At that moment, Kai wandered around the fortress and accidentally bumped into a young girl. She had short black hair, wore round glasses, a plain white T-shirt under a long black coat, a black skirt, and white shoes. She was slim, standing about 155 centimeters tall, and carried a book in her arms.
Thud!
"Ouch…" She fell to the ground, landing on her side.
"My glasses! Where did they go…?"
Kai quickly spotted them, picked them up, and handed them back to her.
"I'm sorry. Are you alright?"
She smiled faintly, brushing the dust off her clothes.
"It's fine. Thank you."
The girl tilted her head curiously.
"What's your name?"
"My name is Kai."
"I'm Rese," she replied warmly.
Kai's eyes shifted to the book she carried.
"Rese… where are you going? And what's that book you're holding?"
"This book is a travel log," she said with quiet excitement. "I want to become a navigator one day. That's why I read and study as much as I can. Someday, I'll set out into space, see the wonders I've never seen, and learn things I've never known."
Kai didn't respond at first—he simply looked at her, his normally cold expression softening ever so slightly. Though his face remained calm, there was a quiet satisfaction hidden in his eyes.
"Rese… would you like to come with me? Be my navigator."
Rese froze for a moment, her eyes widening in surprise at Kai's unexpected offer.
Then, in a gentle tone, she answered,
"Yes… I'll be your navigator, Kai."
Kai made his way to Anthea's office. She was at her desk, buried in stacks of documents, carefully signing approvals and organizing papers. Without looking up, she spoke with a serious tone.
"What is it, Kai?"
Kai smiled faintly, his voice carrying hope.
"I've found a navigator. Can I start my journey now, Teacher?"
Anthea finally looked up.
"And who is your navigator?"
"Her name is Rese."
"Rese, hmm? But she's never traveled into space before, has she?"
Kai straightened, his expression turning firm.
"If she never leaves, then when will she ever get the chance? If no one gives her the opportunity, how will she ever gain experience?"
Anthea paused, her hand resting on the desk.
"Opportunities usually come by traveling with the experienced—like Mas and Ruby. Out there, the universe is dangerous."
Kai's voice was calm, his eyes unwavering.
"When Mas and Ruby first left, they were beginners too. They learned by doing. If we don't start, how will we ever grow, Teacher?"
Anthea fell silent, then asked,
"Can you repair your own ship? Can you contact the base if something goes wrong?"
Kai answered with quiet confidence.
"Yes. For some reason, the moment I touched a ship, it felt natural—like I'd been piloting all along."
Anthea studied him for a long moment before finally nodding.
"Very well. I'll authorize it. You may choose one of the ships parked in the open field beside the fortress. From now on, it will be yours."
A small smile broke across Kai's face.
"Thank you, Teacher. Truly… thank you."
As he turned to leave, Anthea called out one last time.
"Kai, be careful of the invaders. You'll recognize them by the cross-shaped symbols on their clothing—or even on their bodies. Never lower your guard."
Kai gave a firm nod and left the room.
Outside the fortress, Kai found Mas and Ruby sitting together beside an old, white van-shaped ship. Mas was munching on snacks with Ruby when he noticed Kai approaching.
"What's up, kid?" Mas asked casually.
Kai stood silently for a moment, then finally spoke.
"Mas, Ruby… thank you for everything. But I think it's time I set out on my own journey."
Ruby tilted her head, her tone soft but curious.
"And what are you traveling for, Kai? What's your goal?"
Kai fell silent for a while before answering.
"I want to understand the universe—to learn, to grow stronger with my own hands. I want to become someone respectable… someone worthy of being called a leader."
Mas's face remained calm as he walked to the ship, retrieving a small device that looked like a remote with a single button. He handed it to Kai.
"Kai, this is how you contact us if you're in trouble. It's a tracker—press the button, and we'll know exactly where you are in space. We'll come for you right away. Got it?"
Ruby, listening carefully, added with a faint smile,
"Good luck, friend. And don't forget—you can always reach us through your ship's comm system. Meow…"
Kai nodded firmly.
"Thank you—for everything."
He turned and walked toward the grassy open field, where rows of ships stood waiting under the sky.
Ruby's expression softened, her voice tinged with sadness.
"Good luck, my friend…"
Mas chuckled, shaking his head.
"Come on, Ruby. It's not like we're parting forever. He's just starting his own journey, the same way we once did. Besides, we've got a mission tomorrow. Don't get all gloomy, little cat." He gently patted her head.
Ruby's eyes glistened as she wrapped her arms around him.
"Mas, Mas… I love you. Meow… don't ever leave me, okay?"
Mas sighed, though his tone was filled with affection.
"Hah… you silly cat."