Chapter 16: Chapter 15: City
The city unfolded before us like something out of a sci-fi movie, gleaming towers of chrome and glass reaching toward the heavens, tech-jets zipping around in coordinated patterns, their sleek forms bearing the insignias of the military and awakened bases.
The roads was alive with the hum of cars and people passing all around.
It was overwhelming, to say the least.
For a moment, I was surprised because of it all.
I walked alongside the others, Amber staying close as if she feared I'd wander off. She was chatty, more so than usual, her questions coming in quick succession.
"Do you go out often, Sky? What's your usual route?" she asked, her eyes darting from me to the bustling surroundings.
The real Sky the one whose life I had taken over probably didn't have much time for casual strolls or sightseeing, judging by the way everyone treated him.
I had to think quickly, piecing together the fragments of his personality that I'd seen.
Someone like him, desperate for power and validation, likely wouldn't waste time on frivolities.
"Not really," I replied carefully, letting my tone carry a hint of disinterest.
"I focus on training and missions. There's not much point in wandering around."
Amber tilted her head, studying me as though my words held some hidden meaning.
"You really are dedicated as always, huh? So, what do you do for fun then? You can't just be all work and no play."
Fun? If she only knew the whirlwind of chaos I'd been thrown into since transmigrating here.
But again, I had to answer as though I were the original Sky.
"I guess... I train for fun too," I said with a slight shrug, hoping the vague answer would suffice.
Amber frowned but didn't press further. As we continued walking, I began to notice something peculiar people were staring at us.
Some glanced briefly before quickly looking away, while others openly gawked, their expressions a mixture of surprised and sadness.
It wasn't hard to figure out why.
We were very many when we set out to fight the infected monster who ended up infecting almost all the soldiers and in the end only few survived, some soldiers and awakened families might be among the ones who are sad.
That is just how this world is... Sadness all around.
The attention was unnerving, but I kept my focus forward, acting as though I didn't notice.
Amber, however, was unbothered by the stares, her curiosity still directed at me.
"Do you ever hang out with your team? Like, outside of missions?"
I hesitated, unsure how to answer. "Not really. You should know I'm... not much of a social person,"
I admitted, which wasn't entirely a lie. I don't know anything about sky but I know what people like him can do. I just answered out of experience, It seemed to satisfy her for the moment.
Eventually, we reached the base.
The sprawling compound was divided into two distinct areas the awakened base on the left, marked by towering structures and a more polished aesthetic, and the military base on the right, its blocky buildings exuding a no-nonsense vibe.
Despite their proximity, the two were worlds apart, each catering to its specific group.
Amber stopped, her expression shifting to something close to sadness.
"I guess this is where we part ways," she said softly.
"The awakened base is that way." She pointed to the left.
I nodded, unsure of what to say.
Amber had been unusually kind to me, but I couldn't shake the feeling that her concern stemmed from the original Sky's weakness rather than any genuine affection.
I don't know, just a guess.
"Goodbye then," I said simply, offering her a faint smile.
Her gaze lingered on me for a moment before she turned and walked away, joining the other awakened as they made their way toward their base.
I couldn't help but notice how her shoulders slumped slightly, as though she didn't want to leave.
Because we won't see again for a long time
Meanwhile, Edward had already moved ahead, deep in discussion with Sergeant Thomas.
I followed as the sergeant motioned for the remaining soldiers to head toward the military base.
The short walk was uneventful, but my mind was anything but calm.
The cube.
I couldn't stop thinking about it. The glowing eyes, the aura it gave off it was all burned into my memory.
But more than that, I was curious what it is going to be. What would it look like? Would it be fierce and terrifying, or... maybe even cute? The thought made me chuckle inwardly.
I was tired of waiting for the seal to break. The system's message about the seal releasing had been cryptic, and the suspense was killing me.
I wanted to see it, to understand its powers, to train it and make it mine.
The mere idea of having something so powerful under my control was exhilarating.
"Sky!" Sergeant Thomas's bark pulled me from my thoughts.
I snapped my head up, realizing we'd arrived at the military base.
The large gates loomed ahead, and soldiers moved about, busy with their tasks.
I straightened up, masking the distraction in my eyes. "Yes, sir."
The sergeant gave me a long look before motioning for us to enter.
So this would be my life now, huh...