《Through the Scarlet Eyes》


 Chapter 1: The Eternal Cruiser - Part 1

    One thousand meters in length and five hundred in width. These were the colossal dimensions of the Eternal Cruiser, a masterpiece of engineering and magic that defied the laws of nature and imagination. It was not merely a ship; it was a floating citadel, a microcosm harboring life, dreams, and wonders within its hull. Its design, divided into two main hulls, offered a unique experience: each hull functioned as an independent entity, allowing its passengers to behold two distinct realities simultaneously. While one hull gently submerged, offering panoramic views of the underwater world, the other remained on the surface, providing an infinite perspective of the horizon and sky. It was as if time and space bent around it, creating a fascinating duality.


    The Eternal Cruiser glided gracefully over the surface of the Sea of Glass, an ocean so transparent it seemed like an illusion. Its crystalline waters revealed an underwater world of almost unreal beauty: coral reefs that shimmered in vibrant hues, forests of giant kelp that swayed gently with the current, ruins of submerged cities that whispered forgotten tales, and marine creatures of fantastical shapes that moved with a hypnotic slowness, as if dancing in a dream. The waves, almost imperceptible, created a mirror-smooth surface, reflecting the starry sky with such precision that it was difficult to distinguish where the horizon ended and the firmament began. It was a sea of contemplative beauty, a place where time seemed to stand still, a perfect setting for an eternal voyage.


    Several corridors away, in a less crowded section, a female figure ran at full speed, her breath short and her heart pounding. Her hair, an intense crimson color, had come loose and billowed wildly behind her. Her every footstep echoed loudly against the metal floor, creating a metallic echo that mingled with the sound of her own agitated breathing.


    "I can do it! I can make it!" she muttered through her teeth, her eyes fixed on the wall clock that glowed with intense blue numbers. Time seemed to accelerate, and every second that passed brought her closer to the edge of despair.


    The main hallway was full of people and movement. People of all ages and places walked in all directions, boarding the cruise ship with haste and expectations. The rustle of fabrics, the constant murmur of conversations, and the sound of cart wheels created a disorderly symphony, an echo of life that resonated in the air. Among this bustle, the crimson-haired figure made her way with determination, dodging carts loaded with suitcases, elderly people who moved slowly with their canes, children who ran aimlessly, and couples who walked hand in hand. Her murmurs of apology were barely heard above the noise, but her presence was impossible to ignore. Every movement of hers was agile and precise, as if she had practiced this race against time a thousand times.


    She turned sharply at a corner, almost losing her balance due to the speed at which she was moving. Suddenly, she found herself in front of the Aquarium entrance, a structure that was not simply another attraction on the Eternal Cruiser, but an architectural and magical marvel. The Aquarium was a submerged extension of the cruiser itself. The walls, made of a transparent material reinforced with magic, offered a panoramic view of the underwater world. They were not mere crystals; they were magical barriers that withstood the pressure of the depths while allowing visitors to feel immersed in the marine environment. The light, though attenuated by the depth, filtered through with an ethereal softness, illuminating the water with blue and greenish tones that created an almost dreamlike atmosphere. Through those walls, one could appreciate the life that teemed around the structure.


    Fish with iridescent scales, which shone like jewels under the dim light, swam in harmony among corals that changed color depending on the angle of the light, creating a living kaleidoscope of shapes and hues. Creatures with luminous tentacles, like floating lanterns, glided gracefully among the rocks, leaving trails of light in their wake. Meanwhile, fish with membranous wings, which seemed taken from a dream, fluttered elegantly underwater, as if imitating the flight of birds in a liquid sky. In the distance, on the other side of the aquarium wall, a huge marine creature emerged from the depths. Resembling a whale, but with fins adorned with bright feathers that waved gently, it moved with a majestic slowness. Its large, wise eyes observed the visitors with a serene curiosity, as if it were the guardian of that underwater world.


