Real Dream: Infinity

While the sun slowly set on the horizon, Aurora walked leisurely through the streets of Luminia, letting the soft golden light bathe the luxurious buildings and parks that surrounded her. Her expression was calm, with a faint smile gracing her lips. Her Dominion smart glasses, used to stay updated during events, were gone; she had carefully placed them into a slot on the armrest before leaving as instructed.

After the Dominion had concluded, she lingered for a while, chatting with Ethan and Clara—two companions who, though older than her, were surprisingly friendly. They had invited her to grab something to eat at a nearby restaurant, an offer Aurora gladly accepted. During their conversation, she discovered interesting details about them. Ethan, a lanky young man with tousled light-brown hair, was studying history at the university. This piqued Aurora's curiosity, as she'd always been fascinated by humanity's progress since the discovery of In.

Ethan spoke about how In had driven technological advancements and enabled the colonization of entire planets and galaxies. However, much of the information about those periods had been censored. According to Ethan, this was due to the long years of wars between various organizations, conflicts that still raged in some corners of the universe. Aurora was particularly intrigued when he mentioned Etheron and Aetheris—the places she had been and where she was currently located—two primary colonies of Helios Tech, though not its main headquarters. Ethan added in a hushed tone that Aetheris was rumored to have once belonged to another organization before being absorbed by Helios Tech. However, details about how that happened remained a mystery, with Noctus being the only remnant left behind.

Clara, on the other hand, surprised Aurora even more. Although she hadn't attended university, she had graduated with honors from Helion Red Diamond, one of the most prestigious and demanding institutions. Aurora was left speechless upon hearing this, remembering all the effort it had taken her just to get in and keep up at the same school. Clara, however, seemed to have done it with ease.

With her long, dark-brown hair styled impeccably, Clara radiated a cheerful, carefree energy that sharply contrasted with her impressive résumé. According to Ethan, Clara Merriden had not only outperformed many with perfect grades but had also surpassed even the most distinguished prodigies. This had earned her a direct position at Helios Tech, where she worked in the exclusive field of Applied Energy Biology, researching the effects of In on living organisms and the development of Emergents from a scientific perspective.

Aurora was fascinated to learn that Clara also lived in the Lumina District, though Clara had simply joked that it was far too boring and that she had plenty of free time to enjoy life without worrying too much.

To think that someone so cheerful holds such an important position at Helios Tech. It's hard to picture her as someone working in high-level scientific research.

From what little Aurora knew about Aetheris, she had the impression that Helios Tech employees—especially those in high-ranking positions—were mostly serious, like some of her professors at Helion Red Diamond. The only exception was Professor Martius, who, despite being a bit eccentric and obsessed with protocols, was actually quite pleasant.

Aurora finally reached the public transport station. She sat on a minimalist bench, quietly observing the luxurious buildings and homes around her. Her light-blue eyes focused on the architectural details until something else caught her attention.

Across the street, a figure was walking slowly along the sidewalk. A black jacket with golden accents, an impeccably white shirt underneath, white pants, and sneakers that seemed to reflect a galaxy in motion. The young man's golden hair was unmistakable, shining even under the last rays of sunlight. Aurora recognized him immediately.

"William Alden," she thought, watching him with curiosity.

"I remember he told that red-haired guy to talk after he'd participated in Dominion… And we're nearby. Could he have come to see it?" A faint smile formed on her face.

William certainly has a lot of spending power. It's not surprising to see him in Luminia. It's hard to tell if he saw it or not… Maybe he's just here to shop for clothes. He wears different sneakers every day, after all.

However, to Aurora's surprise, William didn't head toward the commercial or residential areas. Instead, he entered a building with a modern, elegant façade that stood out among the others. Above the entrance was a sign that read: "Astra Center for Psychological Recovery and Family Support." Aurora frowned, intrigued.

She quickly pulled out her Nexus and opened a 3D map of the area.

"The Astra Center for Psychological Recovery and Family Support is dedicated to the comprehensive care of patients experiencing severe emotional or psychological crises. Its facilities include specialized units for trauma treatment, family counseling, and recovery after self-harm attempts. Additionally, it offers support areas for relatives seeking to understand and help their loved ones."

Aurora was left speechless after reading the information on her Nexus. She looked back up at the building's entrance, where William had disappeared moments earlier. Her mind replayed Naomi's words:

"He thinks he's better than everyone else."

It was something that had never quite made sense to her. That phrase didn't fit with the way William always seemed to stare into the void, as if carrying something invisible but crushing.

"What's your story, William?" Aurora murmured to herself, letting her gaze linger momentarily on the imposing façade of the building.

***

William walked through the building's halls, which were modern and elegant but without the usual technological luxury found in Luminia's most privileged districts. The light-colored walls weren't made of luxyn but of a simple material that was clean and well-maintained. White lights emanated from panels embedded in the ceiling, and the polished floors reflected his steps, mirroring the minimalist design lines that dominated the space.

The air had a neutral scent, with a faint trace of disinfectant. As he walked, the numbered doors lining the hallway seemed endless, each identical to the next, amplifying the monotony and weight in his chest.

Finally, William stopped in front of a door made of light-colored wood.

His hands began to tremble violently. He closed his eyes, taking several deep breaths in an attempt to calm himself.

I can't go in like this… I have to be calm. Normal. For her.

