Chapter 102: Similarities Across Universes

Deros PoV

I took a deep breath as we entered the administrative district, trying to calm the nerves that had been building up since we left Varia and Vyran's home. The towering buildings and bustling activity made the area feel like the heart of the city, a stark contrast to the quieter residential zone Vyran's group was exploring.

"Alright, team," I said, turning to face Ret, Wilneth, Huitlo, and Tira. "Let's stay sharp and work together. We need to gather as much information as we can without drawing attention to ourselves."

Wilneth, ever the composed leader, gave me a reassuring nod. "We've got your back, Deros. Let's get to it."

With everyone nodding in agreement, we started to make our way deeper into the administrative district. Instead of splitting up, we opted to stick together, given that none of us were particularly familiar with the city's layout. The area was a maze of office buildings, government facilities, and bustling corridors filled with people on important business.

"So, what's the plan, Deros?" Tira asked, her keen eyes scanning the surroundings.

"We'll start by observing the main governmental buildings," I replied, pointing to a tall structure dominating the skyline. "Listen to conversations, watch for any unusual activity, and see if we can pick up any clues about Yusan's whereabouts."

Tira nodded, her expression serious. "Got it. Let's move."

We made our way to the central government building, blending in with the flow of people entering and exiting. The lobby was a hive of activity, with officials and clerks moving about with purpose.

The architecture was sleek and imposing, with the Nomuus Corporation's emblem prominently displayed on every wall and surface. The omnipresence of the corporation's insignia was a stark reminder of who really ran this planet. They probably would run Orginal too if it weren't for my grandpa. Although keeping Orginal free from their direct control might've backfired as it was no under the hands of the Titanos.

My grandparents' being top figures in the company allowed me to enter this place without question.

I eyed my teammates for this task. Why had Varia paired me up with four of the five Titanos?

I positioned our group near a seating area, pretending to read a digital pamphlet while discreetly listening to the conversations around us. Wilneth and Tira did the same on one side of the lobby, while Ret and Huitlo took the other. We all kept our ears open, hoping to catch anything that might give us a lead.

"Any word on Orginal? Have you been able to reestablish connection?" 

The person shook their head. "No, all attempt to wirelessly fix communications are down. Something must be jamming our technology."

I stood up, remembering that before we ended up in the wormhole that took us to Soleon, we were to come to this world to get an army help us take back control of Orginal from the Titanos.

"I know something about that?"

They turned and blinked. "Who are you?"

I crossed my arms. "I'm Deros, the Grandson of Lyrica and Kael Tannis. My grandparents have significant influence within the Nomuus Corporation, and I'm here on their behalf."

The official's eyes widened slightly, recognizing the names. "Ah, I see. I didn't realize you were with the Tannis family. My apologies."

I gave a nod, maintaining a composed demeanor. "No need for apologies. I'm here to assist in any way I can. Orginal, my home world was cut off from the rest of the civilized Univese by jamming mechanisms from Titanos."

"Titanos?"

The other man tapped his own head. He gasped. "Invaders from another universe? But how? Not all that many people from the other known universes have developed a means to move between them in a large scale."

I eyed Wilneth and Ret who looked back sternly. The two were commanders of Titanos. I could get them arrested if I wanted. They weren't needed any more. But I maybe there was some worth I could get from this alliance still.

Grandpa always said to keep your enemies close, but your allies even closer. According to him, every person has a value, and it's up to one to determine what that value is. And if not then make some value from them. It was a mindset that I wasn't exactly fond of, but that I understood at some level.

The official before me, still reeling from the revelation, seemed to be piecing together the implications of what I had just shared. "If Titanos has the technology to jam our systems, that's a threat we can't ignore. We need to investigate this immediately."

I nodded, feeling the weight of my grandparents' legacy on my shoulders. "I agree, but that's why I'm here right now."

They pair glanced at one another, worry on their faces.

