Chapter 101:

Day PoV

I yawned and stretched my arms. The beds here sure were something. I had decided to sleep in one of the pods to lessen the burden on Vyran and Varia, who were hosting us in their house.

Despite being such a tiny space, it was comfy. At least compared to the cave I used to live in with the refugees from my village back home.

The pod's soft lighting gradually brightened, simulating a gentle sunrise. It was a nice touch, a far cry from the harsh reality of waking up in a damp, cold cave. I took a deep breath, savoring the clean, recycled air. 

Sliding the pod door open, I stepped out and stretched again, feeling my muscles loosen. The hallway was quiet, a stark contrast to the lively dinner we had last night. I made my way to the living area, where I found Varia already up, working on the holographic map.

"Good morning," I greeted her, my voice still groggy from sleep.

"Good morning, Day," she replied with a warm smile. "Did you sleep well?"

"Surprisingly well," I admitted. "Those pods are a lot more comfortable than they look."

Varia chuckled. "They do take some getting used to, but they're designed to maximize comfort in minimal space. I'm glad you managed to rest."

I nodded, glancing at the holographic map. "So, any last-minute changes to the plan?"

"Not yet," Varia said, her eyes scanning the map. "But it's always good to be prepared for the unexpected. How are you feeling about today?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," I said, trying to sound confident. "I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the town that Vyran grew up in."

Varia chuckled. "Oh? Interested in my little brother, aren't you?"

My face warmed up instantly, and I could feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. "What? No, I mean—I'm just curious about the place, that's all," I stammered, trying to deflect her teasing.

Varia's grin widened, and she raised an eyebrow. "Sure, sure. It's okay to be interested in more than just the mission, you know. Vyran might be an oddball, but he's got a good heart."

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't help but smile. "Alright, you caught me. He's interesting, and this place is fascinating. Happy?"

Varia laughed softly. "Very. But seriously, don't let it distract you from the task at hand."

I nodded, feeling the weight of her words. "I know. I'll stay focused."

Just then, Vyran walked into the room, looking more awake than I felt. "Morning, everyone. Did I miss anything?"

"Just some friendly banter," Varia said innocently, casting a sly glance in my direction.

Vyran looked between us, clearly sensing he was the subject of the conversation. "Oh? Should I be concerned?"

"Nothing to worry about," I said quickly, eager to change the subject. "Just getting ready for the mission."

He raised an eyebrow but let it slide. "Alright then. Let's make sure we're all set. Everyone else should be up soon, and we need to be ready to move out."

As if on cue, the rest of the group began to emerge from their rooms, looking various degrees of rested and ready. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation and determination.

"Alright, everyone," Varia said, gathering us around the holographic map. "Let's go over the plan one more time. We'll split into three groups as discussed. I'll lead the first group, Vyran the second, and Deros the third."

She pointed to the map, indicating the different sections of the city each group would be exploring. "My group will head to the central marketplace. I'll have Roan, Goerld, Tessa, and Mirasa with me."

Roan, Goerld, Tessa, and Mirasa nodded in acknowledgment, each looking focused and ready.

"Vyran will take Day, Lia, Arare, and Zairus to the residential area," Varia continued.

I exchanged a glance with Vyran, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.

"And finally, Deros will lead Ret, Wilneth, Huitlo, and Tira to the administrative district," Varia concluded.

"I'll do my best, but I'm not exactly familiar with this city. Not sure how great of a tour guide I'll be," Deros muttered, blushing.

Varia patted his shoulder reassuringly. "You'll do just fine, Deros. Trust your instincts and rely on your team. You've got this."

Deros blush intensified slightly, clearly appreciative of her confidence in him. "Thanks, Varia. I'll give it my all."

Wilneth gave him an encouraging nod. "We're in this together, Deros. We'll figure it out."

With the groups assigned and the plan reviewed, we headed out.

The living area buzzed with a mix of excitement and tension. We still had no clue where Yusan had gone. Was he even on this planet?

"Remember," Varia said, her voice firm but warm, "stay focused, stay safe, and gather as much information as you can without drawing attention to yourselves. We'll regroup here by sundown."

There was a collective nod as we all took a moment to steel ourselves for the day ahead.

The streets were alive with activity, people moving about with purpose. The towering spires and intricate architecture of the city seemed both awe-inspiring and intimidating.

Vyran led our group with a confident stride, his familiarity with the city giving us a sense of direction. Lia, Arare, and Zairus flanked him, each scanning the surroundings with keen eyes.

"So, Day," Vyran said, glancing back at me with a small smile, "ready to see more of my hometown?"

I chuckled, feeling a bit more at ease. "Absolutely. Lead the way, Vyran."

As we moved through the city, I couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with my teammates. Despite the teasing and the stakes, there was a bond forming between us. We were united in our purpose, and that made all the difference.

The residential area was a stark contrast to the bustling marketplace and administrative district we had walked through the other day. It was quieter, more serene, with children playing in parks and families going about their daily routines. Despite all the tech and weird buildings, it felt almost normal, a slice of everyday life.

"Keep an eye out for anything unusual," Vyran instructed. "People here might be more relaxed, but that doesn't mean there aren't secrets to uncover."

We nodded as Vyran continued to show us around. This place would be the least expected to find Yusan, but it also made sense at the same time if the man wished to blend in.