In the serene confines of his personal office, a young man sat ensconced among screens and digital projections that bathed the room in a soft, luminous glow. His office was a private sanctuary, distinct from the usual bustle of meeting halls, reflecting his unique status. Sunday, a young man with a Halovian heritage, was distinguished by his fair skin, yellow irises with purple pupils, and smooth, wavy grayish-blue hair that cascaded to his shoulders. His ethereal halo and angel wing-like ear feathers marked him as a member of a revered race known for their enchanting voices and captivating appearances.

It had been three days since the members of the Astral Express landed in Penacony, and Sunday's delight in welcoming them was tempered by strategic thoughts. He saw their presence as a leverage to enhance the reputation of the planet, a place already celebrated by countless Nameless as a realm of dreams and festivities. Yet, amidst his plans, Sunday found himself particularly intrigued by Caelus, the Trailblazer whose aura of needing guidance had caught his attention from the first encounter.

As he contemplated, his thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the arrival of his sister, Robin. She entered the office carrying a hefty stack of paperwork that thudded ominously as it hit the desk. Robin, with her periwinkle-colored hair and vibrant green eyes, was a vision of Halovian grace. Her attire, a beautifully intricate white and violet dress, flowed elegantly with every movement, mirroring the ethereal quality of her presence.

"Brother, have you been resting well? Or are you still thinking about the guests that have entered the Dreamscape?" Robin's voice was gentle, laced with concern as she observed the slight furrow in Sunday's brow.

Sunday blinked, caught off-guard by her perceptiveness. "As expected, you saw through me," he admitted, clasping his hands together on the desk. "I have full confidence in our guests' conduct, yet I can't shake this lingering anxiety that they might inadvertently cause... complications."

Robin tapped her lip thoughtfully, a gesture that mirrored her brother's analytical nature. "I think you're just overthinking it. The Astral Express's reputation is stellar, though it's true that trouble seems to shadow them like birds to a dust bath."

"Hahaha! My dear sister has adopted my turn of phrase," Sunday laughed, a rare break from his usual solemnity, which made Robin groan in mock embarrassment.

"We are siblings, after all. I take a part of you as you have with me," she retorted, her face lighting up with a playful smile.

As Robin glanced at the clock and hurried towards the door, Sunday noted her hasty departure. "Leaving so soon?"

"Yes... it seems you've forgotten I have a concert later. Anyway, I must go. Bye-bye!" Robin called out as she slipped through the door, leaving Sunday alone with his thoughts and a mountain of paperwork.

Shaking his head ruefully, Sunday eyed the paperwork with a grimace. "If only the Harmony had the power to finish all this paperwork, then I'd have more time to spend with my sister," he mused aloud.

With a resigned sigh, Sunday began sifting through the documents, dedicating himself once again to the duties that awaited his attention, leaving the thoughts of Caelus and the unfolding events in the dreamscape for another time.

---

"Hmm..."

The cafe was filled with an unusual silence, thick enough to cut with a knife. Most of the group sat awkwardly, save for Himeko, who appeared wholly engrossed in the coffee she had insisted on bringing herself. She had remarked earlier, with a decisive sniff, that the cafe's beans weren't to her exacting standards.

March couldn't resist sending Caelus a cheeky grin, her eyes gleaming mischievously. Caelus could have sworn he saw something that resembled a hidden camera nestled in her hands, likely ammunition for future blackmail.

Welt, on the other hand, was an enigma today. For the first time since Caelus had known him, the man's thoughts were impenetrable. His glasses seemed to obscure his eyes today, giving them the appearance of sunglasses, and adding an air of mystery.

Caelus, feeling a knot of anxiety in his stomach, turned to Acheron. She sat beside him with her eyes closed, her demeanor the picture of serenity—or perhaps, detachment.

He sighed quietly. The meeting's quietness hadn't been anticipated, but considering his history, it was understandable. Over the months, he had dodged numerous advances, with many suitors resorting to increasingly cunning tactics to catch his attention. Thankfully, allies like Himeko and Dan Heng had been there to ward off the more persistent of these admirers.

Ah, that was it. This was the first time he had ever willingly brought a woman into their circle, which certainly explained the awkward tension now hanging over them.

