Capítulo 67: Shopping
Under the high, neon-lit ceilings of the Old World Network Plaza, the atmosphere buzzed with chatter and laughter. The place sparkled with holographic advertisements showcasing the latest products—from fashion-forward clothing to cutting-edge tech accessories. Oriana, Lilianne, and Eun Min Hwa strolled casually through the crowd, their eyes occasionally catching on the gleaming store displays.
"I thought we were just tagging along," Lilianne muttered, casting a glance at Eun Min Hwa, who walked calmly beside her.
Eun Min Hwa nodded in agreement, her face as serene and attentive as ever. "That was the plan. But it seems Oriana has other ideas."
Oriana, a few steps ahead, turned back with a warm smile. "You two have to buy something. There's no way we're spending time at the plaza and leaving empty-handed." Her eyes sparkled as she glanced at a chic clothing store in front of them. "Look! They have a new collection. Let's check it out."
Lilianne chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I don't need new clothes."
"It doesn't hurt to browse, does it?" Oriana teased. "You might just find something perfect."
Without waiting for a response, Oriana headed quickly into the store. Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa exchanged a knowing look before following at a slower pace. Once inside, the hustle and bustle of the plaza was replaced by a more serene atmosphere. The floor gleamed with polished white marble, while elegantly arranged clothing racks displayed stylish outfits. Holographic mannequins, dressed in the latest designs, slowly spun on pedestals, showcasing each piece.
A store attendant greeted them with a professional smile. "Welcome. Is there anything I can help you with?"
Oriana stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "I'm looking for something casual—comfortable, but still stylish."
The store attendant nodded and quickly guided Oriana to a section filled with a variety of modern casual wear, while Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa followed behind, somewhat reluctant.
"So, you're really not going to try anything?" Oriana asked, flipping through a rack of clothes. "Look at this, Lilianne! I think this color would look great on you."
Lilianne sighed but stepped closer to Oriana. "Oriana, I'm not really…" She trailed off when she saw the outfit Oriana was holding up. It was a simple navy-blue dress with silver accents at the waist. Though Lilianne was known for her preference for practical, understated clothing, there was something about the dress that drew her in.
"Well, maybe I could try it on," she admitted, a hint of reluctant surrender in her voice.
Oriana grinned triumphantly. "I knew you'd change your mind!"
Meanwhile, Eun Min Hwa stood a little further back, quietly observing but not particularly interested. Oriana noticed and walked over, holding a soft cream-colored blouse.
"Min Hwa, you have to try this. It would look perfect on you."
Eun Min Hwa smiled faintly but shook her head. "I don't need new clothes right now."
"Oh, come on! There's no harm in trying it on. You might end up liking it."
With a gentle nudge from Oriana, Eun Min Hwa finally agreed. "Alright, but just trying."
A few minutes later, the three of them were in the fitting rooms. Lilianne stood in front of a large mirror, wearing the navy dress Oriana had picked out. She looked at her reflection, feeling a bit awkward, but Oriana, standing beside her, was beaming with satisfaction.
"That dress is perfect for you," Oriana said, a pleased smile on her face.
Lilianne tilted her head, examining herself more closely. "I guess it's not bad." A small smile crept across her face as she began to feel a bit more confident in Oriana's choice.
In the fitting room next to hers, Eun Min Hwa emerged wearing the cream-colored blouse. It was simple yet elegant, matching her calm personality. Oriana took one look at her and said firmly, "It's perfect for you."
Eun Min Hwa glanced at herself in the mirror. "Thank you, Oriana. But I'm not sure I need this."
Oriana shook her head. "You deserve to look good once in a while. Don't be so hard on yourself."
After finishing up with the fitting rooms, they stepped out with light laughter. Oriana swiftly took the clothes they'd chosen to the cashier. Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa were still a bit hesitant but couldn't resist Oriana's enthusiastic push.
As they left the store with shopping bags in hand, Lilianne gave a small smile. "I can't believe you managed to convince us to buy clothes."
Oriana chuckled. "Sometimes you just need a little nudge. After all, you both deserve the best."
Eun Min Hwa, who usually didn't say much, offered a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Oriana. You're truly a thoughtful friend."
They continued strolling through the plaza, enjoying the midday shopping vibe. Oriana would occasionally stop at accessory stores, admiring the holographic jewelry and smartwatches on display. Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa followed along, more observant than engaged in shopping.