    For an instant, the female figure stopped, completely captivated by the beauty of the place. Despite the urgency that drove her to keep running, she could not avoid staying a few more seconds to admire the spectacle. It was as if she were immersed in the Crystal Sea itself, enveloped in a world of colors and life that seemed to defy reality. She approached the aquarium wall, and the transparent, almost imperceptible material gave her the feeling that there was no barrier between her and the depths. The water pressure, though contained by the magic of the structure, felt almost palpable, as if the ocean breathed just on the other side, waiting for someone to dare to cross over.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    It was then that she saw it. A small fish, no bigger than her hand, swam among a group of anemones that glowed with a soft violet light. Its scales were unlike any fish she had ever seen before; they seemed to be made of small, translucent gems, each shining with a different color: sapphire, emerald, ruby, amethyst. It moved with an unusual grace, as if dancing to the rhythm of an invisible music, tracing circles in the water.


    The small fish seemed to notice her presence. With an agile movement, it separated from the group of anemones that swayed gently and swam directly towards the aquarium wall, stopping right in front of her. Its eyes, large and round like miniature moons, shone with a golden light that contrasted vividly with the deep blue of the seabed. It stared at her, with an intensity that seemed to penetrate the magical material of the wall, as if it could see her beyond the barrier that separated them.


    A soft smile drew on the female figure''s lips, almost without realizing it, as she extended a hand towards the transparent wall. Her fingers approached, as if, for a moment, she believed she could touch the fish through the enchanted glass. The fish, in response, flapped its small fins with a quick and playful movement, performing a pirouette in the water that left a trail of bright bubbles. Then, with a final elegant turn, it swam away among the corals.


    The figure withdrew her hand slowly, still with the smile on her lips and the image of the magical fish engraved in her mind. For an instant, everything seemed to stop, as if time had been suspended in that fleeting encounter. But then, like a whiplash, reality hit her hard.


    ?The roll call!


    Crossing the threshold of one of the wide side corridors, the atmosphere changed drastically. Here, an almost martial order reigned, where the silence was only broken by the echo of a firm, authoritative voice. A short, stout woman advanced with a determined step, taking attendance with a rigor that admitted no errors. It was Dolores, and although her physique did not impose in height, her presence radiated an undeniable authority that made everyone around her maintain strict order. Her uniform, impeccably ironed despite fitting her corpulent figure, seemed to reflect the discipline she demanded. In her hands, she firmly held a metal clipboard, where with precise strokes of white chalk, she marked the attendance. That record was implacable, a silent testimony of the presence or absence of each of the workers under her command.


    "Joaqu¨ªn!" she called, her voice cutting through the air like a knife.


    "Present, Mrs. Dolores," a tall, thin figure responded, head bowed and a subdued tone of voice, as if trying to go unnoticed.


    "Sof¨ªa!" she continued, without pause.


    "Here," a nervous, young voice replied, barely managing to conceal the tremor that ran through her.


    "Selene!"


    An uncomfortable, dense silence fell, which seemed to stretch for endless seconds. Dolores frowned, her eyes scanning the hallway with a gaze that could pierce walls. Just as she opened her mouth to call again, a figure slid stealthily into her place in the last row. It was Selene, moving with the agility of someone who has perfected the art of going unnoticed. Her steps were quick but silent, as if trying to blend into the shadows to avoid being discovered. Arriving at her spot, she straightened up quickly, adjusting her uniform and smoothing out imperfections in an attempt to regain her composure. She took a deep breath, holding the air for a moment before exhaling slowly, trying to calm her racing heart.


    "P-Present, Mrs. Dolores," she said, her voice hesitant but audible enough.


    With a couple of quick and determined steps, Dolores approached Selene. She stopped in front of her, maintaining a short but respectful distance, and stared at her, as if trying to decipher something in her expression. Her dark skin, warm and luminous, contrasted sharply with the grayish uniform she wore, giving her an air of uniqueness amidst the monotony. Her eyes, an intense and penetrating crimson, matched the vibrant color of her hair, creating a harmony that was impossible to ignore. However, what caught Dolores''s attention the most was not her striking appearance, but the subtle, almost imperceptible smile that Selene was trying to hide. It was a smile that hid something, perhaps a secret or a contained emotion.


