Rebirth of the Interstellar Pope <Mecha>

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Anno once told Rufeite, "If I ever find someone I like, I'll let him know how I feel-without reservation, in the name of God, and in the name of my love for you." Anno blinked, a hint of disbelief flashing in his eyes. "Master Rufeite, are you getting a little too confident?"

Rufeite smiled, the silver light of the Hall of Light casting a radiant backdrop that intensified his presence. But then, in an instant, his expression became slightly blurred, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "Regardless, you are luckier than I. The one I love has been gone for three thousand years."

A jolt ran through Anno's heart at the weight of Rufeite's words. But just as quickly, Rufeite regained his composure, raising an eyebrow and grinning. "What's this? Are you jealous of my confession? Your heart is racing a bit too quickly, don't you think?"

Anno could only manage a stunned silence.

"Now, in front of the Hall of Light, tell me who you really are," Rufeite said, his tone shifting to something more serious.

"I'm Gaso, an interstellar orphan raised in a genetic nutrient pool. I work on the Beta 5 helipad," Anno replied, his voice steady despite the swirling emotions within.

"Is that all you want to share?" Rufeite pressed, his keen gaze locked onto Anno.

"Why wouldn't I share? I've said everything there is to say."

With a raised eyebrow, Rufeite turned to ascend the steps leading into the Hall of Light. Anno followed closely, trying to keep pace with him. "The hexagram revealed your identity, and your brain waves are betraying your lies. It's fine if you don't tell me now; one day, you will. But for now, let me show you to your room."

"Wait, why did you bring me here? Aren't we supposed to continue military training?" Anno asked, a note of confusion creeping into his voice.

Rufeite didn't pause or respond, leading the way into the Hall of Light. Inside, a pool of clear blue water glimmered, adorned with striking red lotuses, while a long silver walkway stretched into the depths of the hall.

Rufeite guided Anno to a room deep within the Hall, a space separated from the religious leader's quarters by a narrow corridor. Anno recalled that only a future successor to the Hall of Light would be granted access to such a room.

What was Rufeite planning? Why had he assigned this room to Anno? Given Rufeite's obsession with Anno, he must have meticulously considered the room's layout and function. If he knew its purpose, why would he give it to Anno?

As they reached the door, Rufeite initiated the identity verification process. A familiar electronic female voice, akin to H9's, stated, "Verifying identity. Sonic scanning begins."

"Napoleon, open the door," Rufeite instructed, his tone casual.

"Verification passed. Any instructions?" the voice replied, and the electronic door beeped open.

Rufeite stepped forward, ushering Anno toward the threshold. "New identity scan."

"New identity scan beginning," the voice announced.

Rufeite raised an eyebrow, gesturing for Anno to speak. Anno cleared his throat. "Napoleon, open the door quickly."

"Scan received successfully. 100% complete. Verification passed," the voice chimed.

Rufeite pushed open the electronic door. "Alright, come in. This will be your room from now on. My room is just across the way; if you need anything, don't hesitate to knock."

Stepping inside, Anno noted that the furnishings mirrored those in the original Hall of Light-simple tables and chairs, bedding of pristine white, and walls adorned with slogans proclaiming "Powerful Strength, Unregretful Devotion, Lifelong Love, Never Betrayal."