As the day cycled through countless sunsets, the sun regained its strength again, ascending to its peak in the sky. However, thick, voluminous white clouds dominated the heavens, obscuring the sight of the sun. Yet, resilient sunrays found a way to penetrate the dense clouds, sending their radiant beams to illuminate the earth below. Despite the bright sky bearing the brilliance of daylight, the temperature now sent shivers down one's spine, causing the skin to quiver as the air felt as icy as a frozen river.

     The hot air balloon's burners roared with fire, filling the envelope with hot air. The sudden blast reverberated through the sky, followed by a serene silence as the wind propelled the vessel towards its destination. The burners roared once more, slicing through the stillness of the atmosphere.

     As the driver focuses on tending to the burners with hands equipped with a shovel, Oliver, Sophia, Gregory, Edgar, Sarrah, and Bethany lean against the railings, peering downwards. However, their expectation turns to disappointment as thick white clouds encompass the ground, concealing any glimpse of land or water. The only sight that greets their eyes is an expansive sea of cotton-like clouds stretching endlessly below them.

     A gentle breeze whispered in Gregory's ears, gently tousling his hair. He took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as relief washed away the burden within him. Gregory watched the clouds drifting across the sky, then glanced at his spouse leaning on his left.

     Gregory immediately noticed Oliver's gaze fixated on the golden ring on his finger. Curiosity sparked within Gregory, causing a mischievous smirk to dance across his face as he leaned closer to Oliver's shoulder. He watched as his lover stared intently at the ring.

     Oliver's eyes remained locked on the shiny, glistening item, the sunlight casting a radiant glow upon it. Oliver gently turned his hand, admiring the ring from different angles. He then smiled, remembering the moment he first wore the ring. Warmth ignited within him, causing his heart to blaze with affection.

     Suddenly, an inner urge compels Oliver to glance to his right, where a presence emanates warmth even in the face of the chilly wind. As his gaze shifts to his side, Oliver's eyes meet Gregory's captivating smirk. Oliver smiles back, their eyes locking in a momentary exchange that speaks volumes without uttering a word.

"Hey," Gregory bit his lip, peering into Oliver's eyes.

"Oh, hey," Oliver smiled, glancing at his ring. "Heh, I still remember the day we united our souls."

"I know," Gregory wrapped his arm around Oliver's shoulder. "I cherish that moment."

Oliver took a deep breath, reminiscing about the days that had passed. "It feels like we just did it yesterday," Oliver said as he locked his gaze with Gregory's.

"But look, it's almost two years since our union!" Gregory beamed. "Think about the date now. It might already be the twentieth of December." Gregory planted a deep, tender kiss on Oliver's cheek as he whispered, "If so! Happy anniversary, my love."

"Calm down with the dates. It's only the nineteenth of December," Edgar chuckled, raising an eyebrow.

"How do you know?" Sarrah asked, her tone sharp yet monotonous, as she glared into Edgar's eyes.

"Well, uhh..." Edgar trailed off, avoiding making eye contact with Sarrah.

"We'll find out the date when we get home," Oliver reassured his companions, taking a deep, relieving breath.

"Excuse me?" the driver unexpectedly interjected. "Our supplies of bread and fruit have run out after days in the air. Are you willing to stop by in Auxgaurrde to grab some lunch?" he said, managing the burners while peering into the storage.

"We're in Auxgaurrde?" Edgar whispered to Sophia.

"Above Auxgaurrde, you mean?" Sophia whispered back.

"Hmm," Oliver turned to his spouse and friends. "What do you guys think? Should we make a stop by in Auxgaurrde and grab some food?"

"Well! I must admit I'm hungry," Edgar rubbed his stomach.

"You're always hungry, Ed," Sarrah rolled her eyes.

"Me, too," Bethany raised her hand. "I'm hungry."

Sarrah quickly changed her mind, and her tone softened. "Well, I mean... I can say I'm hungry, too."

Edgar shot Sarrah a bewildered glance, tightening his lips in disbelief.

Sophia, noticing the exchange, decided to address Oliver and Gregory. "How about you, gentlemen?" she asked, her gaze shifting between the two.

"Greg?" Oliver glanced at his spouse.

Gregory nodded, a slight rumble in his stomach. "A bit hungry now," he admitted.

Oliver then turned to Sophia. "Are you hungry, too, Sophia?" he asked.

Sophia considered for a moment. "Slightly," she replied, acknowledging her hunger.

"Well, then," Oliver said. He then turned to the driver and replied, "Please, kindly take us down to Auxgaurrde, sir."

     The hot air balloon glides through the dense clouds, its colourful fabric contrasting against the white mist. As it emerges into the open sky, the vibrant azure stretches out before it. Gradually, it descends towards the ground, accompanied by a flock of sparrows gracefully flying past.

     As they descend, Oliver's glance immediately lands on the towering buildings that match their altitude below the clouds. The structures rise like mountains, almost within reach of the bird's wings as they soar overhead. Blocks upon blocks of buildings stretch out, forming endless streets bustling with carriages and pedestrians.

     The sight of massive buildings elicits an awe-inspiring smile on Oliver's face. The surroundings feel refreshingly new, with structures that defy gravity, extending horizontally like formidable towers. Oliver's breath catches in his throat as his eyes wander over the breathtaking concrete giants.

     Continuing its descent, the hot air balloon lands in a nearby spacious park with a small yet prominent pond. In stark contrast to the usual greyish-black cement and concrete that dominates the cityscape, vibrant greenery flourishes in this area. Avenues of trees shower their leaves on men and women strolling along the pathways as playful squirrels dart through the neatly trimmed grass.

     Gently, the hot air balloon settles on the ground, and the crackling fire of the burner gradually fades away. As the vessel lands and rests against the grass, Oliver swiftly unlocks the chains around the waist-high door. Then, the doorway swings open with a resounding creak.

     Oliver steps aside and allows his companions to hop off the hot air balloon before him. As he finally disembarks, his gaze remains fixated on the surrounding buildings, causing his head to tilt upwards. The sheer opulence of the surrounding structures captivates him, making it impossible for him to tear his eyes away from their jaw-dropping presence.

"I can't help but be amazed by the advanced buildings in Auxgaurrde," Sophia said, gawking at the impressive structures.

Oliver confidently strode along the path and spread his arms. With a smirk, he turned around and addressed his companions. "Welcome to the new world that's industrializing and modernizing!"