NOVEL NEXT Chapter 49: The two celestial sub races
The door creaked open at his command, and there was Lumina standing at the threshold, her figure framed by the soft light spilling into the room. Beorn lingered behind her, a silent shadow.
Her gaze finally fell upon Nyxander, tracing the expanse of his bare chest sculpted to the contours of a marble statue. Her eyes, as if against her will, traced further down, settling on the joystick stick-an unapologetic advert of his masculinity. A wave of heat coursed through her, making her cheeks flush crimson, their color blooming like roses in full bloom.
"Idiot!" she snarled, her voice a whip of flustered emotion cracking against the still air. She whirled on her heel with a speed rivaled by startled deer only. She shoved Beorn backward with force that took him by surprise.
"Hey, what." Beorn began, but his words were cut off as the door slammed shut in his face, leaving him there, bewildered.
Outside, Lumina stood, her breathing uneven, her heart hammering like a war drum. Inside, Nyxander tilted his head, confusion etched on his face as he tried to piece together what had just transpired.
"You're naked," Nullpoint's voice broke through his thoughts, the tone blunt and matter-of-fact.
Nyxander's gaze fell to his body, realization dawning on him. "Hum, seriously," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Before I could warn you, you were out of the bathroom," Nullpoint explained, its voice slicing with telepathic clarity.
"Alright, just form an underwear," Nyxander instructed, the edge of his voice tinged with resignation. Under his guidance, Nullpoint manifested, weaving itself into a jockstrap clinging to him like a second skin.
"Now, you can come in," Nyxander called out, his voice sure and clear.
The door opened again, and Lumina stepped inside, her right fist to her mouth as if to hold the lingering embarrassment. Her cheeks were still showing a little rosy hue that gave her away. Beorn followed with a folded set of clothes in both hands-a top and trousers in blue, symbolizing the Aqua Astro.
"Sorry about earlier, Blue Rose," Nyxander started off, a genuinely contrite note in his tone as he scratched the back of his head. "I just got a bit carried away and forgot myself."
Lumina swallowed and regained her composure. "Alright," she said, balancing authority with her own embarrassment. "But if that ever happens again, I won't tolerate it."
"Understood," Nyxander replied, firm as any soldier taking his orders.
A tinge of softening showed on Lumina's face as she said, "I am here to inform you of your induction into the Astro. It is decided that you are to go on trial against one of Centric's subordinates. I'm so sorry; I was useless and couldn't stop it from happening." The regret in her voice was soft as the rain after a storm.
"You don't have to apologize," Nyxander said, his voice firm and threaded with longing. "Truth is, I'd be disappointed if I didn't get the chance to face one of them. Don't worry about me. Trust me." He pointed his thumb to his chest, his confidence shining like a beacon.
"Idiot," Lumina muttered, her lips curling into a faint smile she tried to hide behind her fist. "Who's worried about you? I'm more concerned about what others will say about me if something happens to you."
She sidestepped, revealing Beorn, who stood holding the blue uniform symbolizing the Aqua Astro. "Pass him that uniform," she instructed, her tone sharp but steady. Beorn stepped forward, obeying without hesitation.
"Put that on," Lumina said, her tone firm with authority. "You'll both be working as partners for territory patrol until you officially become one of us."
"Understood," they replied in unison, their voices harmonizing like soldiers reciting a creed.
Lumina turned to leave, paused at the door, and laid a hand on the handle. "Beorn, give him all the information he wants about the station," she ordered, her eyes steady.
"Yes, ma'am," Beorn said, his voice solid and respectful.
One last look, she opened the door and stepped out. Her going was just about as elegant as her presence. The door clicked shut behind her, leaving Beorn and Nyxander standing amidst the quiet after her commanding aura.
A few minutes later, Nyxander emerged, clad in the bright blue uniform of the Aqua Astro Station, his hair now combed and tied behind his head to give a more orderly look to his otherwise rough features. Beorn followed right behind him; both moved rhythmically, almost as if they had been working together for a very long time.