'Well, that explains the sudden awkwardness,' he mused inwardly, hoping someone would break the ice.

Just then, Welt shifted in his seat, drawing everyone's attention. The older man adjusted his spectacles thoughtfully before launching into a question that Caelus had not anticipated.

"Acheron, is it? Are you capable of cooking the finest dishes that evoke home cooking and nostalgia?" Welt's voice was calm, but the question was loaded with unspoken implications.

'Not like that, Mr. Welt!' Caelus screamed internally, wincing at the awkwardness of the question.

Acheron opened her eyes slowly, her expression unreadable as she processed his query. "That... is oddly specific, Mr. Welt. But to answer your question, I do have a knack for cooking, though it's been a while since I've practiced. The last time I cooked for someone, they loved it. I only cook for those I care about, so it's always a special occasion."

Welt regarded her for a long, quiet moment, his gaze piercing yet unreadable. "I see," he finally said, and once more, an uncomfortable silence descended upon the group.

Right after that, Welt continued with another, more peculiar question. "May I ask a personal question? Have you ever had a friend who resembles a tuna—a woman with white hair who brings chaos wherever she goes?"

Caelus felt his eyes twitch in disbelief as he processed Welt's strange inquiry. It almost felt like an interrogation.

Acheron blinked, taken aback by the oddly specific and seemingly nonsensical nature of the question. The seriousness with which Welt posed it suggested he might be probing for a deeper connection or perhaps mistaking her for someone else.

She composed herself, maintaining her dignity under the unexpected scrutiny. "I have no ill intentions toward you, Mr. Welt, but my past is not easily shared with just anyone. However, since you are friends and allies of Caelus, I will make an exception this once," she conceded, a hint of reservation in her voice.

Himeko set her coffee cup down with a soft clink, choosing to remain silent, respecting the personal nature of the discussion. March, on the other hand, was covertly recording the exchange, yet she flinched slightly when Acheron glanced knowingly in the direction of her hidden camera, an unspoken acknowledgment of her intrusion.

Acheron took a deep, reflective breath, as if diving into a sea of distant memories. "I had a friend like her once, but she is no longer a part of my life," she revealed, her voice tinged with a trace of sadness. "Our paths diverged, and we lost touch over time. The memories of our friendship still linger, though, like echoes from a distant past."

Caelus, moved by her solemn tone, reached out and gently took her hand, offering a silent gesture of support. Acheron responded by tightening her grip, finding solace in the connection.

Realizing the depth of his query and its impact, Welt adjusted his glasses, his expression one of regret. "I'm sorry for your loss and for intruding... I was just curious, that's all" he said, his voice softening in an attempt to mend the rift his questions had caused.

Acheron acknowledged his apology with a nod. "Curiosity merely burdens anyone, Mr. Welt," she responded, her tone carrying a mild rebuke. "It's an insatiable hunger that drives people to dig deeper, often uncovering things they'd rather not know. It pulls you into endless questions, making it hard to find peace. The more you seek, the more you realize how little you understand, and that realization can weigh heavily on the mind. Sometimes, it's better to leave things as they are, to avoid the burden of knowledge that curiosity inevitably brings."

"And I am not who you believe me to be," she implied silently, her gaze piercing through Welt like a sharpened blade poised to strike. Welt swallowed hard under the intensity of her eyes. For the first time in a while, he felt genuinely provoked, and he understood why.

Welt nodded, a silent agreement to cease his probing, to which Acheron gave a slight smile, appreciating his understanding. It was a subtle but effective admonition from her, reminding Welt of the delicate balance between curiosity and respect.

Himeko couldn't help but smile, witnessing Welt's mild defeat in their verbal exchange, then her attention gently shifted towards Acheron. "That aside, I hope you enjoyed your time with Caelus. He can be a bit childish about some things, but his heart is in the right place."

Caelus, caught between the playful scrutiny of Himeko and the empathetic presence of Acheron, felt like a child seated between a friend and overwatching parents. Internally, he pouted, choosing to remain silent under their gazes.

Acheron's response came with a smile that radiated genuine warmth, a stark contrast to any facade of detachment she might have previously held. "He has been absolutely wonderful. I've learned so much about him in just a few days," she confessed, her voice tinged with fondness that seemed to draw the group closer into her narrative.