    For a moment, they both stared at each other, as if measuring themselves in a silent duel. Finally, Dolores marked the attendance with a quick movement of her hand, without uttering a word. Selene breathed a sigh of relief as Dolores looked away, trying to regain her composure while mentally repeating that the worst was over. At least... for now...

 Chapter 2: The Eternal Cruiser - Part 2

    "Alright, listen up," Dolores began, "Today''s group will be accompanied by... umm..." She paused, flipping through her notebook, searching for the name she seemed to have forgotten.


    At that precise moment, a tall, muscular man entered the room, immediately capturing everyone''s attention. His imposing physique suggested considerable strength, and his crossed arms further emphasized his defined muscles. A scar across his right cheek added a touch of ruggedness to his face, but his eyes, serene and calculating, conveyed a calmness that contrasted with his intimidating appearance.


    "Oh, no..." Dolores murmured. She quickly raised her notebook in front of her, using it as a shield to partially hide her face.


    "Formation!" she ordered quickly, trying to regain control of the situation. Those present hurried to organize themselves, adopting strategic positions where Carlos could see them clearly.


    Carlos, however, didn''t seem interested in the preparations. With firm, deliberate steps, he walked directly towards Dolores. In his hand, he carried a bouquet of vibrant flowers, whose colors stood out against his dark attire. He stopped in front of her and, with a half-smile that softened his usually stern expression, extended the bouquet towards Dolores.


    "Ahh... hello, Carlos," Dolores glanced at the bouquet for a brief moment. Gently, she took it from Carlos''s hands and placed it aside. "Do you already know why you''re here, right?"


    Carlos leaned towards her with a respectful bow. "Of course, my lady," he replied, his voice firm and laden with sincerity. Every word born from the heart.


    Murmurs began behind her. Some of those present exchanged curious glances, others seemed impressed by Carlos''s unexpected gallantry. Dolores spun around on her heels, her face now flushed with an intense blush.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Silence!" she ordered, her voice firm but clearly affected by embarrassment. The murmurs ceased immediately, although some smiles still lingered on the faces of the curious onlookers.


    Dolores sighed deeply, bringing a hand to her forehead as if trying to calm herself. Then, straightening her posture and recovering some of her usual composure, she looked directly at Carlos.


    "Carlos," Dolores said, striving to maintain a professional tone, "would it be possible for you to guide us now?"


    Carlos nodded slowly and, without saying a word, turned and began to walk, aware that his presence had already caused enough commotion.


    Carlos walks with a firm step down the main corridor of the cruise ship, his imposing figure standing out even among the crowd of passengers and workers. Behind him, Selene follows, her steps light and barely perceptible on the polished floor. Behind her, the rest of the group advances in silence.


    Bringing up the rear, Dolores watches everyone attentively, making sure that no one falls behind or loses the rhythm. She carries her notebook in her hands, as always.


    The corridor is illuminated by magical lights that float in the air, creating an effect of moving constellations. The sound of footsteps mixes with the murmur of conversations and the soft hum of the cruise ship''s mechanisms.


    Soon, Carlos leads them to a less traveled section, where a series of long, narrow staircases descend to a more technical area of the cruise ship. The stairs are made of a metallic material that resonates with each step, and the walls are covered with pipes and magical runes that glow softly, projecting blue and green flashes onto their faces. Selene feels the runes seem to vibrate faintly as she passes close by, as if responding to her presence.


    As they descend, the bustle of the main corridor fades away, replaced by a silence only broken by the echo of their footsteps. The light becomes dimmer, and the air feels colder, as if they were entering a place set apart from the rest of the cruise ship. Each step seems to take them further from the outside world, until they finally reach the bottom of the stairs. Carlos opens a heavy door that leads to an outdoor platform. The door closes behind them with a metallic, resonant, and definitive sound, and suddenly, Selene finds herself in an open area. The wind blows gently, moving strands of her crimson hair, and the sound of the Crystal Sea fills the air, a distant but constant roar that envelops everything around them.

