CTS Time: RE250.01.03 – 5:16 AM
The spacecraft was still in the quiet embrace of early morning. The stars outside twinkled in the vastness of space, and the gentle hum of the ship's engines was the only sound breaking the silence.
Inside their quarters, Rose and Bolt were deep in sleep, their blankets pulled up snugly around them. The room was warm, comfortable—too comfortable.
Then, the slide door hissed open.
Blaze stepped inside, his body glistening with sweat from his intense rooftop training. His muscles ached slightly, but it was nothing he wasn't used to. He had been up for hours, pushing himself beyond limits, sharpening his skills.
He glanced at Rose and Bolt—still asleep, still lost in dreams.
"Tch. If they want to be like me, they can't afford to waste time sleeping."
Without hesitation, Blaze walked over to the control panel and adjusted the room's temperature drastically. A sudden chill spread through the air like an icy wind.
Rose, still wrapped in her blanket, shivered, then groaned. She flung the blanket off, her face scrunched in irritation. Her eyes immediately landed on Blaze, standing there with his arms crossed.
"You…!" She pointed at him, still drowsy. "What are you doing!?"
Blaze remained unfazed. "Yesterday, you said you wanted to become a blader like me." His golden eyes narrowed. "This is how you start. No excuses."
Rose stretched her arms with a yawn, blinking sleepily. "Can't we start tomorrow?" she mumbled, still groggy.
Blaze's expression darkened. "There is no tomorrow," he scolded. "You start now, or you never start at all."
Rose sighed, rubbing her messy hair. She knew Blaze was serious when he got like this, and there was no arguing with him.
Meanwhile, Bolt was still blissfully asleep, snoring lightly, completely unaffected by the temperature change.
Blaze's eyebrow twitched. He walked over and, with a sharp voice, barked, "BOLT, WAKE UP!"
Bolt practically jumped out of bed, landing in a tangled mess of sheets. "I'M AWAKE! I'M AWAKE!" he shouted, eyes wide in panic.
Blaze sighed and returned the room temperature to normal.
He walked over to a nearby table, where two swords rested. One had a sleek red blade with intricate engravings resembling flames, reminiscent of Devolos. The other had a blue blade, glowing faintly with an aura of calm yet powerful energy.
Blaze picked up the swords and held them out. "I brought these for you two. Choose one."
Before he could even finish his sentence, both Rose and Bolt lunged forward—grabbing the red sword at the same time.
"Hey! I saw it first!" Bolt exclaimed, trying to pull it from Rose's grip.
"No way! This one looks like Devolos!" Rose argued, pulling it towards herself.
The two wrestled for the sword, their movements jerky and comical, each determined to claim it as their own.
Blaze pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling deeply. Why am I even surprised?
"Enough," he commanded. His tone made both of them freeze instantly. "Stop acting like kids."
"But—"
"No buts." Blaze took the sword from their hands effortlessly and studied them for a moment. Then, he handed the red sword to Rose and the blue sword to Bolt.
"There. Problem solved."
Bolt pouted. "Why does she get the red one?"
Rose grinned mischievously, twirling the sword in her hand. "Because Blaze gave it to me." She smirked. "Guess that means I'm the stronger one."
Bolt grumbled under his breath, but deep down, he respected Blaze's decision. Still, he wasn't about to let Rose's teasing slide.
With their weapons chosen, the three of them headed for the rooftop of the spacecraft. The artificial gravity kept them steady as they stepped onto the open training area, the stars above illuminating the vastness of space.
Bolt was still fuming slightly, and Rose took every chance to poke fun at him.
"Hey, Bolt, does it bother you that I got the cooler sword?" she teased, swinging it around playfully.
Bolt huffed, gripping his blue sword tighter. "Tch. Just wait. I'll show you that mine is just as strong—no, even stronger!"
Blaze watched them silently. There was an odd warmth in his chest—something rare for him.
He had trained alone for so long, pushing himself to his limits. But now, watching Rose and Bolt bicker and laugh as they prepared to train, he realized something.
This was the first time in a long time that training didn't feel lonely.
The rooftop of the spacecraft stretched wide beneath the endless night sky. Countless stars, nebulae, and distant galaxies twinkled overhead, painting the cosmos in an array of mesmerizing colors. Other spacecrafts passed by along the galactic trade route, their glowing lights drifting like shooting stars.
Blaze stood in the center of the rooftop, watching over Rose and Bolt with a firm yet focused gaze. Tonight wasn't just about swinging swords—it was about discipline, control, and learning the true way of the blade.
