Chapter 97 Family reunion

Words : 1103 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

After the third check in the mirror, Noah finally felt satisfied. Every detail was perfect, from the way his suit draped across his shoulders to how his shoes caught the light. He'd always been particular about his appearance—it wasn't an accident that he'd caught the eye of Eastern Sector Academy's most sought-after student. The hallway was barely recognizable. The academy had transformed it into something straight out of old holovids, capturing that distinct '97 aesthetic. Students milled about in period-appropriate attire, though most of them probably couldn't tell the difference between actual '97 fashion and whatever ancient movies they'd pulled their inspiration from. Noah drew more than a few stares as he walked through. The suit Sophie had helped him pick made it clear he wasn't working with a cadet's budget. The fabric alone probably cost more than most students' monthly allowance. But that was Sophie—she had expensive taste and the means to indulge it. A strange smile played across his face as he followed the flow of people toward the entrance. Above, the night sky was alive with hovering vehicles—sleek Clexus models like Sophie's, military-grade GMMs, and other high-end transports. The academy was pulling in all the heavy hitters tonight: top brass, sector leaders, anyone who had a say in humanity's remaining power structure. He was still taking in the parade of vehicles when a familiar Clexus descended from the stream of traffic, pulling up alongside him with an elegant purr of anti-grav systems. Sophie sat in the driver's seat, and Noah's breath caught. The black gown they'd picked out yesterday was even more stunning on her now—short length, corset-style, perfectly fitted. Her black hair was styled in elaborate waves, and the jewelry at her throat caught the light of passing vehicles. She looked like she'd stepped straight out of one of those vintage fashion magazines she loved to collect. She let out a wolf whistle that turned heads. "Hey sugar!" she called out, affecting an accent that sounded like it came straight from some ancient vid-show. "Need a ride somewhere?" Noah couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. Here he was, supposed to be the smooth one, and she had him fighting back a blush like some freshman cadet.@@@@ "Might be," he played along. "Heading to the gala." "Well ain't that just perfect?" She leaned out the window, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hop in, handsome. But first—" She reached for something in the passenger seat, producing an elegant box. Inside was a diamond wristwatch that caught the light in a way that made modern tech look dull in comparison. "Let me," she said, taking his wrist gently. As she fastened the watch, her fingers lingered on his skin. "You know, back in '97, this meant something. These days everyone's obsessed with beast cores, but there used to be a time when diamonds were more than just pretty rocks." Noah studied the watch, genuinely appreciating the craftsmanship. The weight of it felt significant, grounding. "Sophie, I—I didn't get you anything. I should have—" She pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him. "You still don't get it, do you?" Her smile softened. "You're the gift, Noah. Now come on—" She patted the passenger seat. "Let's show these stuffy military types how it's done." As Noah slid into the seat, Sophie's Clexus hummed to life, rising smoothly to join the stream of vehicles heading toward the gala. In the artificial twilight of the Eastern Sector's dome, with vintage-style lights streaming past and Sophie's perfume filling the air, it really did feel like they'd stepped back in time. Except no one in '97 had to worry about void energy, beast cores, or whatever the hell was happening with humanity and its war on Harbingers. Noah pushed those thoughts aside. Tonight wasn't about training or power or the growing darkness at the edges of the sectors. Tonight was about him and Sophie, and whatever adventure she had planned. **** The gala was in full swing by the time Noah and Sophie arrived. The massive hall was a spectacle, draped in deep reds and golds, with chandeliers that cast a warm glow over the polished marble floors. A red carpet stretched across the entrance, guiding them into a space filled with the academy's elite—students, professors, military officers, and sector leaders. "You look good," she said, her voice soft, eyes trailing over him with unmistakable adoration. "The suit really suits you." "Uh, thanks," Noah replied, keeping his tone polite. "You look nice too." A pleased smile curled on her lips. "I half-expected you wouldn't show up," she mused. "You did turn me down, after all." Noah tensed slightly but kept his reaction measured. "Yeah, well..." Lila studied his face for a second before she let out a light laugh, shaking her head. "I'm kidding, Noah. Don't look so serious." He wasn't convinced, but he let it slide. "Fun night, huh?" she asked, tilting her head. "Yeah," Noah nodded. "It's been pretty great." Silence settled between them, just a beat too long. Noah took that as his cue to leave. "Well, I should—" "So, did you hear about the Year Two students sneaking in spiked drinks?" Noah halted mid-step, sighing internally. "Uh, no?" Lila smiled, shifting slightly closer. "Oh, it's been a whole thing. Apparently, someone got caught swapping bottles near the catering section." "Right. Sounds... interesting," Noah said, hoping she'd get the hint. But she didn't. Instead, she launched into another topic—something about how the gala décor was inspired by a pre-collapse event, which then somehow shifted into a random observation about the band playing in the background. It wasn't that Noah didn't care, but he could feel the subtle way she was keeping him here, drawing out the conversation just enough to make it harder to excuse himself. Just as he was about to firmly end it, a pair of footsteps approached. "Lila Valentine Rowe." the voice sounded bougie, no doubt. It utterly screamed old money. Lila's body stiffened instantly. Noah felt her fingers twitch slightly before she slowly turned around. Standing before them were a man and a woman, both dressed impeccably for the event. Their presence radiated an air of importance—people who expected to be acknowledged the moment they walked into a room. Lila's lips parted slightly, the calmness she had been forcing slipping away. "...Mum... Dad... you two are here?"

Chapter 97 Family reunion

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