I rushed the unconscious woman, to the hospital, my mind racing with questions. Hours passed as I waited for her to wake up, and the moment she stirred, I was at her side, ready to get some answers.
Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked around, disoriented. As soon as she seemed alert enough, I leaned in, trying to keep my tone calm but firm. "What's your name?" I asked, hoping to start with the basics.
She blinked a few times before answering, "Jade Walker"
I nodded, my thoughts racing. "Jade, what were you doing in that apartment? How did you get here?" I continued to press for information.
Jade seemed hesitant at first but then lifted her arm to show me a bracelet on her wrist. The bracelet had a purple glow, eerily resembling the Quantum Portals I've seen before.
"I'm traveling between worlds using this," she explained, her voice steady.
I stared at the bracelet, trying to process what she was saying. "So, you're telling me that you can travel between worlds without using the Quantum Portal machine?"
Jade looked confused, even a little amused by my question. "What do you mean, 'that machine'? They haven't used those in years....like...10 years at least. How come you don't know any of that?" she asked, her gaze searching mine as if trying to figure me out.
Her response caught me off guard. If what she was saying was true, then the world had changed in ways I couldn't even imagine. But there was something else something unsettling about her knowledge of the portals and her apparent ability to travel between worlds so easily. My mind reeled as I tried to piece together the implications of her words.
Jade heaved herself a bit straighter in the seat of the hospital bed, her fresh new look of determination directed at me. She held out her hand. "My name is Jade Walker, an engineer from Aerathis."
This time, her greeting sounded more formal, almost like she wanted to draw some clarity between us. I acted on the impulse, extending a firm shake of her hand. "I'm Zane Liebert" I said, trying to hold her gaze. "I was left behind during the Quantum Exodus."
Jade's eyes widened in surprise. "Left behind?" she repeated, an incredulous tone. "But I thought they all left Earth-or Æsir, as they called it-years ago. How did you manage to survive all this time?"
I knew that look was genuine. For a moment, a part of me wondered how much she actually knew about what happened during the Exodus. I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts.
"It wasn't easy. The world I grew up in was already breaking apart, and since then, since the Exodus, it's just gotten worse. Since then, I have been fending for myself, trying to determine what happened and why I got left behind."
Jade seemed to take a moment to process this, her expression softening in both sympathy and curiosity. "I cannot believe you have been here all this time," she said, almost to herself. "I didn't think anyone was left behind. Everyone thought Earth was. well, completely abandoned."
The sentence hung there, tangible in the air-a reminder of the loneliness I had endured for so long. Yet here, in front of me, was the only person who could actually answer questions that haunted me for years.
"Jade," I said, and my voice was firm. "If you know anything about what happened, I need to know."
Jade looked at me then with her eyes filled with so many emotions: concern, curiosity, and a hint of guilt. "I'll tell you all I know, Zane. But let me bring you up to date first about what the world has come to, from where you'd been left behind."
As we talked, a thought struck me, and I decided to ask, "Do you work for IRIS Corp?"
Jade's expression immediately changed. She let out a short, bitter laugh. "IRIS Corp? No way. I hate them."
Her response was unexpected, and it made me more curious. "Why?" I pressed, needing to understand her strong reaction.
Jade's face grew serious, her eyes darkening with anger. "Ever since the Quantum Exodus, IRIS Corp hasn't just colonized one world—they've spread their influence across multiple dimensions. They promised us 'Utopia,' a paradise where everyone would thrive. But instead of delivering on that promise, they gave us hell."
Her words hung heavy in the air, and I could sense the weight of her experiences behind them. It was clear that she had a deep resentment toward IRIS, and it made me realize just how far their reach had extended since the Exodus. Jade wasn't just another traveler; she was someone who had seen firsthand what IRIS was truly capable of.
"What did they do?" I asked, my voice low, trying to grasp the full extent of what she was saying.
Jade shook her head, her expression grim. "They took control of worlds, exploiting resources and people for their gain. Anyone who resisted was crushed. The so-called 'Utopia' they offered turned out to be a nightmare, and countless lives were destroyed in the process. People like me... we've been fighting against them ever since."
