The one retrieved from The Void

Their conversation was cut short as the shuttle broke through the planet's atmosphere, and the interior walls gradually became transparent, revealing the vastness of space beyond. The sight that greeted them was nothing short of breathtaking. Gaia hung in the void like a jewel, its surface a vibrant tapestry of lush green forests and shimmering blue oceans. The sunlight bathed the planet in a golden glow, highlighting the swirling clouds that drifted over its surface. It was a vision of life and beauty, a stark contrast to the cold emptiness of space.

Carmilla let out a soft sigh, her eyes widening as she took in the view. "It's... almost romantic, isn't it?" she murmured, her voice softer than before.

"Too bad we're stuck here together," Vas replied dryly, his lips curling into a faint smirk.

Carmilla turned to him with a raised eyebrow. "Why? Don't you enjoy my company?"

"I don't mind it," Vas said, his tone casual. "But you're not exactly the company I'd prefer."

She chuckled, a sound that was equal parts amusement and challenge. "And here I thought Beck was cold," she teased, leaning back in her seat.

Vas didn't respond, instead allowing a comfortable silence to settle between them. The shuttle continued its journey, the celestial scenery outside shifting as they moved further away from Gaia. The vast, sprawling darkness of space stretched endlessly, dotted with distant stars that seemed to twinkle like scattered diamonds.

Eventually, the shuttle approached the massive structure known as the Aetherian Gateway, a marvel of engineering that marked the boundary between realms. The Gateway loomed before them like a colossal monolith, its surface forged from an obsidian-like material that absorbed the light around it. Veins of luminescent energy pulsed through the structure, glowing with a soft, ethereal light that moved like liquid fire. It was as if the Gateway itself was alive, each vein carrying currents of energy to power its mysterious functions.

"Everyone, please take your seats as we prepare to pass through the Gateway," came the voice of Paula Milena, their supervising teacher, crackling over the intercom. Her tone was calm but firm, a gentle reminder of the protocol.

Vas and Carmilla secured themselves, the seats adjusting to cradle their bodies in preparation for the transition. The air grew thick with anticipation as the shuttle aligned itself with the Gateway's shimmering portal.

Passing through the Gateway was an experience unlike any other. For a brief moment, the world seemed to dissolve around them. Vas felt a sensation akin to being pulled from his body, like his very essence was being drawn through a tunnel of pure light and energy. It was as if he were a thread being woven into the fabric of a new reality, the familiar sensation of weight and form disappearing, only to return as the shuttle emerged on the other side.

The view beyond the Gateway was entirely different. They had entered the realm of Caelum, a vast expanse of space dotted with floating islands of rock and crystalline structures that glittered in the starlight. It was a realm where the boundaries between reality and dreams seemed to blur, a place where the laws of nature bent to the will of the gods.

Vas let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his eyes wide as he took in the surreal landscape. Carmilla, too, was silent, her earlier sarcasm replaced by genuine awe.

"Next stop, Nu," Paula announced over the intercom, her voice filled with the same calm assurance.

It didn't take long to reach Nu. The moon-like rock floated in the vastness of space, orbiting the larger, more vibrant world of Caelum. Vas's attention was drawn to its unusual shape—rather than the typical round form of most celestial bodies, Nu resembled a jagged cone, its pointed end angled toward Caelum.

As they approached, the surface details came into view. The structure of Nu's prison was a massive dome enclosing a cluster of buildings. Contrary to what one might expect of a penitentiary, it was surprisingly colorful. The prisoners were allowed to decorate their surroundings to reflect their diverse cultures, resulting in a vibrant patchwork of murals, flags, and artwork. Those who worked at Nu often credited this colorful environment as a key factor in the facility's success at rehabilitating its inmates.

"Okay, everyone," Paula's voice crackled over the shuttle's intercom. "We'll be landing at Nu shortly. Once we disembark, you'll be taken to your rooms. You have one hour to settle in before we begin our scheduled activities. This group will be assisting the merchants, but I'll provide more details once we're on the ground."

The shuttle passed through the dome's force field and descended into the landing zone. As the hatch opened, a group of officers stood waiting to receive them. They wore pristine white uniforms, their presence stark against the colorful backdrop of the prison. Leading them was a man in a black coat that draped over his uniform, setting him apart from the others.

"Welcome to Nu," the man said, his voice carrying a tone of authority. "I'm Maxwell, the warden in charge here."

Maxwell was an imposing figure, tall and broad-shouldered, with a neatly trimmed beard and a monocle perched over his right eye. Vas couldn't help but notice the striking contrast between his eyes—one a deep brown, the other a piercing, almost ethereal blue. It was an odd detail, something that Vas instinctively filed away.

"We're pleased to have the future of our society here to assist us this weekend," Maxwell continued. "Now, follow the officers to your assigned quarters. You'll have an hour to get settled in before we reconvene."