Prince of The Ruined Kingdom

Nexus Port City loomed ahead like something out of another world. Towering buildings with glass walls reflected the neon lights, colorful holograms flickered on skyscrapers, and the streets bustled with hover cars and advanced motorcycles. As we entered the city, the sight immediately made me feel like I had stepped into a future far beyond what I had ever imagined.

"You look amazed, Arche," Abigail said, her voice clear through the helmet comms, noting my reaction. "First time in Nexus Port City?"

I let out a small laugh. "Yeah, and I've got to say, this place is way grander than I imagined. It's so… alive, yet cold at the same time."

We cruised through the city streets, surrounded by towering buildings adorned in neon blue and purple, creating a sharp, futuristic vibe. On the sidewalks, people moved quickly, most dressed in outfits that seemed otherworldly—robes with metallic accents, layered clothing fused with tech, and some interacting with personal holograms that hovered around them.

"This is the biggest tech hub in the region," Abigail explained. "Nexus Port City never sleeps. There's always something going on—trade, innovation, and of course... underground activities."

"I'm sure about that last part," I replied, eyeing the android robots stationed along the sidewalks. They weren't just statues. Every time someone passed by, their red eyes glowed, scanning every passerby.

"This city is seriously high-tech," I muttered.

Suddenly, Lilith's voice came through the drone hovering above us. "Don't get too impressed, Arche. This city may look like a tech paradise, but it's also a place where someone can disappear without a trace if they're not careful. The security here works with plenty of underground groups."

I glanced up at Lilith's drone, smiling wryly. "You always know how to ruin the moment, Lilith."

The drone spun slightly in the air, as if it were smirking. "Just reminding you to stay sharp. A fugitive like us can be recognized at any time."

I sighed, looking around. There was a market nearby, sleek and modern, with stalls encased in glass and glowing neon. Androids patrolled the area, their movements precise and methodical. Some were interacting with customers, likely offering goods or services. This market was nothing like the ones I'd seen before—no trace of anything traditional. It felt more like a futuristic trading hub.

"This city feels like it's from another dimension," I murmured.

"You're not wrong," Abigail replied, glancing back slightly. "But don't be fooled by the surface. You can find anything here—illegal goods, dangerous tech, even secret information. In Nexus Port City, power and money talk."

As we rode further into the heart of the city, more security robots came into view. They were humanoid, expressionless faces with glowing red eyes, like lasers, scanning everything. Each time we passed one, I felt a slight tension run down my back, even though I knew I was wearing my camouflage mask.

"These robots are part of the city's security system," Abigail explained. "But they can turn into enemies fast if you're on the wanted list."

I nodded. "Good thing we've got these masks. But are you sure they're enough?"

Lilith's voice answered quickly from the drone. "We still need to stay cautious. The masks hide your identity from facial recognition and standard sensors, but if someone with access to the security system decides to look closer, they could track us."

I exhaled deeply. "So, we're still playing it safe."

Abigail chuckled. "Like we always do, right?"

We continued down the city streets, occasionally stopping to take in the view or find shortcuts. Nexus Port City was truly magnificent. On both sides of the road, floating holographic ads promoted products unique to the city—advanced vehicles, medical tech that could heal wounds in seconds, and more.

Abigail seemed to be enjoying the ride. "I've been here a few times before," she said with a smile. "But this city always manages to impress me. They've always got something new every time I come."

"I can see that," I replied. "But have you ever run into trouble here?"

Abigail paused for a moment. "No, I usually stay under the radar. But that doesn't mean we can relax. Nexus Port City is full of spies and bounty hunters."

Lilith chimed in again. "And don't forget, Eliphas is keeping an eye on us. He's probably got people here watching our every move."

I nodded slowly. Lilith always had a way of making things feel more dangerous. But that's why we needed her—she was the most vigilant among us.

We rode through the bustling trade district, where more modern markets lined the streets. The sleek stalls glowed with neon lights and were crowded with activity. The people there seemed busy, most interacting with holograms that sold strange, high-tech items. Some even offered services for finding information.

"Do you need anything from here?" I asked Abigail, knowing she usually had a plan behind her actions.

Abigail glanced at a few stalls before shaking her head. "We don't have time for shopping now. Maybe later, if things calm down. For now, our priority is finding a safe place to rest and plan."

I agreed. "Of course. Lilith, any suggestions?"

Lilith's drone shifted slightly before her voice came through again. "I've marked a few inns nearby. There's one that's farther from the city center, a bit more secluded. It should be safer for us to hide."

Abigail quickly turned the bike, heading toward the spot Lilith recommended. As we cruised along, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. This city, as beautiful and advanced as it was, held dark secrets. And now, we were caught in its web, with danger lurking around every corner.

Still, despite the risks, I felt a sense of calm with Abigail beside me and Lilith watching over us. We were a strong team, and no matter what we faced in this city, I knew we'd face it together.