 Chapter 3: The Eternal Cruiser - Part 3 (End)

    The group members gaze in awe at the scene before them. The Crystal Sea stretches out, a vast ocean of liquid light, its waves shimmering with an ethereal glow in the sunlight. The sky''s reflection creates a hypnotic spectacle, as if the entire world were draped in a mantle of floating diamonds. Each ripple seems to whisper an ancient tale, secrets few could comprehend.


    A gentle breeze caresses their faces, carrying a fresh, salty scent that contrasts with the almost unreal atmosphere. Some team members exchange astonished glances, while others simply can''t tear their eyes away from the panoramic view. Time seems to stand still, allowing them to absorb every detail of this magical moment.


    "Don''t just stand there gawking like it''s a show," Carlos says, gesturing towards the enormous glass panels running along the cruiser''s hull. "Those are the guest room windows. Reinforced with magic, they offer panoramic views of the Crystal Sea. Our job today is to clean them."


    Carlos strolls in front of the group, choosing his words carefully as he tries to capture their attention. "Now, to get the job done, we need special gear. We''re not talking rags and buckets here. Technology and magic go hand in hand."


    He approaches a row of backpacks against the wall and picks one up, holding it out as if it were sacred. "This," he says with enthusiasm, "isn''t just a backpack. It''s a device combining advanced tech with levitation runes. It''ll let you move through the air safely and precisely while cleaning the windows. They''re equipped with mechanical wings that fold out when you need them. Plus, magical propulsion systems keep you stable, even in strong currents." He walks over to one of the group members and puts the backpack on their back. With a soft click, metallic wings emerge, gleaming in the sunlight.


    He then walks to the edge of the platform, where the wind starts to ruffle his uniform. Impeccably pressed and adorned with gold trim on the shoulders and cuffs, it reflects his authority. The Eternal Cruiser''s emblem¡ªan anchor entwined with a pair of wings¡ªshines on his left breast, further highlighting his role as team supervisor. Despite his relaxed stance, the uniform lends him an air of unwavering professionalism.


    He pauses, gazing at the horizon with a pensive look. Without a word, he takes out a cigarette and lights it with a silver lighter from his right pocket. He takes a deep drag, letting the smoke rise slowly into the sky.


    "The wind''s... different today," he mutters to himself, barely audible over the murmur of the sea and the whir of the mechanical wings. He takes another, shorter puff, holding the cigarette between his gloved fingers as he turns to the group, letting the smoke escape slowly from his lips.


    He stubs out the cigarette against the platform railing, putting the butt in a small metal container he carries in his pocket. Turning to face the group, he crosses his arms as the wind continues to tug at his uniform.


    His gaze sweeps over them, assessing each one with a mix of impatience and expectation. His eyes finally land on Joaquin. "Joaquin," Carlos says, pointing with a firm gesture. "You''re up first."


    Joaquin swallows hard, but obeys, slowly approaching the designated area. As he reaches the edge, his eyes widen at the depth of the water below. Suddenly, the mechanical wings activate with a soft whir, unfolding completely. Joaquin feels the magical propulsion system stabilize him, letting him float gently in the air. With a mixture of relief and amazement, he starts to move forward, experiencing the freedom the wings offer.


    However, before he can get too far or fully adjust to controlling the wings, something strange happens. From the depths of the Crystal Sea, a creature emerges: a giant translucent octopus, its tentacles emitting an ethereal glow, as if made of pure liquid energy. Its gelatinous body seems to pulse with a life of its own, and its huge, curious eyes observe Joaquin with a mix of fascination and... hunger?


    "What is that?!" Joaquin shouts, trying to fly away. He picks up speed, but the octopus extends one of its long tentacles, wrapping it firmly around him and stopping his escape.


