F/VoH Ch 87: Arrival in Bertord City

Amidst the inner turmoil and curiosity that hung in the air, Aira remained unaffected. Aira's expressionless face conveyed one thing: complete focus. Aira's transparent hands controlled the silent aircraft, navigating them at a steady speed toward their next destination.

And there, in the quiet cabin of the aircraft, only Rosseline continued to murmur softly, trying to understand the new world that lay before her, while Ryan, Charlotte, and Ellina were lost in their own thoughts, with a sense of calm that could only be felt by those accustomed to the strange.

"Captain! We have arrived at Bertord City! The city is right in front of us!" Aira's flat yet clear voice echoed within the aircraft, breaking the silence that enveloped the cabin. Ryan immediately shifted his gaze toward the hologram of the transparent girl, his eyes narrowing for a moment.

Without wasting any time, Ryan stood up. "Good job," Ryan said in a calm yet firm tone. His eyes swept over the view outside the aircraft window—the silhouette of Bertord City appeared in the distance, stretching beneath a horizon that was beginning to blush with the onset of dusk.

"Don't land near the city. Look for a quiet location far from the population. There we will land and continue our journey on foot." Ryan's voice was sharp, full of command, demonstrating the decisiveness of a leader.

"Understood, Captain!" Aira replied without hesitation. Within seconds, the aircraft began to turn smoothly, leaving the direct route to the city. Aira quickly searched for a location that matched Ryan's orders. Through the windshield, a vast expanse of forest and valleys surrounding the city was visible. A thin mist enveloped part of the area, creating a cold and mysterious quiet atmosphere.

As the aircraft glided, the mood inside the cabin felt tense. Charlotte stared out the window, her mind busy contemplating what they would face there.

Ellina bit her lip; although she remained silent, the look in her eyes revealed an undeniable worry. Rosseline, usually enthusiastic, sat quietly this time, realizing that they were approaching something greater than just an ordinary adventure.

After several minutes of flying low over the dense trees, Aira finally spoke again. "Captain, I have found a suitable location. There are no signs of human activity within a few kilometers." The aircraft began to slow down and descend gently, landing in a quiet valley far from the world's gaze.

As the aircraft landed, a gentle vibration was felt beneath their feet. There was a moment of silence, then the cabin door opened with a soft hiss. The fresh outside air, mixed with the cold mountain breeze, immediately greeted them.

Ryan nodded at Aira as a sign of approval. "Good. We will continue our journey from here. Get ready." Ryan's words were brief yet meaningful, indicating that their mission had just begun.

"Understood, Captain!" Aira's voice sounded enthusiastic, even though her body was merely a transparent holographic projection.

Ryan looked at Aira for a moment before giving the next command. "Aira, activate Camouflage Mode. Make sure this aircraft is not seen by anyone." Ryan's tone was firm, leaving no room for doubt.

"Okay, Captain! Please be careful out there. I hope you all stay safe!" Aira replied cheerfully, though it was clear she understood the seriousness of the mission. Despite being just an Artificial Intelligence, Aira had a way of speaking that lightened the atmosphere.

"Of course! Don't worry, Aira. I will take good care of Master!" Charlotte suddenly chimed in, caught up in the more relaxed mood. Charlotte's smile blossomed brightly, as if reassuring Aira in her own way.

"Understood!" Aira responded this time with a bright smile that radiated through her holographic projection. Quickly, her transparent form began to fade as the jet slowly disappeared from view, blending into the surrounding environment in Camouflage Mode.