Leor Toir nervously bites his fingers, eyeing Novus with a mixture of anxiety and attachment. "H-hey, are you sure you know how to use it? I-I don't want my baby destroyed," he stammers, affectionately patting the helicopter, his eyes brimming with tears.
Novus sighs, responding with a curt, "Yes," his tone nonchalant, barely concealing his impatience.
General Harlan, attempting to ease Leor's concerns, places a comforting hand on his back. "Don't worry, I'm getting you a new one. Once communications are back up with the company, I plan to get you the newest version."
Leor's attachment to the helicopter is palpable as he sobs, "B-but but, I've had this one for so long," before enveloping it in an emotional hug.
Novus, ever the observer, mutters "Humans..." under his breath as he steps out, turning to face General Harlan with a questioning gaze. "So, you're saying there's another military base outside the city?"
General Harlan nods, his expression serious. "That's right, a new colleague..." He clears his throat, a hint of unease in his voice. "She's cold. I sent her a message, but I'm not sure she received it. The communications system is still buggy." He hands Novus a letter. "If she didn't receive it, just hand her this."
Novus gives General Harlan a cold, calm look, his intuition sharp. "What are you hiding," he demands, his tone still casual yet piercing.
General Harlan inwardly marvels at Novus's perceptiveness. 'For someone who was born yesterday, it sure knows how to read people,' he muses before exhaling deeply. "She can be very... possessive. If she likes Caelum's capabilities, she will probably try to keep him."
Mia, meanwhile, hops onto the helicopter with a smirk, her voice low as she leans back in her seat. "Humans, so utterly selfish," she remarks to herself, echoing Novus's earlier sentiment but with her own twist of cynicism.
Novus turns to Mia, his voice cold but composed. "You are more useful than the others but don't get cocky. The second you piss off Master, I'll kill you." Mia raises her hands in a gesture of mock surrender, closing her eyes with a smile playing on her lips. "Unlike humans, I know my place," she retorts confidently.
Jenna boards the helicopter, her gaze briefly locking with Mia's with undisguised disdain before she addresses Novus. "Caelum is on his way. We're all ready to head out." Novus nods, his focus unwavering. "I've processed every detail regarding the A1 Stealth Hawk, and I now know how to drive this perfectly. The flight path is set, we're good to go."
Aeliana makes her entrance next, popping her gum nonchalantly as she finds her seat, her pink-white hair shimmering with each movement. Settling in, she stretches luxuriously and turns her attention to Jenna. "Ah... By the way, why are you coming with us?" she inquires with a hint of curiosity.
Jenna, resigned to the questioning, responds with a tired sigh. "My other artifact is there. I need to get it as soon as possible." Mia, overhearing the conversation, licks her lips thoughtfully. "Hmm... These artifacts. Just where do they originate from?" she muses, more intrigued by the thought than genuinely seeking an answer.
Draken, unable to contain his excitement, jumps around the helicopter, inspecting every detail with wide-eyed wonder. "Ohh! So cool!" he exclaims, his enthusiasm palpable. "This is awesome, this is better than anything shown on TV! Just how much is the government hiding from us?"
Novus's attention shifts to General Harlan, a hint of irritation seeping into his tone. "Why is he here?" he inquires, gesturing towards the exuberant Draken.
General Harlan offers a nonchalant shrug, a wry smile on his face. "His mother... let's just say she gave me a call and donated the funds necessary to give this baby out," he explains, giving the helicopter a slap.
-
Caelum yawns, stretching his limbs with a grimace. 'Ugh... my bones hurt,' he silently complains, 'I can finally leave, but...' His train of thought is abruptly cut off as he turns to see Dolura creating intricate snowflakes. 'Tsk. I can't escape from this damn roach,' he thinks irritably. 'I should've just told her to fuck off back at the grocery store.'
As he steps into the helicopter, Caelum can't help but be awed despite his frustration. 'This thing is a monster... looks like something out of the future,' he muses, admiring the high-tech vessel. He offers a casual wave to General Harlan. "Thanks again for the ride."
General Harlan responds with a nod, maintaining his professionalism. "It's no big deal."
Novus, in his usual composed manner, turns to Caelum, "Mas-" but corrects himself after a cough, "Sir, are you ready to head out?" Caelum nods firmly. "Yeah, I've got no reason to stay here."
Next to him, Dolura places a tiny snowman on his palm, her concentration evident as she makes it move. Caelum raises an eyebrow, reassessing her. 'Hmm... if she can master her ability, she will be useful without a doubt. Unlike that moron that streamed trying to be a hero,' he acknowledges internally.
As the helicopter begins its ascent, Caelum shifts his attention to Mia. "Why are you here?" he inquires. Mia's mouth twitches nervously before she answers with a hesitant smile. "U-um, I-I need to leave the city."
Noticing the kitty hidden under a seat, Caelum beckons, "Come here, boy~," patting the space next to him. The cat, though inwardly resentful, complies. 'I'm not a pet... this is so humiliating,' it thinks begrudgingly.
Aeliana chimes in, breaking the silence. "By the way, Caelum, is there a reason you need to leave through the second city entrance?" Caelum, while petting the cat, responds with a nonchalant yawn, "I'm leaving this country."
