[Ascendance: The Journey to Type 7. Ch_014]
Kael Ashvale's crew had just touched down on the bustling, vibrant planet of Vesperia. As they docked in Tidespire, Kael accessed the crew's account, granted by the king himself—a staggering five million universal credits. A portion of it quickly went toward securing rooms in a luxurious hotel in Tidespire for the crew.
The rest of the crew soon set off to explore the city, keen to experience the busy markets and futuristic architecture. Meanwhile, Kael had a different destination in mind : the slums on the outskirts of the city.
Climbing into an anti-gravity car from The Astral Vanguard's garage, Kael maneuvered his way through Tidespire's crowded streets and out toward the slums.
The stark contrast became more evident as he moved further from the city center; the pristine streets and polished chrome structures gave way to narrow, crowded pathways, dilapidated buildings, and a network of haphazardly wired connections across rusty rooftops.
After an hour of driving, Kael finally arrived at a humble shelter where his aunt Elara and uncle Caelan had been living.
As he stepped out of his vehicle, a wave of nostalgia hit him. His aunt and uncle, seeing him approach, greeted him with warm, tearful smiles.
Aunt Elara: [smiling proudly] "Look at you, Kael! It's like a dream seeing you back here, all grown up!"
Kael hugged her tightly, feeling a warmth he hadn't realized he'd missed.
Kael: [smiling, trying to deflect] "Good to see you too, Aunt Elara. And Uncle Caelan!"
Uncle Caelan: [clapping Kael's shoulder] "It's been too long, kid! So, what brings you to this part of Vesperia? Got some business with us slumfolk, eh?"
Kael: [grins] "I'd say so, but that's not all. I actually have a surprise for both of you."
Confused but intrigued, his aunt and uncle followed him as he led them back to the anti-gravity car. They couldn't quite mask their amazement at the sleekness of the vehicle as Kael smoothly maneuvered it through the busy streets and into the main city.
As they entered Tidespire, the landscape transformed dramatically. Enormous skyscrapers stretched upward, piercing through layers of clouds. Hovering cars zipped by on glassy, transparent bridges, their anti-gravity systems creating a hum in the air.
Some of these bridges even allowed vehicles to activate warp drive, enabling quick jumps across vast distances within the Planet.
Aunt Elara: [staring in awe at the sight outside the window] "Kael…what are we doing in the main city? Surely, you're not here just to show us around."
Kael: [smiling slyly] "You'll see soon enough."
He finally brought the car to a stop in front of a sleek, three-story building with an imposing, modern design. Automated gates, advanced security sensors, and a beautifully manicured lawn gave the property a stately presence.
Before his aunt and uncle could fully process their surroundings, a robot resembling a distinguished, well-dressed nobleman approached them.
Robot: [bowing respectfully] "Welcome, esteemed guests! I am Reginald, at your service. I warmly welcome you to Ashvale Villa."
His aunt and uncle stared, wide-eyed, at both the villa and Kael.
Uncle Caelan: [stunned] "Kael…is this…is this for real?"
Kael: [grins, gesturing at the house] "It's all ours. This is where we'll be living from now on. Consider it a fresh start, something better than anything we've ever had."
Aunt Elara: [tears welling up] "Oh, Kael…my boy, look at you… [embracing him tightly] You've really grown up, haven't you?"
Elara's Flashback: Seven [Planet Vesperia] Years Ago.
The scene was dusty and loud, filled with the sounds of bustling merchants and chattering children in the slums of Tidespire. Kael, only thirteen, stood off to the side, watching a group of local kids laughing and playing a game with a worn ball.
His left sleeve hung empty, a silent testament to the arm he'd lost as a young child. Despite his hesitation, he approached them, trying to join in with a hopeful smile.
One of the older boys turned to him, scoffing.
Boy: [dismissive] "What're you doing here, Kael? You can't play with one arm. You'll just slow us down."
Kael looked down, the words hitting him harder than he let on, but he tried to keep his composure. Elara watched from a distance, her heart breaking. She had seen this scene play out countless times—Kael's quiet resilience, his attempts to fit in, and the cold rejection he faced because of something he couldn't change.
Later that evening, Kael sat by the small, grimy window in their cramped one-room home, staring out at the flickering lights of the city. Elara knelt beside him, resting a gentle hand on his shoulder.
Aunt Elara: [softly] "Kael, I know it feels unfair. But one day, you'll show them. You'll be strong enough that no one will ever make you feel less than whole again."
Kael's gaze was distant, but a quiet determination shone in his eyes.
Young Kael: "I want to be someone they can't ignore, Aunt Elara. I'll find a way."
She smiled at him, holding back tears. She didn't know how, but she believed him. From that day forward, he trained tirelessly, working on his physical strength, his intellect, and his endurance. He refused to let his missing arm be a limitation; it became his reason to keep pushing harder.
Flashback Ended.
Kael: [blushing, laughing nervously] "Aunt, come on, you're embarrassing me here."
Uncle Caelan: [chuckles] "What's the harm in a little affection, eh? Not every day we see our Kael with such grand plans."
Caelan's Flashback. Nearly 20 [Planet Vesperia] Years Ago.
Caelan's thoughts drifted back to a time nearly twenty years ago when life held a completely different promise.
At the age of twenty-one, he had been the CEO of Eternal Dynamics, a leading tech company in Radiant Shoals—a continent known for its sweeping coastlines, vibrant trade,and technological innovation. Caelan had been passionate, driven not just by ambition but by a commitment to create technology that served the common people.
Under his leadership, Eternal Dynamics had introduced affordable tech and community projects that uplifted countless lives. He had become known not only as a skilled entrepreneur but as a champion of the people, someone who saw his success as a way to bring positive change.