When they arrived at a jewelry store, Oriana's attention was immediately captured by a pair of sparkling earrings with an intricate futuristic design. "These are stunning," she murmured, raising her eyebrows as she gazed at them in awe.
Lilianne glanced at the earrings and nodded in agreement. "They are beautiful. Are you going to buy them?"
Oriana smiled softly. "Maybe later. I just want to browse for now."
They continued exploring the store, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and their interactions. Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa occasionally chuckled as Oriana excitedly explained the details of accessories she found interesting. At one point, Oriana nearly bought a holographic bracelet but decided to wait after considering the price.
"I think I've spent a bit too much today," Oriana said with a laugh, looking at her shopping bags. "But it's been fun."
Lilianne shook her head with a smile. "You always know how to make shopping feel like an adventure."
Eun Min Hwa added, "And you managed to get us to join in too."
Oriana shrugged gracefully. "That's because I know what's best for you."
After a bit more browsing, they finally decided to sit at an open-air café in the plaza, ordering cold drinks to refresh themselves after a day of shopping. The sun was setting, casting a soft orange glow over the plaza and creating a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere.
"This has been a wonderful day," Oriana said, settling comfortably and sipping her drink.
Lilianne nodded in agreement, her eyes surveying the now quieter plaza. "I agree. Even though I wasn't planning to shop at first, it turned out to be quite enjoyable."
Eun Min Hwa smiled gently, looking at Oriana. "Thank you for inviting us, Oriana. This has been a great experience."
Oriana smiled warmly. "Of course. I'm glad you enjoyed it."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, savoring the view and the tranquil moment together. Despite the bustling, modern feel of the Old World Network plaza, it offered them a bit of respite to unwind and momentarily forget everything else.
Just before leaving the plaza, Lilianne glanced at Oriana with a teasing tone. "Don't bring us here too often. My wallet won't survive."
Oriana laughed brightly. "Well, who knows? Maybe next time I'll treat you."
With laughter and smiles, they finally rose from their seats and continued their journey, heading toward a luxurious restaurant in Old World Network for their lunch.
***
In a luxurious restaurant nestled in the Old World Network, a sense of comfort and exclusivity enveloped them as soon as they entered. The restaurant, with its elegant interior dominated by gold and white marble, was filled with elite clientele. Oriana, Lilianne, and Eun Min Hwa sat at a round table near a large window that offered a breathtaking view of the futuristic city outside.
Having just finished their shopping, with several bags scattered around their table, they were now enjoying a leisurely lunch. The spread in front of them was sumptuous—fresh salads, perfectly prepared seafood, and tantalizingly aromatic roast meats.
"This is absolutely delicious," Oriana said, slicing her roast with a gleaming silver knife. She smiled contentedly after her first bite, her eyes sparkling as she savored the moment. "I think today has turned out even better than I expected."
Lilianne, seated across from her, gave a small smile and nodded. "I agree. Although I wasn't initially keen on shopping, I have to admit, this has been quite enjoyable." She sipped her cold drink, occasionally glancing out the window at the city shimmering with neon lights.
Eun Min Hwa, who usually spoke little, nodded slowly while twirling her fork over her salad. "I'm glad we could relax like this. With everything that's been happening lately, a lunch like this feels like a real luxury."
Oriana set her fork down briefly and reached for her phone, checking the notifications that had popped up. Her expression changed to one of curiosity as she opened the screen.
"What's up?" Lilianne asked, noticing Oriana's shift in demeanor.
Oriana furrowed her brow as she read the screen. "I just got a notification about some important news." She held the phone closer to read the details. "Ellora Evernoir has just been appointed as the Commander 9 of Regalizen."
Lilianne's eyes widened slightly at the mention of the name. "Ellora Evernoir? The one who won that competition?"
Oriana nodded, still engrossed in the message. "Yes, her. And now she's officially one of the Regalizen Commanders."
Lilianne leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest. "She's truly remarkable. If I'm not mistaken, she comes from an ordinary background, right?"
Eun Min Hwa, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "That's right. She doesn't come from a family of heroes or nobility. She achieved all of this purely through her own talent and abilities."
Oriana put her phone back into her bag and glanced at her friends. "Becoming a Regalizen Commander at such a young age… That's truly impressive."
Lilianne nodded in agreement, her gaze drifting as if lost in thought. "Yes, she became Commander 9 without any support from a family of heroes. She might be one of the few who can truly break through old traditions and expectations."
