Chapter 60: Graceful Landings

The group soared through the vastness of the universe at incredible speeds, passing by asteroid fields and dispersing hazardous gases with their protective barrier in their wake.

Unable to resist a lighthearted comment, Nana commented, "This trip seems smoother than your old one, Ty."

However, Ty remained captivated by the mesmerizing visuals that surrounded them. The vast expanse of space was adorned with countless stars, each shining like a distant beacon in the dark void.

Their journey took an unexpected turn when they encountered a massive red star, its searing heat testing the very limits of their protective barrier.

After passing by the scorched and lifeless planets, they finally approached their destination—a vibrant world with striking purple and blue oceans over its surface, its continents taking unique and intriguing shapes when viewed from above.

Amazed, Nana couldn't contain her excitement as she spoke, "It was surreal to see a planet from this high up, every speck we see is of numerous humans and creatures who are just living their lives."

Reflecting on their previous ignorance of the grander universe, Ty added, "That was us, unaware of the bigger picture of the universe going on." A hint of melancholy overtook Nana's face as she recalled the struggles that had once seemed so significant to her.

Feeling the change in her emotions, Ty squatted down and gently placed his bony hand on her shoulder. Offering words of comfort he said, "While you might feel like that, all of us were living our lives just like that regardless of where it was. As long as you have found happiness and have something to strive for, it doesn't matter where your life took place."

After encouraging enough that a smile appeared on her face, Ty continued to observe as the speed began to decrease, and they made their way toward the planet while descending at a slow rate.

Seeing this, Ty couldn't help but express his surprise, "Why wasn't it this smooth the last time I was sent?"

After what felt like a long journey, their feet finally touched down in an open field surrounded by crops and vast farmland. The darkness of the region was lit by the slowly dimming lights in the distance, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere around.

Stretching himself out, Todd remarked, "I wouldn't mind experiencing that rush again. It was such an exciting adrenaline rush."

Nana, however, had a different opinion. She stated, "Personally, I prefer staying on solid ground most of the time."

Then taking a deep breath of fresh air, she ran her hand over the fields and couldn't help but marvel, "I've never seen crops like these before, they have such bright orange and dark brown colors."

As Ty attached the eyepiece to the right side of his skull, he commented, "Well, let's see if this works any better than the watch."

Hearing him mutter, both, Todd and Nana exchanged confused glances, unsure of what they should be expecting after this.

A faint chuckle escaped from Ty's skeletal form as the eyepiece clicked into place before it seamlessly integrated with his bone-like features. It almost appeared as if it had become one with him, and was followed by a sudden burst of light that illuminated his thoughts.

In his mind, Ty was able to see countless images of different bodies that flickered and passed before him, leaving him both fascinated and somewhat disoriented as well.

The guard looked a bit perplexed and asked Todd and Nana to step forward, inquiring if they had any papers. Nana and Todd complied by moving closer.

Nana reached into the stack of papers she had been given by Kirana and pulled out a bundle of documents that were stamped with the orders from King Griswald.

Taking a step back, the guard commented, looking clearly surprised, "You're traveling freely with an ogre? I guess we all make dumb decisions."

The guard then examined the papers, his expression shifting to one of shock. "How did you manage to get papers stamped by King Griswald? I heard he is very strict on these things."

The guard then pulled out a glass object after which he started to further inspect the documents before concluding that they were indeed legitimate.

Nana responded with a warm smile, before saying, "I am the 3rd cousin to the king, a part of the 2nd household."

Her words sent a shiver down the spine of the two guards, making them stiffen up, and promptly give a slight bow to her in apology for not recognizing her status earlier.

Putting on an even more gracious smile, Nana stated, "It's okay; I'll let it slide this once, it is rather late, after all."

Nana then politely urged, "Please don't hold up my guests any longer. I need a good night's sleep before heading back home."

The guards exchanged glances and nodded in agreement. The guard on the right then struck the end of his staff toward the gate's door, causing it to dissolve into vapor before their eyes.

This kind of ability caused the group to be momentarily shocked but they somehow managed to maintain their composure before they walked through what was once a solid wall.

The left guard bid them farewell with a touch of concern, saying, "Be safe on your travels, Ma'am, and company. As you might be aware, there has been an increase in the number of riots and attacks in the region lately, especially after the assassination attempt not too long ago."

Although Nana was taken aback by this piece of information, she maintained a friendly smile on her face as if she was aware of this and replied, "Of course, I have the best guards money could buy." With that, she waved them off, and the wooden gate slowly materialized back into existence.

Ty, still puzzled by the situation, inquired, "What was all this story about, and where do we come from?"

Meanwhile, Nana, who was lost in thought for a moment, finally responded, "Oh, I was just following the work Kirana put together. The notes she had gathered have been amazing."

She continued, "The house in question was something I made up on the spot, but it does mention that they follow a strict order of ruling. So if you mention that you are from a house along with the stamp of the king, then they are sure to believe you."

Then, with some uncertainty in her voice, she expressed, "Though I'm not entirely sure how far that ruse will get us. But for the time being, let's focus on getting situated in a hut while planning for our next move for the morning."

Ty agreed, saying, "Sounds good to me. It will give me a chance to go over all the documents as well."