Cyber Chronicles 2: Prime Voyage

Chapter 33: Present

The taxi glided smoothly through the bustling streets of the upper city. They passed towering skyscrapers adorned with holographic billboards and darted between vehicles hovering on shimmering blue-hued holographic roads known as the SkyStreets. Ketsukii couldn't tear his eyes away from the futuristic spectacle outside the taxi's windows.

"Quite the sight, isn't it?" Lincoln remarked with a grin, noticing Ketsukii's wonder.

Ketsukii nodded approvingly. "I'm amazed you guys made it this far without charge."

Lincoln chuckled. "You haven't seen the half of it yet."

Their journey continued as the taxi descended into the lower city through a tunnel at the bottom of the Upper Imperial. The skystreets gave way to more conventional roadways, and the gleaming towers transitioned into functional, industrial structures.

As they arrived at the Canadian military compound, Ketsukii couldn't help but be awestruck by the sight of the military base. While the Upper Imperial had left him mostly unfazed, the disciplined order and advanced technology displayed in the lower city's military district were quite remarkable, even to someone who hailed from a world of advanced magic and technology.

Upon stepping out of the sleek vehicle, Ketsukii once again immersed himself in this advanced world's sights and sounds. His awe persisted as they ventured into the heart of the military compound.

The corridors leading to the commander's office were a stark contrast to the bustling streets of Imperial City. A plush velvet carpet stretched beneath their feet, a deep shade of crimson that seemed to absorb the echoes of their footsteps.

Along the walls, elegant paintings hung in ornate frames, depicting scenes of valor, unity, and the evolution of the military throughout history. Each stroke of the artist's brush told a story, and Ketsukii couldn't help but admire the fusion of tradition and futurism that seemed to define this place.

The lighting, too, was a marvel. A soft, ambient glow emanated from concealed sources, casting a warm and inviting aura throughout the corridor. It was a stark contrast to the clinical, fluorescent lighting often found in other military installations, and it spoke volumes about the level of sophistication this world had achieved.

Ketsukii's senses were on overload as they moved deeper into the compound. The seamless blend of art, architecture, and advanced technology left him in a constant state of fascination. This was a world where humans had harnessed the power of science and innovation to create something truly remarkable, and Ketsukii couldn't help but be captivated by it all.

The commander's office remained unchanged from when Lincoln held the position himself, evoking a sense of nostalgia as he entered.

As they stepped into the office, Dexter's strict military facade melted away upon seeing Lincoln, replaced by a warm and genuine smile.

"Lin!" Dexter exclaimed as he rose from his desk.

"Hey, man. Long time," Lincoln greeted, his voice filled with a touch of emotion.

They embraced tightly, the months apart fading away in an instant.

When they finally separated, they both wore broad grins, their camaraderie undiminished by the passage of time. Lincoln gestured towards Ketsukii, who had observed their reunion with keen interest.

"This is Ketsukii," Lincoln introduced. "A new friend."

Dexter's eyes fell upon Ketsukii's unique diamond-shaped eyes, and extended his hand, welcoming Ketsukii with a firm handshake. "So, you're from Alvanian, huh?" Dexter remarked as he settled back into his chair.