The mood at the table grew a bit more serious. Despite their different backgrounds, the three of them shared a similar perspective on hierarchy and power in their world. The news about Ellora Evernoir seemed to challenge the old belief that only descendants of heroes or nobility could reach such high positions.
"And I heard she also studied at Lupusrica Knight Academy, didn't she?" Eun Min Hwa added. "I've heard she was only there for a semester, but she quickly drew the attention of many important figures."
Lilianne frowned, trying to recall. "Lupusrica? That academy is known for being extremely tough. Only a few can survive there, let alone excel."
Oriana nodded, her face reflecting admiration. "She's truly a genius. It's no wonder she's risen so quickly. Regalizen wouldn't choose just anyone for such a high position."
They returned their focus to their meal, though it was clear that the topic of Ellora remained on their minds. What had started as a leisurely lunch now felt a bit more serious, with their conversation turning to the young woman who had just achieved a significant position.
Oriana, usually cheerful and lively, appeared thoughtful. Her eyes occasionally drifted to the view outside the window, taking in the grand, expansive cityscape.
"I can't imagine what it must be like to be in her shoes," Oriana said suddenly. "Ellora has achieved so much in such a short time. And now, she has to lead a division in Regalizen."
Lilianne raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Do you think that's too much of a burden for a young woman?"
Oriana shook her head slightly, still pondering the question. "I'm not sure. But given what she's accomplished so far, I think she's ready for it. She must have considered all the consequences."
Eun Min Hwa, who usually spoke little, finally chimed in again. "I've heard she's a very calm and reserved person. Maybe that's what allows her to handle such immense pressure."
Lilianne nodded in agreement. "Sometimes, those who speak less actually think more."
The atmosphere at the table settled into a quiet calm. They continued their meal in silence, but their thoughts seemed still focused on Ellora Evernoir. For them, this news wasn't just about someone's recent success. It was a reminder that in a world full of battles and competition, anyone—even an ordinary person—could achieve something extraordinary.
After a moment, Oriana set down her fork and sighed deeply. "I don't know if I could handle being in her position. Being in the spotlight like that must be incredibly difficult."
Lilianne laughed softly. "You'd be fine. You're tougher than you think."
Oriana smiled warmly, though a hint of doubt lingered in her eyes. "Maybe. But I'm really glad to be here with both of you. I'm not sure how I'd handle a huge burden like she does."
Eun Min Hwa, sitting to Oriana's right, placed her hand gently on the table, offering quiet support. "You're not alone, Oriana. We're always here for you, no matter what."
Lilianne nodded as well, her gaze serious. "Exactly. No one achieves anything alone. Even Ellora must have people supporting her behind the scenes."
Oriana's eyes softened, and she reached out to hold both of her friends' hands on the table, feeling the warmth of their steadfast friendship. Even though the world outside was filled with competition and ambition, here with Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa, Oriana knew she had something far more valuable than position or power: genuine friendship.
"I'm lucky to have you both," she said softly.
"We're lucky to have you too," Lilianne replied with a warm smile.
As their conversation shifted back to lighter topics, they finished their lunch with a sense of ease, despite the lingering thoughts about Ellora Evernoir. They might not be Ellora, but they had their own strength—a strength rooted in their togetherness and mutual support.
***
As the sky began to fade into an orange hue with the setting sun, Oriana, Lilianne, and Eun Min Hwa walked out of the upscale restaurant in Old World Network, still basking in the comfort of their satisfying lunch and light-hearted conversation. The plaza was growing quieter, with some stores starting to close their doors, though the neon lights and digital billboards continued to shine brightly, adding to the futuristic ambiance.
"It seems like we really enjoyed ourselves today," Oriana said, swinging her shopping bag with a small smile on her face.
Lilianne smiled back. "Yes, even though I hadn't planned on shopping, I'm glad we did."
Eun Min Hwa added in her calm voice, "After all this, heading back to the safehouse will be the perfect end to a long day."
The three of them decided to walk back to the safehouse where they were staying in Old World Network. The streets were becoming a bit deserted, with only the sound of their footsteps on the sidewalk and the occasional passing vehicle breaking the silence. The gentle night breeze added to the tranquil atmosphere, and they enjoyed the walk in comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
Suddenly, the peaceful atmosphere was shattered by the sound of fast footsteps coming from behind. A small, breathless voice called out, growing closer. The three of them turned around to see a young child running frantically, breath ragged, and face filled with fear. The child immediately sought refuge behind Oriana, gripping her skirt tightly.