Jenna, intrigued, leans forward, resting her chin on her hand. "You're heading to Verida, correct?" she deduces. Caelum nods, impressed with her intuition. 'As expected of a hunter. I told her I'm heading to a secluded mountain, and she guessed correctly.' He then adds, making sure to emphasize the last part, especially for Dolura, "Verida... A nice place to live 'alone.'"
Aeliana leans in, curiosity sparking in her eyes. "Hmm? Why? Isn't it boring?" she probes, genuinely interested in Caelum's preference for solitude.
Caelum simply nods, his voice steady. "I've lived alone my whole life; it's enjoyable." His response is matter-of-fact, revealing a sliver of his personal life with surprising ease.
Aeliana bites her inner cheek, pondering. 'Hmm... I don't know why the others are so afraid of him. He might be scary when he's mad but he's pretty casual most of the time. I wonder if...' Her thoughts trail off as she sports a mischievous grin, quickly masking her deeper speculations.
Mia, meanwhile, leans against the window, her gaze cast down at the fading cityscape. 'This is troublesome, I hope they got the message and send someone else to cover my job,' she thinks, her posture relaxed yet alert. Her eyes shift to Caelum, scrutinizing him without turning her head. 'I wonder what sort of being this is. Does he know the truth? If so, why is he so calm? Could it be that he has a plan?' she contemplates, her finger idly tapping on the window pane.
Draken observes the group with a smirk, his imagination running wild. 'This is like a manga series, we have the overpowered main character,' he muses, focusing on Caelum with a mix of admiration and envy. 'He's going to defeat everything without even trying, leaving everyone in awe. He'll kill the demon king, become the hero, and die saving his love right before she confesses her love.' He nods to himself, confident in his fantastical scenario.
Aeliana moves to sit next to Dolura, watching her manipulate the snow with an impressed expression. "Wow, amazing, to think you'd have this much control. When I got my ability, I couldn't do a single thing, I was nothing more than a liability." She offers a warm smile, then turns to Caelum. "Thanks to you, I finally have full control."
Caelum raises an eyebrow, intrigued by her acknowledgment. 'Full control? Huh... Could it be that her experience and training in the military helped her?'
-
-3 hours later-
The helicopter experiences slight turbulence, caught in the grip of a storm that rages outside. The sky is a canvas of chaos, painted with dark clouds, relentless lightning, and fierce winds that buffet the aircraft with unnerving intensity.
Novus's voice cuts through the tension, calm and unfazed. "The weather outside is unusual; according to my analysis, this storm is likely a phenomenon caused by a monster." His hands move deftly, navigating the A1 Stealth Hawk with precision as they avoid flying debris—swish, swish! Objects fly past, making the helicopter shudder, suddenly flipping 180 degrees upside-down before righting itself.
"I suggest you all stay strapped," Novus advises, his tone as steady as his control of the craft.
Amid the chaos, Aeliana erupts into laughter, finding joy in the perilous situation. "Hahahaha, this is so much fun~ It's like a ride at a theme park~" she exclaims, bouncing around mid-air. Miraculously, she avoids colliding with anything, as if guided by an unseen force.
Caelum, who had meticulously strapped himself in at the first opportunity, watches her with a mixture of curiosity and incredulity. "I never asked, but what exactly is your ability?" he inquires, seeking to understand the secret behind her seemingly chaotic dance.
Aeliana, floating amidst the turbulence, gives him a sideways glance. 'Hmm? Oh, he's pretending again,' she muses before answering. "I can control strings. I keep them thin to make them seem invisible most of the time, but I can let you see them if you want." With a gentle exhale, bright pink strings materialize throughout the cabin, revealing the network that has been her safeguard against the tumultuous movements.
Caelum reaches out, touching one of the strings, which vibrates lightly, akin to a plucked guitar string. 'Tsk, why does everyone get an ability but me? An ability like this has a ton of uses,' he thinks, feeling a pang of envy mixed with respect.
He then voices a logical follow-up question, his tone casual despite the intensity of their situation. "I'm assuming you make them sharp?"
She nods in confirmation, the playful light in her eyes dimming into a more serious gleam. "Yeah, but I only do that if I have to fight."
Mia's eyes widen as she peers out the helicopter window, her gaze sharpening. A thought crosses her mind, 'Are they advancing already?' Her curiosity piqued, she watches intently as a lightning strike illuminates the tumultuous sky, revealing for a fleeting moment the silhouette of a monstrous creature. It's distinguished by an extremely long, pointy tail and large wings—a sight both magnificent and menacing.
With a soft 'tsk,' she muses regretfully, 'Too bad it's far. If he attacked us, that guy Caelum could've killed him for me.' Her tone is casual, almost indifferent, as if mulling over a missed opportunity rather than a deadly threat.
Turning away from the window, Mia's attention is drawn to Aeliana's strings, her observant eyes catching a detail that others might have missed. 'I knew it, she used his avatar's core to stabilize her ability.' She watches the bright pink strings understanding their origin. 'To think someone got the heavenly strings this early on,' she contemplates, her attitude remaining nonchalant despite the revelation.