Stella (2)

Her red lips and smooth skin texture could be seen, her wolf-cut short blue hair flowing in the air, immediately many crew members working on the aircraft, flying vehicle, and even spaceship turned to look at her with amazement.

Words began to spread like wildfire at this moment.

"Isn't that Stella? What is she doing here?"

"She looks so cute in real life."

"I want to get her signature."

"So she has a natural blue hair."

"I told you and you didn't believe me! It is her natural hair color, it is rare to see someone with such unique hair."

"Do you think she has a boyfriend?"

"My men, don't dream the impossible of even asking her out. She is the goddess Diva of sector 2."

"Who is that blondie beside her?"

Moments later, a brown skin man wearing a sleeveless white top tank approached Stella and me from the other side of one of the flying buses that was stationed and under-maintained by other crew, his blonde hair was short buzz cut. He had a serious look on his face as he got closer to where I stood beside Stella.

"Your manager gave you words to not spend much time in public, it might attract unwanted attention and affect your view." His eyes switched toward me, he said "And isn't that your friend that you mention?"

Despite her composure and cool tone that she spoke to me earlier, when she was in front of people she put up a mature smile and said in a confident yet sweet tone "He is the band member that will work for my next song. No, worries. I know how to take care of myself. Thanks for your concern."

It was like her entire personality could switch in an instant! But knowing her for many years, I wasn't surprised anymore by her ability to suddenly change her personality to suit the people she was dealing with.

"Who is he?" I inquired as I drew nearer to her.

Immediately, people began to stare at me with their envious eyes as I got closer to her, probably questioning why I had managed to get so close to Stella.

"He is one of the crew managers who is in charge of this section; his name is Chakrii," she responded in a mature yet energetic manner.

The man looked at me and immediately diverted his gaze from me, I must admit that was kind of rude but I was used to seeing rude people so I wasn't surprised.

Chakrii replied, "I have your hoverbike prepared as your manager requested me, this card will grant you access to the VIP parking station."

He handed her over a black carbon fiber card, and Stella gladly took it by winking at him. The man immediately expressed a shy expression by turning his cheek red.

Then he said "Now, it is time for me to get back to work. Please drive safely."

He turned around and headed back to his work, meanwhile, I was left impressed by the power to charm the people of Stella. Girls like her were really scary! But I was glad that she didn't use this kind of charm on me since it wouldn't affect me, I could see through her act.

She then glanced at me and said "Let go".

I nodded and followed her closely from behind toward an elevator that was enclosed by a transparent hologram barrier at the end of the docking bay facing the stretching sky.

As we were walking, I eardrops on several comments about Stella coming from all directions.

"She looks just like Suzuna, the goddess vocalist in the solar system."

"Yes, but I think Stella's voice is more powerful and inspiring. I must spend all of my luck to see her today lol."

"I agree, Stella is a new rising star of Singa Sanctuary and Tellus!"

"One day, I hope I can see her on the same galactic stage with Suzuna."

Besides she was being compared to one of the best vocalists in humanity's history, Stella had a composed look on her face throughout the journey until we arrived at the elevator as if she didn't even care about their comments on her.

Once we arrived before the transparent hologram, we couldn't walk past it since this hologram works as an invisible barrier but we could still spot a pattern on it signaling us about the barrier to be cautious not to bump against it. However when Stella pulled out the card and swiped through a scanning display before the hologram barrier, immediately the front entrance of the hologram disappeared allowing us to walk onto the platform.

The elevator consisted of a mere platform spanning thirty meters in all directions, enclosed by a holographic barrier. As soon as we entered the front entrance, the hologram barrier was reactivated, and the elevator started to descend.

I was able to see half of the Sector 2 dome as the elevator lowered; there were multiple floating islands with skyscrapers reaching the clouds.

The largest floating island in the center of the city dome, known as the artificial garden, hovered higher than any other island. I could access this biggest island by going through the skyscraper that houses my school, after all my school is located just below the artificial garden.

Simultaneously, I could not resist staring behind Stella's back.

She seems so close yet so far away right now like her eyes always looking forward to something far beyond ordinary life, beyond the present and into the unknown future. Just what is her true goal? It seemed like she was the complete opposite of me.

I could see her beautiful tiny mole underneath her right cheek as she looked into the distance sky unmoving, it was then I decided to ask her.

