Capítulo 50: Arrival to Neom
Vecna's heart raced as he settled into his seat in the economy class section of the airplane. It was his first time flying, and despite the advanced technology, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
He fastened his seatbelt with a determined click and crossed his arms, trying to maintain an air of composure.
'Hopefully, it will be a smooth fly. It's only four hours, please, let it so nothing goes wrong.'
His anxiety must have been more apparent than he thought because a mischievous pair of hands suddenly touched his arm.
Vecna turned his gaze to the right and found himself looking into the bright blue eyes of his 14-year-old half-sister, Silvia. Unlike Vecna's blonde-dyed hair and green eyes, Silvia's hair was a natural shade of blonde, and her eyes sparkled like sapphires.
"Adrian, are you by chance... afraid?" Silvia asked, her voice laced with playful teasing.
'Tsk, can't you pause from jabbing at my little ego?'
Vecna's initial instinct was to deny it vehemently, but the truth had a way of betraying him. His rigid posture and clenched fists spoke volumes. He tried to maintain his stern composure. "Me? Pfff. Don't be stupid, little girl."
Silvia's lips curled into a sly smile, her amusement evident. "Your posture doesn't say so. Relax, we'll be fine. So many people fly on planes, even kids. Don't be a sissy."
Vecna couldn't resist a smirk at Silvia's teasing. Despite the age gap and their differing appearances, he had always shared a close bond with his half-sister. She had a way of cutting through his facade and making him feel like a protective older brother.
She was his little Princess after all. His jewel, that he would do everything to assure she is safe.
With a twinkle in her eyes, Silvia continued, "Besides, you know Mom worries about you. If she sees you like this, she'll start fretting, and then you'll never hear the end of it."
Vecna rolled his eyes playfully, realizing that Silvia was right. Elena, their mother, had enough to worry about with her own health issues. He didn't want to add to her stress. "Alright, alright, you win. I'll try to relax."
Silvia chuckled triumphantly and patted Vecna's arm. "That's the spirit, Adrian. And remember, if you're scared, you can always hold my hand."
As the plane's engines roared to life, Vecna couldn't deny the comfort he felt from Silvia's presence. Her youthful enthusiasm was infectious, and it was difficult to remain too serious around her. He gave her a genuine smile, something he didn't often do, and reached out to gently squeeze her hand.
"I appreciate that, Silvia," he said, his voice softer now. "You're a brave one, aren't you?"
Silvia beamed at the compliment. "Well, someone has to be brave for you, big brother."
Their conversation was interrupted by the pilot's voice over the intercom, announcing that they were ready for takeoff. Vecna's grip on Silvia's hand tightened slightly as the plane began to taxi down the runway.
"Shit. Here it goes."
"It will be fine."
He closed his eyes briefly, taking deep breaths to calm his racing heart.
Beside him, Silvia offered an encouraging smile. "See? It's not so bad, is it?"
Vecna nodded, his anxiety slowly giving way to a sense of excitement. He opened his eyes to watch as the plane lifted off the ground, ascending into the vast blue sky. The feeling of weightlessness and the thrill of defying gravity began to replace his earlier nervousness.
Silvia giggled as she saw Vecna's expression change. "You look like a little kid at an amusement park."
Vecna couldn't help but laugh, the tension in his shoulders dissipating. "Maybe I am a little excited now."
The siblings shared a moment of levity as they watched the landscape below shrink into miniature. The world outside the window transformed into a patchwork of fields, forests, and rivers, and Vecna found himself marveling at the beauty of it all.
As the plane stabilized at its cruising altitude, Vecna relaxed into his seat, his earlier anxiety a distant memory. He turned to Silvia, her blonde hair glinting in the soft cabin lighting, and spoke with genuine gratitude, "Thank you, Silvia. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Silvia leaned her head on his shoulder, and for a moment, they simply enjoyed each other's company. "That's what family is for, Adrian. We look out for each other. Besides, I'm more grateful that you decided to bring us with you."
"I always wanted to see for myself what NEOM looks like. Watching from the Skyweb it's one thing, but experiencing it in reality is another thing."
"Sure, sure. I will need you to look after mom. I still have to work."
The plane descended smoothly, and as they looked out the window, Vecna, Silvia, and the rest of their family were greeted by the breathtaking sight of NEOM.
The sprawling, three-dimensional city seemed like something out of a science fiction movie, its mirror facades with its towering skyscrapers, interconnected modules was something you could see in movies.
Vecna and his family stepped off the plane, their senses overwhelmed by the stunning futuristic landscape that stretched out before them. NEOM, the city of the future, was a sight to behold. Towering skyscrapers seemed to pierce the sky, and the entire city gleamed with a polished, modern sheen.
As they made their way through the NEOM airport, Vecna couldn't help but marvel at the efficiency and innovation on display.
Everything from the baggage claim to customs clearance was streamlined and automated, reflecting the city's commitment to cutting-edge technology and sustainability.
Silvia's eyes widened as she took in the impressive surroundings. "Wow, this place is incredible!"
Vecna nodded in agreement. "The Line truly lives up to its reputation."
The Line, the part of NEOM they had just entered, was an architectural masterpiece that redefined urban development. Stretching across 170 kilometers, it boasted an ideal climate all year round and was designed with a strong focus on people's health and well-being.
The absence of roads, cars, and emissions, coupled with the use of 100% renewable energy, made it an environmental paradise.
It was advertised as such, but the reality that Vecna saw was different. He saw from different modules going down the sea of people. Ten millions was not for bragging, this place was fully packed.
"Which way is toward Ward 87? Urgh, let's check on the AI guides." said Vecna as he scratched his blonde hair, moving along with his luggage and backpack toward one of the larger boards that other foreigners and travelers like them used to navigate this expansive sea.
He had to wait for his turn, something he was used to from home, and once their turn came up, the friendly voice of a woman's AI greeted the newcomers.
Vecna and his family approached the large board stationed in the NEOM airport, where numerous travelers, both locals and foreigners, gathered to seek guidance and directions.
The board was a technological marvel itself, with a large interactive screen that displayed a three-dimensional map of the city and its various wards and modules.
'Hmm? There's the Logo of the S.A Group on this gadget.' thought Vecna as he observed the AI Guide devices from a glance distance.
'Probably that's how they got their funds for their game. By dabbling in closer domains such as AI Technology.'
'Now that I think about it. Morpheus should be unique in the world. Some sort of high-tech Quantum Computer that makes you wonder if they stole it from some Alien Ship that struck South Korea.'
"Adrian, it's your turn." budget Silvia from his side, returning his mind back to the present.
"I know, don't embarrass me."
Vecna tapped on the screen to activate the AI guide, and a holographic interface appeared before them.
The AI guide was designed to assist visitors and residents in navigating the vast and intricate city of NEOM. Its appearance resembled that of a friendly, digital assistant with a holographic projection of a young woman in a NEOM uniform.
"Hello, and welcome to NEOM, the Line of the Future," the AI guide greeted them with a warm and reassuring voice. "How can I assist you today?"
Vecna stepped forward and addressed the AI guide. "We're looking to get to Ward 88-87, specifically the Healthcare District. Can you guide us there?"
"Of course," the AI guide replied, and the three-dimensional map on the screen adjusted to display their current location at the airport. A highlighted path appeared, leading from their location to Ward 87.
"To reach the Healthcare District in Ward 87, you'll want to take the high-speed rail from this airport station to Ward 80. From there, you can transfer to the Central Line, which will take you directly to Ward 87."
Vecna nodded in understanding as he followed the illuminated path on the screen. "Thank you for the directions. Can you also show us the nearest attractions or places of interest in the Central Wards?"
"Certainly," the AI guide replied. It displayed a list of recommended attractions and activities in the central part of the Line, including parks, cultural centers, and restaurants. "Here are some of the popular attractions that you might find interesting."
Vecna took note of the recommendations and turned to his family. "We might have some time to explore Ward 87 after the appointment at the clinic."
Silvia's eyes lit up with excitement as she scanned the list. "I'd love to visit some of these places!"
Vecna smiled at his sister's enthusiasm and then turned back to the AI guide. "Thank you for your assistance. Can you guide us to the high-speed rail station for Ward 80?"
The AI guide provided them with clear directions, and Vecna led his family towards the designated station.
As they boarded the high-speed train, he couldn't help but appreciate the seamless integration of technology and convenience that NEOM offered to its residents and visitors.
The high-speed train glided smoothly along the elevated tracks, and within minutes, it reached its destination: Ward 80. Vecna, Silvia, Alexander, and Elena stepped off the train, joining the flow of passengers heading towards the station's exit.
Ward 80 was a bustling hub, and the Avramescu family marveled at the architecture and organization of the city. The absence of cars and the focus on greenery gave the entire environment a sense of tranquility and cleanliness that was a stark contrast to many other urban centers.
Following the AI guide's instructions, Vecna led his family through the station and toward the connecting point for the Central Line. Signs and helpful holographic arrows guided them along the way, making their transition between lines effortless.
