The car they were driving slowed down and stopped at the side of the road. The door next to Cain hissed before lifting up, allowing the golden light to penetrate the space.
Cain turned to exit, but paused as General Dosh cleared his throat from within the car, making all the cadets pay attention to him.
"Remember, you will be given three days and two nights. And until that time comes, enjoy your holiday."
"Understood."
He nodded and stepped out, allowing his lungs, which had been tight from being trapped in the confined space, to expand. Cain breathed in the fresh air as he raised his face, taking in the bright view from the artificial sun, which made his eyes squint.
Afterwards, the other cadets started to come out one by one, leaving General Dosh inside. They stood by the side of the car that was vibrating subtly, watching the passenger door close, then it went, merging with the other vehicles on the road.
Chloe's mouth parted, showing her white teeth. She turned to the side, her blue eyes swept through the group before stopping at Cain, who stood a bit far away from them.
"Come on everyone, today we are going to have fun."
Her high voice, full of happiness, prompted the girls in their group to nod deeply and meaningfully.
Meanwhile, Cain and Peter, who were standing next to him at some point, let out a long sigh. The glow of life in Peter's eyes disappeared, replaced by a dry laugh that did not reach his heart, looking empty.
Cain raised his brows, pondering why Peter had a vision as if the world had ended. It might have something to do with him and his sister, who somehow had become the leader of the pack.
"Uwoooh, shopping with my own money, I can't wait."
On his left side, Abel's clenched fist was raised to the sky, his face beaming. Cain could even see stars sparkling in his golden eyes.
It was not wrong to call the bribe money given by Dosh theirs, after all, when they officially became soldiers. They would get an official salary to use anyway.
Cain shrugged his shoulders, the corner of his lips lifted, and he felt happy that Abel would remain his bright self no matter where he was. He patted the blonde boy's shoulder.
"Make sure you buy something for your parents at home."
Abel turned towards him, his eyes widened. The blonde boy nodded furiously.
"Of course, you're right, I have to buy something for them."
While the boys stood on the side of the road, waiting for the girls behind them to finish discussing.
The sound of synchronized footsteps attracted Cain's attention, who peeked from his shoulder and accidentally made eye contact with Senior Luna. The two exchanged slight smiles, then he glanced towards Chloe.
"So, have you guys decided yet?"
Chloe shook her head, causing Cain and Peter beside him to raise their eyebrows, surprised. A few minutes had passed in a cheerful mood, discussing, yet all of that was in vain. Cain realized how their very first step was already obstructed.
"I see."
He turned his attention forward, seeing several cars passing by while letting out a gentle sigh.
The group led by Chloe walked on the sidewalk to reach the crosswalk, which fortunately turned green, allowing them to cross the stopped traffic before entering the Mall across the street.
Not long after, he stood in front of the multi-story building. The towering wall was covered in white metal, with black lines intersecting and emitting 'RGB' neon that seemed to be sucked into the large, convex screen, which clearly displayed a drink advertisement.
The entrance door made of thick synthetic glass was opened wide. On both sides stood human-shaped robots, their red gaze forward, guarding the building 24 hours a day, nonstop.
As he stepped in, his black eyes widened at the sight of a spacious hall. The place was buzzing with many people passing by. In the middle, a giant screen projection was encircled by a receptionist's desk. The floating hologram showed all the floors in the building.
Cain turned to the side and saw an escalator that carried people up or down to the floor they wanted to visit.
"Here is the complete guide. I hope you have a good experience."
"Thank you."
Without his knowledge, Chloe was talking to the woman sitting behind the counter while holding several pamphlets, then distributed them to the others.
The blue-haired girl walked towards him, carrying a piece of paper and lifting it right in front of Cain's face, her mouth widened.
"This is for you, I know you don't have high motivation. But, you are a man, you must be ready and willing to escort pretty girls like us."
Chloe placed the pamphlet on Cain's chest, making him flinch. The boy grabbed it and peered inside for a moment.
'Hmm, the first floor is for Technology, the second one is!? Wait, they sell combat equipment here?'
Cain read the rest, and from the three remaining floors. The third floor of the building was likely the girls' destination, since it was filled with fashion shops.
He himself was curious about the floor above it, which served food, and the last floor, which was an arcade, where he could play games.
"Okay girls, you have read the pamphlet in your hand right?"
Chloe's voice echoed, attracting the attention of the other girl and also other customers who passed by. With their beauty, some of the young men stopped while licking their lips, seeing prey to flirt with.
Cain and Peter stepped into view of the men, which made them frown in displeasure.
The men almost stepped forward, but after seeing Peter's body, which was taller than them and had a fierce aura, the four men gulped before turning their bodies to run from the scene.
He turned to the side, staring at the blue-haired boy who was slightly taller than him. Seeing his medium build and prominent muscle lines might have given the men pause.
However, he immediately denied all of that when looking directly at Peter's face. Cain averted his gaze, chuckling to mock himself.
'Heh, sometimes the world is indeed cruel, huh. Especially to average people like me.'
"Peter, Cain what are you doing there? Hurry up, or you'll be left behind!"
Cain and Peter exchanged glances, then witnessed Abel, who had joined the gang of girls at some point. They shrugged their shoulders and, as usual, followed the group from behind.
After taking the escalator, as Cain guessed, they stopped on the third floor. The girls started buzzing with enthusiasm, their eyes sparkling with glee as they looked at the many outfits that stretched far away.
They started taking some clothes in different colors and styles, from casual to formal to sexy. Then placed them close to their bodies to seek opinions from the others.
Cain, Peter, and Abel stood outside the shop, trying not to disturb their fun. He felt a slight tug at the end of his sleeves. When turning, Cain found Abel opening his pamphlet while pointing to the fourth floor.
"Hey, Cain, let's just go to this floor? The girls seem like they'll be long."
Cain and Peter let out a short sigh; the voices in their heads resonated.
'Not will be long, but definitely long.'
He shook his head and opened his mouth to answer Abel.
"Good idea, but you should tell them first that we are going to the fourth floor."
"Alright, I'll tell them."
Peter, who saw the exchange between the two, glanced towards their leader and gave a thumbs up because their escape strategy was perfect by taking advantage of Abel's innocence.
Cain didn't say much; he only nodded slightly; he was very grateful to Abel in this situation.
While the two were forming invisible bonds, Abel and Chloe faced them, and their bodies flinched. However, thanks to Abel's effort, the blonde boy finally came back and brought fresh air from his beaming face.
"Senior Chloe and the others allowed it."
In his heart, Cain makes a gut pose, happy to be free from the shackles of the girls who were in hyper mode. Peter stepped forward and grasped both of Abel's shoulders; his expression was filled with happiness.
"Good, let's find a place to eat."
However, the wall of happiness collapsed when his smartwatch vibrated, sending the atmosphere around him plummeting, his handsome face cast in a gloomy shadow.
The blue boy raised his small screen and found a message from his sister, which read: {If you want to go to the fourth floor, please make a reservation at an expensive cake shop!}
Cain and Abel wrinkled their eyebrows, not knowing what message Peter read that made his back slouch.
They stood next to Peter and read the message. The gray-haired boy gulped to moisten his throat, peeking through the shops where Chloe was staring at them, but her eyes were not.
'Damn, she's one scary sister.'
Cain patted Peter's back gently and led him to take the escalator that took them to the fourth floor in a heavy silence.
'Poor Peter.'