Chapter 14
Vega
Part One
After the dance performances, an instruction was given for all the unranked to gather in the centre of the ballroom. The ambient music dimmed. Rest of the crowd dispersed to the sides; their verbal curiosity had filled the ballroom.
“All the best,” Vidyut said with a warm smile.
The lighting in the ballroom underwent a dramatic transformation, shifting from the vibrant and pulsating dance theme to an intense and focused atmosphere.
Uncertain about her performance in the missions, a surge of nervousness enveloped her. If not for unexpected help, she couldn’t have made it. No matter how powerful of a cheat she had got, she has to learn and calculate every possible future move.
A dazzling spotlight descended from above, illuminating a raised platform before the gathered crowd. A couple walked to the platform, bathed in the intense fake glow and wrapped in sleek but pointy attire. The unranked were looking at each other, trying to satisfy their uneasiness with fear on their neighbours.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the woman said. “We welcome all the esteemed guest, who are gathered for an auspicious day of Pre-Initiation. I am Erza.”
“I am Jett,” the guy said. “Today, we gather to unveil the fruits of dedication and hard work, of our promising newcomers based on their initial achievements.”
“We acknowledge the diligence and commitment that have led these individuals to stand out in their pursuits,” Erza said.
“Remember, dear newcomers,” Jett said. “That these rankings reflect not just the past, but also the potential for a bright future that you carry with you.”
“Let us all remember that this event is not just about the numbers on a list,” Erza said. “It’s about celebrating the pursuit of knowledge, the camaraderie of learning, and the potential each individual possesses.” Erza took a step forward. “Without further ado, let’s start the process.”
A card similar to the pass she had received in C10, materialised before each of unranked in mid-air. Manya’s had the name “Ira Wings” in bold, elegant letters at the centre. The card itself was a marvel of futuristic design, slightly thicker and larger than a standard credit card.
Made from a resilient, transparent material, the card had a crystal-clear appearance. Upon turning, a golden MS logo appeared. However, the clever design choice was that the logo remained invisible when viewed from the front.
“Soon you’ll get your ranks,” Erza said. “Before it, I’ll provide basic knowledge about IDs. These IDs will be your access to different sectors of our facilities. Remember, access will be limited to your ranks.”
IDs of various colours (Orange, red, purple, blue, black, and white) appeared before her, each one emitting a vibrant hue that stood out against the transparency of her own.
“Different colours. Different ranks,” Erza said. “Each one has its own authority and perks.”
The IDs merged to form a manual resembling that of a book.
“These are a few of the perks you’ll get access to as per your rank,” Jett said.
Information on each rank displayed on the manual.
Orange: 5000000 pts p.m., Hotel (Up to 2 stars), 1-star vehicles, Grade 1 weapons, Facility access-Level 1 only.
Red: 15000000 pts p.m., Hotel (Up to 3 stars), up to 2-star vehicles, Grade 2 weapons, Facility access-up to Level 2.
Purple: 25000000 pts p.m., Hotel (Up to 4 stars), up to 3-star vehicles, Grade 3 weapons, Facility access-up to Level 3.
Blue: Information Restricted.
Black: Information Restricted.
White: Information Restricted.
“What if someone steals our ID, or it gets lost?” a woman said.
Erza smirked. Crowd joined her with giggles. Manya believed the woman to be of earth, as the same question passed through her mind.
“That’s not possible, dear,” Ezra said.
“How to use points?” Manya said.
Ezra fixed her gaze on Manya. Manya’s words had sparked up a fire of anger and disgust in Erza. Does she have to pee?
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
“Points can be changed for real currency,” Jett said.
“Which one?” Manya said.
“Any currency will do your choice.”
Jett extended his arms forward, placed his palms together, then slowly moved them apart, resulting in a transformation of unranked IDs. They were turning orange. Relief and joy spread across each of them.
With Jett arms spread wide, Manya’s transparent ID underwent a magical change, turning into a captivating shade of blue. The sudden modification of her card caught the attention of the entire hall, and a collective gasp of surprise and wonder filled the air.
In a joyous display, a colourful shimmer spread in the air, painting the entire ballroom with a stunning display of colours and patterns.
A dark blue layer of glimmering particles emerged over her saree’s surface, creating a striking visual contrast with the rest of her attire. Vidyut’s mouth was stuck half-opened.
The ballroom, now bathed in the ethereal blue glow. Most of the unranked blended into the background with their orange outfits—her blue attire stood out. Few unranked didn’t receive any rank. There were determined ones who would try again. And also, the ones with their heads down. An individual could only apply for ranks 10 times. A wave of applause surrounded her, which started from none other than the 6th richest man, Taro Watari. He appeared less egoistic.
