Machina Arcanis: Two Worlds Collided
Chapter 122. Friendly Conversation

Friederich stood next to Sandria, arms crossed nonchalantly as he observed the crew working in near-perfect harmony. Meanwhile, Sandria sat at the helm on a sleek, comfy seat, overseeing operations through her personal HUD holographic dashboard.

To the left of the massive main screen, a large map displayed the route from Germund to the Kanto region of Solis Aeternum. The estimated time of arrival showed just over 19 hours until they reached their destination.

The red marks with radial indicators highlighted potential threats along the way. A dashed line traced the shortest route, while a green line indicated the optimal safe path.

As Zetius stepped within earshot, overhearing Friederich murmured, “Judging from our current route, we’ll likely encounter a surveyor drone as we pass by Hongon. Isn’t that a concern?” His tone was impassive as he addressed Sandria.

She looked up at the towering man and smirked. “Ooh! Someone’s being ultra perceptive.”

Friederich exhaled deeply. “Apologies, Sir Guardian. I didn’t mean to offend. Your sharp intellect just caught me off guard.” Sandria corrected herself, smiling lightly.

“It’s understandable where you’re coming from. To ease your mind, let’s take a look at our arsenal.” She motioned for him to lean in closer. The two now looked like a teacher and student deep in discussion.

Sandria pulled up an interface displaying fleet data. Running her fingers across the list, she pointed. “Here. We’ve got around 96 Armatus units. Out of those, 83 are fully operational and combat-ready.”

Zetius and Aurelia eagerly joined the conversation, though Friederich appeared captivated by the data. The flickering blue light in his eyes reflected his deep focus.

“And we’ve got none but one trusted pilot,” Friederich muttered with a hint of pain in his voice, referring to Zetius’s former shell.

“I appreciate the concern, Friederich. But I’m already one step ahead of you. Madison!” She called out to a timid girl below. The girl had dark brown hair tied in a ponytail.

“Yes, Director!” Madison replied promptly, adjusting her rimless glasses.

“Tell us what you’re working on,” Sandria instructed, before casting a cheeky grin at Friederich.

“Yes, Director. I’ve been spamming the Santose V’s comms with S.O.S. signals—”

“What?!” Friederich’s eyes widened in alarm, but Sandria raised a hand to ease his worry.

“Let her finish,” she said calmly, encouraging Madison to continue.

“Yes, yes. I also simulated a black box response soon after that signal. It’ll make them think Zeigerlich has been wiped out into the ocean. Since they haven’t tried to re-establish communication, it’s safe to say we’ve bamboozled them,” Madison explained, though her voice occasionally wavered.

Zetius faintly scowled at her choice of words. Friederich, meanwhile, crossed his arms and nodded in quiet approval.

Sandria brushed her fingers along the trim of his royal white coat. “That’s not all. We also simulated a separate message to Hongon, claiming we’re still flying under Dunkelheit’s flag. High possibility that they’ll let us pass without issue.”

Closing his eyes, Friederich reflected. “This is truly masterful manipulation. But if push comes to shove and we’re forced to fight, what then?” he asked, testing her strategy.

Instead of a direct answer, Sandria offered a confident grin. “You’re really hard to please, Friederich. Very well, I accept your challenge.”

Aurelia chuckled softly, covering her mouth before glancing at Zetius. He smiled back at her.

“Please, enlighten me. It’s my duty to ensure my princess’s safety and wellbeing,” Friederich said, brushing off Aurelia’s giggle with practised composure.

“Heh, I did mention the operational Armatus units, right?” she teased. Friederich nodded, expression deadpan.

“We’ve reprogrammed them to act as combat drones. If a fight breaks out, they’ll defend us, even as sacrificial pieces. Of course, they can’t beat the Armatus knights, but they’ll buy us enough time to escape.”

Her words were sharp and deliberate. Not one faltered.

Encouraged, Friederich nodded again, a faint smile tugging at the edge of his lips.

Sandria raised an eyebrow. “So, I win?”

“You do, Director. Apologies for doubting you. You’re thoughtful and brilliant.” Friederich admitted. Behind him, Aurelia and Zetius nodded in agreement.

His words struck a chord, and Sandria let out a triumphant chuckle. That was rare of her.

