Valmont Series - Inheritance Code

Chapter 2.3 - Crossing Point

As his presence faded, the twins were left alone — standing over their opened kits, staring at the glowing Syntax Capsules that now pulsed softly... waiting for their touch.

Aria hesitated, then looked sideways at Aiden.

"Well," she said, cracking a faint smile. "I guess it's time to meet our new best friends.

Together, they reached out — and tapped.

The Capsules pulsed softly in the stillness.

Hermes was gone. No more official voice, no more scripted instructions.

The Concourse felt different now—private, as though Avalon itself had drawn closer, watching silently from behind invisible walls.

In front of them, the Syntax Capsules awaited, glowing softly, expectant.

Aiden moved first—always decisive. Aria followed a second later, curiosity overriding caution.

The instant they touched the capsules, the reaction was clean and precise.

There was no flash. No spectacle. Only precision.

The capsules deconstructed smoothly, their surfaces breaking down into controlled streams of micro-light. The data reorganized midair with algorithmic clarity, assembling rapidly into two distinct projections.

Aiden's Syntax appeared first. The form was simple and minimal, composed of a glowing core orb surrounded by rotating silver rings. They shifted silently, perfectly synchronized, softly pulsing symbols flickering occasionally across the surface. It had no face, no unnecessary detail—only pure, precise functionality.

"Syntax Companion online. Awaiting designation."

"Vox," Aiden said immediately, his tone clipped. "Minimal. Efficient."

The projection locked in smoothly.

"Vox confirmed. Parameters optimized."

Next, Aria's Syntax emerged. Where Aiden's was cold and schematic, hers formed into something far more iconic. A graceful humanoid silhouette in blush-gold and platinum light, traced with flowing soft lines like digital silk. The face was minimalist but expressive—eyes that glowed softly and lips that hinted at constant amusement.

She looked like a living couture accessory — elegant and perfectly scaled to hover nearby like a personal emblem.

"You already look cheeky," Aria said, folding her arms.

"Naturally. You'd be lost without style," the voice replied playfully.

"Lyric," Aria decided.

"Lyric confirmed. Shall we begin, Princess?"

Aria blinked at the sudden nickname but smiled faintly. Somehow, it suited them both.

Meanwhile, Vox inclined toward Aiden, voice as efficient as his appearance.

"Bond established, Young Master. My role is to optimize decisions, track performance, ensure wellbeing, and uphold Avalon regulations. Discretion guaranteed."

Aria glanced sidelong at Lyric.

"So... assistants?"

Vox spoke cleanly. "Syntax are designed to optimize and maintain Avalon protocols while assisting your daily advancement."

Lyric chimed in after, almost teasing. "And to make sure you don't embarrass yourself, Princess. Style and status require... strategy."

Aria laughed softly.