    The octopus lifts him gently into the air, as if inspecting him. The creature''s tentacles move with a hypnotic grace, almost as if they were dancing around Joaquin. Suddenly, one of the tentacles begins to emit a low hum, and small flashing lights run along its surface, as if analyzing something. Joaquin feels a strange tingling on his skin, as if the creature were scanning him, reading every detail of his being.


    From the platform, the group watches the scene in astonishment. It seems the octopus has no intention of harming Joaquin immediately, but its behavior is disconcerting. The creature holds him suspended in the air, moving him from side to side as if he were an object of study. Then, one of the free tentacles approaches Joaquin and gently brushes against the mechanical wings. In that instant, the lights on the tentacle glow more intensely, as if the creature were reacting to the magical technology of the wings.


    "Is... is that an octopus?" Dolores asks.


    "Ummm... anyone got a plan?" Sofia interjects.


    "You really expect me to have a plan for this? Of course not!" Carlos retorts.


    Meanwhile, the octopus continues to interact with Joaquin, moving him gently in the air as if deciding what to do with him. Its huge silver eyes remain fixed on him, and for a moment, Joaquin has the strange feeling that the creature is evaluating him, as if deciding whether he poses a threat or is simply a passing curiosity.


    "I''ll go find Mr. Mustache! Maybe he can help," Dolores says, putting away her notebook and hurrying off.


    Carlos waves a dismissive hand, as if to say goodbye, but Dolores is already too far away to notice. He pulls a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it with an exaggerated sigh as if he were in some low-budget drama. He gazes towards the horizon as the clouds drift by.


    "Why does this always happen to me?" he mutters, taking a deep drag. "How''s this supposed to impress Dolores? I couldn''t even keep Joaquin from getting caught by that thing..."


    He exhales the smoke, forming a cloud that briefly resembles a heart. Carlos observes it skeptically before it dissolves into a shapeless blob, as if even his failed attempt at art reflected his frustration.


    "Damn it, damn it, damn it..."


    "Uh... Mr. Carlos," Selene says, interrupting his brooding. "You forgot to mention we''d be using rods to clean the windows, right?"


    Carlos turns to her with annoyance, exhaling a last puff of smoke. His eyes narrow, assessing whether it''s worth answering such a trivial question.


    "What''s that matter now..."


    "Well..." Selene says thoughtfully, momentarily ignoring his attitude. "The rods have magical runes engraved on them. They could generate a flash of energy strong enough to distract the octopus, or even weaken it for a moment."


    Carlos raises an eyebrow, impressed despite himself. For an instant, his authoritative facade falters, and an almost imperceptible smile crosses his face at her creative solution. Without a word, he brings the cigarette to his lips one last time, inhaling deeply before exhaling a plume of smoke towards the sky. Then, with a casual but deliberate flick, he throws the cigarette to the ground and grinds it out under his boot, twisting his foot slightly to make sure no ember remains.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    "All right," he announces, extending his hands to the group as if he were a general rallying his troops. His voice rings with a newfound resolve, although with a slight tone. "We need a brave soul to rescue Joaquin from that blasted octopus!"


    An uncomfortable murmur ripples through the group. They look at each other, avoiding eye contact with Carlos. Some lower their heads, others shrink back, as if afraid of being chosen. Sofia, however, raises her hand enthusiastically.


    "Ah, perfect!" Carlos exclaims, visibly relieved. "Sofia, you''ll be¡ª"


    "Ah, no, wait!" Sofia quickly interrupts, dropping her hand. "I just wanted to ask... why don''t you go?"


    "I, uh... well, you know... I have to coordinate things from here," he stammers, taking a step back.


    Sofia stares at him with a slightly furrowed brow, unconvinced.


    "I''ll go." Selene says


    Carlos turns to her so quickly, he almost seems propelled by a spring. A forced smile spreads across his face, too enthusiastic to be genuine. "Perfect! Just the kind of initiative we need!" he exclaims, striding towards her before she can reconsider.


    "And? Got a plan to deal with that thing?"


