Ultraman Blazar Interstellar Journey

An Unexpected Turn of Events

Leaving the simulated universe room behind, Caelus and Herta resumed their normal surroundings. As they parted ways, Caelus found his smartphone buzzing with an incoming message. Curiosity piqued, he unlocked the device and opened the message from Asta.

"Caelus?" the message read.

His fingers danced across the screen as he typed out his reply, "Asta?"

Asta's words appeared on the screen, "Caelus, you said you're back at the space station?"

Caelus responded, "Yes, do you miss me, Asta?"

A soft blush tinted Asta's cheeks as she typed, "There's something that I can only talk to you about..."

Caelus, sensing the unease in her message, replied, "If it's not too much trouble, could you come over for a chat?"

Asta's response was swift, her words carrying a hint of urgency, "I have a bad feeling about this."

She quickly reassured, "No, no! It's not anything weird. I just need to discuss something with you in person."

Asta's message continued, "Since it's just kinda embarrassing to talk about it over messaging."

Caelus, understanding the need for a face-to-face conversation, replied, "No need to bother you. I'm headed back to the Express."

Asta's blush deepened as she implored, "Hey, stop teasing! I really do have something urgent to talk about!"

She pressed on, "I'll be waiting for you at the usual spot. Please hurry."

Caelus felt a sense of concern for Asta. It was evident that something was troubling her deeply. With determination, he decided to heed her request and find out what had transpired. He knew that "the old place" held significance between them, and he felt a sense of duty to offer his support.

As he made his way towards the designated meeting spot, thoughts raced through Caelus's mind. What could be bothering Asta? What had she encountered that was too personal to discuss through messages? He quickened his pace, eager to reach her and provide the comfort she clearly needed.

Approaching Asta, Caelus noticed the worried expression on her face. She seemed relieved as he arrived, her urgency evident as she immediately began speaking.

"Finally, you're here," Asta said, her tone carrying a mix of relief and concern. "This is urgent, so I'll cut to the chase — Arlan's disappeared."

Caelus's eyebrows furrowed at the unexpected news. "Disappeared?" he repeated, clearly surprised.

Asta nodded, her worry deepening. "Yes, I can't find him. He's not answering his messages or calls."

She continued, her distress evident, "In all the time since I took him in, this has never happened."

Caelus's mind raced, trying to comprehend the gravity of the situation. "Have you checked the surveillance cameras?" he asked, thinking of potential clues.

"Of course! I didn't see him," Asta replied, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Parts of the surveillance system were destroyed when the Legion invaded — it still hasn't been fully repaired. Maybe he took advantage of a blind spot."

She sighed, her concern evident. "It's been thirteen hours since he last contacted me. He usually takes less than 13 seconds to reply to my messages!"

Asta's voice was filled with a mix of frustration and desperation as she continued, "I looked everywhere and couldn't find him, so I checked the Security Department's work plan records. This is what I found!"

Caelus's gaze focused on the information Asta presented. "Look, at his last work objectives entry: 'Of the heart. Of the mirror. Of the self.' It's so strange..."