Zetius stepped closer, giving his elven friend a light pat on the back. “She’s a genius, eh?” he whispered.

“She sure is. Don’t look at me like that, I’m not some middle-aged uncle. She’s triple my age,” Friederich whispered back.

Immediately, Zetius’s grin soured into a scowl.

“Oi! That stinks worse when you say it with a straight face!” Zetius groaned, and both men chuckled quietly.

After a pause, Zetius suggested, “Friederich, you and Aurelia should get some rest. I’ll have the maid crew show you to your quarters.”

Running his thin lips, Friederich protested, “I’m not tired—”

Zetius cut in, “Not a discussion. I’ll keep Director Sandria company for now.” He winked at her. She stared back with a hollow, mechanical expression. No reaction.

Friederich glanced at Aurelia, who was fidgeting with her feet against the metal floor, and boredom had clearly set in.

He sighed. “Fine. I’ll go freshen up. A shower and some shut-eye wouldn’t hurt. But you need to get some rest too, deal?”

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Zetius smiled with mischief. “Of course. I’ll make sure Sandria’s safe till you return.”

Friederich let out another long sigh, then approached Aurelia and followed the two maids waiting at the door.

“Seafood!” Aurelia shouted gleefully as the door closed behind them.

“Kids,” Zetius muttered, taking a seat beside Sandria. She didn’t acknowledge him, her gaze fixed on the screen as she monitored the overall health of the cruiser.

***

Zetius watched her in silence. There wasn’t much going on most of the time. The soft hum of the cruiser drifting through the sky was almost hypnotic, lulling him towards sleep.

The infiltration and earlier battle had drained him, but he fought off the fatigue. Staying awake and focused was all that kept him grounded.

Sandria didn’t make things easier, she hadn’t spoken a word or even acknowledged his presence.

It was becoming increasingly awkward.

As his head bobbed, fighting drowsiness, Sandria finally spoke. “Why do you treat those two like kids?”

“Who? Friederich and Aurelia?”

“Affirmative. Haven’t you realised you’re probably around their age? Or are you secretly juicing some fountain of youth arcane?” she asked, her tone unreadable. Zetius wasn’t sure if she was joking.

“Well… It’s complicated. A long story. And the fountain of youth arcane? Might exist, who knows.”

She pointed at the digital clock, 18 hours to go. “Longer than that?”

Zetius chuckled. Her wit reminded him of David and Hein combined, minus the emotions.

“Well, if you tell me a bit about yourself, I’ll share my story too,” he offered with a friendly smile.

Eventually, she turned to him, her eyes flickering. Then she nodded. “Deal.”

***

For the longest time, Zetius shared his life story from the moon-splitting event, the Light of Punishment, to his rebirth as himself again. There were both sweet and bitter parts, yet he managed to recall them without faltering.

Sandria listened intently. She seemed to understand what kind of man Zetius had become. He might have been two once, but now he was just one — messy, yet still walking forward with his back straight.

Unwavering commitment and sheer will, the kind that would never give up on the world. She analysed.

Then she returned the favour with her own story. She began by saying she had been a top student in her class, but never chose to join the Knight Institute to become a knight. A pacifist at heart, she admitted she could never bring herself to wield a weapon.

“I’m such a coward, hiding behind a screen,” she said bitterly. Her dark eyes reflected the soft blue light from her HUD.

“What about your parents? Any kids?” Zetius asked, genuinely curious. He felt a faint resonance with her, perhaps there was still a trace of Jack in him after all.

Sandria smiled faintly as she recalled. “Believe it or not, my parents migrated from Solis Aeternum. They believed in the new reign of Dunkelheit, their dream of an industrialised world, newfound wealth, and high-class welfare. Sounds like propaganda now, when I look at the world burning. Still, I respected their decision. Because of it, I got to live a life of luxury.”

Then she looked directly at him. “Moreover, why do you think anyone would want a woman like me? Most men think I’m just a soulless android. I was even called names at university back in Britainia.” Her words stung, and her expression betrayed the pain.

Zetius recognised the country, part of the island of Mégas Britainia, located on the western edge of the Eurian continent.

“That’s not true, Sandria. Today, you defied an empire. You stood for your people when others bowed to power. If that is soulless, then the world has forgotten what a soul truly is,” Zetius said, his gaze drifting to the crew below.