But his dedication to the people put him on a collision course with the continent's powerful nobles.
The nobles watched with resentment as Eternal Dynamics shifted influence from them to the people, and soon, his idealism became a threat. With ruthless precision, they framed him for embezzlement, fabricating evidence that painted him as corrupt.
Caelan could still recall that devastating day: the military arrived at the Continental Affairs's headquarters, taking control of everything he'd worked for, his legacy falling apart piece by piece. Elara had been there, watching in stunned silence as armed officers confiscated their assets, seizing their home and any hope they'd once had.
That night, as they wandered the slums, exhausted and in disbelief, Caelan had expected Elara to leave him. He wouldn't have blamed her—he had nothing left to offer. But instead, she clung to his side, her face set with fierce loyalty.
Caelan: [voice choked with grief] "Elara, I... I don't know what to say. I've lost everything. I don't even have a home to give you."
Elara: [gently placing a hand on his arm] "Caelan, don't talk like that. You think I stayed with you for a home? We built our life together, and we'll build it again. I'm not going anywhere."
In the midst of that dark night, her words were a lifeline, and Caelan held onto her hand, feeling a flicker of hope for the first time since their world had fallen apart.
Later that night, as they wandered the narrow streets of the slums, something unexpected happened. A soft whimper caught their attention from an alley, and they both turned, spotting a small basket tucked beside a pile of broken crates.
Caelan and Elara exchanged a look, their expressions shadowed by both curiosity and concern. Kneeling down, Elara carefully lifted the blanket covering the tiny figure, revealing a baby boy with a small, underdeveloped left arm. The child's delicate features were different somehow, When Elara and Caelan sensed an aura of abandonment that made his heart ache.
Elara: [whispering, her eyes filled with a motherly softness] "Oh, Caelan…look at him. He's so small. Oh poor soul, you must have been left here because of your arm…people can be so cruel. We must take him with us!"
Caelan: [a little hesitant] "Elara, we don't even have a place to stay ourselves. How can we take in a child?"
Elara looked up at him, her gaze unwavering, filled with a depth of compassion that he had rarely seen.
Elara: [her voice resolute] "This child was left to survive in the streets because someone couldn't see his worth. We can't just leave him here, Caelan. We've already lost everything…but that doesn't mean we have to lose ourselves. Let's give him a chance."
Caelan hesitated, torn between fear and a strange, unexpected pull toward this child. He could see Elara's determination and knew that, no matter the hardships, she would never forgive herself if they left the child behind. Taking a deep breath, he nodded, his hand resting gently on her shoulder.
Caelan: [softly] "Alright, Elara. If you're willing to take this on…then so am I. We'll give him a home."
With that, they gathered the tiny boy into their arms and began a new journey, one they hadn't anticipated but were now bound to with a sense of purpose.
End of Flashback.
Caelan snapped back to the present, his heart swelling as he looked at Kael, who had grown into a remarkable young man. He marveled at the memories and the journey that had brought them here. His thoughts drifted again, this time to the silent vow he and Elara had made. After adopting Kael, they'd decided not to have other children, choosing instead to focus on raising him, even as they struggled to survive. They couldn't afford to bring another life into their world of uncertainty.
But now, with Kael standing before him—a man of integrity, courage, and resilience—Caelan felt an unexpected surge of pride. Kael had become the son he had never dared to hope for, and more than that, he was the kind of person they had aspired to raise despite the odds.
As he stood in the grandeur of Ashvale Villa, Caelan glanced at Kael, his eyes brimming with silent gratitude. A soft, wistful smile spread across his face as he remembered their journey from the slums to this moment, surrounded by luxury they'd never dreamed of.
Caelan: [smiling quietly to himself] "Who would've thought…from the slums to here, and Kael turned out to be everything we could have hoped for."
Unspoken words lingered in his heart, the years of struggle and sacrifice flashing before his eyes, and he said nothing more—just smiled, the weight of love and pride filling the silence.
Kael led them on a tour of the villa, each room more impressive than the last. The place had everything : a spacious living area with a panoramic view of the city, a dining room with an automated chef station, and a fully-equipped relaxation zone with holographic entertainment screens. His aunt's gaze drifted as they moved through the house, memories surfacing of the difficult years they'd endured together.
Aunt Elara: [reminiscing] "I remember the days you'd run out to play, even with your missing arm…how the other kids wouldn't include you. It broke my heart seeing you left out because of something beyond your control."
Kael: [quietly] "Those were tough times. But they made me who I am now."
The tour concluded in a spacious living area where the family could sit together. Kael turned to his aunt and uncle, a somber look crossing his face.
Kael: "Listen, Aunt Elara, Uncle Caelan—I'll have to leave again in a couple of days. My duties don't give me much time to stay, and I don't know when I'll be able to visit again."
He handed a metallic, sleek credit card to his uncle.
Kael: "This card has four million galactic credits. I transferred it from my personal account. Use it to make a life here. A comfortable life."
His aunt's expression turned serious, a hint of concern flickering in her eyes.
Aunt Elara: [holding his hand] "We understand Kael, But promise me you'll visit whenever you can. And you'll come back when…when the baby arrives, right?"
Kael softened, nodding reassuringly.
Kael: [smiling] "Of course, Aunt Elara. How could I miss meeting my little sibling? I'll be here as soon as I can."
They shared a laugh, filling the room with warmth and hope. The joy of seeing their boy—a child who had once seemed destined for hardship—now flourishing and generous, radiated through them, a feeling that no credit amount or grand villa could ever replicate.
TO BE CONTINUED.