My Shard Bearer System - Elias's Legacy
Chapter 69: The Search Begins

Chapter 69: The Search Begins

The group nodded as Elias watched Elara and Kimi head out, Elara’s black swimsuit paired with her leathered beach bag giving her a commanding air, while Kimi’s pink and green floral-patterned swimsuit added a cheerful contrast.

"Well, I guess we’re off," Elias said casually as Yusuke began walking back toward the ship. Elias briefly considered asking about the tech used to scan everyone entering and leaving but decided it wasn’t the right time.

Yui sighed, shaking his head. "I suppose... just don’t do anything stupid, I guess."

Elias chuckled lightly, smirking at the man. "You really should work on that attitude. Always seems like you’re pissed off at something. You’ll never get a girl like that."

Yui turned, deadpan, and shot back, "I’m married with two kids."

Elias blinked, processing the statement. "Well... damn. Nothing I can say to that."

Dots, perched on Elias’ shoulder, chimed in with a mischievous tone, "She must be a prune as well, then, I’m sure!"

Elias stifled a laugh, thankful that Yui couldn’t hear Dots’ remarks. "You’re gonna get me in trouble," he muttered under his breath.

The two of them headed out through the VIP doors, stepping into the resort’s bustling common area.

The stark difference in energy hit them immediately.

The space was alive with movement—families stood in line at the reception desk while bellhops darted between guests carrying luggage.

Children squealed as they chased one another past the intricate mosaics inlaid into the tile floor.

Lounge areas lined with soft chairs and bright, vibrant cushions filled the space, offering spots for people to relax.

A giant glass window revealed a clear view of the shimmering ocean beyond, with beachgoers enjoying the sand and waves.

The air was a mix of sunscreen, fresh citrus from the lobby refreshments, and faint traces of salt carried in from the sea breeze.

Elias stretched his arms above his head, rolling his shoulders as they continued walking. "This really is a nice resort spot. You should take those kids sometime; I bet they’d enjoy the water."

Yui’s eyes flicked toward him, his expression unreadable. "Perhaps. They’re still pretty young. Could hate water, for all I know. We’ll see." He exhaled sharply through his nose. "But that has nothing to do with the mission right now."

Elias shrugged. "Yeah, but sometimes you just have to breathe a bit and enjoy things, y’know? Be happy."

Yui stopped at a small refreshment stand, grabbing a bottle of water. He slid a sleek blue card over the scanner, the machine beeping softly before he pocketed the card and twisted the cap open. "And why do you think I’m not happy?" he asked, taking a quick sip.

Elias smirked, tilting his head. "Hmmm, well... probably because you’re so uptight and kind of, you know... rude. But hey, I barely know you. Just my first impression."

Yui continued walking, rolling the bottle between his hands. "Maybe it’s because I like things to happen logically," he muttered. "And nothing in the last three or four weeks has followed any logical pattern." He took another sip before adding, "I haven’t seen the people I care about in just as long because of stuff exactly like this."

Elias paused, rubbing his chin as he processed that. "Damn. Yeah, I guess that makes sense." He chuckled softly. "Then I hope I get to know you when you’re not all strung up. And hopefully, I don’t make Elara look bad in all of this."

Yui didn’t respond immediately, instead watching as they neared a bookstore nestled between a row of small boutiques. The wooden sign above the entrance bore the name Orion’s Archives, the letters carved with elegant precision.

Yui pulled out the same card and tossed it to Elias. "Commander’s orders—go grab some books," he said with an annoyance.

Elias caught the card effortlessly, staring at it before shaking his head. "Guess I don’t have a choice," he muttered, stepping into the store.

Yui crossed his arms, leaning lazily against the shop’s entrance. "Make it quick. I don’t want to waste more time than we already have."

Elias stepped inside, greeted by the distinct smell of books mixed with faint floral undertones.

The store was smaller than he’d expected, but its shelves were packed with a surprising variety of titles.

He found the technical section easily, scanning the spines until one caught his eye: Fundamentals of Energy Circuits; General electronics; Wood building for lesser intelligent people."

"Perfect," he muttered, tucking the books under his arm and heading to the counter. The elderly cashier, barely glancing up from her tablet, rang up the purchase with a soft hum of approval.

As he stepped back outside, Yui glanced at his scanner, tapping it lightly. "Perfect timing," he said, his tone unusually even. "Looks like they’re just five minutes away. Let’s move."

Elias handed over the books as Yui tucked them into a green leather bag slung over his shoulder. His dark green and black swim trunks swayed slightly with each step, running past his knees. The two maneuvered through the growing crowd, weaving between vacationers while a mixture of sizzling food and sweet tropical scents filled the air.

Yui glanced down at the monitor strapped to his wrist. The display pulsed once before he shut it with a click. "The shard user is around here somewhere," he muttered.

Elias followed his gaze as they stepped into a bustling plaza. The space was packed with food vendors, their carts lined along the curved edges of the open market. The air was rich with the scent of grilled seafood, fresh fruits, and sizzling skewers. Wrapped around the corner of the street were several hotel-like buildings, their balconies lined with sunbathers and draped towels.

Elias exhaled, hands on his hips. "Great. So it could be anyone from someone grabbing a bite to eat to someone knocked out in a hotel room."

Yui sighed in frustration. "This is going to take hours."

Elias thought for a moment, tapping his knuckles against his palm. "Here, let me try something. I’m hoping it doesn’t draw too much attention."

Yui’s expression immediately soured. "You’re not about to say something cringy again, are you?"

"Eh... I hope not," Elias said before clapping his hands together. "Fuse with me, Dots, and show me the secret path ahead of our mystery!"

Yui’s face went flat as he slowly shook his head. "Yep. Something stupid again."

As the words left Elias’ mouth, he felt the familiar shift—a static hum in his bones, a flicker behind his eyes. The world around him dulled to muted grays, the lively marketplace now a sea of featureless silhouettes. Hundreds of faded figures moved aimlessly, a fog of noise and motion.

Dots’ voice chimed in his mind, excitement bubbling in its tone. "What do you see?!"

Elias swept his gaze over the shifting mass before a single figure flickered into focus bright yellow. A man in a long white coat. A brief pulse of yellow light outlined him, standing out against the gray haze. He carried a suitcase and moved with purpose, slipping quietly through a side entrance into one of the hotel buildings.

"There," Elias whispered, locking onto the target.