A Chemist's Interstellar Saga

Chapter 248: Arriving At The Eden
Chapter 248: Arriving At The Eden

Sykes noticed the suspicious looks on the students’ faces and rolled his eyes.

Finally, he cut in, sounding a bit annoyed, ”Alright, enough with the paranoia. I’ve been around a lot longer than you, so trust me—do you really think we’d just hand over such a prime opportunity without having a safety net?”

The students fell silent, not daring to argue, though their doubtful eyes still told the story.

”As long as the main ingredient for the psychic healing potion, the Arix Crystal, remains exclusive to our Alliance, the Empire of Kraiton won’t dare cross us. Got it?” Sykes declared, his tone daring anyone to challenge him.

The students, feeling the weight of Sykes’ gaze, swallowed their doubts and nodded along.

Only then did Sykes let his stern expression soften into a more relaxed smile. He continued, ”That’s all I have to say. By the way, tomorrow the Empire of Eden is throwing a national banquet. All competition participants are invited. Once we arrive in the capital, make sure you’re ready. I’ll take you all there.”

”We understand,” the students responded in unison, nodding obediently.

Satisfied, Sykes gave a final nod and left the ship’s lounge.

As soon as Sykes was out of sight, the students started whispering among themselves. Most were still skeptical about the Empire of Kraiton’s intentions, while a few turned their attention to the upcoming banquet.

”Arix, did you bring a formal dress? If not, I have plenty; you’re welcome to pick one,” Cirilla offered, pulling out a dozen high-end dresses.

”I didn’t, actually. Thanks, Cirilla,” Arix replied, not hesitating to choose a deep blue dress from the selection.

”I’m glad you found what you like,” Cirilla said with a smile. Then she turned to the other girls. ”You’re welcome to pick one too if you need it,” she added generously.

As the eldest daughter of a prestigious Psychic Ware family, offering up a few dresses was nothing to her.

”Thank you, Cirilla,” Deanna said, clearly excited. She had planned on wearing something casual, but now she was thrilled to have a more elegant option.

”Thanks, Cirilla, but I’m good. I’ve got a dress in my Space Button,” Lydia responded. Coming from a family with scholarly ties, she was no stranger to banquets and always kept a dress ready.

Quinnie, however, didn’t look as pleased. She reluctantly picked a dress, her smile tight and forced. ”Thanks, you’re too kind,” she said, her tone betraying her discomfort.

”No problem. We’re all classmates,” Cirilla replied, noticing but not dwelling on Quinnie’s odd behavior since they weren’t particularly close.

After stowing the remaining dresses away, Cirilla returned to chatting with her closer friends.

...

A warship bearing the emblem of the Alliance dropped off all its participants in the capital of the Empire of Eden.

Respecting the Empire of Eden’s warship regulations, it immediately turned around and flew towards the border.

Arix and the others watched the warship disappear into the distance before following Sykes and the instructors towards the exit of the docking hall.

As soon as they reached the entrance, a guide from the Eden was already there to lead the way.

Along the way, the students curiously observed the buildings and the Alpha and Omega citizens passing by.

One student stared at the back of an Omega’s neck for too long and was immediately called a pervert.

The student, confused and angry, was about to retort, but Drexel whispered something in his ear.

Suddenly, the student blushed and repeatedly bowed his head to apologize.

The little Omega, now satisfied, snorted and continued with their shopping.

”Why did he apologize after getting scolded? He didn’t do anything wrong,” Cirilla asked, bewildered.

Arix, amused, leaned in and whispered to Cirilla, ”The back of an Omega’s neck is like our private parts.”

Cirilla’s eyes widened in shock. She then glared at the student and spat, ”Ew! You pervert!”

Arix couldn’t help but laugh a little, feeling oddly relieved for the student. It was a good thing this Omega was nice; if it had been another, the student might have been in big trouble.

After about ten minutes of walking, the guide from the Empire of Eden led them to the entrance of a luxurious hotel.

The Empire of Eden had arranged for the participants from each country to stay in five deluxe hotels, each with the emblem of their respective nations displayed at the entrance.

Arix glanced at the emblems outside each hotel before following the group into the hotel lobby.

”Honorable Admiral Sykes and participants, this hotel will be your accommodation during the competition. No outsiders will be staying here, so please feel at ease. The first floor has a 24-hour buffet for your convenience, and the second floor offers entertainment facilities, including several top-tier Connective Pods that are also open 24 hours. If you wish to train, the basement has a dimensional arena where you can create anything you want as long as it’s not a nuclear weapon,” the guide explained enthusiastically.

The students eagerly looked around, especially Drexel, who nearly refused to leave after spotting the Connective Pods on the second floor. Arix had to drag him away so he could stay with the group.

After finishing the tour, the guide gave a polite bow and said, ”This concludes the introduction. I will take my leave now. I wish you all an enjoyable stay. Goodbye.”

”Thank you so much,” Sykes nodded slightly, expressing his gratitude.

The guide, flattered, bowed again before turning to leave.

After watching the guide depart, Sykes gave the students a few instructions before leaving with the instructors.

The students exchanged glances, then scattered excitedly to their favorite spots.

Deanna wanted to go to the buffet on the first floor, so she said goodbye to Cirilla and Arix.

After waving goodbye to Deanna, Cirilla grabbed Arix by the arm, practically dragging him toward the elevator.

”Arix, let’s check out the rooftop garden! I saw the cutest little animal up there earlier, and I just have to pet it again,” she said, brimming with excitement.

Before Arix could get a word in, Cirilla had already pulled them into the elevator. Meanwhile, Lydia and Quinnie exchanged a quick, chilly nod before heading off in opposite directions.

The afternoon flew by as the students enjoyed themselves, making the most of the hotel’s amenities. By the time they regrouped in the lobby, everyone was buzzing with how impressive the place was.

”I swear, the Empire of Eden might be trying to weaken our resolve with all this fun and amazing food,” Drexel said, lounging on a sofa with a content but mock-serious expression.

”Totally. I’m starting to believe it,” Elio chimed in, rubbing his very full stomach before letting out a satisfied burp.

Varden glanced up from the book they’d been engrossed in, adjusting their frameless glasses with a mix of disdain and neutrality. ”If this is all it takes to weaken your resolve, maybe it wasn’t that strong to begin with.”

”Exactly! Don’t throw around words like ’resolve’ so lightly,” Cirilla added, not holding back. ”Just look at Zephyr and Marceau—they spent the whole afternoon in the Dimensional Training Field. That’s what I call real resolve.”

Elio, unwilling to let it go, shot back, ”You and Arix were playing around on the rooftop, too! You’re in no position to lecture us.”

”Oh, really, Elio?” Cirilla responded, a mischievous glint in her eye. ”Feeling bold now? How about we settle this in the basement arena? If you win, I’ll admit you’re right.”

Elio’s bravado vanished as quickly as it had appeared. ”Uh, suddenly I really need to use the restroom,” he mumbled, quickly excusing himself and hurrying off to dodge the challenge.

Cirilla rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. ”The only thing sharp about him is his tongue.”

The whole group burst into laughter.