Machina Arcanis: Two Worlds Collided
Chapter 135. Arcana Institute

The dark, sleek sports car zipped through the air along the hologram street. The road was relatively empty today, considering it was usually peak commuting time for office and blue-collar workers alike.

Public transport in the Kanto region heavily relied on the high-speed metro. It was less hassle and far more cost-efficient for most people. They would rather spend their commuting time reading or catching up on their social networks.

That wasn’t the case for Zetius, Aurelia, and Friederich, who sat inside the sports car with Cubie at the wheel. The Arcanite engine hummed, thrusters revved as they picked up speed, and pop music blared from the high-definition stereo.

Since the weather in Solis Aeternum had grown colder in December, some areas within the Kanto region had experienced snowfall, though not in the palace. They were all dressed in fine fabrics and long coats.

Aurelia wore a fluffy white scarf around her neck, which softened her usual boyish image. She had on a long white blazer, black gloves, and high leather boots.

Zetius donned his usual high-collared coat in dark red, his favourite colour. He wasn’t wearing the arc iron boots he had used during his early morning expedition.

Meanwhile, Friederich chose a white and blue coat, with the arc sheath now slung permanently at his side.

Aurelia and Friederich sat next to one another in the back passenger seats. Zetius sat in the driver’s seat, which could rotate to face the rear while autopilot was engaged.

Still, they didn’t rely on the car’s inbuilt autopilot. Cubie had taken full control, claiming she was a far superior driver than any artificial intelligence developed by the car manufacturers.

“You’ve looked tired lately,” Aurelia finally spoke after studying Zetius’s face for some time, her brows knitting into a frown. He had never told her about his early morning routine over the past two weeks.

“Yeah… training and stuff,” he replied dismissively, watching skyscrapers pass outside the window.

Cubie whistled in an attempt to deflect suspicion. It didn’t work.

Aurelia narrowed her eyes. “Cubie! Tell me right now, or you’re not getting any cookies!” she snapped.

Her outburst made Friederich stop meditating beside her. Like Zetius, he had also been absent for most of the past two weeks. Whenever Aurelia was asked, she simply said he was training at the grounds and studying in the grand library.

Meditation for the soul, knowledge for the mind, and training for the body — that was the path warmongering arcanists undertook to reach Stellius status. To become a Lunarius, they had to endure that process tenfold, over and over again.

“She doesn’t need cookies. She doesn’t have a mouth or taste buds,” Zetius retorted, arms crossed.

“Ugh! Then she’s banned from entering the garden and my future tea party!” Aurelia declared with a manic smirk.

The thought made Cubie visibly tremble. “Zetius…” she whispered, seeking comfort.

“Hey! Cubie, focus on the road. Don’t get distracted by Aurelia,” Zetius snapped.

“Acknowledged!” Cubie replied, mimicking the robotic tone of a system voice.

“Not fair!” Aurelia pouted, puffing her cheeks like a pufferfish.

“Grow up, both of you,” Friederich interjected calmly, a slight twitch on his brows.

His comment redirected Aurelia’s attention. Her red eyes gleamed with fury as she turned on him.

She pounded her small fists on Friederich’s shoulder.

“Ow! Ow! Stop, Aurelia!” he cried, raising both hands in defence.

Meanwhile, Zetius and Cubie burst out laughing.

***

After fifteen minutes driving south from the metropolis, the Arcana Institute finally came into view.

Tall defensive towers in eastern architecture stood proudly at the five corners of the pentagonal wall. At its centre, a massive tower loomed in majestic black and gold, with a steep roof covered in glittering gold, the symbol of endless wealth.

The Institute sprawled across a vast area of flatland. It had its own lakes, forests, and even crop fields.

And most impressive of all, a massive spherical barrier shimmered above it — a holo-translucent dome that rippled rhythmically in the air. It covered everything inside, shielding the mages from all manner of threats.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

It must have cost a fortune just to maintain the Arc barrier at all times.

The Renaissance arcanists and the warmongers were vital not only for infrastructure but also for planetary defence. While Solis Aeternum had embraced technological progress, it had never forgotten the importance of the arcane.

“Wow…” Zetius whispered, filled with awe.

He had been here many times before, yet now it looked more magnificent and secure than ever.

With hundreds of regular visitors, the Institute never lacked new inventions or advances in defensive infrastructure — things that were both aesthetic and functional.

After seeing how Lunarius Canis Wolfgang had restored a city in mere weeks, Zetius had no doubt that the Arcana Institute had undergone a full-scale transformation.

“A lot of flying cars too,” Cubie commented as she manoeuvred the craft, slipping in behind a luxury van.

In front of them, the long queues moved surprisingly quickly.

Before them stood a semi-circular gate, gilded in gold and the size of three Armatus suits. It served as the grand entrance to the Institute.

Its outer ring rotated continuously, seemingly without any mechanical drive.