“Well, I protected them from you?” she replied playfully, her smile flickering.

“Ah, you got me. From enemies to... companions, I suppose.” Zetius concluded, his eyes drifting into the distance.

Touching her chest, Sandria spoke in a gentle murmur, “Again, my deepest condolences for your wife. Miss Hoffmann seemed lovely and kind.”

Zetius turned to her, his red eyes glittering, “Thank you.” His reply was short but sincere.

“And the lion girl? Frain, you said?” she asked, and Zetius nodded. “The whole battlefield was reduced to ash and dust. How can you be sure she’s still out there?” Her words struck a nerve. She had asked the one question even Zetius’s mind often avoided.

Zetius closed his eyes, seeking serenity, but the cold enveloped him like sorrow made flesh.

“Because belief is all I have left. A miracle… It’s what Lupus would’ve wanted me to hold onto.”

Those words poured out from his heart.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to be insensitive. How about we send out a probe, sweep the forest from the Eastern Dam to the Porand border? Maybe we’ll find something. Something that leads to her,” Sandria suggested, lifting a finger. In truth, she wasn’t mourning — instead, she was engineering solutions for him.

Zetius blinked, flabbergasted, then smiled. “Let’s try that afterwards. For now, Aurelia’s safety is our top priority. Her survival ensures your crew’s safety, and more importantly, their future.”

Sandria nodded, touching her chin in thought. “You can be cold at times... but you’re tactical. Practical. I wasn’t sure I liked you at first. But after talking like this, I think... in some ways, we’re alike.”

Seeing Zetius’s puzzled face, she added, “Don’t take it personally. I’d have hated myself too.”

“I guess that’s a compliment?” he replied, tilting his head.

“It is.” She paused, then stood and stretched. “Well then, Zetius. I’ll help you find your lioness — if you’ll have me.”

Zetius stood, extending a hand. “Of course. It’d be a great help, coming from such an exquisite genius.”

She eyed his hand. “Sorry, no handshake, but you have my word.” She declined respectfully before settling back in her chair.

Ahem.

A sudden voice behind them broke the moment.

The two-tone bob was unmistakable, standing out like a deliberate flourish in a chamber of monotony.

“Can this man stop flirting with every woman he meets? Even the director’s not off the menu,” Ziyue sneered, folding her arms under her voluptuous chest. Her expression was one of mock disgust.

The sassy assassin mage wore a tight jumpsuit zipped up to her throat. Yet even fully covered, her silhouette exuded an alluring mystique. Ziyue always carried an enigmatic air, no matter the outfit.

The scent of lavender shampoo filled Zetius’s senses as she leaned in. She must’ve just showered, he figured, while trying very hard not to acknowledge her prominent assets.

“Well, why are you blushing?” Ziyue teased, smirking wickedly. Her purple eyes sparkled.

By Zeus!, Zetius instinctively thought of the lustrous god from the old myths.

He turned away, eyes searching for Sandria’s support. But the director merely shrugged before returning her focus to the console.

“I’m not blushing, Ziyue,” he muttered flatly, despite the stir in his mind.

She leaned in even closer now, uncomfortably close. Her lips, glossy and pink rather than her usual gothic crimson, were full and tempting. Then, feigning a sniff, she locked eyes with him.

“Come on. You need a bath. I’ll keep Sandria company.”

Hearing her name, Sandria raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. “Oi, goth lady, you can trust us,” she said sharply, her tone not entirely unfriendly.

Ziyue chuckled. “Oh, I do. No offence. I’m just giving Zetius a piece of my mind. He tends to overthink things.”

She turned back to him. “Am I right?” Her gaze lingered longer than necessary.

Zetius didn’t indulge her antics. He flicked his wrist and shrugged. “Fine, you’re right this time.” He sounded tired.

He turned to the two women one last time. “I’ll leave you to it, then. Sandria. Ziyue! No one gets hurt. Physically or mentally. Got it?”

Ziyue tilted her head and giggled, flashing her pristine teeth. “Yes, yes. You have my word.”

With that, Zetius strode out of the main control room and into the dimly lit corridor, heading toward the living quarters on the second floor of the ship.