We finally arrived at the inn Lilith had found for us. The building wasn't flashy compared to the towering skyscrapers around it, but it gave off a sense of security and calm. The dim neon lights at the entrance had an old-fashioned yet warm feel to them. Lilith, through her drone, had already scanned the area and confirmed that there were no suspicious activities nearby.

"This seems safe enough for now," Lilith's voice came from the drone.

Abigail parked her bike outside and gracefully dismounted. I followed her, my eyes scanning the surroundings, making sure we weren't being followed. Vigilance was always key, especially after a long journey and Lilith's constant reminders of lurking threats.

"Let's get us a room," Abigail said cheerfully.

We walked into the lobby. It was small but clean, with soft lighting and a friendly receptionist behind the desk. Abigail headed straight over to book a room, while I stood back, feeling a bit awkward.

Suddenly, a trivial but important thought crossed my mind, and I blurted out a question. "So… are we getting one room or two?"

Abigail turned to me with a puzzled look, then flashed a relaxed smile. "Of course, one room. Why? Are you scared of sleeping alone?" she teased, though her tone was genuine.

I hesitated for a moment before responding, feeling a little awkward. "No… that's not it. I just, uh, need time to adjust some of my Neumann devices. Plus, it might be more comfortable if we each have our own space, right?"

Abigail narrowed her eyes at me, clearly unsatisfied with my answer. "Why do you suddenly want two rooms, huh? Planning to run away from me?"

Caught off guard, I stammered, "No, of course not. I'd never leave you." I tried to sound serious, though there was a hint of nervousness in my voice. "I just… well, after two days of riding, it might be nice to have a bit more room to stretch out. And we'd probably rest better with some space."

For a brief moment, Abigail seemed a bit flustered, but then she smiled softly, leaning in closer as she whispered, "Alright, as long as you're not planning on leaving me… I agree." There was something unspoken in her gaze, a feeling she seemed to be holding back but didn't want to reveal outright.

The tension in that moment was strange, but before I could dwell on it further, Abigail turned back to the receptionist. "Two rooms, please," she requested.

After receiving our keys, we parted in the hallway. Abigail shot me a playful glance before stepping into her room. "Don't take too long with those devices," she said with a mischievous look.

I gave a small smile and nodded. "Don't worry. I just need a little time."

As soon as I closed the door behind me, I shrugged off my coat and placed my bag on the small desk in the corner of the room. The space was simple but welcoming, with a soft bed that looked incredibly inviting after two days of riding. I walked over and collapsed onto the bed, sinking into its comfort.

But even in that moment of relief, my mind wouldn't quiet down. Thoughts of Abigail and our earlier conversation kept circling in my head. There was something unusual about the way she reacted, but maybe I was overthinking it. My focus should be on the task at hand—preparing the Neumann devices and making sure everything was ready for any trouble in Nexus Port City.

I closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing thoughts. The distant hum of the city outside was soothing, and I almost drifted off to sleep...

Suddenly, an odd feeling washed over me. Something—or someone—was close. I opened my eyes slowly, and in an instant, my heart stopped. Above me, looming just inches from my face, a girl stared down at me with wide, intense eyes. Her gaze was so piercing that my entire body froze.

I wanted to scream, but the sound caught in my throat. Before I could move, her hand gently covered my mouth, though her touch was cold. I couldn't move. Even breathing felt impossible. She leaned in closer, her face now mere centimeters from mine, and I could feel her icy breath on my skin.

"You…" she whispered, her voice soft but laced with menace. "I've finally found you, Prince Archemidas."

The sound of my name sent a jolt of fear through me. How did she know? Who was she?

The girl grinned, revealing sharp, gleaming teeth. Her dark eyes shimmered ominously in the dim light, filling me with dread. I tried to squirm, but it felt like I was bound by an invisible force. Fear mingled with confusion—no one was supposed to know my identity here. Not in Nexus Port City.

"I've been looking for you for a long time," she whispered again, her voice now softer but still terrifying. "You're the biggest obstacle in my way."

I fought to steady my breath under her grip, trying to think clearly. If I could calm myself, maybe I'd find a way out of this. But my mind was stuck, caught between sheer terror and bewilderment.

Who was this girl? What obstacle?

"I… I don't know who you are," I choked out, my voice barely audible beneath her hand.

She let out a small, eerie laugh. It echoed strangely in the silence of the room. "No need to know who I am, Prince. All you need to know is… I've found you. And no one can stop me now."

She leaned even closer, her cold skin brushing against mine. In that moment, I felt utterly helpless, small, and powerless.

Her eyes glinted with hidden madness. I wanted to scream, but I couldn't. My body grew heavier, my vision started to blur, and in mere seconds, everything went dark.