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I had always known IRIS Corp was powerful, but this was beyond anything I had imagined.
Their influence wasn't just limited to Æsir; it had spread across worlds, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. And here was Jade, an engineer from another world, who had seen it all and somehow survived.
I looked at her, feeling a strange sense of connection. "So, you're not just traveling between worlds... you're fighting back."
Jade nodded, her expression hardening with resolve. "Yeah, and I'm not the only one. There are others out there, resisting IRIS and their so-called Utopia. We might be from different worlds, but we share a common enemy."
Her words sparked something in me, a realization that maybe, just maybe, I wasn't as alone in this fight as I had thought.
I glanced down at my Nova Watch and noticed how the time had flown by; it was night time already. I looked across to Jade, still seeming shaken but awake. "You should get some rest," I whispered as softly as possible. "It's been a long day, and you've been through a lot."
Jade nodded, clearly exhausted. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Zane. I appreciate you helping me out."
"Don't mention it," I said, smiling reassuringly at her before turning towards the door.
Outside the hospital, I found Leo waiting for me, casually leaning against the wall. The instant he saw me approach, he straightened up.
"How's that woman doing?" he asked with concern.
"She's all good," I replied to him. "But I do want you to check on her; in case something smells fishy, well, don't second-guess it, just go to the palace."
Leo solemnly nodded. "Got it, Zane. I'll be sure nothing happens to her."
"Thanks, Leo." I called after him, knowing he was one of the few people I could truly count on.
With that, I turned back to the hospital, where Jade was already well on her way to sleeping for the night, and we made our way back in the direction of the palace. The streets were cool and hushed, softly reflecting city lights, and my mind still raced from all that had happened. So many questions, so much to figure out, but for now, all I could do was prepare for what came next.
---
[Banquet Day]
The next morning, I woke with the air almost tangibly charged with expectation. It was Banquet day, and although I had little idea what really to expect from it, I knew it was something important. I got dressed, slipping on the outfit I'd chosen the day before; Snowy sat perched on the sill, feathers ruffled in his excitement.
"You seem pretty excited about this," I said, smiling at the Snowy. She let out a soft hoot, hopping onto my shoulder as if to say he wouldn't miss it for the world.
I adjusted my attire, making sure everything was in place. The outfit felt a little more formal than what I had been used to, but it would do for this occasion. I had never been to a banquet, let alone one held in a place such as this.
"Ready to go, Snowy?" I asked, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement within my voice. Snowy bobbed his head; his golden eyes shone bright with anticipation.
One last look in the mirror, and I was out, Snowy still riding my shoulder, his soft hum soothing as we navigated our way through the corridors. Activity bustled around me in the halls-servants and officials preparing for the event-and it felt like the whole place was alive with energy.
The whole time I walked, I couldn't help but wonder what the banquet would be like-who I'll meet, what kind of conversations, most of all what role I will play within it all. But with Snowy at my side and having the events of yesterday fresh in my mind, well, I was ready to face whatever today might bring.
I walked through the palace till I saw Lynsithea standing in this huge hall.
She donned an amazing white robe that seemed to flow like liquid silk around her. The dress had delicate floral patterns in the cloth, adding so much elegance to a look truly mesmerizing.
She complemented her beauty with white heels to give her that touch of dignity.
Around her neck, she wore a delicate chain with a softly glowing pendant that caught the light in a manner that almost made it look magical. Lynsithea was gazing off to the side, her expression thoughtful, lost in her own world.
She sounded formal and nice in that dress; I could hardly believe this was the same woman that had rode with me for so long and struggled to survive just as harshly as the rest of us. Strange enough, transitioning from the rough and tumble world we had lived in for so long into the fancy environment, Snowy on my shoulder seemed to understand my astonishment and softly hooted, which caused Lynsithea to glance over at me.
Her eyes met mine, and across her face beamed a warm smile. "Zane," she greeted, her voice carrying the gentle note of familiarity, even against the formality of her appearance.
"Lynsithea," I returned, answering her with an equally wide smile. "You look stunning. Are you ready?"
She chuckled low, her gaze slipping to her dress. "Thank you. I suppose I am. Though I must admit, I'm a bit nervous about the whole thing."