"Help! Help me! He's following me! He's going to kill me!" the child cried out hysterically, trembling.
Oriana, taken aback by the sudden turn of events, knelt down, gently calming the child's head. "It's okay, no one's going to hurt you," she whispered softly, her eyes filled with sympathy.
Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa quickly turned to see what had frightened the child so much. In the distance, they saw someone approaching with steady steps—Modeus.
His face was dark, anger evident in every movement. His pace slowed as he noticed Oriana, Lilianne, and Eun Min Hwa standing there. Despite his calm appearance, his murderous intent was palpable, making the air around them feel tense. His gaze was fixed directly on the child hiding behind Oriana.
Lilianne, quick to assess the danger, realized the severity of the situation. Modeus was not someone to be taken lightly, especially when enraged. She held her breath, thinking rapidly. "I can't guarantee Oriana's safety if we confront Modeus," she thought anxiously. "This needs to be resolved quickly."
Modeus stopped just a few meters away from them. His breathing was heavy, though his body remained still. He stared straight at the child cowering behind Oriana, then shifted his eyes to Oriana herself. The coldness of his gaze made the atmosphere even more oppressive.
Eun Min Hwa, standing beside Oriana, began reaching for her weapon, readying herself for a situation that could turn violent. "If Modeus's strength is as Lilianne described, we stand no chance here," she thought, a sense of panic slowly creeping into her heart. "Oriana's safety is our top priority."
Oriana continued to hold the child tightly. "Modeus, please calm down," she said softly, despite the tense situation. "I believe we can resolve this peacefully."
Modeus didn't respond but slowly reached for the hilt of his sword strapped to his belt. He looked ready to draw his Quantum blade, which made Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa even more uneasy.
"I'm only here for the child," Modeus said flatly, though his voice carried a heavy tension.
Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa moved slightly forward, positioning themselves to protect Oriana and the child. They were prepared to act if Modeus actually drew his weapon.
However, Modeus seemed uninterested in diplomatic approaches. His gaze remained fixed on the child, who was now sobbing louder in Oriana's arms.
Seeing the situation escalate, Oriana finally spoke with more firmness. "Modeus, I apologize for what happened. Let us handle the child. We'll make sure your artifact is returned safely."
Lilianne added, trying to ease the tension, "He's just a child, Modeus. This can be discussed. There's no need for violence."
Modeus ignored their words. His left hand tightened around the Quantum sword's hilt, ready to draw it at any moment. Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa exchanged worried glances, knowing that the chance to avoid violence was rapidly dwindling.
Just as Modeus was about to fully draw his sword, he suddenly stopped and took a deep breath. Although his murderous intent hadn't entirely dissipated, he lowered his hand from the sword, though he maintained a tense distance. "I just want my artifact back," he said coldly but with a more controlled tone.
Oriana felt a slight relief, though the tension still lingered in the air. "We'll return it. Don't worry, the child won't steal again."
Carefully, Oriana asked the child to hand over the artifact from his pocket. Despite still sobbing, the child produced an object from his pocket and gave it to Oriana. Gently, Oriana passed it to Modeus.
Modeus took the artifact without a word, his eyes still fixed sharply on the child. After checking his pocket to ensure everything was in order, he turned and walked away, leaving without a thank you or apology.
The three of them stood in silence, feeling relieved despite the lingering tension. Once Modeus disappeared from view, Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa let out long sighs, both grateful that the confrontation hadn't escalated into violence.
As Modeus vanished into the night, leaving Oriana, Lilianne, and Eun Min Hwa in the quiet that still buzzed with the remnants of their recent tension, they stood motionless, trying to calm themselves. Their breaths were still heavy, even though the immediate danger had passed. The night, which should have been serene, now felt eerie after the confrontation.
Oriana looked at the child who still clung tightly to her skirt, visibly frightened even though Modeus was gone. She crouched down to be at eye level with the child, her gaze gentle.
"Are you okay?" Oriana asked softly, trying to soothe the trembling child.
The child nodded slowly, though fear was still evident in her eyes. Her face was pale, and her eyes were filled with tears from the recent scare. Lilianne and Eun Min Hwa watched the scene with caution, staying alert in case Modeus returned.
