VOL 2 Chapter 60: Aranta.

The capital city of the planet Aranta seemed to have sprung straight from the heart of nature, with majestic palaces of marble and gold rising toward the sky, adorned with gigantic pillars bearing intricate carvings. These carvings intertwined with beautiful trees, vines, and vegetation of all kinds, creating a striking yet at the same time harmonious and elegant scene.

Beyond the magnificent marble palaces stretched the homes of Aranta's inhabitants. Built with a material similar to concrete, these houses were anything but ordinary. Each facade was a canvas for unique artistic expressions, with various designs blending harmoniously into the lush greenery surrounding them.

The streets of Aranta were a spectacle in themselves. Paved with perfectly cut and leveled stones, they formed paths that gently intertwined with the surrounding vegetation. Their integration was so natural that it seemed as though the streets had been drawn by nature itself.

As the sun set, a magical display came to life in Aranta. Floating lanterns, with soft and warm-toned lights, began to glow as they drifted gracefully above the roads. Beyond their practical function of lighting the streets, these lights symbolized the magic that infused the city, turning Aranta's nights into a dreamlike stage.

In addition to its beauty, the streets of Aranta were the center of social and cultural life. Open-air markets offered all sorts of local handicrafts and foods, while street musicians and artists filled the air with melodies and visual performances, gathering people around them in small groups.

But if anyone were asked what was the most representative feature of the planet, the first answer would undoubtedly be the "Bazaar of a Thousand Aromas", a place where city life manifested in its fullest. Upon entering, visitors were greeted by a symphony of scents: exotic spices, fresh flowers, and the tempting aroma of traditional dishes cooking at small stands. The vendors, proud of their products, invited passersby to taste their delights—from artisanal sweets to fruits unknown to a foreign palate.

Amid the bustling, cheerful street stood Erik, dressed casually in a short-sleeved navy-blue shirt and beige pants, simple leather shoes that matched his shirt, and sunglasses—his style contrasting sharply with the predominant attire of the locals, who seemed to prefer light and flowing fabrics like silks and fine linens, adorned with all sorts of geometric patterns in bright colors.

Accompanying Erik were Eleonora and Sigrún, each holding one of his arms in an intimate embrace, both wearing beautiful outfits that also stood out from their surroundings. Meanwhile, the ever-professional and perfect maid, Seraphina, followed close behind in attire slightly different from what she normally wore.

"How do you like the planet Aranta?" Sigrún asked with a smile as she offered Erik a skewer of assorted grilled and lightly seasoned vegetables, holding it directly to his mouth.

Sigrún was wearing a gorgeous summer dress with wildflower prints and transparent sleeves, paired with a rope belt that accentuated her curvy figure. Atop her head, she wore a lovely wide-brimmed hat made of what seemed to be straw, which matched her leather purse and strappy sandals.

"It's an interesting place, quite different from the university." Erik commented in a calm tone after taking a bite of the skewer—which tasted quite decent—while looking around curiously.

"Fufufu, you're right. Although the Auroria System isn't especially advanced, it really stands out for the particular artistic style, they apply to almost everything." Eleonora chimed in with a cheerful tone as she used a handkerchief to wipe a small trace of sauce from her beloved disciple's cheek.

Eleonora was wearing a beautiful, loose-fitting white blouse adorned with delicate embroidery around the neckline and some short, fresh, faded-blue denim shorts with a subtly embellished hem. Along with her strappy sandals, they showcased her long, toned legs, while a beautifully designed canvas bag hung from her shoulder and a pair of sunglasses completed her outfit.

Seraphina, for her part, was dressed in a charming outfit that seemed to be a very free interpretation of a Victorian maid's dress, with a casual, lightweight style perfect for vacationing. It featured a high collar that blended seamlessly into a light, airy fabric, while the wide, flowing skirt fell from her waist. Together with the lace and ruffle details, it gave the lovely maid a subtle yet striking air, complemented by strappy sandals decorating her delicate feet.

"Yes, they do have a rather interesting style." Erik remarked as he observed Aranta's intriguing architecture. But at that moment, a beautiful, lilting voice spoke in a friendly yet confident tone.

"Dear tourists, would you like a little tour around the city?"

Curious, Erik turned toward the direction the voice had come from, where he found a beautiful young lady. She appeared to be about sixteen years old, with blue eyes, fair skin, and a face that looked as if it had been sculpted with great delicacy and extreme care, giving her fine, delicate features that conveyed innocence and youth. This contrasted greatly with her eyes, full of confidence and worldly experience.

Her hair was a light chestnut color, which, despite being tied at the back of her head, flowed with freedom and grace in the breeze, framing her face softly. Meanwhile, her lovely dress—similar to those seen all around the city—consisted of a skirt made of vibrant silks that went perfectly with the various embroidered geometric patterns.

Sigrún immediately wanted to refuse the beautiful young lady's offer, but just before she could speak, Erik's voice could be heard, in a somewhat cheerful and almost playful tone, as if he were repeating a very special line.

