45 Chapter 45
Serenia and Rin walked through the unfamiliar corridors of the building, their footsteps echoing in the quiet halls. Serenia glanced at Rin, breaking the silence.
"So, Rin, what do you make of this place? It's strange, right?"
Rin nodded, her gaze wandering. "Definitely strange. I mean, we're in a different version of Japan, and now there's this countdown timer for Aruno. It's like we stepped into a whole new story."
Serenia sighed, "Yeah, and the commander mentioned that this is our new world. I wonder what challenges and adventures await us here."
"So…Rin, you seem to know a bit about Japan. Anything you can share? I'm a bit lost here, and this place is different."
Rin chuckled, "Yeah, this isn't exactly the Japan I'm used to. It's like a parallel version. But, well, let's see what we can figure out together. Maybe there are some familiar elements hidden in the differences."
"Okay so, Serenia, here's my question now. How was Aruno when you two were younger? Any interesting stories or quirks he had as a kid?"
Serenia smiled, reminiscing about the past. "Aruno was always full of energy, a bit mischievous too. He had this knack for getting into playful trouble. But beneath that, he was a caring brother. Always there when you needed him, even if it meant facing some scolding together."
"Our childhood was filled with adventures and laughter. Aruno had a fascination with the mysterious even back then. He used to tell me stories about mythical creatures, weaving tales that fueled our imagination. It's funny how those childhood musings are now entwined with the fantastical reality we find ourselves in."
"I guess Aruno manifested this whole fantasy experience, huh."Rin chuckled.
Now entering The Order's building, Rin and Serenia found themselves in a bustling hub of activity. Soldiers moved with purpose, and the air hummed with a mix of conversations and occasional bursts of laughter. The architecture bore a fusion of traditional Japanese elements and extreme technology, creating an intriguing blend of past and future.
Serenia observed, "It seems like they've established quite a functional base here. I wonder what our role will be in this new world they're shaping."
Rin agreed, "Yeah, it's a lot to take in. We should probably find out more about the situation and figure out our place in this unfolding narrative."
To the right, elevator doors slid open with a smooth whisper, revealing a sleek, high-tech interior that contrasted with the rustic ambiance of the rest of the building. the Commander stepped out, his presence commanding attention. His uniform bore the insignia of the order, signifying authority and discipline.
As he traversed the corridor towards Rin and Serenia, each footstep echoed with a sense of purpose. The dim lighting accentuated the seriousness etched on his face. The Commander's eyes, sharp and perceptive, seemed to carry the weight of the responsibilities he bore.
Upon reaching the two sisters, he executed a crisp salute, a gesture that spoke of military precision. "Rin, Serenia," he greeted, his voice holding a tone of both formality and acknowledgment.
"I trust you've settled into your quarters. Allow me to provide you with some clarity regarding our situation."
The commander led Rin and Serenia into a spacious briefing room, where a holographic display flickered to life, revealing strategic maps and vital information. As they settled in, the Commander, with a wry smile, admitted, "I realize I forgot to mention my name. So… uhh, I'm Commander Hiroshi Takamura."
His name hung in the air, resonating with authority. The holographic projections danced around the room, casting an otherworldly glow. Commander Takamura delved into the intricacies of their mission, the challenges they faced, and the significance of their roles in shaping the fate of this alternate Japan. Rin and Serenia absorbed the details, their curiosity piqued by the unfolding narrative that intertwined their destinies with the mysteries of this new world.
Commander Takamura, with a friendly tone, added, "You can just call me Mr. Takamura. We're more like a team here, if you get what I'm saying."
Mr. Takamura took a moment, adjusting the holographic display in the center of the briefing room. "Now, there's a crucial update on the horizon. The Arcanum System, the very backbone of our abilities, is undergoing a significant evolution. We're implementing enhancements, refining the interface, and introducing new features to better adapt to the challenges that lie ahead."
"With this update," Mr. Takamura continued, "we bid farewell to the floating UI. Instead, each of you will receive a personalized device," he produced sleek, sophisticated gadgets resembling futuristic phones from his bag, "a convergence of technology and arcane essence. Consider it your new interface to the Arcanum, tailored to enhance your control and accessibility."
Mr. Takamura handed the devices to Rin and Serenia, each with its distinctive features. "Now, these devices are not only for communication but also serve as your new Arcanum interface. Consider them your key to unlocking the full potential of your abilities," he explained. "I've prepared additional ones for Yoru, Ko, and Aruno as well." The two examined the devices, curious about the changes in store for their Arcanum experience.
"Your financial and skill information, as well as access to specialized weapons, is now seamlessly integrated into these devices. It's an all-encompassing tool that streamlines your resources and capabilities. You can access your skills, manage your finances, and equip weapons with just a few taps."
Rin, examining the device in her hands, couldn't help but express her amazement. "This is pretty cool, Mr. Takamura. Feels like we're stepping into the future with these gadgets."
Serenia, holding the new device in her hand, inquired, "Mr. Takamura, what about the timer above Aruno that says 60 hours remaining? Is that also part of the Arcanum update?"
Mr. Takamura nodded, acknowledging Serenia's question. "The timer indicates a resting period for Aruno. After his intense battle with Ash, his body requires time to recuperate. This new feature ensures that our Arcanum users can optimize their abilities while maintaining their physical well-being. Efficiency and health, a delicate balance."
"So no need to worry, Serenia. That timer isn't an ominous countdown to Aruno's demise. It's a quirky feature we added for his resting period. Think of it as a reminder to let the hero catch some well-deserved Zs before the next epic showdown. No drama, just a high-tech alarm clock with a flair for the dramatic."
"It's time to unveil the obscured origins of the Arcanum. The Order, of which you are now a part, stands as the original creator of this mystical system. However, it doesn't exist ubiquitously across the multiverse; it's carefully implemented in selected universes where its power can be harnessed and controlled."
The weight of this revelation hung in the air, prompting the group to absorb the significance of their newfound connection to an organization deeply entwined with the fabric of the multiverse.