Chapter 29: The West Settlement: City Of Aqia (Part 2).

There was a line of vehicles and people in front of the city settlement's gates, some were allowed in while others were rejected entry.

"Please…! I'll pay my taxes so please let me back inside!" A man pleaded as he grasped at the guard's leg. 

However, the guard kicked him away and pointed an assault rifle at him. 

"You've had your opportunity, if you want in go make some more money and came pay the fee again." 

"I'll die out here!" 

"Not my problem." 

Julius and the others watched the sad displays from inside of their vehicle. A little nervousness ensued as they waited for their turn.

It didn't take long for their turn to arrive.

"Who are you and what's your business coming here?" One of the guards asked as he pulled up beside the car.

"We came from the settlement south of here, and these four are here to enroll."

The guards were all wearing gas masks and black military uniforms. Julius concluded that it was probably to hide their identity or protect them against pollution outside.

However, the air wasn't so bad that they'd need gas masks.

In addition to checking the driver's seat, the guard also checked the passenger's seat. Julius showed the letter as proof.

"Alright, and your ID's?" 

Everyone who had registered at a settlement was issued an ID, the same went for Julius, Lyra and Ava.

Just as they were about to hand in their IDs however, Julius froze when he remembered that Ruby hadn't registered for one. 

She was from Ingram, another world so whatever ID she had may not have been accepted. 

"Look, just check mine, we're in a bit of a rush right now since enrollment ends tomorrow and these people still have to find a hotel to spend the night before its booked out." 

"Listen, dipshit. I don't care if you're in a rush or-"

The guard froze when he saw the man's ID. They could feel his shock beneath the mask, even though they couldn't see his expression. 

"A-Arthur… I-I apologise, sir. I didn't…"

'So his name is Arthur.' Julius thought to himself.

A troubled expression appeared on Arthur's face.

"I don't know… what was it you called me? Dipshit? I don't think I can let that one slide… what's your reference number?"

"P-Please… I just got this job."

"Then If you want to keep it, I'm sure you won't charge us a fee and let us through?" The dirty blonde haired man smiled coldly. 

"R-Right away." The guard saluted before relaying through his communication device to open the gates. 

The group felt bad for the guard but their pity was overwhelmed by astonishment at the magnificent sight which greeted them when the gates opened.

Upon entering the west settlement, they saw tall, expensive buildings and various bright facilities that they had never seen in their old settlement.

"Welcome, to the west settlement, the city of Aqia." Said Arthur.

'...They even have a name. Our settlement didn't have a name… Even London became known as the city of ruins.' Julius thought to himself.

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"Are you sure you don't require any payment?" Julius asked as he stood by the driver's window.

They were standing on the sidewalk in front of a large building. It was a highly rated, affordable hotel, according to Arthur. The group could spend the night there before heading off to enroll in the morning. 

"Yeah, I'm sure. Like I said, we were heading to the same place and I don't really need any money after taking it from all those hunters, haha." 

That had slipped Julius's mind for a moment. 

"Besides, I have a feeling we'll meet each other again soon." 

Arthur then looked at the light brown haired girl next to him before asking.

"Aren't you going to say bye to your new friends?"

However, all she responded with was a glare. "We're going to be late." 

"Ah, right. Anyhow, it was nice meeting you guys. Adios." 

As soon as he said those final words, Arthur stepped on the gas, disappearing as easily as he appeared.

"What a strange guy…" Julius muttered watching him fade into the distance. "But he wasn't that bad… I guess I had the wrong impression of him." 

"Yeah, we can finally get some rest now right?" Lyra muttered as she stared at the tall black building.

There were tinted windows and the design was very modern and clean, making it look completely out of place in a post-apocalyptic world.

It wasn't just the hotel, but the whole city. They'd heard rumours about it but they thought it was exaggerated. 

"There's a lot we haven't explored, I'm sure we'll get a good view from a room on the top floor."

"Maybe but only if we can afford it. We only have around two-hundred credits left from our savings. Let's spend it wisely."

Upon entering the hotel, the group was immediately greeted by a warm gust of wind as heaters were on.

"Ah~ paradise…" 

On their way to the reception, Lyra looked as if she would melt blissfully. She had grown sick of the cold weather.

The hotel's interior was clean and smelled nice. They were surrounded by tables, and there was even a bar where some people were drinking.

Contrary to the others, Ruby who hid her appearance beneath the cloak seemed unimpressed.

'As expected from a princess.' Julius thought to himself before talking to the secretary.

"How may I help?" She asked. 

"You have any rooms for four available?" Julius asked

"They're all booked out, I'm afraid. I can give you a discount on two rooms for two for seventy credits a night. It comes with a private bath, a sauna, a pool and breakfast included." 

'Seventy credits seems pricey but… things are gonna be a lot pricier in this city… We'll only need to stay here for a day too since we'll be living in the academy dorms…' 

Julius glanced at the girls to ask them about their thoughts but they were too busy drooling at the mention of a 'private bath.' 

"We'll take it…" He muttered as he placed his palm on his face.

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"Um, so… are you sure you want to stay here?" Julius asked as he glanced at Ruby.

They were inside of the hotel room. It was a regular well furnished room with a desk, some air condition, a single double bed.

Ruby was laying face down on the bed, drifting off as her body sank into the cushion.

"Yeah, it's so comfortable~" She muttered as she let her body sink into the cushion. 

'No that's not what I meant, I'm a guy and she's a girl… we'll be sleeping together in the same bed since there weren't any other rooms available, doesn't she realise that?'

Ruby got up and walked to the end of the room, where there was two doors, the toilet and the private bath door.

A warm gust of air blew towards them as she opened the door to the private bath. Soon after, Ruby entered to explore it, filled with excitement, only to return with some news shortly afterward. 

"Julius, it seems like this private bath is connected to Lyra and Ruby's room which is right beside ours. That means we can all enter together."

Julius's ears twitched.

"All!?" 

"I meant just us girls, what were you imagining just now?"

Julius didn't respond, instead he averted his eyes.

Seeing his reaction, Ruby smiled mischievously. 

"Hmm~"