***

Abigail pushed open the door to her room, her body heavy with exhaustion. After the long two-day journey, her body craved rest, and her mind wasn't far behind. Lilith's drone hovered behind her, following her every step as she entered. Once the door clicked shut, Abigail tossed her jacket onto a chair in the corner and collapsed onto the bed.

Lilith's voice, cool yet caring, came from the drone's speaker. "How are you feeling? Everything alright?"

Abigail sighed deeply before responding, "Tired, but fine. It's been a tough trip, but at least we made it here safely."

A moment of silence followed as they both listened to the faint sounds coming through the open window—the hum of hover vehicles and the patrol robots navigating the streets of Nexus Port City. The city was futuristic, far removed from the quiet of Arcadia Point. Yet, there was something oddly comforting about the noise.

Breaking the silence, Abigail asked, "How's Ophelia? Is she eating and sleeping properly?"

Lilith's reply was as flat as ever. "Ophelia is working on her latest hardware project—something about an automatic weapon. Should I summon her?"

Abigail hesitated, not wanting to disturb her sister's focus. "No need. She wouldn't want to be bothered while she's in the middle of tinkering with her gadgets."

Lilith nodded through her drone's controls, somewhat relieved by the response. But before they could continue their conversation, Abigail's face suddenly broke into a smile, followed by a small laugh. The expression seemed out of place, as if she'd just remembered something amusing.

"What's so funny?" Lilith asked, confused by Abigail's sudden change in mood.

Abigail turned her head, her eyes twinkling with a playful light. "Arche… he said he wouldn't leave me. Lilith, do you think that was a proposal?"

Lilith's voice immediately shifted, sharp and firm. "What? No. Stop with the silly jokes. Stay focused, Abigail. You know what you're here for—you're guarding Arche, not playing around with your feelings."

Abigail lowered her head slightly, feeling the sting of Lilith's reprimand. "Yeah, yeah, I know. I was just kidding," she said awkwardly, laughing again, though this time her laughter was softer, more forced. She threw herself onto the bed, her eyes half-closed, signaling that fatigue was finally overtaking her.

Sensing her weariness, Lilith's tone softened a little. "You're tired. Get some rest. We have a lot to do tomorrow."

"Alright," Abigail mumbled, her voice barely audible as she drifted closer to sleep. But before she could fully succumb to it, a thought popped into her mind. She opened her eyes again, glancing toward Lilith's drone, still hovering in the corner of the room.

"Lilith," she called, her voice hesitant.

"What is it?" Lilith responded, curious that Abigail hadn't fallen asleep yet.

"The personnel we have in Nexus Port City... who are they? We have people we can rely on here, right?" Abigail asked, thinking of the network they'd built in major cities.

"Oh, there's Jack and Mira. They've been assigned here to take out any bounty hunters and keep Prince Archemidas safe," Lilith answered calmly.

"Mira...?" Abigail murmured, her brow furrowing. "I haven't seen Mira or Jack in a while. The last time we worked together, they were stationed elsewhere. And now they're here?"

"Yes, Mira Arnvelt. She's overseeing security in Nexus Port City," Lilith confirmed.

Abigail suddenly sat up straight in bed. The name Mira Arnvelt set off alarm bells in her head. "Mira Arnvelt?" she whispered in disbelief.

"Yes, Mira Arnvelt," Lilith repeated. "Why? Is something wrong?"

Hearing the confirmation, Abigail jumped out of bed, panic flashing across her face. "Damn it!" she cursed under her breath, before rushing out of the room.

"Abigail! What's going on?" Lilith's voice rose with alarm from the drone.

Without responding, Abigail hurried to Arche's room next door. She knocked several times before finally pushing the door open herself.

When the door swung open, the room was empty. The bed was neatly made, and there were no signs that anyone had been there recently. Abigail's eyes darted around the space, but Arche was nowhere to be found.

"Arche… where is he?" Abigail muttered, her anxiety growing. She rushed to the window, peering outside, but there were no signs of him on the bustling streets below.

"I let my guard down…" Abigail whispered, her eyes wide with realization.

Lilith, sensing the gravity of the situation, spoke urgently through the drone. "What do you mean you let your guard down? Abigail, what's happening? Is this about Mira?"

Abigail closed her eyes for a moment, trying to steady her nerves, but her mind raced with growing panic. "Mira Arnvelt… her obsession with me has always been out of control. If she knows about Arche... and if this is because of my father's orders, then Arche... he could be in serious danger."

Hearing this, Lilith's tone shifted to one of urgency. "We need to find him. You know Mira better than I do. We can't wait any longer."

Abigail nodded, still trembling slightly. "Yes, you're right. I'll start looking for him now."

With a determined heart, Abigail rushed out of the inn, her mind consumed with worry for Arche's safety. Meanwhile, Lilith began deploying her network of drones across the city, searching for any trace of Arche. Though Nexus Port City was vast, they had no time to spare. The prince they had sworn to protect could be in grave danger.

***