The landing platform at Arkbound Space HQ trembled under the descent of the massive ship. Dust whipped through the air, lights from dozens of drones and cameras locked onto the descending vessel. It hovered, stabilizer legs deploying with hydraulic grace, and gently touched down.
Its sleek, alien silhouette gleamed under the morning sun — a marvel of unknown alloys, science, and vision. The crowd around the perimeter, including press, government officials, and construction leaders, stood in stunned silence.
The Mayor, already on-site for the ARK City inauguration, gazed skyward as the ship's side hatch opened with a hiss. A wide ramp descended. Fog spilled out.
But no one came out.
Instead, Nyra stepped forward from a side entrance to the platform, flanked by Kael, Elios, Korin, and Lira. She held herself with poise and certainty, the Arkbound insignia shimmering behind her as media drones zoomed in.
"Welcome, everyone," Nyra began, her voice amplified. "You stand not only in front of Arkbound Space Headquarters—but in front of the next era."
The Mayor approached her with a firm handshake.
"I… I'm speechless. This is—""A beginning," Nyra finished for him, smiling. "ARK City was proof of what Arkbound could do. But we weren't just looking at the ground. We've been building toward the stars."
Cameras flashed. Reporters leaned forward.
"Is this vessel fully operational?""Who built it?""Where is the designer?""Who's leading Arkbound Space?"
Nyra kept her expression steady.
"Arkbound is a team. The vessel you see was constructed by our minds, our machines, and our will. Its systems are being finalized — and in ten days, we'll unveil what it can truly do."
"And the pilot? The architect?"
Nyra's eyes glimmered just slightly.
"Anonymous. For now."
A ripple of speculation passed through the crowd.
"Why the secrecy?" one journalist asked.
"Some people build for recognition," Nyra said smoothly. "Others build for vision. This ship — and Arkbound Space — speaks for itself. Our founder will reveal himself when the time is right. Until then, let the results be your answer."
Behind her, the ship's engines cooled. Six NEAR bots could be seen securing the docking arms and unloading equipment from internal compartments. They moved with inhuman grace, each action synced to invisible commands.
Kael took the mic briefly.
"Construction on ARK City is now complete. In record time. Powered by NEAR-class bots. No delays. No compromise. We're ready to build the future. Not just for our nation… but beyond it."
The Mayor stepped forward, offering his final thoughts to the media.
"This city… this ship… this company — they've changed what we thought was possible. Arkbound represents a new chapter for us all. And it's an honor that it began right here."
As applause swelled and the drones panned wide, capturing the breathtaking contrast between the futuristic starship and the newly completed ARK City below, Raen watched quietly from the bridge of the vessel — unseen, unheard, but ever-present.
"Ten days," he murmured under his breath, eyes locked on the display.
From his vantage, he could see the skyline of ARK City glowing against the rising sun. Everything was falling into place.