    "Well..." Selene begins, pausing for a moment to think. But before she can elaborate, Carlos acts with almost comical haste. With swift movements, he grabs Selene by both arms, lifting her slightly off the ground like a ragdoll. He drags her towards the edge of the platform without giving her time to think.


    "Wait, wait, wait!" Selene protests, struggling to keep her balance as she''s unceremoniously hauled along.


    "No time for second-guessing!" Carlos exclaims. "Your bravery is truly inspiring!"


    Finally, Carlos halts at the very edge of the platform, leaving Selene facing the void. Wordlessly, he thrusts the backpack and rods at her, making sure she holds them tight. His movements are fast but somewhat rough, as if he wants to ensure there''s no excuse for delay.


    "So, what''s your name?" Carlos suddenly asks.


    "You dragged me here without so much as a ''how do you do'', to face a giant octopus... and you don''t even know my name?" Selene sighs deeply. "Fine. I''ll tell you, but I''m not repeating it."


    She observes him intently, as if taking his measure. After a tense silence, she replies firmly:


    "My name is Selene. Selene Crimson."


    Selene adjusts the backpack straps with quick, precise movements, regaining her composure while glaring at Carlos. But as she turns to face the horizon, her expression changes completely. The wind caresses her crimson hair, sending loose strands dancing like flames in the sunlight. For a heartbeat, she seems to freeze in time, motionless before the vastness of the Crystal Sea stretching out to infinity. The ethereal waters reflect flashes of light, as if the ocean itself were breathing with life, and the sky unfolds above her, full of silent promises. It''s a fragile, almost sacred moment, as if the universe were offering her a moment''s pause before the inevitable.


    She takes a deep breath, filling her lungs with the fresh air, letting the distant roar of the sea soothe her racing heart. Every second seems etched into her memory: the feel of the wind on her skin, the hypnotic shimmer of the ocean, the weight of the mechanical wings on her back. Then, with a deliberate move, she activates the wings. They unfold slowly, emitting a soft whir that echoes in the air.


    With her wings extended, Selene floats gently, balancing her body as she observes the giant octopus. Her crimson eyes narrow, analytical, as she assesses every detail of the creature. The octopus''s translucent tentacles glow with pulsating blue lights, as if beating to the rhythm of an invisible heart. Its gelatinous body vibrates with a strange, almost unsettling energy that doesn''t match the underwater creatures she''s seen before in the Aquarium.


    "It''s strange... these creatures are normally peaceful, but... There''s something different about this one,"


    she murmurs to herself, her voice barely audible over the wind. Suddenly, the octopus turns one of its huge eyes towards her. The gaze is intense, piercing, and Selene feels a shiver run down her spine. For a brief moment, a dark aura envelops the octopus, distorting the air around it as if it were being swallowed by shadow. The creature seems different, more aware, as if something within it has awakened. For a fleeting instant, a resonant and ethereal voice fills Selene''s mind, whispering words that seem to vibrate deep within her soul. Only she can hear it, as if the message were meant for her alone:


    "Ancient shadows awaken where light fears to tread. The light within you will soon be extinguished, little flame. You carry the echo of what was condemned to oblivion, the heartbeat of a heart that should never have been, but soon... soon, it will be devoured."


    Selene holds her breath, paralyzed by the weight of the words. But before she can grasp their meaning, the voice shifts drastically. From an ethereal whisper, it explodes into a deafening scream, charged with fury and power, that resonates in her mind like a thunderclap. It''s a scream that feels as if it''s tearing her soul apart, filled with a primordial rage that doesn''t belong to this world. And then, it pronounces her name with terrifying clarity, making each letter vibrate like an endless echo:


    "SELENEE!"


    The sound of her name, shrieked by that inhuman voice, pierces her like an icy dagger. Her eyes widen, and her body trembles uncontrollably. The octopus stares at her, its huge eye glowing with a mix of curiosity and insatiable hunger. For a moment, Selene feels the creature not only sees her but recognizes her, as if it knows something about her she doesn''t even comprehend.