"Are you going to leave our band once you become the top singer of Singa Sanctuary Dome?" I asked.

I knew her part in our band was just her persona to finally let out her powerful voice without restraint since we focus on rock music genre.

She smiled and laughed faintly. "I am never a part of the band; I just do what I love. Also, you have Setsuna as a vocalist, aren't you?"

I replied, "She is more of a hip-hop artist than a pop singer."

She looked at me; this time her eyes seemed slightly saddened. "You three, as well as Bridget and Ginevra, will manage it somehow, as for me I will do what I can just like I always have been."

In our band, there are six of us - Shan, Setsuna, Stella, Bridget, Ginevra, and myself. My existence revolves around these individuals, and I cannot help but be overwhelmed by the emotions that arise, knowing that our shared journey will eventually reach its conclusion. However, for now, I am determined to cherish every single moment spent with them, for their presence in my life is replaceable.

She took a deep breath and turned to look at the sky once again. Then she said, "Such a beautiful blue sky even if it is artificial, but it is just a tiny moment in this ever-expanding universe of coldness and isolation."

Out of nowhere, she said something so deep. How am I supposed to reply to that comment? However, she was right. When comparing my existence to the universe, I felt insignificant and small.

Is this how she feels right now?

To be honest, I felt it first hand when fighting against the orc demon lord and seeing the power of Lasiv. Now I even doubt my reality and even the game itself. I had a small feeling that TWOD wasn't just a game, but that was just my speculation.

"Yes, I agree....." I could only say these words as an acknowledgment of how she felt.

Somehow she gazed at me with a brief, shocking expression and smiled at the next moment, as if she realized I truly understood how she felt.

Approaching me, Stella drew closer with a broad grin on her face. "Come over, let's capture a selfie together!" she exclaimed.

Swiftly, she retrieved her tablet and positioned the camera towards herself. Then, she extended one of her arms and wrapped around my neck in a warm embrace. Unsure of how to pose naturally, I pondered my options.

Perhaps sensing my unease, she simply instructed, "Just smile."

Obeying her command, I grinned, as she stylishly gestured with a peace sign. In an instant, a subtle sound emitted from the tablet, indicating that the picture had been successfully taken.

Suddenly, the elevator jolted to a stop, revealing a colossal cavern that served as the lower level of the floating island. This cavern housed an impressive array of aircraft, flying vehicles, and supplies. The entrance barrier vanished, granting us access to this cavernous space. As we stepped inside, my eyes were immediately drawn to the bustling activity of thousands of individuals diligently transporting goods using airborne mini trucks.

The cave's interior boasted a design that incorporated sleek, easy-to-clean surfaces, a harmonious blend of natural materials, stainless steel, and stone and ceramic tiles. It was not only a storage facility but also one of the island's fortified bunkers.

Recognizing the need for discretion in this crowded environment, Stella swiftly wore her mask and pulled her hood over her hair. With numerous people present, she couldn't afford to reveal her identity as she had at the docking bay.

At that moment, a woman in a black suit, glasses, and nearly tied hair carrying a tablet that projected a holographic display about a graph of various products and vehicles approached us.

"Who are you guys? This is not a place for teenagers" She said with a strict tone.

Stella chose not to engage in verbal dialogue, instead opting to display the card she had acquired from Chakrii. She also showcased her holographic identification, emanating from her watch in the form of a radiant star shape.

The woman before us displayed a momentary surprise upon witnessing Stella's card and holographic identification, but she swiftly regained her composure, effortlessly masking her astonishment with a composed smile.

"Come this way." The woman said.

The woman in the black suit raised her left hand and spoke into her watch, requesting for a vehicle to transport us to the VIP parking slot. Without delay, I witnessed a sleek, elongated coupe flying vehicle in a striking black hue gracefully glide towards us.

In a hushed tone, I whispered to Stella, "I'm pressed for time to take this exam. Can we please avoid any more special treatment?"

Stella nodded understandingly and replied, "Don't worry, I'll make sure we get there quickly without drawing any unnecessary attention."

Stella acknowledged my request with a nod, just as the vehicle arrived and smoothly came to a stop before us. The door slid open, revealing a lavish interior that exuded an air of luxury and comfort.

The woman in the black suit kindly stated, "Please take your time."

Stella replied, a tinge of disappointment in her voice, "I didn't ask for this luxury vehicle to take us to the VIP parking lots."

