Chapter 19: Imperial City
Klaus continued to guide the disguised succubus, Briar around the Sanctuary while staying alert.
The streets of Imperial City were bustling with life. Towering buildings with sleek, futuristic designs stretched into the sky, and holographic billboards projected advertisements for the latest innovations. Artificially cultivated trees lined the sidewalks, holding leaves of an unnatural but mesmerizing shade of blue-green, enhanced to purify the air. Autonomous vehicles glided soundlessly along the roads, while drones zipped overhead, delivering packages.
Briar eyed her surroundings with poorly concealed fascination. Though she tried to act unimpressed, her eyes gleamed with curiosity as she took in the marvels of human engineering.
Have you ever seen the expression of a child when their small world shatters upon witnessing something entirely new beyond anything they could ever imagine?
The succubus' face looked exactly like this. Her enthusiasm and curiousity were on full display to the point that Klaus could only stare at her in silence.
At first, he thought he would despise a moment like this. Surprisingly, despite his anxiety and constant vigilance, he found that he didn't mind it.
In fact, he enjoyed it far more than he had expected.
When was the last time he had spent his time like this? According to the plan he had set for himself upon awakening, his days should have been spent training, watching random videos on his phone, or absorbing survival tips. A leisurely outing like this had never been part of the equation. But strangely enough, he didn't mind and welcomed it.
It's good to go out once in a while. I don't know when I would be free enough to do something like this. Also, I don't have much to do except wait for my ordered package to arrive.
With both hands in his pockets, Klaus continued walking at a steady pace. At some point, his mind began to flee from reality. But then—
"Hyah!?"