I nodded in understanding, a gesture of how she was feeling. "Me too. But I'm sure it'll be fine. We're here to represent ourselves, and I think we just do great."
As Azalea opened the grand doors leading to the great hall, a surge of sound and light poured out into the hallway. The hall itself was a startlingly beautiful sight: the high, vaulted ceiling was decorated with intricate crystal chandeliers, casting a warm, golden glow across the room; rich tapestries on the walls depicting nature and ancient legends in radiant, alive colors.
Long tables, set in an elegant way, stretched across the hall; each table was draped with a white tablecloth and adorned with heavy bouquets of flowers and fine china. The tables were heavily loaded with dishes, from a delicately designed pastry to a great main course, all brilliant in color and very inviting.
The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of gourmet food, mingling with soft strains of classical music as played by a small orchestra in one corner of the room.
People everywhere in their best attire, seriously enjoying themselves, filled the hall.
Laughter and conversation were free-flowing as guests mingled with one another, their voices rising and falling to create a pleasant hum that filled the space. The guests were deep in animated discussions, with persons attired from opulent gowns to suits tailored into the status of a high-end gathering.
The moment Lynsithea and I entered the hall, we were engulfed by the live spirit of the room. We started walking around, looking in wonder at the food laid out and refinement in the settings. Lynsithea's eyes were fastening to the different dishes as if she was mesmerized with all those specialties that she had never seen.
As we made our way through the crowd, several of the guests would stare at us with curiosity. There were whispers and murmurs around us, and I overheard a number of people remark on how strange it felt to have a human among the guests. I could feel their astonishment, their curiosity, and fascination.
"It would appear that our being here is quite the subject of discussion," I said to Lynsithea lightly, trying to keep the tone casual given the attention we were receiving.
Lynsithea looked around, a look of interest on her face, seemingly quite amused by it all. "It would appear so. I suppose that we are quite the oddity in this place."
We moved further into the banquet hall, relishing the gaudiness of the atmosphere and the novelty of the situation-one simply didn't take part in such an affair. Despite all those eyes, excitement and anticipation tumbled through me.
As the evening progressed, the grand doors at the far end of the banquet hall opened once more, and Queen Rosalia made her entrance. The room fell silent as she glided in, her regal presence commanding attention. Her gown sparkled under the chandeliers, and her crown, adorned with roses and rubies, gleamed with an ethereal light.
With a warm and graceful smile, Queen Rosalia approached the center of the hall. A hush of anticipation spread among the guests as she raised her glass and prepared to make her toast. Her voice, clear and melodic, carried through the room as she spoke of joy and gratitude for the return of her daughter, Lynsithea, and the importance of unity and celebration in these times.
The toast was met with a round of applause and cheers, adding a festive spirit to the atmosphere. Once the applause died down, the three Clan Leaders, who had been waiting on the sidelines, began to make their way towards Queen Rosalia and Lynsithea.
First came Parveen Khan, the leader of the Sand Dwellers Clan.
Dressed in intricate robes adorned with patterns reminiscent of desert landscapes, Parveen's presence exuded a sense of wisdom and authority. He approached Lynsithea with a warm smile and an outstretched hand.
"Princess Lynsithea," he said with a deep, respectful bow. "It is an honor to see you return to us. Your presence brings great joy to all of us."
Next was Princess Sasha Drasco of the Frost Heart Clan. Her gown was a shimmering blue, reminiscent of glacial ice, and her demeanor was one of genuine warmth. She rushed forward to Lynsithea, enveloping her in a heartfelt embrace.
"Lynsithea! I can't believe you're here!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "It's been too long, my dear friend."
Finally, Prince Alekos Sotiris from the Sea Crest Clan approached. His attire was adorned with motifs of the ocean, and he carried an air of regal grace. He offered a gracious nod to both Lynsithea and the Queen before speaking.
"Princess Lynsithea, it is truly wonderful to see you back among us. Your return is a cause for great celebration, and we are all delighted to have you here."
