[Scene – Morning in Rio's Villa, MARU]
"Huh… aaahhhh."
Rio stretched lazily as sunlight peeked through the layered window visors of his sleek cyber-glass room. "That was quite a sleep. A whole week since I came back to MARU…"
Ana, standing by the wall panel near the med-table, smiled gently. "Yes, Young Master. Though you didn't tell us you'd be sleeping this long." She adjusted her maid dress while glancing at his vitals on the screen.
Suddenly, a holographic projection flickered to life near the bedside. SLIX appeared in her typical semi-transparent form, her shimmering eyes turning a curious amber hue.
[SLIX_ Rio is bored and sulking... Because of Misa, I suppose?]
Rio rolled over and groaned. "Ugh… stop it, you two! I was just tired. Training on Saturn's surface took more out of me than I expected. And there's nothing going on with Misa!"
SLIX's expression shifted into a mock pout before giving a sly grin.
[SLIX_ Without clothes, you're surprisingly muscular for a so-called "skinny boy." Not bad for someone considered a Tier-1 already. If you wish, I could date you. After all, I chose your family line for a reason—five geniuses across three eras. Not bad odds.]
"Aaaand we're crossing lines again," Rio said quickly, grabbing a towel. "SLIX, you're still technically an AI, remember?"
Ana chuckled softly, folding Rio's training robes. "But Master, she's a relic from a divine era. Isn't it true she was discovered during excavation under the Mavi Kingdom's launch pad?"
"Yeah," Rio said thoughtfully, wrapping the towel around his waist. "And from what I've gathered, she was originally created by a god-tier technomancer before his fall… but honestly, I still don't know her full story."
SLIX's tone changed, a low reverence in her voice.
[SLIX_ I am the last fragment of my master's legacy. His power once resonated across the universe. Until I find a worthy successor, I'll remain here… guarding what remains of his light. And following my mood.]
Ana looked genuinely moved. "Even after ten thousand years, you still hold onto your master's will…"
Rio stared for a moment, the weight of SLIX's words settling in. "And I thought my breakthrough was complicated…"
[SLIX_ Worry not. I will not bring chaos to MARU. My thing to to protect your lineage, and if needed, pass on the legacy I carry. That is all. Cause I feel a Lil amused here.]
[Dense Mysterious Voice_ This one too. Form bonds… like the dark Wymbre girl. When the time comes, I will show you the path.]
Rio sighed and ruffled his hair. "Alright, alright. Both of you—enough heavy talk. I need a bath. And peace."
Ana stepped forward, a faint pink hue on her cheeks. "May I help, Master? It's been a while since I was allowed to assist." Her tone was sweet, but her intent sincere.
Rio blinked, caught off guard. "Uh… sure, but just help me scrub my back or something. I need to go meet Erame after this."
Ana smiled warmly. "Of course."
---
[Scene – Bath Chamber]
The bath steam curled up like wisps of dream threads. Ana gently scrubbed Rio's back with practiced care, her hands soft and deliberate. Rio sat silently, letting his thoughts drift.
(This world... gods, TIER breakthroughs, SLIX, Nyxara… and now Ana too. I thought life on MARU would be simple after escaping Earth. Guess I was wrong.)
Ana broke the silence. "You've changed, Master. You carry yourself differently now."
Rio looked over his shoulder. "You think so?"
She nodded. "More confident. More... grounded. I don't know what happened out there, but I'm glad you came back alive."
Rio smiled gently. "Me too."
There was no need for anything else to be said. Not now.