The SSS-rank Guide Doesn't Need Saving novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18: First Day Home, Already Causing Chaos (2)

The hovercar glided smoothly through the sky, leaving Gaia Hospital far behind.

Aisha rested her cheek against the glass window, watching the world stretch endlessly below.

The city was divided into twenty sectors. Sector 1 held the Imperial Palace, military headquarters, the Imperial Star Academy, and the Guide and Sentinel Association. Sector 2 belonged to the nobility. Sector 3 through 5 housed the wealthy and well-connected—those with ties to the different powers in Sector 1.

From Sector 3 onward, each district was split into A and B: families with sentinels or guides of high rank lived in the A-side. As for those with lower-ranked family members, they were relegated to B.

The Novalis family was currently in Sector-A—one of the empire’s most affluent districts. With their abundant wealth and children who are sentinels and guides themselves, they certainly made their way there.

To be honest, this world was nothing like she had known before.

Massive white arches curved overhead like ribs, weaving through spires that rose so high their peaks reached the clouds. Some buildings even looked almost alive. Sleek hovercars floated lazily between towers, gliding in the air unhindered.

Below, a wide canal cut through the center of the district. The water was so clear it mirrored the sky, with star yachts and small boats that didn’t look like anything Aisha had seen in her previous world.

Aisha could make tiny figures strolling along the water’s edge, purchasing something from vendors and shops.

It looked like paradise.

A part of her, the part that still remembered the stench of rotting corpses and the silence of a dead world, wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it. How strange that a place this beautiful could exist while somewhere out there, a world was being swallowed by contamination and chaos.

But then again, wasn’t that always how it worked? The privileged lived in glass towers while the rest of the world burned.

It was the same in her previous life, and it won’t change in this lifetime either.

"We’re almost there," Erika said from the front, maneuvering the hover car with a single hand.

Aisha said nothing, simply watching the city gradually shift. And then, she saw it.

Rising from the hillside like a cluster of silver blossoms, dozens of circular structures floated above the ground, connected by curving bridges of white stone. Each one was a villa, suspended in the air, defying gravity. Some were in a smaller size, with balconies and gardens. Others were bigger, multi-tiered constructions.

Aisha spotted one of the larger structures near the center. It was the Novalis Villa, which has been in that spot for three generations.

She studied it for a moment. It was beautiful, she had to admit that much. But it wasn’t what she could call home. Not to her.

The hover car descended smoothly, gliding onto a platform extending toward the villa’s base. As it touched down, Erika sighed. "I really need to have your father change to a newer version of this shuttle. Go on ahead, I’ll be there shortly."

Aisha stepped out of the car, Daisy following close behind with a small case of her belongings clutched tightly in her small hands. They made their way toward the entrance.

The doors slid open before she even reached them, revealing a grand foyer bathed in soft, golden light. Marble floors gleamed beneath luminescent stones, and the scent of fresh flowers drifted in the air.

"Irene, you’re entering the academy soon. Do you know which class you will be assigned?"

"Hm... I don’t know."

"Come on, tell us."

"It’s probably the class for higher ranks, right?"

"That reminds me, I heard your evil sister was moved to a lower class."

Voices were coming from the living room.

Their light and airy laughter spread even in the front entrance, catching Aisha’s attention. Without even seeing their faces, Aisha knew who they were.

She stepped further inside and instantly saw them.

Three girls sat in the living room with the demeanor of someone who had nothing to worry about in the world. Pampered and excessively spoiled by what this world can offer to them.

But Aisha glanced at the only person who could take her notice.

Irene Novalis.

She sat curled elegantly on a plush sofa, her light blond hair falling over one shoulder, and dressed in a soft baby-blue gown that made her look every bit the picture of youthful innocence. On either side of her sat two girls, both dressed in equally fine dresses. They were sipping tea and chattering happily amongst themselves.

The moment Aisha entered the scene, their chatter died down. Their eyes instantly landed on her, expressions shifting quickly from elation to displeasure.

"Sister!"

Unlike the two girls who blatantly showed their dislike of her, Irene rose from her seat quickly and rushed forward with wide, glistening eyes. "You’re finally home. I was so worried about you that I could barely sleep."

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