Each leader's words were met with appreciation, and the exchanges highlighted the deep connections and friendships that Lynsithea had fostered during her time away. The warmth and sincerity of their greetings added to the sense of festivity and significance of the evening, making the banquet not only a celebration but also a heartfelt reunion.
As the leaders conversed with Lynsithea, I stood nearby, observing the interactions with a mix of curiosity and intrigue. The sense of camaraderie and unity among the clans was palpable, and it was clear that Lynsithea's return had touched the hearts of many.
Sasha's ears perked up a notch, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. "So, Zane, you've been a friend to Lynsithea for quite some time. I'd love to hear more about your past. How did you two meet?"
I turned to Lynsithea, who nodded reassuringly, and looked at Sasha again. "It's a pretty long story. I found myself in Æsir City-a post-apocalyptic world that had been devastated by climate change and war. Lynsithea came through one of the portals, and we met under some pretty desperate circumstances. I was hurt and she helped me."
Sasha's eyes widened. "You've been through so much. And how did you end up in Æsir City? It sounds like you've had quite an adventure."
I nodded, the depth of the question sinking in. "I was left behind during the Quantum Exodus. I've been fending for myself all these years, trying to make some sort of sense out of the world as it changed around me. Lynsithea coming around was a turning point. She's been a huge help in navigating this new world and understanding things I'd never known before."
Sasha's expression softened with compassion in an instant. "It sounds like Lynsithea has been a beacon of hope through this darkness to you. And now, as far as your relationship goes-what would be a defining term to relate to her?"
I took a moment as I tried to think of just the right response. "Lynsithea has been a friend. Despite the hardships we've had to experience, the bond has grown tighter. She's shown me another way to look at life, given me the will to keep going."
Sasha listened with a warm smile and was touched by the story. "It's nice to know how much you appreciate each other. It is more than friendship here; I can see that."
Parveen Khan, who was listening along with Prince Alekos, nodded to agree.
Now Prince Alekos spoke, "Your relationship stands in testimony to the power of friendship, particularly during these trying times. It is very encouraging to find how you both support and care for each other."
The conversation flowed easily as Sasha, Parveen, and Alekos kept asking about Zane's experiences and his and Lynsithea's relationship. The friendly and curious company of clan leaders made for a nice and entertaining discussion, further enriching the evening's festivities.
---
Meanwhile Jade was eating in the hospital, she was surprised on every single smallest bite, feeling the taste of food. That taste was not expected; it was delicious, something entirely different from the insipid meals.
Her attention strayed from her meal to something really weird outside the hospital window: a large portal, its edges shimmering with an otherworldly glow. As Jade's curiosity was now further stoked, she watched intently as it stabilized, and a figure began to emerge.
Her heart bucked as the figure stepped out from the portal. It was Iris Venyamin Vanya.
It was the last person in the world Jade wanted to ever cross paths with. One needed only to have seen Iris once to immediately recognize the fearless leader of IRIS Corp-her commanding presence and elegant attire draped upon her were unmistakable. The sight itself sent shivers running down Jade's spine.
Jade finished her meal in a few mouthfuls, with a fearful yet so determined mind. She knew full well that Iris Venyamin Vanya did not come here for nothing. The arrival of Iris might mean trouble, and Jade needed to act fast.
Jade made her way hastily and urgently back to the hospital room which Zane had left her in, hoping to find him there and apprise him of this unexpected and probably dangerous development. As she reached the door, her mind was stirring with the implications of Iris's presence and that of urgency in protections for herself and those she now knew and cared about.
Leo had been waiting outside the hospital and saw Jade running down the corridor, the urgency in her movements palpable. "Hey, where are you going?" he called out, trying to catch up with her.
Jade barely broke stride, her face a mask of determination and fear. "Calyx is in trouble! Zane is in trouble! Iris is here!"
Leo's eyes widened as the mention of Iris came. "Who's Iris? What's going on?" he asked, completely bewildered.
"There's no time to explain!" Jade panted, her head thrown over her shoulder as she kept running. "All you need to know is that she's dangerous and we have to move fast."
After a moment of hesitation, Leo nodded, seeming to realize the severity of the matter. "Alright, I'll follow you. Let's find Zane and figure out what to do next."