Vidyut rushed over to her and held her hand. “Congratulations. I can’t believe that I am a friend with a blue.” His eyes were back to friend mode.
“Is it that rare?”
“Rare? You are the 127th blue rank. And you have created a history by getting a blue rank as first.”
“No one before?”
He shook his head. “The highest a person has ever achieved was purple. If we don’t talk about the direct lineage. But Yajvan always says that blood doesn’t decide the limits of one strength.”
The crowd wasn’t ready to move their gazes off her.
“Hey, can you help me escape from here?” she said.
“It will be my pleasure.”
Vidyut guided her to a golden elevator, but when the doors opened, he stayed behind.
“What’s wrong?”
“Lower ranks shouldn’t be on the floor of their superior.”
“What rank are you?”
“… Orange.”
“Is it a rule of the king?”
“No, but—”
“Then I don’t care. You are coming with me.”
His joy mirrored that of a cheerful cub. He told her to put the card on the panel, a routine action in this futuristic world. Despite his best effort, the slight tremor in his fingers gave away his excitement.
Her saree never failed to captivate her, especially the gorgeous blue pattern that adorned it. Such a beautiful add-on and she couldn’t flaunt it. The elevator didn’t have any buttons and three walls around has certain patterns. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they all had distinct functionalities.
After a few tense seconds. The elevator came to an abrupt halt. When the doors slid open, there was no sign of the floor or anything else; only a wall of darkness stretched out in between the doors.
“What’s this?” she said.
“I have seen nothing like this before,” Vidyut said. “Might be another layer of protection.”
Vidyut reached out his hand towards the black void, but it was a sturdy wall, leaving him frustrated and helpless.
“I’ll call for assist,” he said.
A flickering light emitted from Manya’s card. It had never intended for Vidyut to touch the wall.
“No need.” She grabbed the card.
“Don’t worry, they’ll be quick.”
Locking eyes with Vidyut, she pressed her hand against the void. His eyes sparkled with surprise and a smile spread across his face. Their giggles echoed through the elevator. Averting her gaze, the once concealed surrounding slowly came into view, revealing a place, one fragment at a time.
‘Welcome Ms. Ira, congratulation on accomplishing such a remarkable feat,’ a woman of approximately her age said. Dressed in eccentric yet stylish and formal clothing, with a curly black bob.
“What are you?” Manya said.
‘I am Vega, your personal companion, and I am here to assist you with a wide range of tasks and information whenever required. Would you like to know about my capabilities or privacy policies?’
“Will you kill me?”
‘I am not capable of killing you.’
“That’s all I care,” they shook hands, “I’ll be in your care, Vega.”
The floor which was assigned to Manya was big enough to hold Vidyut’s mansion.
‘Would you like a tour?’ Vega said.
“Just show me the bedroom.”
‘Very well. Please follow me.’
Vidyut remained closed to her, but his attention consumed by the architecture around. For a fleeting moment, she compared the beauty of the place with her own reflection.
Vega guided her through artistic walkways decorated with unique furniture. Swinging the door, she unveiled the bedroom that Manya adored.
Vega stopped and redirected her attention to Vidyut, gesturing for him to stop with a stern expression. ‘Sorry sir. Only the authorised can enter the bedroom.’
“Did I told you I like you?” Manya said.
‘No Ms., you didn’t.’
“I like you.”
‘Thank you for such kind words.’
Manya controlled her urge to jump on the bed and visited all the facilities she had got. Among many, the training room and food court captured her heart. While touring the place, Vidyut’s ringtone interrupted them. When he picked up the call, he remembered he had forgotten about the after party.
“Wait, let me ask her,” Vidyut said, “Will you join us?”
“I am tired, Vidyut. I have to pass it.”
“Please. For me.”
She shook her head.
He pulled his phone. “She isn’t coming. I have tried. I don’t think begging would do any good,” he gazed at Manya. “Will it?”
She smiled and denied.
He congratulated her again for such a remarkable achievement. And was on his way. “Vidyut,” she said.
He stopped by the elevator. “Yes.”
“Thank you for everything.”
“It was my honour to be of any help to you.” His eyes bounced between her lips and eyes.
“Good night, Vidyut.”
“Good night, Ira.”
Vega opened the bedroom door with impeccable timing, accompanied by a sly, knowing smile. She couldn’t possibly be a robot? If humans couldn’t connect and communicate on such a deep level, humanity’s future seemed uncertain and grey.
