The Mark Of Rebirth

[4:23 AM - Over Port City Apredis, Cielmouth]

In the dead of night, the city of Apredis stretched out below like a web of glowing veins, its streets dimly lit by the flicker of gas lamps and the soft glow of handheld lanterns. Figures moved about in the darkness, their silhouettes casting long shadows across cobblestone streets. The cool night air carried with it a salty tang that wafted through the town. Yet, despite the activity, an eerie stillness hung over the city, as though it were holding its breath in anticipation.

High above, the Airblade sliced through the sky, its sleek and silent form gliding like a ghost over the cityscape. The faint reflection of the scattered lights below danced across the aircraft’s smooth surface. Inside, the steady hum of the electric motors created a gentle, rhythmic backdrop. Neuro was focused, her systems scanning for a suitable landing spot with quiet intensity.

“I’m looking for a place to park the Airblade,” Neuro’s voice crackled in my ear. “The docks are too crowded, and the rooftops… well, they’re all slanted and cluttered with wind catchers and lightning rods. But don’t worry! I’ll find something soon!”

I nodded to myself, leaning back and taking in the sprawling city below. The landscape changed with every passing second—Victorian-style buildings with ornate facades gave way to narrow alleyways, and vast cargo yards seemed to stretch endlessly across the coastline. Apredis was alive, even in the late hours, but its labyrinth of architecture and activity made finding a discreet landing point a challenge.

“Try to avoid a spot that draws attention,” I murmured, my eyes combing through the sights below. “We don’t want anyone noticing right after we touch down.”

“Roger that!”

The minutes ticked by as the Airblade made multiple passes over different areas. The gas lamps cast a warm glow over the streets, while the dark, imposing shapes of old buildings loomed in the background.

As the sounds of grass rustling from the jetstream of the Airblade as it approached the ground faded, the Vehicle was turned off. we had touched down on a tall hilled area just outside the city. The location was perfect—a sheer cliffside offered an unobstructed view of Apredis below. The early morning air was cold and refreshing, sweeping in from the coastline.

The three of us stepped out of the Airblade, our boots pressing softly against the grass. We had dressed to blend in with the locals, choosing clothing typical of the Mittlerich region of Janine. I wore a long, dark overcoat with brass buttons, its high collar turned up to protect against the chill. Underneath, a simple yet elegant blouse and trousers—practical, but stylish enough to pass as a traveler of modest means. A wide-brimmed hat completed the look, casting a shadow over my face that obscured my features slightly.

Nanik had opted for a more utilitarian outfit, a dark gray trench coat with a matching vest and trousers. His attire, while still formal, had an edge of ruggedness to it, as if he were someone who could handle himself in rough situations. Farthington, always one to stand out despite his best efforts, wore a tailored burgundy waistcoat over a crisp white shirt, paired with black trousers and polished boots. His ensemble was a bit flashier than ours, but it still fit the aesthetic of the region.

Since the next goal was to track down Jason, I leaned in and quickly whispered under my breath, "Neuro, any idea when our target is supposed to arrive?" I kept my voice low, making sure that Nanik and Farthington were out of earshot.

Neuro responded with a matter-of-fact tone, "Based on the data I gathered from his boat tickets, he's set to arrive in about three hours at the farthest dock to the west of the city."

Three hours… at least we have a location. “Good work,” I murmured, falling back into step with Nanik and Farthington as we descended the hill, heading toward the sprawling city of Apredis. The cool night air brushed against my face, the distant hum of the city growing louder with every step.

“The target should be arriving at the farthest dock to the west of the city in about three hours from now,” I informed them, “Until then, we’ve got time to take a look around the city. It’ll give us a chance to get a feel for the place and maybe gather some intel.”

Farthington seemed less concerned about the mission he was here to do and more focused on his personal interests, as he cast a glance around the area. “I’m serious about that suit. I’ve been in the market for something more… refined.”

I shook my head with a sigh. “You never change, do you?”