When he managed to steady his trembling hands, he knocked softly on the door.

"Come in," a gentle voice called from inside.

William turned the handle carefully and pushed the door open.

The interior of the room was warm and bright. A large window at the back let in the evening light, bathing the space in a golden hue. The walls were adorned with small paintings of tranquil landscapes, and beside the bed stood a table with a vase of fresh flowers.

Lying on the bed, covered with light blankets, was his mother, Helen Alden. Although she appeared physically well, there was a fragility in her posture, in the way her hands rested on the blankets, and in the intensity of her gaze.

"William," she said with a warm smile as she looked at him intently.

He responded with a faint, slightly forced smile. Closing the door behind him, he walked slowly toward the bed and pulled a nearby chair closer, sitting beside her.

Helen tilted her head slightly, observing him closely.

"How are your grades, son?" she asked with interest.

William averted his gaze to the floor, clenching his hands on his knees.

"Good, Mom. I'm… keeping up."

"Have you decided what you'll study next?" she pressed, her tone hopeful.

"Not yet. I've been thinking about a few options," he replied neutrally, avoiding eye contact.

Helen sighed, adjusting herself slightly in the bed.

"William, studying is important. Don't waste time on things that won't take you anywhere. Video games, live streams… all of that can wait. I want to see you reach your potential."

William nodded weakly.

"I know, Mom. I'm working on it."

He tried to change the subject, forcing a cheerful tone.

"I've been taking care of your garden. The plants are blooming, especially your favorites. And the instruments in the music room… I'm keeping them in good condition, too."

Helen listened in silence but didn't comment on it. Finally, with a faint smile that didn't reach her eyes, she said:

"Will you visit me again next week?"

William felt his throat tighten but forced a quick response.

"Of course, Mom. I won't miss it."

Helen nodded, satisfied, her gaze drifting away. William stood slowly, moving the chair back to its original place.

"Take care, Mom."

"You too, William."

He left the room with heavy steps, closing the door behind him. Once in the hallway, he leaned against the wall, biting his lip. He hadn't managed to say anything he'd wanted to. It felt as though something inside him broke a little more each time he came to see her.

Placing a hand over his face, he tried to suppress the tears threatening to escape. After a few moments, he straightened up, his gaze distant, and continued walking toward the exit.

***

From the window, Helen watched him walk slowly through the streets of Luminia. His figure seemed small and slightly hunched under the evening light, casting a long shadow on the sidewalk.

"William…" she whispered to herself, her voice tinged with sadness. Her gaze remained fixed on him until he disappeared into the crowd.

***

Aurora woke to a ray of sunlight slipping through the partially open curtains in her room. The golden light reflected off the edges of her mirror, casting soft, dancing shadows on the walls. She rubbed her eyes and, still drowsy, turned over in bed, feeling the familiar rustle of the sheets beneath her.

Sitting up, she caught her reflection in the mirror: her blonde hair was a wild mess, as if a storm had swept through it. She yawned, reaching for a small hair tie on her nightstand. Pulling her hair into a messy bun, she left a few strands loose around her face.

"Another day at Helion," she thought with a mix of enthusiasm and reluctance.

She stood up, barefoot, and walked to her wardrobe. Inside, her Helion uniform hung neatly, standing out among her more casual clothes. The pristine white shirt seemed to glow under the sunlight streaming in through the window, bearing the red diamond logo with blue accents on the left side of the chest. Aurora carefully took the uniform out, noting how the soft fabric still looked almost new despite frequent use. She also pulled out her fitted black pants and completely white sneakers, placing them beside her bed.

As she got dressed, her thoughts drifted back to the day before.

"Melisfir… her efficiency is incredible. Every movement seemed perfectly calculated," she mused while buttoning up her shirt.

The images of the battle remained vivid in her mind: the frantic fight, the roar of the crowd, and the almost tangible sensation of In coursing through the air of Nexar Stadium.

"Thunder Jaw was eliminated with a single blow from No Limits... No Limits and his relentless pursuit of Melisfir, only to be ambushed by everyone and somehow escape an impossible situation. What an incredible display of strength and tenacity," she continued, tying her sneakers a bit more tightly than usual.

And then Xandra… no one knew who she was, yet she dominated everyone. Every move she made was so elegant it almost seemed like art. It was as if violence became a dance…

Aurora paused for a moment, her thoughts halting on the memory of Zephirin's brutal defeat. A small knot formed in her stomach.

It's so different seeing it in person. Broadcasts don't capture how raw it really is.

She stood up and grabbed her backpack, which rested on a nearby chair. As she checked her Nexus, she saw the contact numbers she had exchanged the previous night.

"Clara was kind, though a bit strict… Ethan is fun. I'd like to go with them again next time," she thought while placing her laptop into the padded pocket of her backpack.

Ethan mentioned that Phoenix might appear at the next event. That would be incredible.

As she zipped up her bag, a fleeting image of William Alden crossed her mind. Her expression softened slightly as she slung the backpack over her shoulders.

"And then there's him…" she thought as she left her room.

I'll try to talk to him today.

Aurora walked down the hallway toward her home's exit, letting her thoughts accompany her along the way. One thing she couldn't ignore was the feeling that yesterday wasn't just a spectacle but also a reminder that there was so much more to learn and improve.

Adjusting the strap of her backpack, she stepped outside, her Helion uniform spotless, ready to face the day ahead.