"Deros, is that you?"

I turned and saw a woman who looked like a slightly older Lia. "Grandma?"

"Deros!" she yelled, running over and snuggling me in a tight embrace. "Aww, why didn't you tell me you were visiting, cutie?"

I could feel my face turning beet red as my grandmother, Lyrica Tannis, fussed over me in front of my team and the officials. "Uh, Grandma, I'm kind of in the middle of something important here."

"Nonsense!" she declared, ruffling my hair like I was still a kid. "It's not every day my favorite grandson visits. Look at you, all grown up and handsome! And who are your friends here?"

I glanced at my team, who were clearly struggling to keep straight faces. Wilneth was smirking, Tira was hiding a giggle behind her hand, and even the usually stoic Ret looked like he might burst out laughing.

"These are my teammates," I said, trying to maintain some semblance of professionalism. "Wilneth, Tira, Ret, and Huitlo."

Lyrica beamed at them. "Nice to meet you all! You must be the ones keeping my Deros out of trouble."

Ret, ever the diplomat, gave a respectful nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Tannis. Deros speaks very highly of you."

"Oh, does he now?" she teased, giving me a playful nudge. "Well, don't let me keep you from your important business. Just make sure you come by for dinner later, alright? I want to hear all about your adventures."

"Of course, Grandma," I said, feeling a mix of embarrassment and affection. "I'll see you later."

She gave me one last squeeze before heading off, leaving me standing there, trying to regain my composure. The official, who had been watching the whole exchange with wide eyes, finally spoke up.

"Well, Mr. Tannis, it seems you have quite the support network," he said, trying and failing to hide a smile.

I sighed, running a hand through my now-messy hair. "Yeah, something like that. But back to the matter at hand— Orginal's capture isn't our biggest issue. Right now there's a rogue commander of theirs on the loose. I heard he was heading to this planet. We arrived expecting to see it smoldering, but thankfully war hasn't reached yet."

"I see," Grandma said, standing behind me.

I jumped. "Grandma! Thought you were leaving."

She chuckled. "Well, I got curious about what you had to say." She sighed. "So, Orginal was captured, huh?"

I nodded. "Yeah. And someone even more dangerous than Zepheria wishes to take over Quadra. At least Zepheria is a gentleman, Yusan had several screws loose."

"Indeed," Ret said as he and Huitlo stepped forward.

Grandma blinked. "This guy, he looks a lot like your maternal grandpa, doesn't he?"

I glanced back at Ret. "Yeah. They're similar too."

Ret blinked.

"I also met a pair that resemble you and Grandpa Kael," I said, smiling.

"I hope you found them to be charming and harmonious," Grandpa Lyrica said with a smirk. "Tell me, they don't argue as much as your Grandpa Kael and I do, do they?"

I couldn't help but chuckle at the memory of Arare and Lia's constant bickering. "Actually, Grandma, they do argue—quite a bit. They remind me of an old married couple, even though they're just teenagers and not even married."

Lyrica's eyes widened in mock horror. "Oh no, not another pair of us! Are you sure they aren't secretly married?"

Tira, who had been listening intently, burst into laughter. "Oh, they argue alright. It's like watching a comedy show sometimes."

Grandma Lyrica shook her head, a fond smile on her face. "Well, I suppose it's good to know that some things never change, no matter the universe. But I hope they at least have as much fun as Kael and I do when we're not at each other's throats."

"They seem to," I said, grinning. "They care about each other a lot, even if they won't admit it."

Ret, who had been silent until now, finally found his voice. "So, wait, you're saying there's another me out there who is your other grandfather?"

I nodded. "Yeah, Grandpa Taro." I sighed. "Hope he is okay."

Grandma put a hand on my shoulder. "I'll keep an eye on this rogue Titanos commander you spoke of."

I smiled and had Huitlo describe his former boss to my grandma. With that, we headed out, hoping the company would be under to find him soon.