Chase

As soon as Edric gets out of the luxurious travel capsule exclusively used by the Solaire family, an android greets him with a smile and hands him a chip. It immediately floats and then scans Edric as soon as it gets close to Edric. Then it verifies his identity. Completing the verification of Edric as a true member of the Solaire family, it becomes a plain brass ring on Edric's thumb. Edric twists and rubs the ring a couple of times then gestures for the android to lead the way. She quickly guides Edric respectfully.

"Welcome to the country of In, Young master Edric," the android exclaims as she leads Edric out of the terminal. "I hope you enjoy your stay here, and may your worries and sadness from WZ(War Zone) 154 fade away."

Quickly, Edric relaxes his fist that instantly clenches as he heard what the android said. 'Sadness and Worries?' what could the android possibly know about such things... He suddenly realizes that he has no complete control over his feelings which means he needs to train harder. But for now, he needs to be more cautious of his reaction since he knows his every action is being watched and being tested. Especially now that he's out of his father's total protection, a lot of people are eager to see if he would be an ally or an enemy, a pawn or a player.

Finally, exiting out the terminal to the entrance of the station, Edric is greeted by a grand top view of the country's top metropolis below, and a view of cloudless blue sky above. He could see huge glass dome shape buildings with hover cars buzzing in and out, and large spherical buildings floating in the air as well. Even with all the activity going on in the metropolis, Edric could hardly see any smoke or smog.

Sensing someone is approaching at a fast pace, Edric assesses his surroundings mentally taking note of areas that will be advantageous to him. Despite sensing no hostility from the person approaching he put his guard up knowing top experts can hide their hostility at will. He knows that the mainlands might be devoid of wars and battles but that doesn't mean it's truly peaceful nor does it lack dangers.

A towering young man with curly platinum blond hair and amber-colored eyes comes into sight, as Edric waits for the person he senses to approach. As soon as the person catches the sight of Edric, he hastens his pace and quickly introduces himself.

"Hi! I'm George! I'm from division one section five of Solis corporate under the Solaire main branch. I'm selected to provide any assistance you need young master Edric." George greets enthusiastically while Edric immediately taps to activate the brass ring to scan George. Hearing an affirmative ring, Edric looks at George. Seeing a lot of openings and a goofy grin on George's face, Edric can't help but feel a bit disappointed at his escort. But then again, George's lax stance might just be a facade or even a test to see if he lowers his guard.

Seeing the impeccable young master of the Solaire family stare at him coldly after his greeting, George couldn't help scratch his cheek awkwardly and led the young master to the highly customized, and most advanced hovercar exclusively owned by the Solaire family. Feeling a bit stifled by Edric's silence, George tries to engage Edric with some conversation. But, it seems like young master Edric doesn't seem as eager as him to get to know each other.

"Young Master, Is this your first visit to the mainland?" George asks after getting to the driver's seat.

"Yes," Edric curtly answers.

"Then, Would you like to sightsee?" thinking that he finally hit a topic in which the young master is interested, George smiles as he checks at Edric's reaction at the rear-view mirror.

"Hmm," Edric answers nonchalantly. Not sure on how to interpret George's question, he can't help but think there's more to George's inquiry than what's obvious. He keeps silent and quietly observes George's response and actions. Not knowing whether or not George is an ally or a hidden enemy, Edric stays alert. There are still so many unknown to him that premature judgment of any kind might cause him dearly later on. And of course, how could he trust someone he just met?

Sensing that Edric is losing interest in the topic, "There's a lot of fun things here to do young master!" George insists. "Besides, I'm sure life in the war zone has been dreary so my not treat this as vacation young master?"

Again, hearing such false sympathetic concern, Edric coldly and mockingly smiles, "Your name is George, right?"

"Yes, young master!" George instantly replies as he feels a cold shiver run through his spine. Seeing the cold look directed at him, he can't help but wonder how he offended the young master. He really just wants Edric to have fun since he could only imagine the dreadful things that had happened to the young Solaire. After hearing from his master, top brass in the Solis corps, about the tightly controlled information about the incident of the young master being kidnapped and witnessing the brutal murder of his mother, he can't help but feel a bit sorry towards Edric.