We had finally made it into the heart of the portside city, a bustling area where the sounds of distant ship horns mixed with the chatter of street vendors. The narrow cobblestone streets were lined with shops, cafes, and old-world architecture, all illuminated by warm lamplight. We were simply strolling, taking in the sights and sounds. When we reached a crossroads that branched out into a web of different paths, each leading deeper into the city's various districts.

Farthington suddenly perked up, his eyes locking onto something in the distance. I opened my mouth to ask something, but before I could utter a word, he turned to me with an almost childlike excitement. "I feel that I will be parting ways with you here," he declared dramatically, "as I have spotted something of tremendous importance elsewhere." And with that, he dashed off, his coat flaring behind him as he disappeared into the crowd.

"And he’s off to go find a suit I guess…” I sighed, rubbing my temples "Typical…"

Turning back to Nanik, I tried to salvage any semblance of order on this trip. “Any suggestions for what we should do while we wait?”

“I actually have some quick business matters to attend to here in Apredis, so I’ll handle that real quick and come back before the three hours are over. Till then you could get some R and R in Tokei and you could also take a look around the area where the target will arrive. Anyways I’ll be off now.”

Taking his leave Nanik vanished out of sight and with nothing else to do, I wandered the winding streets, keeping my eyes and ears open for any useful information. It took me about an hour to reach the docks, and as I approached, the salty air grew thicker, the scent of the sea blending with the smoke from nearby chimneys. The docks were alive with activity, but I found a quiet spot at a small restaurant that overlooked the shoreline. From here, I could keep an eye on the incoming and outgoing ships. Perfect for surveillance.

Feeling the pangs of hunger, I decided to order some food while I waited. The meal was simple but satisfying—warm, freshly baked bread, a stew rich with seafood, and a tangy drink that seemed to be a local specialty. As I ate, I took my time, letting my gaze drift across the seaside. The waves lapped rhythmically against the pier, The rising sun cast ripples of orange across the vast sea, painting a surreal backdrop, and for a brief moment, I allowed myself to relax.

But that peace was short-lived.

Just as I was about to finish my meal, I spotted a ship pulling up to the dock. "Neuro," I whispered, trying to keep my voice calm, "that's not the ship, right? You said it would arrive in three hours. It's only been one and a half."

Neuro’s voice responded quickly in my ear, her tone tense. "There weren’t supposed to be any other ships docking here until much later in the day. The only explanation is that it arrived ahead of schedule."

I didn't waste any time. Abruptly getting up from the table, I threw enough Mira down to cover the meal and began sprinting toward the dock.

When I reached the dock, the ship had already started to unload, and people began pouring out, their faces blurred by the urgency of the moment. I scanned the crowd, my breath coming in quick, shallow bursts, after running here as fast as I could.

“Neuro, keep an eye out for the target!” I whispered urgently, trying to focus on the figures disembarking.

Jason adjusted the way his top hat rested on his head, tilting it just enough to cast a slight shadow over his eyes. He picked up his weathered suitcase from the small bedside table, taking a moment to check the clasp before stepping out of the cramped cabin he had been assigned on the ship. The cool ocean breeze greeted him as he stepped onto the open deck, a welcome change from the stale air below. The sound of the waves crashing against the hull mingled with the murmur of passengers around him, and Jason allowed himself to be swept up by the current of people streaming toward the dock.

His steps were unhurried, almost languid, as he let his mind wander. The port city of Apredis sprawled out before him, but Jason's thoughts were far from the bustling scene around him. He barely registered the chatter of the other passengers or the smell of saltwater mixed with the faint scent of fish.

As he made his way off the ship and onto the wooden dock, something in the crowd suddenly caught his attention. It was a flash of color, something vibrant amid the dull sea of faces. His eyes locked onto a pair of intense purple eyes that seemed to pierce through the noise and chaos surrounding them.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The din of the dock faded into the background, and Jason found himself staring, frozen in place.

"Otome? What is she doing here?" he murmured, barely aware that he had spoken aloud. His voice was tinged with disbelief as if he couldn’t quite trust what his eyes were seeing.