PROTOGEN ( NEW CIVILIZATION)

Part 12---a beautiful place to enjoy---

Time: 15:30

After spending two and a half hours at the shopping center, Robin and Amar emerged with bags in hand. I won't bore you with every item they bought, but let's just say they left with more than they planned.

Robin: "Ugh... It's exhausting to shop! Five million things in there, half of them useless."

Amar: "At least we managed to grab a few good things."

Robin: "Want me to take you to that place I promised?"

Amar: "Maybe..."

Robin: "Let's go then."

The two got into the car and started their journey toward Robin's mystery destination.

Amar: "Hey, Robin?"

Robin: "Yeah?"

Amar: "Do you think something bad might happen?"

Robin: "What do you mean?"

Amar: "You know, like someone attacking me out of nowhere or something like that."

Robin: "Don't tempt fate, Amar. We're doing fine so far, aren't we?"

Amar: "Oh, I almost forgot! That general who transferred me here—he told me he'd come today to fix some issues."

Robin: "Ah, yes. He actually told me to let you know he got caught up in urgent business and won't make it today. He'll come tomorrow instead."

Amar: "Oh, okay. Good to know."

The cityscape gradually faded in the rearview mirror as they drove out into the open countryside. Amar's thoughts began to wander as they cruised along the road.

Amar: "Robin, you said we were going to that special place of yours. But it's outside the city, right?"

Robin: "Yup. There's something I really want to show you."

Amar: "What is it?"

Robin: "Didn't I tell you it was a 'nice place'?"

Amar: "Yeah... That's why I'm asking."

Robin: "We're almost there. Just another half hour to go."

Amar: "Okay. So... How long does a Protogen live?"

Robin: "How long?"

Amar: "Yeah. Come on, tell me!"

Robin: "Alright, alright. Protogens can live for a long, long time."

Amar: "How long exactly?"

Robin: "A full... 200 years."

Amar: "WHAT?! 200 YEARS?!"

Robin: "Yup. That's two whole centuries for you."

Amar: "OH MY GOD!"

Robin: "What about humans? What's the average lifespan in your world?"

Amar: "Well... one person usually lives between 70 and 80 years. Some make it to 90, and a few lucky ones reach 100."

Robin: "That's pretty short if you ask me."

Amar: "It's not too bad. It's just enough."

Robin chuckled. "Well, anyway, we're here."

They pulled over at the edge of a ridge, and both got out of the car. Robin quickened his steps, eager to reach the lookout point.

Amar: "Hey! Where are you rushing off to?"

Robin: "I'm not rushing, just excited!"

Robin stopped at the ridge, gazing at the breathtaking view in front of him. Amar finally caught up and stood beside him.

Amar: "Why did you stop?"

Robin: "Look."

Amar followed Robin's gaze and was stunned by the view. A vast city stretched out below them, illuminated by the soft glow of the setting sun. Above, two moons hovered in the twilight sky—one a rich lemon-yellow, the other a brilliant white. The wind whispered through the air, brushing Amar's face gently as he stood in awe.

Amar: "Wow... This is beautiful."

Robin: "I knew you'd like it."

Amar: "It's... It's perfect."

Robin: "I come here almost every day. When I was a kid, I used to wander through the city, the meadows, and the forests. One day, I accidentally stumbled upon this place, and I've been coming here ever since."

Amar: "This is probably the most beautiful place I've ever seen in my life."

Robin: "I've thought about buying the land to build a small cottage here. Maybe someday..."

Amar: "You might get your chance. Who knows?"

Robin: "Yeah... Maybe one day."

Robin took a deep breath, savoring the moment.

Robin: "Anyway, we should head back now. It's getting late, and by the time we reach home, it'll be close to nine."

Amar: "Yeah, let's go."

They walked back to the car at a leisurely pace, neither wanting to leave the peaceful spot too quickly. Once inside the car, Robin started the engine, and they began their drive home.

The journey was quiet, the air filled with the hum of the engine and the occasional gust of wind through the open windows. Amar kept glancing at the moons, still awestruck by the surreal beauty of the place they had just left behind.

Robin: "Lost in thought again?"

Amar: "Yeah... It's just... That place was really special."

Robin: "I know. That's why I wanted to share it with you."

As they continued their drive, the stars began to twinkle above them, one by one, like tiny beacons lighting their way home.