Chapter 7: Agartha Base
Ahcehera sprang into action the moment she exited the pocket dimension.
Driven by purpose, she poured all her energy into accomplishing everything on her carefully crafted bucket list. Every task, every item, and every contingency was meticulously handled.
To ensure efficiency, she quietly dispatched trusted personnel to assist with the heavier workloads.
But when it came to the most important tasks, securing her most valuable belongings, Ahcehera relied solely on herself.
Under the cover of secrecy, she emptied every safe and storage compartment in her home.
Jewelry, documents, artifacts, and anything of importance were whisked away into her private space. Her movements were silent and deliberate, leaving no trace for anyone to notice.
By the time night fell deeply, the household was still restless, with staff bustling about to fulfill her seemingly endless list of demands.
"Was the princess too drunk?"
"She might be depressed that the little wolf was gone."
"Let's focus on the tasks, so we can still possibly finish early"
"Just let the princess vent. Her heart must be uncomfortable."
Unbeknownst to them, Ahcehera had even rented a discreet warehouse in Starcentral District, ensuring every item she bought from the open markets was delivered there.
Ahcehera waited inside the dimly lit space, personally overseeing each delivery as it arrived.
Her presence exuded authority, making it clear that no one dared to question her motives or actions. Even the warehouse workers avoided eye contact, mindful of her commanding aura.
If you sit in a position of power, you might as well wield it wisely, she thought to herself, her gaze sharp as she inventoried each item.
By the time dawn broke, every item she had acquired was stored safely in Cresencia, her newfound sanctuary. The checklist was complete.
Ahcehera leaned back against a crate, exhaustion tugging at her eyelids. Despite her fatigue, she allowed herself a small smile.
If I weren't tied to my duties in the military, I'd venture far beyond these borders.
I'd explore the hidden corners of the galaxy, visit markets both virtual and physical, and uncover treasures no one else could dream of.
Yet, she knew she had to tread carefully. Her actions could not draw unnecessary attention, not from outsiders, and certainly not from her family.
Her mother's watchful eye was already sharp enough, and she knew any deviation from her routine would invite difficult questions. Questions she wasn't ready to answer.
The existence of Cresencia must remain a secret, she resolved firmly.
Even in the face of calamity, no one, not even my parents, should know.
She clenched her fists, determination hardening her resolve.
For the safety of my family, I must prepare for every eventuality.
With one last glance at the now-empty warehouse, Ahcehera stepped out into the early morning light, her heart steeled for the battles yet to come.
Ahcehera discovered something astonishing about Cresencia, a single day inside the dimension equated to only a minute in the real world. The realization filled her with joy.
This gives me all the time I need, she thought, marveling at the vastness of the space.
It was the perfect sanctuary where she could organize, strategize, and prepare without the constraints of reality's ticking clock.
She spent two months inside Cresencia, carefully arranging the treasures and supplies she had moved.
By the time Emil's voice chimed in her communication device, reminding her of her flight schedule, Ahcehera smiled knowingly.
Two months and only an hour has passed outside.
She stepped out of Cresencia, immediately taking a bath to freshen up and prepare for her journey.
As she descended the grand staircase of her palace, Emil greeted her at the landing. "Mistress, the chauffeur is waiting for you at the front."
"Thanks, Emil. Until we see each other again, take care of the house with Puereza."
"Of course, Mistress. Have a safe journey."
Ahcehera smiled fondly at her loyal assistant before stepping outside, the cool morning breeze brushing against her face.
She carried with her the space button, a smaller, 100-square-meter storage device, and both of her optical brains.
Though she preferred the privacy of her personal device, she activated her official one for military purposes.
The ride to the airport was smooth, the city's skyline glimmering in the distance as her transport glided effortlessly over the roads.
At the terminal, she boarded the military starship, a sleek vessel that served as a dedicated transport for military personnel.
The starship was a hub of activity, gathering officers, soldiers, and specialists bound for their respective destinations.
Ahcehera settled into her seat, glancing out at the expanse of stars visible through the large viewing panels. Her destination, Agartha Base, was the last stop on the starship's route.
Located on a remote and classified planet, Agartha Base was inaccessible to civilians and shrouded in secrecy.
Its isolation added to its mystique, but for Ahcehera, it signaled the start of a new chapter.
As the starship began its ascent, she exhaled, her thoughts steady.
Everything is falling into place. Now, it's time to face what lies ahead.
The journey had been smooth until the starship neared the final wormhole. Suddenly, alarms blared throughout the vessel as an unknown warship emerged from hyperspace.
Before the crew could react, the hostile vessel fired its laser cannons, their sharp, radiant beams slicing through the vast darkness of space and striking the starship's outer hull.
The starship trembled under the assault.
Though sturdy and massive, the military starship lacked the advanced weaponry needed for warfare. It was primarily a transport vessel, not a battleship.
Ahcehera jolted awake at the sudden disturbance. She quickly got out of her room, her expression sharp and composed, and moved toward the main deck.
The corridors buzzed with frantic voices and hurried footsteps as crew members rushed to their stations.
Upon reaching the control deck, she addressed the nearest officer. "What's the situation? Who are we facing?"
The officer turned, startled at her presence. His face paled. "Y-Your Highness the Princess!"
The room fell silent as the crew turned to face her. Whispers rippled through the room like an electric current.
"The Princess is on board?"
"Why is she here?"
"This ship isn't equipped to protect royalty!"