He demonstrated each movement with precision, his body moving like a seasoned warrior.
"Grip the hilt firmly, but don't tense up," Blaze instructed, guiding Rose's hands into the correct position. "If you hold too tight, your movements will be stiff. Too loose, and you'll lose control."
Rose nodded, adjusting her stance. Meanwhile, Bolt was struggling with his sword, nearly dropping it a few times.
"Balance your weight," Blaze said, stepping behind him. "You're leaning too far forward. Stay centered."
Bolt groaned. "This is harder than it looks…"
Blaze smirked. "That's because you're used to running, not fighting."
After a few more drills, the real fun began—sparring.
Rose and Bolt faced off, eyes gleaming with excitement. They held their swords tightly, ready to clash.
"Alright, show me what you've learned," Blaze said, stepping back to observe.
With a battle cry, Rose swung first, her sword cutting through the air. Bolt barely dodged in time, countering with a wild swing of his own. Their blades met in the middle—thwack!
Blaze crossed his arms, watching closely. A small smile tugged at his lips.
They were having fun.
For a moment, he was lost in thought—memories of his childhood creeping in.
He remembered the days when he had no sword. When he had to fight with just his fists, his wits, and sheer determination. Back then, he had dreamed of holding a real blade, of training like a true warrior.
"And now, I'm teaching them."
After several minutes, Rose and Bolt finally stopped, panting and sweating. Rose spun the sword in her hand, testing its weight.
"This blade is so light," she muttered. "It doesn't even feel like a real sword."
"Exactly!" Bolt chimed in. "When we clashed, there was no metallic sound, no sparks. It's weird."
Blaze raised an eyebrow. "You seriously thought I'd give you real swords?"
Rose blinked. "Wait… What?"
Blaze smirked. "These are light fabric swords. They're just for practice. You two aren't strong enough to handle real swords yet."
Rose's jaw dropped. "Are you kidding me?!"
Blaze shrugged. "You'd probably chop off your own fingers if I gave you real ones."
Rose crossed her arms, turning away in annoyance. "I'm not a kid anymore, Blaze!"
Blaze sighed. "Here we go…" He glanced at Bolt. "Tell Rose to stop acting like a brat and just practice."
Bolt laughed nervously. "Uh, Rose, maybe we should just—"
"Shut up, Bolt," Rose huffed.
Blaze shook his head and turned to leave. "Keep practicing. I'm going inside."
Rose and Bolt exchanged glances before getting back to their sparring, determination burning in their eyes.
One Hour Later…
Inside the spacecraft, Blaze was busy in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. The warm aroma of food filled the air, making the place feel cozy and alive.
He spread out a soft carpet in the dining area, arranging the dishes neatly. On top of the bed, he placed new clothes for Rose and Bolt—a surprise for them.
Just as he finished, he heard the pounding of footsteps.
Rose and Bolt came rushing down, covered in sweat. Their hair was messy, their faces red from exertion.
Rose darted past Bolt, heading straight for the bathroom.
"Hey, wait! I was going first!" Bolt protested, chasing after her.
Too late.
SLAM!
The bathroom door shut in his face.
Bolt banged on it. "Come on, Rose! I need to go first!"
From inside, Rose's muffled voice called out. "Too slow, Bolt!"
Blaze, watching from the kitchen, smirked. "That's what you get for being slow."
Bolt groaned, sulking on the couch. "Unfair…"
Breakfast & Surprises
Once everything settled, Rose and Bolt sat on the carpet, their stomachs growling.
Blaze placed the food before them—a hearty meal of warm bread, fruits, and grilled protein cubes.
But before they could dig in, Blaze revealed something else—the new clothes.
Rose's eyes lit up. "Wait… these are for us?"
Blaze nodded. "You both needed new ones after all that training."
Bolt picked up his new jacket, grinning. "This is awesome!"
Rose beamed, running her hands over the soft fabric of hers. "Wow… Thanks, Blaze."
For a moment, the three of them just sat there—a quiet, peaceful moment.
Then, they dug into their breakfast, laughing and talking, their bond growing stronger with each passing second.
CTS Time: RE250.01.03 – 7:05 AM
The scent of breakfast still lingered in the air as Blaze stretched, standing up from the carpeted floor. He looked at Rose and Bolt, both sitting with content expressions after their meal. The spacecraft hummed gently beneath them as it continued its course through the endless cosmos.
Blaze crossed his arms. "Now you both should rest. We'll be reaching the center of the universe in two hours, and there's a Blading tournament waiting for us at the Diamond Space Hub."