At Acheron's words, a spark of mischief ignited in Himeko's eyes. Caelus, catching the subtle shift in her demeanor, felt a pang of apprehension. He gulped, his eyes pleading for mercy. However, Himeko, ever the instigator, chose to ignore his silent pleas, instead opting to stir the pot further, much to the delight of March, who sat beside her with a grin gleaming with anticipation.

"Really? Do share. We're very eager to hear your stories.," Himeko urged, leaning forward slightly, her interest palpably sharpened by the prospect of new tales involving Caelus.

And it was at that moment, Caelus knew he had ducked up.

---

Caelus and Acheron exited the café, leaving behind Himeko, Welt, and March after a series of heartfelt goodbyes, during which Welt extended another apology to Acheron. Himeko, with a final word of caution, urged them to "do their own thing and to be safe out there." Caelus responded with an enthusiastic thumbs-up, signaling his appreciation and understanding.

Now alone together, the pair strolled through the Golden Hour, eventually settling beside a stunning architectural marvel that dominated the landscape. The structure before them was a vision of futuristic elegance: a grand pavilion crowned with a translucent dome that shimmered under the celestial glow of the dream realm. Its design was both ornate and airy, featuring sweeping curves that mimicked the grace of a swan in flight. The base of the building was adorned with intricate patterns that glowed softly, casting a serene light on their faces.

Leaning against the cool, polished railing of the ledge, they absorbed the tranquility of the scene. The gentle hum of the dreamscape's ambient energy filled the air, mingling with the distant sounds of laughter and music from nearby festivities.

Breaking the peaceful silence, Caelus turned to Acheron with an apologetic tone. "Sorry about earlier. Mr. Welt doesn't usually act that way," he murmured, his voice carrying a mix of regret and reassurance.

Acheron dismissed his concern with a gentle wave of her hand, her gaze still fixed on the mesmerizing structure before them. "It's okay. He was just trying to protect you. After all, I'm a stranger to him. You spent three days with me unsupervised, and now they've realized you befriended me without their knowledge," she explained, her voice soft yet carrying a hint of amusement over the situation.

Caelus nodded, understanding the protective instincts of his friends. "Hmm... you're probably right. I didn't think things through, but at least I got to meet you," he said, his tone sincere.

A faint blush colored Acheron's cheeks at his words, a rare show of emotion that she couldn't conceal. "Ah... me too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Caelus smiled, the memories of their recent heartfelt conversations fresh in his mind. It was a connection he valued deeply, a bond that seemed to transcend the usual confines of new friendships. These moments with Acheron, under the watchful eyes of the stars, felt like they were sealing a pact of understanding and mutual respect.

Then, the serene moment between Caelus and Acheron was shattered by the sudden arrival of a familiar voice, one that carried a mix of enthusiasm and annoyance through the air.

"Ah, Noob! I've been searching for you everywhere. You cheeky man, I had to resort to old-fashioned methods to find you!"

Caelus recognized the voice instantly and turned, his expression a mix of resignation and horror. There stood a petite young woman, her appearance as striking as her vibrant personality. She wore a short black coat and a revealing crop-top that bared her midriff, paired with black shorts held by a white belt with a miniature game console. A black and purple fabric draped elegantly from her shorts. She accessorized with purple glasses and a black bow tying her hair into a loose ponytail. Her mismatched boots—black, white, and blue—were notable, with a sheathed knife on the right leg and short fishnet stockings on the left calf. Blue bandages on her left knee and lower back hinted at a reckless zest for adventure.

As she popped her chewing gum, her eyes sparkled with a dull yet playful happiness. With a swift motion, she tucked her mini console away into a hidden pocket, her gaze fixed on Caelus.

Caelus felt a familiar irritation bubble within him, his facial expression twisted into the very picture of lost patience. Tch, he blamed Nanook for making his day even more hectic.

End of Chapter

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A/N: Hello, everyone! I'm back with the weekly upload. I'm quite satisfied with this chapter, but I'll leave it to your thoughts. Hopefully, you all enjoy it.

I apologize for the recent lack of updates. Besides my vacation, I've been busy playing Wuthering Waves, which almost made me forget to finish this chapter. Anyway, stay safe out there and, as always, enjoy your read!