NOVEL NEXT Chapter 48: Lumina's report
At the Water Team Station
The pathway bustled with life-murmurs from merchants and tradesmen formed a gentle symphony in the background. Nyxander and Beorn walked down, steps measured and of a sure gait. Smells wafted through the air: crackling food, the metallic scent of newly forged arms, the earthly smell of medication that the apothecary was selling.
"Who were those guys back at the Aether Glide? Their stares were sharp enough to peel skin, and there was obvious tension between both teams," Nyxander asked, his voice low yet edged with curiosity, quick as a blade seeking answers.
Beorn turned his head slightly, giving Nyxander a fleeting glance before focusing back on their path. "Those were the 'Flame Astro,'" he began, his tone steady yet laced with caution. "Their leading astro is Centric; that man who stared at you through the bloody gaze that almost boiled the air. Our group is named 'Water Astro,' with our leading astro already known to you: Lumina.
The tension began when Centric showed interest in Lumina, but Lumina, by nature, had given him not even an atom of an inch of space. She was totally shutting him out as if he needed to cease being part of the world. Thus, his pride began to ache so much, but from then on, that Flame Astro needle-jabbed us at every turn. But now." He stopped, heaviness in his tone, ".when you stepped out, I'll be surprised if their plotting against you didn't exist.
Nyxander beamed, his face alight with an unrestrained sort of enthusiasm, the way a child did on the eve of some new game. "Well, I just can't wait to see what they're cooking up for me." His voice was threaded with mirth, wholly insensitive to the weight of Beorn's warning.
Beorn turned abruptly to him, stern and almost brotherly. "Are you even listening? The Flame Astro aren't some mouths, loud and vocal. They are dangerous, and acting reckless with them will cost more than you may be ready to lose."
Nyxander's smile gentled, but his eyes didn't break. "I hear you, Beorn. But what to say? I do not seem to be able to help my blood surging." There was evenness in his tone, but also a thread of defiance laced through.
Beorn exhaled and turned back toward the front. "Anyway, here's the place I was told to bring you." He nodded to their right toward a small single-room unit.
He stepped closer, opening the door to reveal a modest space. It was scarcely furnished but clean, with a simple mattress, a sturdy wooden table surrounded by two chairs, and a small en-suite bathroom. The room was quiet, still, and in solitude.
Nyxander turned back to Beorn, his brows furrowing slightly. "It is nice, but it feels. lived-in. Someone's been here before."
Beorn's expression shifted, a faint shadow of sadness crossing his face. "You're right. This was Maxil's room. He was one of us, a strong, loyal comrade. But he's gone now. Killed in action during a mission. Now it's yours."
Nyxander's face softened. "I'm sorry for your loss," he said quietly, his tone carrying genuine empathy.
Beorn gave a small, somber smile. "Don't be. It's the way of things around here." He glanced at Nyxander again. "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
The two exchanged a brief, mutual wave of farewell before Beorn turned and walked away, leaving Nyxander to settle into his new quarters.
Back at the North Astro Lord's Room
The air was heavy in the room, as if compressed by an unseen force. The moment crackled with tense electricity, ready to break at any second.
"Now, let's proceed with the next report," Hung said. In a soft voice that was commanding attention, the current cut through the atmosphere, and he moved back into position at the right of the North Astro Lord, silent witness once more to his utter devotion to him.
With swift, almost kingly movements, Lumina stepped forward. She bowed slightly, her left fist touching her right palm in a formal gesture. "Here is my report," she began, her voice steady but tinged with gravity.
"After a month and a week of journeying to the Northeast, we've uncovered why we lost our spoils-three primordial infants."
The North Astro Lord leaned forward slightly, his gaze narrowing. "Let's hear it," he said-his tone clipped, yet controlled, gesturing with an open hand for her to continue.
"The spoils were taken by demons from the Dark Station," Lumina stated, her voice level.
As she spoke, the mood suddenly transformed into one of violence. In an instant, a thick surge of heavy energy exploded out of the North Astro Lord, crushing everything in the room like a tsunami. The leaders of the Astros began to sway; their knees buckling from the weight of his brute power. It was Hung alone, firm as a mountain, who placed a sure hand upon the North Astro Lord's shoulder, the contact silently imploring restraint.
"Apologies," the North Astro Lord said, his tone subdued, the storm in him finally soothed.
Lumina added, her voice cutting through residual tension. "There's one more thing we observed. They won't process the spoils immediately to avoid suspicion. Instead, they've shifted the timeline by a year, hoping we'll lower our guard out of forgetfulness."
The North Astro Lord's face darkened as he fell into a pensive silence. "So, we have one year to take back what rightfully belongs to us," he finally said, sharp and resolute in tone.