"You are well aware that I am a Solaire correct? The so-called 'High Sentinel' right?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then let me ask you, have you ever seen a Solaire prioritize his own enjoyment above his duty?" asking with such a cold tone, Edric looks out the car window to hide the anger in his eyes. Him having fun? a person who not only cause people to die but even profit from people killing each other. Fun is something he shouldn't have nor does he deserve any.

"Ah, um, ah I haven't seen any sir," George meekly answers.

"Right, so what makes you think that I would like to treat my visit as a vacation?" Edric sharply states.

"Well, young master, I was thinking that well, since you're here, might as well enjoy the stay while you can. I mean I'm sure the young master's duties come first but it doesn't mean you won't have time for yourself to have some fun. And since the young master is still young the higher-ups wouldn't reprimand you for enjoying your stay when it's your first visit in the mainlands after all!" George sincerely speaks what's on his mind.

From observing the young master being alert and guarded even at this moment, his instincts tell him that the young master has gone through some tough times probably a lot more than him. After all, the young master has grown up in the harshest war zone. WZ 154 is the place described as "a place worse than hell" according to the top veterans he knows.

Noticing the sympathetic look George is giving him after saying his piece, his fists are itching to punch George's face but Edric calms himself down and sarcastically answers, "You sure are kind George, and I *truly* appreciate your concern but please mind your own business and I would mind my own."

"I understand young master."

"Good," Edric replies. But does he really understand? the question pops up in Edric's mind, which he quickly dismisses.

George then was silent for a moment but then continues to talk about the current affairs in the mainland trying hard to avoid mentioning well-known vacation spots known for being fun and beautiful. It's just that George can't stand the silence and the heavy atmosphere so he continues to talk. So, knowing it would be more useful to talk about the events currently happening in the mainlands, George squeezes his brain for anything he thinks would be relevant to the young master.

Edric lets him talk making sure to take note of any information that might be useful later on while staying vigilant of his surroundings. After listening for a while he has to admit, hearing all problems of the mainlands centered on not having enough leisure activities available, having too many surplus resources, and governments wanting their citizens to proactively take part in national policies; the mainlands really are quite different from his expectations. Still, he needs to explore and probe the mainlands by himself to truly get a feel for what they truly are.

A wheat field catches Edric's attention since it's something he didn't expect to see in the metropolis. The rich golden brown color suddenly brings forth the image of Lyra in Edric's mind. When he catches himself thinking about her, he mentally mocks himself for being distracted. He also remembers thinking about how he can't trust a person he just met a few minutes ago and how Lyra is someone he just met and yet he clearly wants to trust her. And so, he instantly reasons to himself that there's always an exception to the rule. While thinking this, he unconsciously covers his mouth with his hand to hide his smile.

Stopping in front of a grand victorian style mansion, George calls out to Edric that they have arrived at their destination. Edric exits the hovercar and a butler immediately greets and welcomes him. He is then guided to his extravagant room that rivals that of a top-tier hotel. On his way to his room, Edric notices hidden guards everywhere, this means privacy is something he can't afford right now. Edric quickly formulates a plan to secure a place where he could safely think, move and plan without anyone watching him.

The start of his journey is already proving to be a challenge, he could only anticipate how difficult it would become later on. With this in mind, Edric swiftly mentally notes down the things he needs to acquire and prepare. Leaning on the wall while looking out the window, Edric thinks about how to take advantage of having a guide.

Still deep in thought, Edric hears a knock. Picking up the pen on the small side table and hiding it in his hand, Edric answers.

"Come in."

The butler enters with an envelope in a tray and bowing, presents it to Edric. Edric dismisses the butler and opens the envelope. Briefly reading it, Edric disposes it on the fireplace and watches as it quickly burns to ashes. The top council of Solis corps wants to meet him, as for why, it wasn't clearly stated but he knows it's about him coming to the mainlands.

Checking the time, he swiftly departs to meet them. Entering the forum room, Edric is immediately scrutinized by the elites present. Seven elites, elites have sworn their total loyalty to the Solaire family but that doesn't change the fact that they still harbor some agendas of their own aside from the will of the Solaire family.