The heavenly roadway had two levels, one for ground transport, the other for aerial vehicles like theirs.

Floating constructs, each about the size of a human head, scanned each vehicle as part of a security check.

Unlike Cubie, these were round with protruding lenses and lacked independent thought. They could only perform pre-programmed tasks, though with the right instructions, they could even handle complex operations.

Some believed these constructs were only ever as smart as the ones who designed them. Nothing more, nothing less.

As Zetius’s car reached the front of the line, the constructs hovered in, scanning every dimension of the vehicle with gleaming beams.

“I do not consent!” Cubie suddenly growled, shaking the car. The constructs drifted back, startled. Everyone turned their heads at once to stare.

“What’s wrong, Cubie?” Zetius asked, confused and even more intrigued by her outburst.

“I don’t know! I just don’t like their prying eyes!” Cubie whined, disconnecting from the car and zipping behind Zetius. She seemed genuinely unsettled by the surveillance constructs.

The drivers behind them were growing impatient, murmurs of irritation rising in the air.

Soon, a man in his mid-50s, clad in a white and blue uniform with a gold chain draped from his chest pocket to his shoulder plate, floated forward on a circular platform. His white-gloved hands gripped the railing that surrounded him. His posture was perfectly straight and regal.

He had a long face adorned with a moustache that would put most men to shame. Its perfect arch gave him an air of nobility. His nose was slightly hooked, and his slicked-back dark hair was neatly combed. His pupils carried a deep blue hue that became more vivid under the sun. Like Sandria, he exuded the air of authority and command.

Zetius quickly pressed a button to lower the window as the man approached. He maintained an amicable expression while recognising the face, but couldn’t quite place the name.

As the head of security peered inside, he began to speak. “What seems to be the issue—Ah! How rude of me. This vehicle is registered under Solis Aeternum’s royal escort!” he exclaimed, wiggling his moustache and clearing his throat.

Aurelia climbed over Friederich’s lap and stuck her smiling face out the window.

“Heheh! Good morning, Lunarius Severan Vonhal!”

The transformation in Severan was instant. His stern expression shifted to visible anxiety.

Oh… that’s his name. He was a Lunarius arcanist under the Celestius of Aquarius, Zetius recalled. He also lectured in a few arcane construction classes. I remember now, though I slept through most of them. Not my fault. All those Renaissance courses were a complete snoozefest.

Friederich turned away, his face slightly red as Aurelia fidgeted about on his lap. Despite the embarrassment, he didn’t protest this time.

“Gaia! Princess Aurelia Sol Solara!” Severan gasped, running his fingers through his hair. “Why didn’t you send word ahead? We would’ve made proper arrangements for your arrival!”

“Well! I didn’t want a grand entrance. I’m just here to sign up my friend,” Aurelia said, gesturing subtly with her lips.

“Ahem. Etiquette, princess,” Friederich muttered, eyes closed in quiet disapproval.

Aurelia ignored him completely, still smiling at Severan.

The Lunarius squinted at Zetius, inspecting his face carefully. “Hmm? I’ve seen you somewhere…”

Zetius felt a strange joy — at least someone else in the world was just as bad at remembering faces as he was. He smirked and answered, his red eyes gleaming like a sunset. “I’m Zetius Zel Celerius, Sir Lunarius.”

“That name!~The child prodigy?! The primordial bearer!? The prime disciple of Arias?!” Severan exclaimed in disbelief, sputtering praise. The unexpected barrage of recognition widened Zetius’s grin. He exchanged a smug look with Cubie, then glanced at Aurelia and Friederich with a silent, triumphant expression: See that? Someone appreciates me.

But Severan wasn’t finished. “Wait~The dead Lunarius? The prime disciple of the corrupted Celestius?!”

That wiped the smirk off Zetius’s face immediately.

“Correct!” Aurelia chimed in brightly, answering before Zetius could respond.

The man stumbled back, rubbing his temple. “Rebirth isn’t possible… How? And without necromancy?! He’s not a mindless beast, as far as I can tell!” he muttered to himself, his pitch rising in disbelief.

Then his eyes flicked to the growing line behind them. The queue had stretched much, much longer.

Snapping back to form, Severan straightened his uniform. “Apologies, all of you. I’d love to continue this chat, but it looks like we’re holding up the line. Please, proceed through the gate.”

He twirled his fingers through the air. The ribbons of blue lights zipped off to the constructs to relay his command.

“I’ve granted full access for all of you. Please enjoy your visit.”

The surveillance constructs hovered into formation and saluted as the grand gate rumbled open, the path now clear.

Without a word, Cubie resumed control and eased the car forward.

“Thank you, Sir Lunarius!” Zetius said, flicking two fingers in a casual salute.

“Thank you so much, Sir Lunarius Severan!” Aurelia added with a cheerful wave, while Friederich gave a respectful nod.

“Welcome to the National Arcane Institute,” Severan said, bowing deeply with one arm extended in a theatrical bow.