She ran down the hallways, her brain consumed by the need for speed. Iris's arrival was a development of doom, and she knew they had to get ahead of whatever trouble brewed. Having Leo by her side, she hoped they could get to Zane in time and avoid whatever imminent danger there was.
While Jade and Leo ran down the hospital corridors, her mind was racing at an overdrive. Anxiety and confusion swam in her mind. 'Iris is here? Herself? Because of me?'
The more she thought about it, the less likely it was. 'No, that can't be it' she thought. 'If they wanted me specifically, they'd send an Inquisitor or some other low-level operative, not Iris herself. Iris is far too high profile to be sent for this.'
She strained to think through the fog of panic. 'Could there be some other reason for her presence?' She tried to piece together any other possible motivations, but the urgency of the situation made it hard to focus on anything but the immediate danger.
Her presence had called down a whole new level of escalation. Iris Venyamin Vanya. She needed to refocus, get to Zane as soon as possible. Whatever Iris's reasons for coming to Calyx, it was quite obvious that the stakes were way higher than she'd previously estimated.
---
Thus, I was enjoying an excellent conversation with the leader of the clans when, suddenly, something uncomfortable touched my wrist. I looked down to realize my Nova Watch was flashing irregularly. The soft hum with which it worked now had changed into a disturbing, crazy pulse.
"What is that thing on your wrist?" Prince Alekos asked; his gaze shifted to my watch with curiosity.
I glanced at the watch; my heart really sank as the blinking lights showed. Alekos's curiosity must have turned into concern in an instant by my changed expression. The watch face displayed an alert with rapidly changing data in a format that I had never seen before.
My fingers fumbled to make sense of what was coming through. Alerts were coming through fast, and I could barely keep up with what was going on. With every check, my face turned paler. Something was definitely not right.
I turned back to the clan leaders, trying to keep a steady voice. "I'm sorry, but I need to check something urgently. I'll be right back."
I didn't wait for an answer, excused myself, and hastily moved away in the less noisy direction, while my mind was already racing with concern. The alert was going on from the Nova Watch, some kind of large disturbance, and I needed to understand what was happening and how it may affect all that we were facing.
It was now that all the weight started to set in as I read through the alerts on the Nova Watch.
'Iris Venyamin Vanya is here'
The screen in front of me couldn't have said it more clearly and alarmingly. Of course, the one fact that the head of IRIS Corp would come down meant a whole different level of impending doom was at hand.
Then it dawned on me, and my heart started racing. Iris's coming into town wasn't just a simple problem; it meant something more crucial was at hand and was more than likely related somehow to the turmoil Jade mentioned in the earlier chapter. The weight of the circumstances hit heavy upon me.
I tried to clear my head, focusing on the nearest action that was required. Iris is here, I chanted in my head in a futile effort to sift through my jumbled thoughts. We have to warn everyone and figure out our next move.
My eyes scanned around, and my mind was running with how I needed to find Jade and the rest as soon as possible. The banquet was no longer going to be a social meeting; an arena of sorts had just been made. In that instant, priorities magically shifted from social niceties to everyone's safety and what Iris's presence could mean for all of us.
My head still scanned the room until I found Lynsithea. She was standing near the edge of the banquet hall, her eyes searching for mine. I hurried back to her, my sense of urgency evident in my stride.
"Lynsithea!" I exclaimed, already calling out to her as I reached her. "Something's wrong. Iris is here in Calyx."
Her eyes had widened in surprise, and for a moment, she seemed incapable of moving or uttering another word. "Iris? As in Iris Venyamin Vanya?" she asked, her voice shaking with incredulity.
I nodded, my face set in a grimace. "Yes, that's the one. The Nova Watch is showing her presence to be here. We need to figure out what's going on and how we can respond."
Lynsithea was in shock; she needed a minute to take that fact in. "I just can't believe it," she whispered. "Iris here means everything now. We need confirmation, and then prepare for anything that may happen."
I nodded in agreement. "We have to move as fast as possible. Let's find out exactly what Iris's intentions are and secure everyone's safety. We can't afford to be caught off guard."