"Really? A young lady like you can serve as a tour guide?"

"Of course, dear tourist. I'm even recognized as one of the best. I know the best places to eat, the perfect spots for a romantic date, and I also know which places won't take advantage of tourists." The beautiful young lady replied in a firm tone, wearing a confident smile on her face. To which Erik answered in an obviously amused tone.

"Hehehe, then let me put your skills to the test."

As he spoke, Erik retrieved from his storage ring a small, simple-looking grayish pouch and handed it to the girl. Upon receiving it, she quickly peeked inside, causing her eyes to nearly pop out of their sockets, utterly stunned.

Meanwhile, Eleonora, Sigrún, and Seraphina looked at Erik. Although his tone sounded cheerful and playful, even behind his sunglasses, his face could not hide an expression full of nostalgia as he gazed at the girl—who seemed to be doubting reality.

As they wondered about the reason for his expression, all three women suddenly felt as though a meteorite had crashed over their heads, instantly realizing the source of Erik's nostalgia. Before meeting Sigrún, Erik had to survive on the streets in various ways, one of which involved helping people in a local bazaar find better prices, so this girl seemed to remind him of that childhood period.

Understanding where their beloved disciple's expression came from, Sigrún and Eleonora could not help but feel a bit sad. So, they quickly hugged his arms even tighter, almost as if they were trying to remind him that such hardship would never happen to him again. Meanwhile, Seraphina briefly let go of her perfect maid persona and ended up softly grasping a corner of her young master's shirt, wanting him to know that he could always count on her.

"Don't you think that's a fair payment?"

Erik asked with a playful smile, looking at the young guide, who seemed to be on cloud nine upon seeing the small amount of intermediate-purity mana crystals in the pouch. This snapped her out of her astonishment, and she quickly hid the little pouch among her clothes. She then bowed politely and spoke in an even more respectful tone.

"The payment is more than enough, it's an honor to serve as a guide for you, young master. Please tell me, what would you like to visit first? Somewhere to eat? Or perhaps a place with great views?"

"For now, take us to see interesting things in the city." Erik commented in a cheerful, somewhat nostalgic voice, to which the beautiful young lady nodded quickly and replied with a serious expression.

"Of course, young master, as you wish."

The brunette-haired, blue-eyed young lady took the lead and began the tour of the city, making sure at all times that the group of four was satisfied and following her, maintaining a steady and sure pace. She always explained everything around them in a clear, easy-to-understand voice, not wanting to displease such a generous patron who had fallen into her life like a gift from the heavens at just the right moment.

After a while, the group of five arrived at a charming square, broad and welcoming, framed by a variety of majestic trees with leaves of different colors. At its center, like a jewel crowning its splendor, stood an artistically sculpted fountain featuring two figures carved in a loving embrace. At that moment, the young guide stepped forward and turned to face them, pointing at the fountain with one hand.

"Dear visitors, allow me to introduce you to 'Heart of the Moon Square'. Legend says that millennia ago, the children of two enemy families fell deeply in love with one another. But because of the hatred between their families, they had to keep their love secret and would meet here every full moon under the cover of night, promising eternal love.

"But tragedy struck when the families went to war, leaving them practically destroyed and nearly wiping their surnames from history. Yet, the young couple, using the last of their strength and severely wounded from the battle, ran here to be together in their final moments. Though they could not be together in life, they were able to be together in death.

"To honor their story of love and tragedy, this magnificent fountain was erected several centuries ago. It represents their unbreakable embrace and their struggle against fate. It is said that those who stroll through this square with their loved ones will feel the blessing of a love as strong and pure as that of those lovers, and it will render their union unbreakable and everlasting."

The young lady explained in a professional voice while Erik looked around with interest. The square was filled with all kinds of couples talking, strolling, or sharing a snack on vividly colored blankets spread on the grass surrounding the fountain.

Eleonora, Sigrún, and Seraphina, for their part, gazed at the beautiful fountain with a deep, almost sentimental look, as though they could envision the scene of the tragic lovers' death—feeling their deep love and grief—which caused them to draw even closer to Erik.

"This place isn't bad…" Sigrún commented softly, gently holding Erik's arm, wanting to convey her deep feelings.

"Yes, it really is very romantic…" Eleonora added as she rested her head on Erik's shoulder with a calm, happy expression.

"Hehe, you weren't lying, this is a good spot. Remind me to give you a tip when we leave." Erik said with a slight smile as he watched his masters looking so pleased, causing the young guide to smile cheerfully. She quickly bowed politely and spoke in a respectful tone.

"I'm honored, young master, and thank you for your generosity."

"Hahaha, keep up the good work." Erik remarked brightly. Then he turned to look at his dependable maid and added.

"Seraphina, let's get something to eat."

"Certainly, young master."

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Aranta:

Heart of the Moon Square:

Sigrún's clothes: 

Eleonora's clothes:

Seraphina's clothes: 

Tour guide: