The conversation flowed seamlessly, an easy back-and-forth that kept Arlo intrigued. Wyatt leaned against the table, his sharp blue eyes brimming with calm insight, while Piper gestured animatedly, her words carrying the excited rhythm of someone who could talk circuits and runes for hours.
"So," Arlo began, folding his arms as he absorbed their previous discussion, "magic and technology together—how does it not implode? Every story I've ever read made it sound like mixing the two would blow a hole through reality."
Wyatt chuckled. "Think of it this way: Magic is energy shaped by will, and technology is structure built on logic. If you know how to code that logic into spell matrices, you stabilize both systems. Ataraxis figured it out."
Piper leaned forward. "We use things like mana capacitors and enchanted cores. A spell can be as unpredictable as a rogue AI if it's not properly grounded. So, we hybridize. Think cyberpunk enchantments and technomagic defenses."
Arlo's eyes lit up. "Mana capacitors? Like arcane batteries?"
"Exactly!" Piper grinned. "They store spell energy and prevent mana feedback loops. You'd be amazed what you can do when you combine aetheric flux regulators with quantum mechanics."
Arlo laughed. "You're describing a fantasy hacker's dream."
Wyatt nodded. "Ataraxis is the perfect fusion—an entire state where tech and magic coexist in balance. It makes innovation limitless. Cities float on anti-gravity ley lines, and tech-hybrid mages weave code-spells into architecture."
Arlo blinked. "Wait... cities float?"
Piper smirked. "Only the important ones."
The conversation shifted as Arlo grew curious about the broader HUB. "So, this place is huge. But what's beyond Ataraxis?"
Wyatt's expression grew thoughtful. "The HUB is split into ten states—independent dimensions, each with their own rules."
Piper's eyes lit up, a spark of delight at the chance to share knowledge. "The HUB is massive—ten states in total, each a realm with its own rules and reality."
She started counting on her fingers."First, there's [Caleum]. It's the realm of cultivation—spiritual energy, martial prowess, and mystical paths of enlightenment. Think epic mountain peaks, endless sect wars, and techniques that can split the sky. This is also where Gods and Immortals reside."
Arlo nodded, already picturing a wuxia landscape in his head.
"Then there's [Metrovania]," she continued. "Pure tech. No magic allowed. It's a hyper-advanced, cybernetic society where AI, drones, and nanotech rule everything. Magic there would short-circuit the entire system."
"Depends on how you look at it,"Wyatt added. "The tech there makes even Ataraxis look primitive."
Piper grinned. "Next is [Rêve]. A fantasy realm where magic reigns supreme. Castles, dragons, enchanted forests—the whole deal."
"Classic fantasy,"Arlo said with a smirk.
"[Samsara]," Piper continued, "is where souls travel between life and death. It's also known as the reincarnation realm. Time and reality bend there. That's where all those who dies go to be reincarnated and we pioneer dies someday will goes there"
"Then there's [Manas]," Wyatt said, leaning forward. "The realm of collective unconsciousness. Think dreams and archetype walking around as entities. Where all thoughts are from"
"[Ataman] is for spirits and ghostly beings," Piper added. "Phantom cities, spectral seas—the stuff of legends. This realm is connected to every timelines in the omniverse based to what every pioneer gathered information's"
"Wait," Arlo interrupted, holding up a hand. "A realm for cartoons and anime isn't real... is it?"
"[Animare]," Piper confirmed, grinning widely. "Physics-defying nonsense and chibi logic? All very real."
Arlo groaned, rubbing his temples. "Of course, it is."
Piper chuckled. "[Aternare] comes next. A mirror version of Earth—similar, but not quite the same.
"And finally," Wyatt said, his voice quieting,"Radix—the System Core, the heart of the HUB."
Piper lowered her voice. "It's where the true power of the SYSTEM resides, but it's not somewhere you can just walk into. The system itself erases intruders. Complete and utter deletion."
Arlo felt a chill. "Like... no respawns?"
"Worse," Wyatt replied. "It's not just death—it's as if you never existed. Not even the strongest Pioneer risks going there."
Arlo mulled over the weight of their words. A place so dangerous it wipes you from reality? Definitely not worth the sightseeing trip. He grinned wryly. "Sounds like the ultimate bad idea for a dare."
Wyatt smirked. "Only if you have a death wish. Radix is a legend—traveling the other states is hard enough, but at least it's possible."
Piper nodded. "Some states are accessible through commercial portals—like Rêve and Metrovania. Others... you need Special Method or techniques to enter. Each realm guards its secrets."
The complexity of the HUB unfurled in Arlo's mind, a web of endless possibilities and dangers.
He stared thoughtfully into his drink. Radix. The uncharted center. One step too far, and you're gone forever.
***
The evening stretched on, and Arlo made an effort to talk to every member of Trailblazer. Each had their quirks and stories, but the most challenging conversations by far were with Otis and Orson.
Otis was a massive man, his presence dominating the space around him. Built like a tank, he exuded raw strength, and his blunt demeanor made it clear he wasn't one for small talk. Arlo found himself having to dig for the right questions to keep the conversation moving.
"So, Otis," Arlo began hesitantly, "how long have you have known Aria?"
Otis turned his piercing gaze toward him, the weight of it enough to make Arlo feel like he'd just stepped into a boss fight.
"Long enough," Otis rumbled, his voice deep and steady.
"Aria recruited you, right?" Arlo pressed, hoping to get more than two words out of the man.
Otis nodded, his expression softening slightly as he crossed his arms. "She didn't just recruit me. She saved my life."
That caught Arlo's attention. "Saved you? How?"
Otis exhaled heavily, his eyes distant as he recalled the memory. "I was reckless back then. Thought I could bulldoze my way through anything. Didn't care about strategy or planning. If there was a problem, I charged headfirst into it, fists swinging. It worked for a while—until it didn't."
He paused, his jaw tightening. "One quest went bad. Real bad. I was outnumbered, outmatched, and bleeding out in some godforsaken place. I thought it was the end. Then, out of nowhere, Aria showed up. Took down the entire group of enemies by herself and carried me out of there."
Arlo's brow furrowed. "She carried you?"
"Like I weighed nothing," Otis said with a faint, almost sheepish grin. "That's the kind of person she is. She didn't have to help me—could've left me there to die. But she didn't. She saved me and gave me a place in this guild."
Otis's voice grew firm, his admiration for Aria clear. "From that day on, I swore I'd follow her. No hesitation, no questions. If Aria says charge, I charge. She gave me a second chance, and I'll spend the rest of my life repaying her then I heard that she created her own Guild, I did no hesitate to join."
Arlo nodded slowly, the weight of Otis's words settling over him. He's not just a brute—he's someone who's seen the worst of himself and found a reason to fight for more than just survival.
Otis's loyalty to Aria was unshakable, and Arlo could see why.
---
Then there was Orson. Compared to Otis's straightforward demeanor, Orson was enigmatic—a walking contradiction of dark humor and gothic flair. Dressed in muted blacks and greys, he carried himself with a kind of brooding elegance that immediately screamed edgy protagonist.
Arlo approached cautiously, half-expecting a dismissive comment or cryptic line. Instead, Orson greeted him with a quiet nod.
"You look like you've got something on your mind,"Orson said, his voice calm and low.
Arlo smirked. "Honestly? You remind me of my middle school years. All black clothes, mysterious energy, a flair for dramatics..."
That earned a faint chuckle from Orson. "Ah, the infamous edgy phase. Trust me, I was worse back then. I'd make anyone roll their eyes, including myself now."
The shared humor eased the tension, and Arlo found himself genuinely curious about Orson's story.
"You've been recruited by Aria for a while, right?" Arlo asked.
Orson nodded, his expression shadowed by memories. "I have. But I didn't start here. I was like you—a rookie Pioneer, full of ideals and independence. I thought I could make my own way without relying on anyone."
"What changed?" Arlo prompted.
Orson's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Reality. People care about you only when they need something. Guilds started noticing me, throwing offers left and right. I refused every single one because I knew what they really wanted—my skills, my results, not me."
The smile faded, replaced by a hardened look. "Some didn't take rejection well. They started conflicts, tried to strong-arm me into joining. Things got worse until I was ambushed, alone and injured. I thought that was it—game over."
Arlo leaned forward, drawn into the story.
"Then Aria found me," Orson continued. "She didn't just save me—she obliterated the ones who attacked me. More than that, she offered me a place to belong. A team that wasn't just about power or results, but trust."
Arlo felt the sincerity in Orson's voice, and he nodded. "So that's why you're loyal to her."
"Loyalty isn't even the right word," Orson replied. "She gave me what I didn't think existed—a family. You'll find that's a common theme with all of us here."
Otis, who had been listening nearby, added gruffly, "If you ask anyone in this guild, they'll tell you the same thing. Aria didn't just build a guild. She built a home."
Arlo looked between the two men, their words settling heavily in his mind. Aria might carry herself as a leader with unshakable resolve, but underneath that is someone who genuinely cares about others. She's more than a Pioneer—she's the glue holding this group together.
Breaking the thoughtful silence, Orson's tone grew serious. "One last thing, Arlo. The Pioneer Association likes to paint the HUB as a utopia. Don't believe it. There's a dark side—guild politics, betrayals, backstabbing. You'll see it eventually."
Otis nodded in agreement. "And when you do, you'll need to be strong. Strength is the only thing that keeps you safe."
Arlo straightened, meeting their gazes with determination. "I'll get stronger. I promise."
***
As the evening wound down, the buzz of conversation softened to a pleasant hum. Aria stood and clinked her glass gently, capturing the room's attention. "Before we end the night, I think it's only fitting we commemorate this celebration properly—with some pictures."
The idea was met with enthusiasm, and BrainLinks around the table lit up as people activated their camera functions. A holographic projection pad materialized, allowing everyone to view and snap photos together.
Arlo chuckled as he crouched next to Link, holding up a peace sign while the little Rockruff barked happily at the holocamera.
"Alright, buddy, say cheese!" The resulting picture captured Link mid-bark, looking equal parts ferocious and adorable.
Maria soon joined him, playfully pulling him into a candid shot. "No hiding, Arlo! Smile for once."
"Fine, fine," he grumbled, though the corner of his mouth betrayed a grin. They posed, with Link pawing at Maria's shoulder, and Arlo thought the image came out surprisingly decent. Not bad for someone who avoids pictures like a plague.
Next, he found himself dragged into a photo with Amelia and Damir. "Get in here, rookie!" Damir bellowed, throwing an arm over Arlo's shoulders.
"Gotta document the start of your illustrious career." Amelia stood beside them, offering a rare, faint smile for the camera.
Finally, Arlo joined the entire Trailblazer team for a group photo. The holographic camera floated, snapping the perfect shot as everyone struck their poses. Piper flashed a peace sign, Otis crossed his arms with a stoic expression, and Orson stood at the back, hands casually in his pockets. Aria was at the center, her confident stance reflecting her role as the group's leader.
Arlo glanced at the photo and couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride. This is what a team looks like. A real one.As the celebration wrapped up, the group began to disperse. Arlo approached Aria, who stood near the exit, her usual composed demeanor intact.
"Thanks for throwing this party," Arlo said, his tone genuine. "I know it was a lot."
Aria waved it off with a small smile. "It's nothing. You've earned a welcome." He hesitated for a moment, then added, "I'll get stronger, you know. Next time, I'll be ready to join the guild."
Aria regarded him with a mixture of amusement and encouragement. "Don't overdo it. Growth takes time. And remember, if you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask."
For once, Arlo let a soft smile escape. "I will."
He pulled out Link's luxuryball, and the Rockruff gave a final wag of his tail before disappearing in a flash of red light. Maria joined him shortly after, and the two headed toward the exit.
Outside, the valet brought Maria's sleek hovercar to the front. Its streamlined design glowed faintly under the Nouveau Table's lights.As they climbed in, Arlo leaned back into the plush seat, the hum of the car's engine a quiet comfort. He glanced at Maria, who was adjusting the navigation panel.
"You know," he said, half to himself, "this wasn't such a bad night after all."
Maria smirked as the hovercar lifted into the air. "Told you. Welcome to the HUB, rookie."
With that, they soared into the glowing skyline, the trail of their hovercar blending into the vibrant city lights.