BXBX NOVEL Chapter 73: Chapter 73 Arrived at Ark.
Looking back, Soma has experienced many things since coming to this world, even though his fate has been controlled by some unknown being from the start. However, because of that, he could face the hardship that stood in his way with his head held high.
As for Hina, she was just a little girl who was still trapped in her little world. Not having any experience, strength, or mental capabilities to face those hardships. Moreover, she is the one who should be praised for she managed to grit her teeth, keep marching forward to the danger, and manage to clear the trial.
Soma extended his index finger before placing it on her forehead.
"Listen, Don't listen to those baseless rumors that have nothing to do with you. You are the one who knows the best of yourself. You said you want to get stronger. So do your best! But don't tire yourself out. Keep it in moderation.
It will be laughable if you crumble at important times because of the stupid excuse. …I know that you can do that. I believe in you. The fight in that trial gate will be your greatest asset for facing the trial standing before you. So..".
"Ouch?!".
Hina jerked her head behind as Soma put strength in his index finger, flicked her forehead, and left a red dot in it, leaving her in a somber mood.
"That hurts".
"Hehe, I am sorry. ...Don't let others' thoughts bother you. You just need to strive forward to the path you want to take and never look back because that will only sprout the seeds of hesitation that will hinder your growth.. ".
"... Soma".
"Okay, enough with that. For now, let's forget about the articles. There is something more important in front of us".
"..The exam".
At times like this, Hina should focus on the thing in sight first and need to put aside all of the useless stuff that caught her interest. Soma gazes toward her eyes, regains her focus, and sighs.
{In a moment, the plane will land at the East Ark Airports. Please buckle up. I repeat, in a moment…}
The announcement from the pilot that echoed throughout the room alarmed all the passengers. Soma raised his head and leaned his body to the coach he was sitting on.
"We arrive?"
"..It seems soon, we will be landing at any moment".
Even though Soma and Hina heard the warning, they didn't put on their seat belts, for they believed their enhanced body could withstand this much G-force that would affect their body.
Soma turned his gaze outside the oval window and saw a glimpse of the Floating Island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean named 'Ark'. It stretched far away from the information he had gathered before coming here. The size of the man-made island is approximately 100.000km², more or less, with five main islands inhabiting it.
Ark was a man-made island that was created a hundred years ago with the help of the best-talented architects and workers all over the world.
The island was provided with a multiple dungeon core that could attract the surrounding mana as the fuel for it to keep floating on the ocean, and there is one big chunk of a heavenly class mana core that once appeared in the land, a thousand years ago and managed to be subjugated according to a rumor.
The plane began to lower its altitude as the floating sensation enveloped the room, reducing its gravity. But true to their beliefs, they could withstand the force.
Soma, smitten by the view in front of him, sees a vast expanse of concrete stretching into the distance. A row of white stripes and runway lights line its edges as if guiding the plane to safety.
As the plane tire touched the ground, it shook the plane's body and jolted Soma and Hina's bodies, who sat on the couch, making them incline their bodies forward. Time passed as the plane kept gliding on the black asphalt that stretched out.
The scenery outside became more apparent as the plane lowered its speed before stopping completely after being guided by the marshaller and the Air Traffic Controller.
"Soma, Hina. We arrived. Let's get down from here and check in toward the hotel we already reserved".
"Let's go, both of you".
Hirohi and Hisako already stand beside Soma's duo and urge both of them to leave the plane.
Hina hurriedly packed her notebook that sprawled on the floor for the shaking they received, then stood up walking behind her parents. Soma had nothing in hand, so he stood up and followed Hina in the back.
The four of them began to move their legs and went toward the door, which was already opened by the pilot. Hiroshi separated himself as he wanted to say his thanks on our behalf to the pilot, and for the other three, they went first, descending the stair that hung between the plane and the black asphalt. Before, they topped their feet on the rugged black road.
From the outside, Soma could see the airport in a grand architectural style, where a huge building stood towering from the rest. There are also its sleek lines and towering glass glistening upon the reflection of the light from the sun. Beside it, there is a towering building with a busy terminal that monitors the planes that busily in and out of the place.
The place was designed by the fusion of modern innovation that surpassed its age, and a strong foundation for it was built using an enhanced material.
"Sorry for the wait. Let's go to the hotel".
"Yes, dear. Let go, both of you".
Soma and Hina nodded their heads and walked their feet forward to leave the airstrips. They went inside the building, and before entering, the four of them busied themselves with the checking procedure.
"Everything is finished. We welcome you to Ark".
As the woman finished with the procedure, she gave them all her best regards with her business-like smile and sent them off. Released from the checking, they finally enter the building that looks massive outside. They are welcomed by the bustling lobby where a sea of people gather, busying themselves inside the airport.
The interior of the building was so spacious that its ceiling was so high Soma needed to strain his neck up. He gazed down and saw a white stainless marble floor made from a solid material stretched endlessly into every corner of the room.
There were many other places inside, but Soma had no time to look for each one of them as his feet kept bringing him toward the airport's front gate, where the pick-up car was already waiting outside.
While walking, Soma was constantly worried about their group because two of them were renowned S-Rank awakeners who associated with Japan. Their status and fame will probably gather curious people to witness them from a close distance.
However, all of that was negated as they prepared for this occasion. They managed to disguise themselves perfectly as tourists who wanted to enjoy their holiday.
Hiroshi was wearing black sunglasses, a plain T-shirt, and a blue shirt on top of it. For the lower part, he is wearing short white pants and a pair of sandals. Hisako is wearing a huge summer cap, black sunglasses, and a white dress with a blue cardigan on top. She is wearing long blue jeans and a pair of black heels on her lower part.
From the view of other people, the two of them were the perfect picture of a couple who tried to enjoy their long holiday despite the cold season.
As for Hina, she is wearing her usual haphazard style. With a white T-shirt inside and a red jacket on top. Wear short jeans, black knee socks, and branded blue sneakers. At the same time, the others had prepared their outfit thoroughly. Soma was, as usual, trying to use his all-black outfit. But, because of the objection of the two women in the group.
His shirt was changed into a white one to balance the black color.
After walking around the place, they safely leave the building without being noticed by other people. Outside the building, there were many cars lined up, waiting for their respective passengers or even family to pick them up from the airport. Hiroshi turned his gaze sideways, then managed to spot the person he wanted to meet.
"Guys, come here".
Soma began to align his sight and met the tidy man with bald head who was waiting beside the black limousine, standing in a straight posture wearing a black suit like a bodyguard for his body was also well built, wearing black glasses to hide his expression. Holding a large card box that written 'Akabane family'.