[NOTICE!]
~Disinfection Done~
[You May Proceed]
>SHUUUUUU<
A white door opened by the side, inviting us to leave the white room and pass through it.
Everyone moved, and before long, we were out of the blank room.
Now in a tube-like contraption, a different ping sounded, and the construct began to move.
It took us below, moving at enough speed to keep everyone comfortable.
The journey took only a few seconds, and then after we arrived at our destination, the tube opened and another door was shown in front of us.
"A white door again?" At this point, Ana was exasperated.
However, after everyone shot her dirty looks, the girl decided to shut it.
"Now, then, let's all be cool about what we're about to see, okay? No freaking out."
My audience nodded.
Though Neron was already aware of this place, everyone else would be seeing it for the first time.
In fact, only two people knew about what was going on down here. The only reason I was bringing in this many was to clear a misunderstanding... and also because they were people I had grown to trust.
'Well, I trust a few others, but these ones will be with me henceforth. I can monitor them, at least.'
With that in mind, I passed through the door in front of us, followed by Neron, then Serah.
Finally, the rest awkwardly moved behind us.
Upon arriving at the vast room, I smiled. It had progressed even more than last time, and it seemed everyone was hard at work.
I glanced behind me, looking at the newcomers.
'Let's see what kinds of expressions they'll make.'
*****************
It was a vast white auditorium, having no windows or exposure to the outside world.
Lighting was brought by glowing gems, and the coolness of the atmosphere was maintained by Magic.
However, these weren't the impressive aspects of the massive room.
Within the room, there were several pods—numbering thousands.
They were placed in cadres and floors, and each had name tags on them.
The pods were being maintained by Automatons, and while at least one Automaton was assigned to each pod, a few others were running about, floating in the air as they did one activity or the other.
The room wasn't rowdy, though. Far from it!
Every action that was being taken was organized, and each pod was provided with adequate care.
System Panels were atop each pod, displaying the condition of whatever was inside.
The Automaton's interfaced with a system of their own, and they interacted with several buttons at inhuman speed.
A large System Window was also erected at the top, close to the ceiling. It displayed several algorithms, and conditions of the facility.
All in all, it was a world beyond the realm of imagination.
"W-what in the world...?" Ana's voice croaked as she took in the brilliance manifesting before her eyes.
Lemi's eyes glowed as well.
Compared to her Workshop, this was nothing. It had only the best technology, and the Automatons were working together, in absolute sync.
"My god..." Maro was rendered speechless.
This far transcended what he thought was achievable in his generation.
Just how far had the world progressed?
He had heard that the Fairy Republic had a great deal of technological advancements, but the specs he was seeing far surpassed the stories he had been told.
Those who knew nothing about Magic Technology, though unable to gawk at the advancement of technology before them, still had surprised looks on their faces.
They never knew such a place could exist.
"What are you guys doing here?" A feminine voice came from above, and a flash of light zoomed in.
"Ah, I should have informed you beforehand," I said with an awkward smile, addressing the fairy before me.
She didn't seem especially angry, but I knew Jane more than anyone. The lady was certainly not pleased with having strangers invading her workplace.
"You think? I knew you two would be arriving soon... you just didn't tell me you were coming with guests." Her gaze met mine and Neron's.
"Well, stuff happened... it was a kind of like a last-minute decision.
I glanced at Neron to back me up, but he swiftly looked away.
"It was Jared's idea. He didn't even tell me before doing this. I'm just as surprised as you." Neron said.
'Traitor!' My eyes widened at the man's shamelessness.
So much for a friend's support
"Is that so? Looks like you have some explaining to do, Lewis."
Jane still called me Lewis, and not Jared. She probably felt more comfortable with that, and I had no problem with that. Well, there was one issue.
"Jane, not in front of the kids..." I smiled awkwardly.
'Ah, I slipped.' Realizing my mistake, I turned to see some suspicious gazes on me.
Things were getting a bit out of control, so it was better to clear the air up fast.
"Alright, let's just get down to business, Jane. I imagine you have a lot of work to do."
"You have no idea. There's more work now that they got killed. I thought you said we had more time."
"Yeah, I miscalculated. I didn't think they would attack that soon... or it could even be a third party."
"Hmmm, sounds convenient. In any case, you're right. I am busy. So, what is the matter?"
'I'm glad that she's too busy to get mad at me. Whew!'
With a nervous smile, I decided that it was time for introductions.
"Everyone, meet Jane Ursula. She's the leader of the Fairies, and also a notable friend and partner of Lewis Griffith."
Everyone—well, except for those who had met her before—was surprised, and I could see Ana especially shrieking with delight.
It seemed she was going to burst and start something that would get me into more trouble, so I had to quickly nip it in the bud.
"Since there's no time, I'll just explain what is going on here," I said, signaling Ana to control herself.
"This place is called The Soul Haven, where Neron, Jane, and myself are working on something that will change your concept of life and death as you know it."
Jane initiated it for her people, but I took it to another level. Neron helped with achieving the mechanics, thanks to his Magic abilities.
Thanks to that...
"We call it Soul Project: Omega."
... There was a second chance at life, even after death.