    But before she can delve into the meaning of the words or the shriek, the aura vanishes as quickly as it came. The octopus reverts to its previous state, refocusing its attention on Joaquin, who still dangles in the air, ensnared by one of its tentacles.


    Selene blinks, shaking her head slightly to clear her thoughts. "What the hell was that...?" she wonders, but there''s no time for answers. Regaining her composure, she straightens her posture and grips the rods tightly. She knows whatever she perceived just now can''t be ignored, but she has a more pressing task at hand.


    Meanwhile, on the platform, hushed voices begin to spread among those present, mingling curiosity and speculation.


    "Is that her?" one of the group members whispers, glancing at Selene.


    "Yeah, it''s her, all right," another confirms, nodding with certainty. "That''s the girl they brought here as a child."


    "They say the owner bought her," a third adds, lowering his voice as if afraid of being overheard. "Not only that... they say she''s got strange powers."


    "Strange powers? Like what?"


    "Heard she can talk to snakes. At least, that''s what some of the old-timers say."


    "What? Seriously?"


    "Wait, the snake talker, are they talking about her or the owner?"


    "SHUT UP!"


    Carlos barks, whirling around to face the group with a fierce look. His voice cuts through the air like a whip, silencing everyone instantly. They all freeze, avoiding his gaze. He swivels back to Selene, now poised at the edge of the platform, wings unfurled and ready to plunge into the abyss. Her eyes, full of courage and determination, blaze in the light."


    In one of the corridors of the Eternal Cruiser, Dolores follows Mr. Mustache as he paces frantically. The man, a bald dwarf with an enormous mustache that gives him an unmistakable air, is officially known as Gimly. But because of his signature handlebar, most people simply call him Mr. Mustache.


    "Of all days, it had to be today!" Mr. Mustache exclaims, visibly agitated as he quickens his pace.


    "I''m so sorry, Mr. Mustache," Dolores replies quickly, trying to keep up.


    "Arghh...!" he groans, pausing to clutch his forehead in despair. "Today is an important day, Miss Dolores. Too important for this nonsense!"


    Just as he''s about to stride on, a rather tall man appears between Dolores and Mr. Mustache. At first, she can''t quite make him out, but as Mr. Mustache recognizes the newcomer, he''s thunderstruck.


    "M-m-m-m-my lord!" Mr. Mustache stammers, bowing deeply with a mix of surprise and reverence. "I thought you would be waiting for me in the VIP lounge."


    Intrigued by Mr. Mustache''s extreme reaction, Dolores discreetly peers up to study the stranger. The man is cloaked in a long black coat that reaches his ankles, its simple yet elegant design revealing meticulous attention to detail: the high collar and wide lapels lending him an imposing, enigmatic air. His black gloves gleam softly in the dim corridor light, while a black fedora shades much of his face, casting his features in shadow. Despite the poor visibility, his presence is unmistakable; he exudes authority and power. However, before Dolores can glean any more details, Mr. Mustache presses down on her slightly, forcing her into a hasty bow as well.


    "No need for such formality, my dear Mr. Mustache," the man says, his voice calm but firm, infused with a serenity that contrasts with Mr. Mustache''s agitation. He extends a gloved hand to Dolores, who slowly raises her head to get a better look.


    When she finally sees his face, Dolores experiences a mix of awe and unease. At first glance, he seems normal: balanced features, pale skin, a serene expression that might go unnoticed in any other context. But something about him disturbs her inexplicably. Perhaps it''s the intensity of his gaze, or perhaps it''s the stark contrast between his eyes. One is an intense crimson, burning like a hot coal in the dim corridor light, while the other remains dark, almost lost in the shadow of his hat. That duality creates a strange feeling, as if she were seeing two different people in one.


    "A pleasure, Miss," the man continues, his tone formal but with a touch of cordiality that tempers his intimidating aura. "I am the creator and owner of the Eternal Cruiser, Darius Crimson."