"So, we finally see the future head of the Solaire face to face." Gwendel, one of the council a lady with black hair and blue eyes coyly states.

"Greetings young master Edric," Asher, a tall lean, and tanned man with a sharp nose, greets Edric.

"An honor to meet you, young master," Melvin, a pale young man with blonde and amber eyes solemnly welcomes Edric.

"Yo young master," West yells after taking a sip of brandy, and eye grins at Edric.

and the rest of the elites just silently nod at Edric, while greeting him they all are exerting pressure. Edric, who is strong enough to withstand the accumulated pressure from the seven elites without a hint of exhaustion, nonchalantly answer.

"A pleasure to meet you all as well."

Seeing how Edric is able to handle the pressure, the council immediately moves on to discuss the purpose of the meeting.

"Factions, local and international, are starting to show some disturbing action towards each other. Not only do the factions target each other but it seems they are trying to incite trouble within our organization by creating issues that are difficult to address due to rules implemented by international laws. Although these issues can be handled by the council as the current head of the Solaire family, Luke, requested that we delegate some tasks to young master Edric. Tasks that would enable the young master to travel but also help the Solis corps significantly." Asher explains.

"and those tasks are?" full of apprehension Edric states with his arm folded.

"Capturing fugitives that had escaped the war zones. I'll leave it to the young master what to do with them once you captured them. Currently, there are 3 people reported." Melvin answers.

"Only 3?" Edric asks while silently scrutinizing the council.

"Yes, we are quite capable *young master*~" Gwendel states.

Edric nods and gestures for Melvin to continue.

"You should be able to access all the data we have about them through your I.D device. I suppose we don't have to remind you young master that killing is prohibited as well as any type of ammunition should not be used. Also Young Master. any weapon using gravity manipulation, light manipulation as well as sound manipulation cannot be used unless for self-defense. Although, if you truly are cornered young master, feel free to kill for, we the Solis council, will bear the consequences as the vassals of the great family of Solaire."

Hearing what Melvin said, Edric unfolds his arms and looks the elites in the eye one by one and exerting his own pressure on all of them, a pressure more intense than what they put him through, he then states,

"I, Edric Solaire, will take responsibility for all my actions," Edric then turns his back to exit the room, the elites having a hard time overcoming the pressure he is putting them through, stops before closing the door and continues," and as a Solaire, I should be the one to bear the consequences brought by *my subordinates*." He then leaves without turning back.

With the tasks in his mind, Edric quickly makes preparations for his mission. He calls for George. As the official ordained guide of Edric, George helps him prepare. After a week Edric finally finishes his preparation and will soon head out to complete his tasks.

A letter from the council arrives and requests him to attend a meeting before he sets out for his mission. This time, Asher is the only one waiting for him in the forum room. Edric and Asher briefly greet each other and quickly move on to talk about the agenda of the meeting.

"Young Master, I'm afraid you have to be cautious when it comes to your Aunt Cherry. It seems that she holds quite a lot more influence than we can fathom. And Madam Cherry has more than a few connections that are not only dangerous but also powerful. In truth, Madam Cherry alone can rival the whole Solis corps when it comes to intel, assets, and power and yet she is able to stay low profile all this time and under the radar from us most of the time. This means she can and she might influence you to go against us. So we truly hope that you keep in mind that even if she is your Aunt, she can easily turn against you since she isn't part of the Solaire family anymore."

After, a pause Edric agrees to be cautious when meeting his aunt. Hearing how powerful and influential Aunt Cherry, here, in the mainlands, as well as hearing how she's more powerful than his father, Edric couldn't help but be more intrigued by his Aunt. He also wonders if his Aunt's position will affect his interaction with Lyra.

Just thinking about how he might finally have a chance to meet Lyra properly and have a chat makes him grin. But then, Lyra being close to his aunt, there's a possibility that he might go against Lyra because of his aunt. Frowning he closes his eyes and recalls Lyra's fierce hazelnut eyes. Fierce and beautiful, no wonder he didn't want to let her go back then. Opening his eyes, he looks at his hands and clenches them tight.

"This time I won't let the opportunity slip, I'll definitely meet and talk to her. Hopefully, we'll meet in a better circumstance than last time." Edric mutters under his breath.