"Our patrol area will be the border between our Aqua Astro Station and the Flame Astro Station," Beorn began, his voice firm and instructive. "As we draw closer to our post, I'll explain how the stations are laid out."
"Alright, thanks for that," Nyxander said, his tone appreciative but casual.
Beorn shrugged lightly; the ghost of a smile tugged his lips. "No problem. It's my job, anyway," he said as his voice was warm with male companionship. He cleared his throat and proceeded. "The North Astro Station has four sectors into which it's divided. The northern expanse unto the northwest is covered by the Gravity Astro Station and is controlled by Dunstan, the Gravity Astro Leader. The rest of the north to northeast comprises the Mountain Astro Station under the leadership of Seraphina, the Mountain Astro Leader. West down to southwest is under Flame Astro Station with Centric as the leader, and the east down to southeast belongs to Aqua Astro Station under Lumina.
He paused for a moment to catch his breath, and in this lull of conversation, Nyxander had an opportunity to reflect on this division. A look of curiosity crossed his face as he grasped his chin with his thumb and index finger, his eyes dreamily wandering down the path ahead. "But this division of territory among the Astro leaders-surely it wasn't decided in isolation, right?" he asked, curiosity dripping from his tone.
Beorn nodded. His face turned thoughtful. "That's right. In the middle of those four territories lies a very important place: the office of the North Astro Lord. He coordinates the work of all four territories and keeps them in balance and harmony.
As they approached the wide pathway that marked the border between the Aqua and Flame Astro Stations, Nyxander leaned a bit toward Beorn, feigning casual curiosity. "If you wouldn't mind, could you fill me in on the Celestial Race and their connection to these system panels? My memory feels like it's missing a few key pieces," he said with a light chuckle, tinged with self-deprecation.
Beorn tilted his head slightly, intrigued by the question but not suspicious. "Of course," he began, his tone measured and patient. "It's a complex topic, but I'd be happy to expl..."
"Beorn! You're here today!" A voice, warm and familiar, called out, interrupting the conversation.
An elderly woman stepped forward, her ash-gray garments rough yet dignified, her neatly arranged hair whispering stories of a disciplined past. She stood in front of a bustling wooden stall where customers enjoyed steaming meals.
"Oh, Miss Bertha!" Beorn greeted, his tone lightening. "Yes, I'm on duty here today. How's your food stall doing?"
"It's as busy as ever, indeed," she replied with a warm smile. Beorn darted toward her, observing the pile at her feet, six heavy vegetable boxes. "Leave those! Let me help," he said, going to pick one up with ease.
Nyxander watched the scene and moved ahead in calm yet resolute manner. Then he raised the remaining five in one hand, carrying them as if their weight were of no consequence.
Miss Bertha's shrunken eyes widened in astonishment, a sight rarely seen after so many years of weathered experience. She hurried after them, guilt etched across her face. "Wait, young lord, please wait!" she called, her voice shaking.
Inside the shop and with the boxes all neatly arranged, Miss Bertha suddenly knelt down. "Please, forgive my rudeness, young lord," she said, her voice shaking. "I didn't know you were from the Saint Race. I wouldn't have dared ask for your help."
Beorn, too, was standing in shock, his face a picture of incredulity. Nyxander alone showed no surprise, though his eyes did dance with confusion.
Ma'am, I think there's been some misunderstanding," Nyxander said softly as he moved to help her get to her feet. "I don't understand what you mean by the Saint Race." His eyes finally rested on Beorn, seeking enlightenment.
"It is known among the Celestial Race," Beorn said, collecting himself once more. "But with your lost memories, that would explain why you do not know. Allow me to explain.
Miss Bertha raised her hand to interrupt him. "Let me," she said, her voice crawling through the heavy tension in the room. "It's the least I can do to repay your kindness."
The store fell silent, thick with anticipation, as her voice, weathered but steady, began weaving the tale.
The Celestial Race," she said in measured, reverent tones, "is divided into two sub-races: the Saint Race and the Immortal Race… "
The room fell silent, her words hanging in the air like the stillness that precedes the storm, as all waited with bated breath to hear what would proceed.