By the time Eric and his aunt Thelia finally stepped off the bus, the night had already settled deep. The long journey from Nova City had drained the energy from his limbs.
Thirteen hours of cramped seats, noisy passengers, and endless stretches of road had left him stiff and tired. Even Aunt Thelia, who rarely complained about anything, let out a quiet sigh as her feet touched solid ground.
Eric adjusted the strap of his bag and looked around, expecting more dull streets and worn-out buildings like the ones they had back in the lower sector of Nova City. But what greeted him was something else entirely.
New Eden at night was… alive.
Soft golden lights lined the streets, stretching far into the distance like guiding stars. Tall buildings rose proudly into the sky, their glass surfaces reflecting the glow of neon signs and passing vehicles.