Rose's eyes lit up with excitement. "The Diamond Space Hub?! Finally! We're actually going there!"
Bolt grinned. "Yeah! And Jasper will be competing too!"
At the mention of Jasper, Blaze smirked, a memory flashing in his mind. "I remember him… A skilled blader. He once challenged me, claiming he'd defeat me in a tournament."
Bolt nudged Rose. "Hey, that means Blaze actually respects Jasper as a rival."
Rose smirked. "Maybe Blaze finally found someone who could beat him."
Blaze rolled his eyes. "Tch. Don't get ahead of yourselves."
Despite their energy, he could tell they had exhausted themselves during training. "You two might feel energetic now, but once we get to the tournament, you'll need to be at your best. So get some rest."
He turned to Rose. "And before you argue, remember—I brought datapads for your knowledge."
Rose's curiosity sparked immediately. "Oh yeah! You mentioned those yesterday. But you never showed me how to use them!"
Blaze smirked and sat between Rose and Bolt on the bed, their expressions filled with anticipation. "Alright, pay attention." He leaned back slightly, pressing a command on his wristband.
The room dimmed, and suddenly, the walls glowed with holographic light. A shimmering blue interface appeared before them, and a soothing, robotic voice spoke—the ship's AI.
"Welcome to the Galactic Knowledge System. Initializing datapad interface…"
Rose's eyes widened as floating datapads emerged from hidden compartments, hovering before them like tiny satellites.
Blaze gestured toward the projection. "These will answer all your burning questions. Starting with—Rose, remember when you asked me how we survive in open space while wearing normal clothes, like the ones you wore on Earth?"
Rose nodded eagerly. "Yeah! It never made sense to me!"
The AI's voice deepened as new holograms emerged, displaying complex fabric structures and energy readings.
C3 Clothes – The Future of Space Survival
"C3 Clothes represent the pinnacle of advanced fabrics designed for space travel. These garments are not only lightweight and comfortable but also serve as an all-in-one protective suit for cosmic environments. They have revolutionized how travelers navigate the universe."
The hologram shifted, showing a figure standing in deep space, surrounded by cosmic radiation and stellar winds—yet completely unharmed.
Key Features:
Cosmic Radiation Resistance: C3 clothes completely block out harmful rays from stars, cosmic storms, and environmental hazards.
Temperature & Pressure Adaptation: The material adjusts to extreme temperatures and gravitational distortions.
Flexibility & Mobility: Unlike traditional bulky space suits, C3 clothes allow freedom of movement, making activities like rooftop star baths or zero-gravity swimming possible.
Rose's jaw dropped. "Wait… so these clothes protect us from radiation, extreme temperatures, and everything else?! Without a space suit?!"
Blaze nodded. "Exactly."
Bolt ran his fingers over his own C3 jacket, suddenly more impressed. "I thought they were just cool-looking outfits…"
Rose's mind buzzed with excitement. "This is unbelievable! Technology has come so far!"
Blaze smirked. "And that's not all. You also wanted to know how people walk freely in space, right?"
The AI's hologram shifted again, showing a massive space hub orbiting a glowing star, where people casually strolled outside, as if they were walking on solid ground.
The Gravity Amplifier – Defying Weightlessness
"The Gravity Amplifier is a revolutionary discovery that enables travelers to move freely in space without traditional equipment. This technology amplifies gravitational fields, allowing for normal movement even in zero gravity."
The hologram displayed three applications:
1. Planetary Gravity Amplifiers
In Type 2 and higher civilizations, these amplifiers are embedded in planetary cores, creating artificial gravitational fields that expand into space.
This allows travelers to move in orbit or walk freely on platforms around the planet.
2. Spacecraft & Space Hubs
Modern ships and stations incorporate localized gravity zones, eliminating the need for artificial environments.
Travelers can eat, sleep, and live as if they were on a planet, even while drifting through deep space.
3. Giant Stars as Space Hubs
Certain stable stars have been transformed into interdimensional hub stations, equipped with portals leading to vast cosmic highways.
These hubs generate gravitational fields, serving as checkpoints and free-movement zones across the multiverse.
Rose's eyes sparkled as the realization hit her. "So… that's how space became like a paradise! It's not just emptiness anymore—it's actually livable!"
Bolt leaned forward, his mind racing. "That means people don't just explore space… They live in it like they would on a planet!"
Blaze nodded, watching their reactions closely. "Now you understand. The universe isn't just about vast emptiness. It's a connected world, shaped by science and discovery."