"What do you think, Hung?" he asked, turning to his right-hand man.
Hung's expression was measured, his voice carrying the weight of wisdom. "It's manageable. We'll devise a plan within three months. In the meantime, every Astro leader must ensure their members stay sharp and disciplined." He turned to Lumina. "What's the name of your new member?"
"Zion," Lumina replied curtly.
"Inform him that in two weeks, he will face a trial. He has to succeed to be fully accepted into your Astro," Hung instructed, his eyes unforgiving.
The North Astro Lord rose from his chair, his movements sluggish. "If there is nothing more to add, this meeting is adjourned," he said.
He turned, the broadness of his back an omen of command, and moved toward a side door, Hung tagging after him. The door closed with quiet finality, leaving the room heavy with unresolved fear and determination.
As the room emptied, Seraphina, the second Astro female leader, leapt toward Lumina, her joy unrestrained. Her tiger-skin skirt flared as she embraced her elder sister, her round C-cup chest pressing against Lumina's teardrop-shaped figure.
"Big Sis, I missed you so much! It felt like an eternity since you left!" Seraphina's voice quivered with tearful joy, her words spilling forth like an overflowing stream.
Lumina smiled, her demeanor softening. "It's okay now. I'm back." She patted Seraphina's back in a comforting rhythm, her voice like a soothing balm.
As they separated, Seraphina's sharp gaze danced over Lumina's form, scanning her from head to toe like a hawk searching for prey. "Who's the guy bothering you, Big Sis? Let me teach him a lesson!" she said, her fist clenched in mock fury.
"You don't need to worry about arrogant fools," Lumina replied, ruffling Seraphina's hair affectionately. Her gaze shifted toward Dunstan, who had been watching the exchange with a bemused smirk.
"Actually, I'm curious too," Dunstan interjected, his arms crossed. "Who's this man who has the nerve to stir trouble with you?"
Lumina chuckled, her tone sharp but playful. "Unlike some, he doesn't rely on inflated strength to claim what isn't his."
The group stepped outside, their camaraderie evident despite the light teasing.
"See you around, Big Sis!" Seraphina called out, waving enthusiastically.
"Let's catch up soon," Dunstan added, offering a more reserved wave.
Lumina returned the gestures, her heart warmed by their affection. As the group dispersed to their respective territories to protect what was theirs. The encroaching night painted the sky in shades of deep indigo.
Seraphina, the second Astro lady, turned sharply toward Lumina. Without hesitation, she darted forward, leaping into her sister's embrace. Her C-cup round chest pressed against Lumina's teardrop-shaped, 3D-cup figure in a display of familial warmth.
Her arms wrapped tightly around Lumina, her voice trembling with joy. "Big sis, I missed you! It felt like a year since you left!" Her words came in a rush, her emotions brimming to the surface like water spilling over a dam.
Lumina, ever composed, patted Seraphina's back reassuringly. "Everything's okay now. I'm back," she said, her voice a soothing balm.
As they pulled apart, Seraphina's eyes danced across Lumina's figure, scanning her sister with the care of someone seeking any sign of harm. Her gaze sharpened, her playful expression hardening with seriousness. "Who's the guy bothering my big sis? Let me teach him a lesson he won't forget!" she exclaimed, her small fist clenching with fiery determination.
Lumina chuckled softly, brushing a hand through Seraphina's hair in a gentle motion. Her gaze, however, shifted momentarily toward Centric, her eyes narrowing. "Don't worry about what some arrogant fool said," she said dismissively, her tone laced with quiet defiance.
Dunstan, who had been observing the exchange, broke into the conversation with a chuckle. "I was about to ask the same thing. Who was the guy?"
Lumina's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "He didn't even touch me," she said with a sharp edge to her tone, "unlike some who drown in their own strength, believing they can force their will on everything."
As the group stepped out of the building, Seraphina waved cheerfully. "See you around, Big Sis!"
Lumina returned the wave, her movements calm and composed.
Dunstan followed suit, nodding toward Lumina. "Let's catch up sometime," he said before departing toward his own territory.
One by one, they all dispersed, returning to their respective regions to protect what was theirs.
The next morning, Nyxander stood in the bathroom, his body bare and unapologetic. The Nullpoint within him receded as if to grant him a rare moment of vulnerability. His broad chest glistened faintly as he splashed water onto his face from the washbasin, the cool droplets rolling down his skin like liquid diamonds.
A knock sounded at his door, abrupt and unexpected. Caught in the rhythm of his routine, Nyxander, forgetting his current state of undress, stepped out of the bathroom, his strides confident and unbothered.
"Come in," he called, his voice resonant and casual.