Chapter 129: The Hometown of That Angel
It has been three days since arriving in Glance. Although I cannot say I understand this place thoroughly, Tilan has slowly become accustomed to this world, a world that, on the surface, is not dominated by the Extraordinary Power.
Sitting on the sightseeing tram, Tilan looked out at the city landscape through the window, while the seats beside her were occupied by other members of the Star Cluster. Today, she and her companions wore casual clothes similar to those of the local residents, attracting no special attention.
[Sky Sightseeing Tower Station, arrival, tourists may alight here]
As the tram came to a halt, some tourists from afar filed out, and Tilan, protected in the middle by the crowd, stepped out as well. This was the mid-level of the sightseeing tower; to reach the top, one had to queue for the elevator. However, the young girl was in no hurry; instead, her gaze shifted as she lightly surveyed everything around her like a dragonfly skimming the water.
'When amidst giants, one cannot help but feel insignificant.'
Having reached the top of the tower, she faced the skyscrapers that rose like 'mountains' piercing the sky, with humans seen as dense small dots from the tall tower, looking much like ants walking in the realm of giants.
After touring the observation deck outside the tower, Tilan returned inside, where relics placed behind glass panels were displayed. Many were replicas of Earth-era products based on archaeological discoveries, including 'mobile phones' and 'computers' similar in function to the Personal Terminal, as well as early daily-use items from that era like 'fountain pens,' 'thermos flasks,' and 'black-and-white pixel game consoles.'
"These things were produced over only a span of 20 years."
"That was a very short yet rapidly evolving technological era, which also brought about numerous social problems," a guide dressed in a short-sleeved shirt explained to the tourists.
"Only 20 years? It feels like there's a disparity of several hundred years among them."
"Indeed, just 20 years, from black-and-white pixel game consoles to realistic 3D games."
...
The tourists marveled at the rapid technological progress of that era, then curiously picked up the imitation creations beside them to experience them up close.
Tilan also touched and picked up a 'pixel game console' to play with both hands. On it was a simple shooting game with simplistic planes made of a few pixels, weaving through oncoming obstacles and enemy planes.
After playing for about half an hour, Tilan put down the game console after achieving a level completion, impressing the nearby children who looked on with envy and admiration.
After that, she took another round around the place before leaving by car.
Returning to the hotel where she was temporarily staying, the young girl sat in the middle of the sofa, listening to the reports from other Star Cluster members.
"In the three days, we have visited many places separately: the city's various facilities, the rural villages, and towns where local residents gather."
"From everyone's collected information, the overall pace of life here is leisurely, with high resident satisfaction."
"Are they aware of the Federation as a whole?" Tilan lightly tapped her chin with her fingertips.
"They know of the Federation's existence, but locally, whether on TV or in various news outlets, it's rarely mentioned. More focus is on current affairs of this planet."
"If I had to describe it, it's like a world secluded from the outside."
"Doesn't anyone want to venture outside?" Tilan was somewhat puzzled by this environment.
"Very few. Even if some have traveled to other Star Domains, most eventually choose to return to this planet after years of wandering."
"There are quite a lot of materials preserved in the local archives about this. If Chairwoman Tilan wishes to understand, you can request access." The Songstress holds high privileges within the Federation, able to access most non-confidential documents unless specifically classified or confidential.
"Mm, in the coming days, we probably will be soaking in the library," the young girl responded with a smile.
After discussing these surface-level matters, Tilan continued to ask some specific questions.
"Have you seen any local religious organizations?"
"The religious atmosphere seems very subdued; only a few communities have visible churches, but since we're visitors, we can't enter at will."
"I see..." Tilan pondered aloud.
"I'll go ask tomorrow." As a Songstress, she had exemptions in many places; with proper communication, she should be able to gain some insights.
The group then shared more about the local experiences, such as the peaceful and quiet environment and the unique local cuisine different from the Federation's mainstream flavors.
After summarizing and organizing various pieces of information, it was already late. Hence the group set off together to dine at the hotel's restaurant.
Although members of the Star Cluster had the responsibility of protecting Tilan, in daily life, they did not overtly surround her, instead appearing dispersed and inconspicuous, like plainclothes officers. Unless someone was particularly observant, they would find it difficult to immediately recognize that the young girl in the middle was the core of the group.
...
The next day, Tilan arrived at a community church reported by the members. Today happened to be the local church's reading session, allowing Tilan to enter with other residents.
Inside the church, it was very spacious. Sunshine filtered through specially designed apertures, lending a quiet serenity to the place.
The local residents found their seats and sat quietly, waiting, as Tilan also seated herself in a corner.
After about 20 minutes, the murmuring voices in the church gradually ceased. Then a Priest, clad in a white robe and holding a Star Wand, walked in slowly.
First, he gently closed the door and then proceeded to the podium at the front of the church.
At that moment, one Candle after another was lit, and the floating halos of light made the atmosphere on-site solemn, while the wall behind the Priest became clearer under the glow of the candlesticks.