"What's your name?" Oriana asked, her voice full of concern as she tried to lighten the mood.
The child hesitated for a moment before answering in a small, unsure voice, "M-My name is Tia."
Oriana offered a gentle smile. "Tia, don't worry. You're safe now. Modeus won't hurt you anymore," she said reassuringly. "But I'm curious, why was Modeus after you?"
Tia looked down, reluctant to answer. But after a moment, she gathered her courage and spoke up. "I... I stole something from him. I didn't have a choice. I needed money to survive, and... I saw him with a bag containing a quantum artifact."
Oriana gazed at Tia with deep sympathy. Behind the fear, Tia was just a child forced to do bad things to survive. Oriana's heart ached hearing the child's story.
"Why did you steal?" Lilianne asked gently, though her tone remained serious. "Wasn't there any other way?"
Tia shook her head, keeping her eyes lowered. "I... I have no one. No one cares about me. I just live on the streets, hiding from stronger people. Stealing is the only way I can get food or a place to stay."
Eun Min Hwa, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "Tia, we understand your situation. But stealing from someone like Modeus is extremely dangerous. We can't imagine what might have happened if we hadn't been here."
Oriana, listening to Eun Min Hwa's words, knew they were right. However, her compassion for Tia was overwhelming. She opened her small purse and took out some money, placing it gently into Tia's small hands.
"Tia, take this. It's for you. Use it to buy food or find a better place to stay," Oriana said with a warm smile.
Tia stared at the money in her hands, her eyes widening. "T-T-Thank you, Miss... I don't know what to say..." Her voice was shaky, disbelieving the kindness she had just received.
Oriana's smile widened. "No need to thank me. I just want to make sure you're okay."
Yet, she knew the threat from Modeus wasn't entirely gone. Oriana added, "If Modeus comes after you again, or if you need any help, you can reach out to me." She pulled out a piece of paper and wrote down their safehouse address and contact number. Handing the paper to Tia, she said, "This is where we're staying. You can come here anytime if you need assistance."
Tia looked at the paper, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "A-Are you really going to help me?"
Oriana nodded firmly. "Yes, we will help you. No matter what has happened, I believe everyone deserves a second chance. After all, you did what you did out of necessity, didn't you?"
Tia nodded slowly, still touched. She had never met anyone so kind to her, especially after knowing what she had done. Her heart felt a little lighter.
Lilianne, who had been observing, looked at Oriana with admiration. Oriana always had a big heart, choosing compassion even in dangerous situations.
"You're lucky to have met Miss Oriana, Tia," Lilianne said softly but with firm conviction. "But remember, we can't always protect you. You need to be careful going forward."
Tia nodded, still holding tightly to the paper and money Oriana had given her. "I'll be more careful... I promise. Thank you so much... all of you."
Eun Min Hwa looked at the child with a serious expression, though this time it was softer than before. "Make sure you don't steal again. Even though we're helping you, that doesn't mean you can keep doing things like this."
"I understand," Tia replied quietly.
Feeling relieved for having done something to help Tia, Oriana gently patted the child's shoulder. "It's best if you go now before it gets darker. Use that money to find a safe place for tonight."
Tia nodded. "Thank you again, Miss Oriana... I won't forget your kindness."
With a grateful farewell, Tia slowly ran off, disappearing into the shadows of the night. Oriana, Lilianne, and Eun Min Hwa stood still for a moment, watching until Tia was completely out of sight.
"Do you think Modeus will come after her again?" Lilianne asked, looking at Oriana.
Oriana sighed softly. "It's possible. But at least now Tia knows where she can seek help. I hope Modeus will reconsider his actions after tonight."
Eun Min Hwa's gaze was focused and serious. "I'm not sure Modeus is the type of person we can easily sway. He has his own mission, and I doubt he'll stop just because of a little compassion."
"I know," Oriana responded quietly. "But I had to try. At least now Tia has a small chance."
As the night grew later, the three of them decided to head back to the safehouse. Despite the lingering tension, they felt calmer after having helped Tia. They walked in silence, each lost in their thoughts about the events of the evening, while the neon lights along the streets began to flicker in the distance.
After a long day, they knew tonight would be a time for reflection. But one thing was certain: Oriana, Lilianne, and Eun Min Hwa had done their best to ensure that kindness still had a place in a world full of danger and uncertainty.
***
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