The Central Line's high-speed train arrived promptly, and they boarded it, taking seats near the window to enjoy the view. As the train smoothly moved forward, they admired the landscapes of NEOM, from beautifully designed parks to innovative architecture that blended seamlessly with nature.
After a relatively short journey, they arrived in Ward 88, their destination. Exiting the station, they found themselves in a serene, car-free environment adorned with lush greenery and aesthetically pleasing structures.
With the help of the AI guide's directions, they walked for about seven minutes until they reached their hotel. It was a modern, four-star establishment, offering comfortable accommodations within their budget. Vecna approached the front desk to check-in, and the hotel staff greeted them warmly.
"Welcome to NEOM and our hotel," the receptionist said with a friendly smile. "How may I assist you today?"
Vecna provided his reservation details, and the check-in process went smoothly.
"We wish you a pleasant stay in NEOM, mister Avramescu."
As they received their room keys and headed towards the elevators, Silvia couldn't contain her excitement. "This place is amazing, Adrian!"
"It's certainly unlike the summer camps you've been around. Now, let's get settled in our rooms. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow," Vecna remarked, his tone light but tinged with an underlying seriousness.
Silvia, a bright and spirited 14-year-old with natural blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, rolled her eyes in response to her brother's teasing. "You always have to remind me, don't you? But fine, I'll admit this is way different from summer camp."
Their family dynamic was a complex one. Silvia and Alexander, twins born several years after Vecna, had a different upbringing and perspective on life. While Silvia had inherited their mother's outgoing nature and curiosity, Alexander seemed to be on a different wavelength altogether.
As the family settled into their respective roles for the evening, Alexander found himself engrossed in the high-tech wonders of their hotel room. The television, displaying channels in Arabic, fascinated and confused him in equal measure. Vecna couldn't help but comment on his younger brother's ambitious thoughts.
"It's unlikely that you'll learn Arabic overnight," Vecna quipped, his tone dry.
Alexander's eyes, still glued to the TV, didn't leave the screen as he responded, "You can, by implanting a Neural-Chip. I could become a genius with one of those boons. I wish I had one of those, but I'll do with what I have for now."
Vecna raised an eyebrow, his skepticism evident. "The stuff you're talking about is banned for obvious reasons. Its AI interface has been banned because it was malfunctioning and fried the brains of many unfortunate people."
Alexander turned his attention away from the television, his face a mix of longing and frustration. "But it is worth the risk, if it makes you smart. It could change my life overnight."
Vecna shook his head, his concern for his brother evident in his voice. "Not worth it, from different focal points. One, you have no spine paralysis or other neurological dysfunctions that cripple your way of life. Second, it's too expensive. Third, it's ridden with too many risk factors, such as being brainwashed or being part of a glitch or hack."
"Not even Musk could rescue your bum if your neural chip goes crazy."
Alexander frowned, feeling a bit dejected by his siblings' cautionary words. "How come you know all of this?" he asked Vecna.
Vecna leaned back in his chair, his green eyes locked on Alexander. "How do I know? I read a lot, and this side of the tech world, I'm rather invested nowadays. I suggest you do the same, Alex, if you don't want to be ignorant."
Their conversation shifted as Elena, their mother, concluded her phone call, bringing their attention back to her and the change in their plans.
Vecna turned his focus to his laptop, searching for locations within NEOM that piqued his interest, particularly the Satisfy Capsule Spots.
He wasn't an addict, nor was he a workaholic, but if he could spend 2-3 hours logging inside Satisfy, he could progress on with his Summit's Crest Quest. All of this were a source of intrigue for his family, especially Silvia.
She approached him, her voice soft as she whispered into his ear, expressing her concern. "Adrian, I'm aware you don't like Alex… He's selfish and all, but you belittling him makes it worse for him. You'll make him hate you."
Vecna glanced at his sister, his expression slightly conflicted. "Let him hate me. If that will make him grow some brain cells."
Silvia sighed, realizing that her older brother's frustration with Alexander ran deep. "Come on, Adrian. Me and Alec are twins."
Vecna's response was unyielding. "And? You're nothing alike."
Silvia reluctantly accepted that she wouldn't be able to convince Vecna to soften his stance on Alexander right away. "Alright, I'll not nag you about this. But I hope you will make peace with Alec. He's too stupid to apologize for being in the wrong and not seeing the bigger picture."
Vecna's attention was diverted from their conversation as he made a thrilling discovery. "Ohhh, found one close to the Clinic."
Silvia's curiosity was immediately piqued. "What did you find?"
"A Satisfy Capsule Spot," Vecna revealed with a hint of excitement.
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