Chapter 12: Beneath the Mirage
The transport ship slowed as it entered the dense skyline of Astra Prime.
Sanat stood near the window, watching the endless city stretch toward the horizon.
Skyscrapers of glass and metal pierced the sky.
Floating highways curved between towers like glowing rivers.
Ships of every size moved through the air in organized lanes.
Sanat shook his head slightly.
"This place is insane."
Boba stood beside him.
"We are currently entering District One of Layer One."
Sanat turned toward him.
"Explain."
Boba projected a holographic map.
"The planet is divided vertically into layers."
"You already know this."
Sanat nodded.
"Layer One is the highest public layer."
"The wealthiest civilians live here."
"The most powerful companies operate here."
"These individuals belong to the top one percent of Astra Prime's population."
Sanat looked back out the window.
People in expensive suits walked through sky bridges.
Luxury vehicles floated silently between towers.
Everything looked perfectly clean and controlled.
"And everyone here works in high-level industries?"
"Yes."
"Most of the workers you see originally come from Layer Two."
Sanat nodded slowly.
"So this is basically the elite district."
"Correct."
The ship continued descending toward the Royal Academy flight corridor.
But suddenly Sanat spoke.
"Change course."
Boba looked at him.
"You no longer wish to go directly to the Royal Academy?"
Sanat grinned.
"No."
"I want to explore first."
"Let's go to Layer Two."
Boba paused briefly.
"That will delay your arrival."
Sanat shrugged.
"I'll still get there."
Boba considered the request.
Then replied calmly.
"We can park the ship in a private hangar."
"After that we may use public transportation to explore."
Sanat smiled.
"Perfect."
First Step on the Planet
A few minutes later the ship landed on a small platform between two towers.
Sanat stepped out of the ship.
For the first time since arriving in this world…
His feet touched the ground of Astra Prime.
He looked around slowly.
The air smelled different.
Cleaner.
Colder.
And full of energy.
Sanat smiled slightly.
"So this is my planet now."
Boba stood beside him.
"Where would you like to go first?"
Sanat pointed toward the streets below.
"Let's take a taxi."
The Taxi
They reached the street level.
Dozens of sleek vehicles floated along invisible traffic lanes.
Sanat stood beside the road.
A taxi suddenly slowed and stopped in front of them.
Sanat blinked.
"…Wait."
"I didn't even wave."
He looked at Boba.
"How did you stop it?"
Boba replied calmly.
"I sent the driver a neural signal request."
Sanat laughed.
"You called a taxi with your brain?"
"Yes."
Sanat shook his head.
"This world keeps getting weirder."
They entered the vehicle.
The driver looked back briefly.
"Where to?"
Sanat answered.
"Layer Two."
The driver smiled.
"Oh?"
"A Layer One kid exploring Layer Two?"
He chuckled.
"Nice."
"Alright, let's go."
The taxi accelerated immediately.
The Ride
The vehicle moved incredibly fast.
Sometimes it raced along the road.
Sometimes it lifted slightly and glided above traffic.
Sanat watched the city flash past.
Holographic billboards.
Floating restaurants.
Crowded sky bridges.
This planet truly felt alive.
After several minutes, the taxi slowed near a massive lake surrounded by neon lights.
Sanat frowned.
"Why are we stopping here?"
He turned toward Boba.
"Where's the entrance to Layer Two?"
Boba pointed toward the lake.
"This is the entrance."
Sanat stared.
"That's water."
Boba shook his head.
"No."
"This is a mirage shield."
Sanat leaned forward.
"You're joking."
"If we pass through it, we will reach Layer Two."
The taxi driver glanced at them through the mirror.
He looked slightly suspicious.
But he said nothing.
Then he drove forward.
Straight into the lake.
Sanat held his breath.
But instead of water—
The surface rippled like glass.
And the car passed through it.
Layer Two
The world changed instantly.
Bright neon lights filled the streets.
Buildings were packed tightly together.
Music echoed from open markets.
Crowds filled the sidewalks.
Pink and blue lights reflected off metal streets.
Food stalls filled the air with strange and delicious smells.
Hover bikes zoomed past overhead.
Sanat looked around in amazement.
"…Whoa."
Layer Two felt completely different from Layer One.
It wasn't dirty.
It wasn't dangerous.
But it was alive.
Busy.
Colorful.
Like a giant cyberpunk city that never slept.
People laughed.
Shops glowed with neon signs.
Street performers showed off energy tricks.
Sanat leaned back in the taxi seat.
"I like this place."
Boba observed the crowds.
"Layer Two contains the majority of Astra Prime's working population."
"It is far more dynamic than Layer One."
Sanat smiled.
"Yeah."
"This place feels real."
The taxi stopped near a crowded plaza.
Sanat stepped out.
Lights reflected across the streets like moving stars.
For the first time since arriving in this world…
He felt like an ordinary person again.
Sanat looked around and grinned.
"Alright."
"Let's explore."