With a sense of determination, Lynsithea and I began looking for more information on what to do next. The presence of Iris Venyamin Vanya had overturned our plans, and we had to take fast action in order to protect ourselves and those who were close to us.
A sense of urgency burrowed into my chest, and Lynsithea and I hastened our pace toward Queen Rosalia. I couldn't let my thoughts remain in one place as they attempted to work their way around why Iris was here and what she wanted in Calyx.
The grand doors of the banquet hall creaked loudly before swinging open just as we reached the Queen's side. The room deadened into silence, heads turned to the entrance.
I froze. Standing in the doorway, flanked by hundreds of bodyguards and several Inquisitors, was a woman I had only heard about in whispered tales. Tall, elegant, oozing with a chilling aura of control, her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the room with the confidence of someone who knew she was untouchable.
Iris Venyamin Vanya.
She stepped into the room, commanding the space around her. A cold smile curled upon her lips as her voice cut through the silence like a knife—rich with a heavy Russian accent.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," she said, her tone of voice smooth, cold. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Iris Venyamin Vanya."
A cold shiver ran down my spine. The tension in the room was as thick as to choke. Lynsithea stood as rigid as a board beside me, her face pale with disbelief, while Queen Rosalia's face shifted from surprise to something far more calculating. There were murmurs in the crowd, which started to rise as people realized who had just entered their sacred halls.
Queen Rosalia's voice cut through the air, keen and imperative, as she took a step forward and spoke directly to Iris. "What is the purpose of your visit here, Iris Venyamin Vanya? And how, might I ask, did you bypass the barrier and my guards?"
Iris didn't lose her smile. Her presence was just as unnerving as ever, but calm-unpleasantly calm. She replied with a tilt of her head, her voice laced with mockery in its heavy Russian accent.
"Your barrier, Your Majesty, only blocks things imbued with magic. But I am a human-no magic courses through my veins." Her eyes glittered as she glanced around the room, as if savoring the tension. "Technology, on the other hand, knows no such boundaries. Your precious guards are useless against it."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd, and my fists curled. That was true; Calyx had always relied on its magically fortified defenses. But against anyone like Iris-technology clutched at her side like a sword-those defenses meant nothing.
The flicker of anger danced across Queen Rosalia's eyes even though her expression was poise. Lynsithea was stiff beside me in disbelief. She looked over at me then; this weight of what really was hitting both of us. This was no friendly visit-this was a move. Iris had come here to make a statement.
But what was she really after? And just how much worse was this going to get before the night was over?
Iris stepped forward, her expression unreadable, as she reached into her coat and pulled out a strange, glowing object. It was the [Quantum Crest] though its once brilliant glow had dimmed, the energy which once pulsed within it now seemed drained.
The sight of it sent a ripple of shock around the room. All eyes were fixed on the artifact as she held it up for everyone to see.
"I also come to return this," Iris said, her voice as chilled and calculated as ever. "The so-called Quantum Crest."
She let it drop, casting it across the floor without a care-almost mockingly-so it rolled across the floor, clinking to a stop at Queen Rosalia's feet. The queen stared down at it in a mix of shock and disbelief, her regal poise caught for a moment.
"What have you done with it?" Queen Rosalia shouted, barely above a whisper, in an even tone, laced with anger. The air in the room started to thicken further.
Iris smiled, always so composed and patronizing. "What did I do? Without this stone, or crest, as you refer to it, humanity would have been destroyed. I just used it so that we could live through this. Not for a fight do I come, Your Majesty, but simply to return it to whom it belongs."
A faintly proud tinge colored her voice as she turned to scan the room, taking in everyone's reactions. The sucked dry Quantum Crest lay on the ground, a little symbol-the precarious balance that had been between magic and technology hung in the air.
In a surge of anger and confusion, Queen Rosalia's eyes flashed ominously. The room fell silent as everybody waited for her to respond. I turned to Lynsithea at my side, who was manifestly rigid. This wasn't just about the crest-something deeper was afloat. And Iris, as always, was playing a game nobody else fully understood.
She took one deep breath, steadying herself. "You dare to use this sacred artifact without permission, and now return it as if you've done us some favor?"
Iris only smiled wider, her gaze cold. "I've done more than you'll ever know."