Chapter 40 — The Ride Through Stars
They rode forward, engines roaring across the glowing high-tech road suspended in an endless cosmic space.
Of course, Yuzurei was already handling his bike recklessly, leaning forward with a wide, excited grin.
Yuzurei: "Hah! Finally something fun!"
As they went further, small floating asteroids appeared on the path.
Without even thinking, Yuzurei instinctively drifted, spinning the bike sideways and slipping past the asteroid with unbelievable control.
Jin Yuan copied the maneuver, struggling a bit, but managed to drift safely.
Musukoni: "We should be careful… There might be more threats ahead."
He said while peeking over Jin Yuan's shoulder from behind.
Jin Yuan: "Yeah. If this road is our only way back to Earth, we can't afford mistakes."
Yuzurei: "Oi oi—Threats? To me, those are treats!"
He smirked and pushed the acceleration even harder.
Suddenly, the road transformed.
Floating asteroids increased. Metal blades rotated through the air.
And long mechanical chainsaws swung across the path.
Yuzurei: "Ohhh… This is what I wanted!"
His red bike drifted under a chainsaw, sparks flying as he escaped by a hair.
Musukoni: "This is… insane. Maybe getting back won't be as easy as we thought."
After a long chaotic ride, the trio finally reached another black hole-like portal at the road's end.
Musukoni: "We should check it. It might lead back."
Without hesitation, they jumped in.
In an instant, they fell out into New York, the same place where they were taken into the Blue Realm.
Yuzurei: "Tch… Seems like the fun's over."
He groaned, clearly disappointed.
Jin Yuan: "Be grateful. At least we're back on Earth."
After a while, they reached their wooden house back in Japan.
Shioinkin was waiting at the entrance with his hands on his hips.
Shioinkin: "You three are late as usual! More training for all of you!"
He shouted energetically.
Musukoni: "Good news… We returned to the same day we disappeared."
Jin Yuan: "That's… comforting."
He exhaled softly, a faint smile appearing before returning to his neutral expression.
Yuzurei: "Ahhh! Old man!!! I'm tired!"
Later, the three returned to their rooms.
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Jin Yuan & Emily
Jin Yuan opened his door. Emily was sitting on the bed, reading a magazine.
Emily: "Ah, Jin Yuan… You're late today. What happened?"
She asked gently, worry in her tone.
Jin Yuan: "I'm fine. Don't worry."
He went to take a bath. After a while, he came out wearing an oversized black T-shirt and white track pants.
He stood awkwardly.
Jin Yuan: "I… want to do something. Will you get mad?"
His cheeks were slightly red.
Emily: "Huh? Um—what is it?"
She asked innocently.
Without answering, Jin Yuan climbed onto the bed and quietly rested his head on her lap.
Emily froze, her cheeks turning bright red.
Emily: "O-oh… this is… comfortable."
She whispered and began softly petting his hair while Jin Yuan closed his eyes, relaxing for the first time since the Blue Realm.