HV - Chapter 170 (Patreon)

Chapter 170: The Emerald City’s Creator

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We moved through the intricate city of green plants and green and white buildings, it was a heavenly area if I’ve ever seen one. The angel led us through the streets toward a tower in the distance, at the center of the city.

“If you’d like, we can ride a flying vehicle,” she had offered initially, but I rejected the idea. I didn’t trust her not to drop us from the high sky, even if we could fly. So we were walking toward the place, it took quite a bit of time due to the city’s sheer size.

The streets of the utopia unfurled before us, weaving between structures that blended organically into the lush, green backdrop. Tsunade kept a wary eye on our guide, she didn’t trust the woman; neither of us did. "How many of you will come if I were to attack you right now?" she asked, her tone edged with spite.

The angel, Gabriel, turned to face us with a soft smile. "Quite a lot. You’re still guests of this city, not owners, mindless rampaging is not advised. I understand your concerns, but please be assured. I am programmed to ensure the utmost safety and comfort of all royal guests." 

Her assurances did little to dispel the tension among us. After walking for a bit more, Vivi spoke up next, her voice filled with curiosity and caution. "And this creator... why would they want to meet us now, after putting us through such harsh times?"

Wouldn’t we beat the shit out of them, if we meet them now? – is what she wanted to say.

Gabriel paused at the entrance of a towering building that was sleek and glistening under the utopian sky. "All will be explained in due time," she gestured towards a set of doors that slid open with a hiss. "This elevator will take us to your quarters."

A closed space, seemingly controlled by machines or maybe some Ai, did not appear to be the safest space in this environment. I pondered over my decision and stepped into the elevator, deciding to test out my luck. 

Once again, the rest of my crew followed suit right away, unwilling to hear any of my warnings, followed by the angel. I shook my head and observed the angel pressing some buttons on the elevator. The interior was lined with mirrors and soft, ambient lighting that made the small space seem larger. Gabriel finished pressing the buttons, leaving a last press on the Floor 100 as the doors sealed us in, and a subtle lurch indicating our ascent.

We stayed on high alert as we ascended. After less than ten seconds, which surprised me as it was a surprising speed in comparison to the buildings in my last life, the elevator dinged softly. 

“Ah.” Mikita and Nami gasped.

The doors slid open to reveal a sprawling penthouse before us, with large panoramic glass walls that overlooked the entire city. Even my eyes widened a little—the place was a stark contrast to the world outside; even royal chambers didn’t have this much luxury. 

Most strikingly, a landline phone was sitting on a sleek desk, which gave me pause. This world used Den Den Mushi Snails instead of actual phones, so that thing’s presence was quite odd to my senses. Like a pang of nostalgia.

"This will be your residence for the duration of your stay," Gabriel announced as all of us stepped out of the elevator, her voice echoing slightly in the vast room. "Feel free to refresh yourselves. While I take your captain to the meeting space."

I turned to her, but Tsunade immediately cut in, her protective instincts flaring up. "No, he is not. He’s going to take a shower too. Why are you trying to separate us? We’ll all go shower together, thanks." Her gaze fixed on Gabriel, challenging any objection.

Gabriel simply smiled, nodding. "Very well. I shall wait. Then allow me to lead you to the large bath.”

****

The group headed towards the bathroom, a luxurious space equipped with a massive tub that could easily accommodate all of us. After loosening our clothes, although there was a little hesitation from Marianne and Nami, we submerged ourselves in the warm water.

I closed my eyes and rested my back against the wall of the pool. Feeling my body clean after a long time, the reality of our surreal surroundings began to sink in.

"What do you guys think?" Mikita asked, breaking the silence. "Can we trust her?"

Tsunade's eyes were narrowed in thought. "It's hard to say. But staying together is our best bet. We can't afford any surprises." Opening my eyes, I caught her muscles still tense as she refused to relax in the face of possible danger.

The water lapped gently at our skin as we discussed our options. Robin thought things were safe; since it was a trial, this was the reward. The chances of this being a trap were low, in her opinion. I would like to think the same, but in whose authority was I supposed to trust that? Who’s to say it’s not a lie?

Despite the luxury, the weight of our situation was ever-present. After a long discussion, I made my decision. "We'll go along with it for now," I said, rising from the bath. "If they are planning something, then it’d be when I meet their creator. I won’t be surprised if it’s some weird A.I robot monster."

The girls exchanged looks and nodded with a sigh. I was their captain, and I was the strongest in the room. All they could do was trust in me. 

Upon leaving the bath, we were introduced to a wardrobe room. There were so many expensive clothes that it boggled Nami’s mind. We dressed up and felt refreshed, and then I walked back into the first room to accept Gabriel's invitation to the meeting room. 

"Tsunade will come with me," I stated firmly, not willing to take any risks. If the two of us are together, it’d be easier to fight off against any possible threats. 

Gabriel nodded, seemingly not minding the decision. Then she led us back through the opulent corridors, spiraling through many doors, to a room dominated by a single, large screen. Tsunade and I exchanged glances and stood in front of it as the screen flickered to life.

“Ah, it lit up,” I said and faced it, while Tsunade froze beside me.

The screen shone down at us from the wall, while the Angel got down on her knees, and the visage of a woman formed on the screen. My entire body beat in a strange recognition as I looked at the motherly woman on the screen, her vibrant green hair cascading down her cheeks.

“Ah, it’s the kids,” the lady blinked gently, her smile warm, yet there was something undeniably mystical about her presence. 

Tsunade gasped, her tense fists lost their strength as recognition dawned, and I looked at her in worry. What was going on with her?

Her voice cracked with disbelief, "...M-mother?!"

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