CESAGA

The colossal pillar connecting the plates of Aurea loomed overhead, nearly obscuring their view.

The Tycart's extraordinary speed ensured a swift journey to the Cydro station.

As they neared the towering structure, Poly maneuvered the Tycart into the designated parking bay, just a short distance from its base.

Only the Morganite and Amethyst plates housed bustling marketplaces around the pillar, filled with the enticing aroma of spices, vibrant textiles fluttering in the breeze, and the lively chatter of Aurenian traders and their customers exchanging goods and news.

"I wish both of you the best of luck with your tasks, sir, ma'am," Poly said sincerely.

"Thank you, Poly," Purnama replied, a warm smile crossing his face.

Suria nodded in agreement as they disembarked from the Tycart bay, their feet connecting with the vibrant ground of the marketplace.

As they made their way toward the Cydro station, the atmosphere shifted. Eyes turned toward the twins, and a ripple of murmurs swept through the crowd.

"Look! It's the Celestial Twins!" a voice exclaimed, barely concealing excitement.

"I can't believe they're finally here," another whispered, awe evident in their tone.

"Did you hear? Purnama ran away during the battle!"

"But Suria stood her ground against the Darkseed! She's the real hero!" someone else chimed in, admiration shining in their voice.

Suria's irritation flared at the mention of the rumors.

"I really should explain—" she started, her voice rising with frustration, but Purnama quickly placed a hand on her shoulder, gently yet firmly stopping her.

"Let it go, Suria. It's just noise," he said, his tone calm but resolute.

"Remember what Putra always said: 'Focus on what truly matters.' We have a mission to concentrate on."

Suria took a deep breath, her annoyance mingling with determination. She understood the truth in his words, but it didn't ease her frustration. The rumors would continue to swirl, but they had a greater purpose to pursue.

As they pressed forward, the crowd's chatter faded into the background, replaced by their shared resolve.

Together, they continued toward the Cydro station, ready to embrace whatever lay ahead.

Inside the colossal pillar where the Cydro station was located, the scale and grandeur were overwhelming.

Three sprawling platforms—PSUCHE for public, BIOS for cargo, and ZOE for warriors, officers, and royals—stretched out before them, each bustling with its own distinct energy.

Above, the ceiling seemed to reach endlessly into the sky, supported by intricately carved beams glowing faintly with an otherworldly light.

The hum of advanced machinery blended with the low murmur of voices, creating a soundscape that was both mechanical and alive.

The Cydro vessels floated in their cylindrical waterway lanes like futuristic leviathans—sleek and elegant. Their streamlined bodies shimmered under the ambient station lights, reflecting the technological prowess of Aurea.

At the PSUCHE platform, where most Aurenians traveled, the Cydro stood ready, their interiors visible through large, arched windows, revealing plush seating and vibrant décor.

Travelers moved leisurely, their anticipation palpable as they boarded for journeys across Aurea. The vessels' smooth, aerodynamic shapes and digital displays promised a comfortable and immersive experience.

The BIOS platform buzzed with urgency and purpose. Here, the Cydro were built for heavy lifting, their angular designs reflecting their raw functionality.

Workers rushed about, loading and unloading goods with precision, their movements choreographed like a well-oiled machine. The clatter of cargo containers echoed through the platform, punctuated by the metallic grind of Cydro docking and departing.

The air was thick with the scent of industry—steam, metal, and the earthy aroma of goods transported from Aurea's farthest reaches.

The ZOE platform, however, was the crown jewel of the station. The royal Cydro stood resplendent, their golden accents gleaming under the station lights. These vessels were not just transportation—they were symbols of prestige, their intricate carvings and regal adornments making them look like moving palaces.

Royal guards in polished armor flanked the boarding ramp, their presence a constant reminder of the station's significance. The air here felt different—crisper, heavier with the weight of expectation and duty.

As Purnama and Suria approached the ZOE platform, the atmosphere shifted. The hum of activity around them softened, replaced by a sense of reverence.

They were greeted by the familiar sight of royal guards, their stoic expressions unchanged, yet their silent vigilance offering comfort.

The twins stepped aboard, the soft click of their chappals on the polished floor resonating in the quiet air.

The interior of the Cydro was even more opulent than they remembered. Ornate carvings lined the walls, depicting scenes from ancient battles and royal decrees.

Golden threads ran through the rich fabric of the seats, catching the light as the twins made their way to a secluded spot at the back.

There, they could gaze out at the massive windows, offering a full view of the aquatic world beyond.

The atmosphere was one of calm anticipation, the soft hum of the Cydro's engines melding with the rhythmic rush of water.

As the platform bay doors sealed shut, a gentle vibration rippled through the vessel, accompanied by the soft rush of water filling the chamber. The sensation was soothing, almost hypnotic, as gravity seemed to shift with the movement of the water.

The Cydro aligned with its lane, and with a graceful lurch, it launched forward, transitioning from the platform into the open waterway.

A resounding splash echoed through the vessel, signaling the start of their descent. As they traveled downward, the waterway revealed its breathtaking beauty.

Schools of luminous fish darted alongside the Cydro, their scales shimmering like gemstones in the ambient light. They swirled and danced in unison, creating mesmerizing patterns in the clear water.

Magical orbs floated lazily around the waterway, casting ethereal glows that illuminated the path ahead.

But as Purnama watched, a few of the orbs began to flicker—momentarily morphing into shadowy, indistinct figures before dissipating into the depths. A sudden chill crept down his spine.

"Did you see that?" he murmured to Suria, his voice tense with unease.

Suria leaned in, her brow furrowing as she scanned the waterway.

"What are you talking about?"

"The orbs... they pulsed with a sinister energy, morphing into shadowy figures," Purnama muttered, a chill running down his spine. "It felt like a dire warning."

Suria shook her head, trying to dismiss the eerie moment.

"All I can see now is those swamp of red fishes being chased by Gorloph. It's probably nothing."

Suria was referring to a titanic, serpentine creature gliding through the waterway. Its bulbous nose, adorned with iridescent bioluminescent patches, pulsed rhythmically.

Its large, intelligent eyes, hidden beneath layers of protective scales, seemed to hold the secrets of the deep.

A living, breathing constellation, its sleek, powerful body moved with grace and power. Its playful nature was evident in its fluid movements, as it twisted and turned, leaving a trail of disturbed ripples.

Purnama forced a smile, but the disquiet lingered.

"Yeah, maybe."

As the Cydro glided deeper into the waterway, Suria sighed, a blend of excitement and nostalgia in her voice.

"I'm going to miss all this," she said softly, her eyes locked on the serene underwater world beyond the window.

"Me too," Purnama replied, his voice thick with emotion.

"It always feels like an adventure, and now… who knows when we'll experience it again?"

Their chatter echoed softly through the Cydro, a fleeting moment of joy in the shadow of their looming mission.

Yet, as Purnama's gaze drifted back to the waterway, the flickering orbs haunted his thoughts—a subtle reminder that the road ahead would not be without peril.