The woman in the black suit explained, "It is an order from higher authorities."

Stella questioned, "Does the organization know about this?"

Shaking her head, the woman in the black suit responded, "More precisely, I should say it is an order from Genie."

Stella appeared somewhat let down by this knowledge but ultimately entered the vehicle, removing her mask and hood in the process. She motioned for me to join her, and though hesitant, I reluctantly complied, settling into the plush leather seat.

The vehicle, a self-driving car, had no driver. As the door closed, the flying coupe levitated and accelerated with astonishing speed along a road that stretched for kilometers. Yet, amidst the rapid movement, I could still observe numerous vehicles transporting goods and workers along the way.

Taking advantage of the quiet moment, I struck up a conversation with Stella as she checked her schedule on her tablet.

"People treat you like a goddess, which proves how far you've come," I remarked with a smile.

She responded with a neutral tone, as if accustomed to such treatment. "Initially, I thought this is what I wanted—admiration, fame, and money. But I realized what I truly desire is much simpler than that. Now, I find myself caught between the expectations of others and my own."

It was strange to witness someone as strong as her expressing moments of insecurity. She seemed different from the Stella I knew at that moment.

"Being an adult is quite challenging, isn't it?" I said.

My comment seemed to amuse her, as I noticed a silent giggle escape her lips.

"That's why, even without me, you must continue and view me as just an extra in your story," she said with a smile.

"I never saw you as just an extra," I replied.

Her cheeks flushed with color, and she responded, "Of course, I am the heroine of my own story. But you are just an extra in mine. That's what I meant."

She was right. Each of us had our own goals, dreams, and inspirations to pursue in our individual stories. It was time for me to accept that she needed to move on from our band to chase her dreams as well.

"I understand. You should inform Setsuna and Shan about your decision. I'm sure they will understand," I said, realizing I needed to be honest with her too.

"I have something to tell you," I began, determined.

"Go ahead," she encouraged.

Her eyes widened for some reason, and she leaned closer. I caught a whiff of her alluring scent. Suddenly, she was so close that I could discern the smooth and fair complexion of her face, almost otherworldly.

"The explosion in the Eternia city in TWOD, I..."

Before I could finish my sentence, her finger delicately pressed against my lips. Her expression turned serious and disappointed.

She whispered into my ear with a calm voice, "Shhh, someone is listening to our conversation. Don't say anything that could put you in danger."

Stella seemed to have an inkling of what I was about to say, as she nodded with a serious expression. Sensing the need to divert the topic, I quickly switched gears and exclaimed, "Isn't it terrible for the victims in the VR world to suffer brain damage?"

It was safer to follow Stella's lead, even though I was unsure who might be listening to our conversation. She reclined in her seat, resting her head on the headrest, and let out an anxious sigh. With a hint of jest in her voice, she remarked, "I thought you were going to confess your feelings to me."

"Confess to you?" I furrowed my brow in confusion.

Ignoring my response, Stella seemed to dismiss my words as the surroundings began to blur, making way for the sight of our flying vehicle entering a vast tunnel decorated with mesmerizing blue lines. Along the way, we encountered several security checkpoints with guards stationed on the side, yet they allowed us to pass through without any hindrance.

As we emerged from the tunnel, the vehicle unveiled a colossal white expanse, filled with an array of vehicles carefully positioned in an organized manner, stretching for hundreds of meters. Among them, a magnificent spaceship hovered in the center, a sight that previously would have been inaccessible to someone like me but now stood before my very eyes.

Within this pristine white hall, the air felt pure and invigorating, evoking a sense of tranquility. The walls exuded immaculate elegance, decorated with minimalist designs that enhanced the hall's sleek and modern ambiance. The space itself was vast, with lofty ceilings that created a sensation of openness and liberation.

Stella commented, "This spaceship belongs to the High Saintess of the Divine Light."

The High Saintess of the Divine Light, who oversaw the management of the cathedral and the dorm where I resided, was the very person in charge. It was astonishing to think that Stella had access to these VIP parking lots, accomplishing the seemingly impossible at such a young age.

As I prepared to exit the flying vehicle, the doors slid open on both sides. Just as I was about to step out, Stella reached out her hand to touch my left arm, causing a shiver to run down my spine. She halted me and uttered, "You forgot something."