Rose sat back, still overwhelmed. "This changes everything I thought about space travel…"
Bolt smirked. "And we're heading to one of the biggest hubs right now!"
Rose clenched her fists, determination in her eyes. "Diamond Space Hub. The center of the universe. The biggest Blading tournament ever… I can't wait!"
Blaze chuckled, standing up. "Then get ready. Because soon, you'll be stepping into a world unlike anything you've ever seen."
As the holograms faded and the room returned to normal, Rose and Bolt exchanged excited glances.
The real adventure was just beginning.
The soft hum of the spacecraft surrounded them, its rhythmic vibrations blending with the quiet stillness of space. The dimmed lights inside the cabin cast a peaceful glow, creating a sense of warmth and safety.
Blaze leaned back against the cushioned seat, stretching his arms. He glanced at Rose, who was still wide awake, her expression lost in thought.
"Rose, ask anything you want."
Rose blinked, snapped from her thoughts. Her mind was filled with countless questions—about space, about their journey, about everything she had learned so far. But when given the chance, she hesitated.
"Where do I even start? There's so much I don't know, so much I want to understand…"
She furrowed her brows, trying to focus on a single thought, but her mind wandered in endless directions.
Blaze smirked, turning his gaze toward Bolt—only to find him fast asleep, his arms crossed, his chest rising and falling in steady rhythm.
Blaze chuckled. "Look at this energetic one. Always full of energy, yet he's the first to fall asleep."
He expected Rose to laugh or respond, but when he turned back to her, he found her gently leaning against his shoulder. Her eyes were closed, her breathing soft and even. Sleep had claimed her as well.
Blaze sighed, his expression softening.
"You both remind me of my childhood."
His mind drifted to distant memories—carefree days, endless laughter, and a time before responsibility weighed heavy on his shoulders.
But as his gaze shifted to Rose's peaceful face, a deeper memory surfaced… one that made his heart ache.
He saw his sister.
Her gentle eyes, her warm smile—the way she used to lean against him just like this whenever she was exhausted. It was a memory that felt so vivid yet so far away, like a star just out of reach.
A heavy sigh escaped him, and he rested his head against the cool metal wall, letting his eyes close.
In the depths of sleep, Rose's mind transported her to a world she once called home.
The Sky Tower loomed over the bustling city, its shimmering glass reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun. Skyscrapers stretched high into the sky, their neon lights flickering like stars in an artificial galaxy.
She could feel the wind rushing past her as she hoverboarded above the city, weaving through the towering structures with effortless grace. The thrill of freedom filled her heart as she soared through the open sky, the world beneath her a blur of light and motion.
And then—that day.
The day Anik arrived on Earth for the first time.
She saw it clearly, as if reliving the moment through a lens of time.
The spacecraft had descended upon the city, sleek and otherworldly, its glow reflecting against the skyline. As the landing platform extended, Anik stepped out with his mother and younger sister, their presence commanding yet unfamiliar to the people gathered below.
But in that crowd, Rose wasn't standing tall.
She was hiding behind her father, clutching his coat, her young heart pounding with uncertainty.
And then—Anik's gaze met hers.
In that single moment, something passed between them. A connection. A curiosity. A silent understanding between two children from different worlds.
And from that day forward, everything changed.
She spent countless hours with Anik—laughing, talking, exploring the wonders of their world. Together, they hoverboarded through the clouds, feeling weightless as they raced each other under the starlit sky.
She remembered the treehouse—their hidden sanctuary, where they shared their dreams, whispered secrets, and planned adventures across the universe.
Late nights filled with stories and endless conversations, the feeling of belonging, of being understood.
She had even started writing a story back then—"The Cosmic RE the Revolution."
A tale of endless exploration, of friendship that defied the stars, of the wonders of space and the infinite possibilities of the universe. Every word she wrote was a reflection of her memories with Anik, a tribute to the happiness she had once known.
But then…
The city fell.
The skies burned.
Her father was gone.
Her home was no more.
And Anik—
He disappeared, just like everything else.
The dream shifted. The sky, once bright and full of life, turned dark and empty. The skyscrapers crumbled, swallowed by an abyss of nothingness.
Rose stood alone in the wreckage of her memories, reaching out—searching for something, for someone.
But there was nothing left to hold onto.
A Tear from the Past
Back in reality, a single tear slipped from Rose's closed eyes, rolling down her cheek.
The warm droplet landed softly on Blaze's shoulder.
The sensation startled him.
Blaze's eyes snapped open, his senses jolting awake from the unexpected touch of something cold and wet against his skin.
To be continue...