Dawn walked through the sands, the promise of a place outside the chaos and constant dangers of the surface drove her beyond her exhaustion. One last day of walking before she could rest, without staying half awake in the fear of being attacked as she rests.
As Dawn neared the once-great metropolis of Nexhaven, her senses were bombarded by a plethora of emotions. From a distance, the sight of the decaying skyscrapers — skeletal monuments to a bygone era — filled her with a melancholic yearning. These towering structures, now crumbling and covered in overgrowth, were silent witnesses to the glory and subsequent downfall of human civilization.
But as she descended towards the entrance, protected by the vast, undulating energy shield flickering with a serene blue hue, her melancholy was replaced by astonishment. It was like approaching the mouth of a luminous cave, the blue light casting an ethereal glow upon the ground, making every dust particle shimmer as it floated in the air.
The closer she got, the more she could feel the thrum of life emanating from below. The subtle vibrations under her feet spoke of bustling activity beneath the surface. It was a stark contrast to the eerie stillness of the outside world. The resonating hum of the shield seemed to play a soft lullaby, whispering promises of safety, warmth, and community.
All she needed now, was a way to get inside. To enter the safe haven that existed beneath the ruined city above.
She wouldn't be able to walk up and approach the main entrance, due to her having no identity in this world. Plus, with everything she was carrying, it likely wouldn't go well with any guards.
However there were other ways she could get into the city. With every large settlement in New Horizon, there was usually a smuggler of one sort or another. And she doubted they would refuse the items she had instead of giving them currency.
The setting sun painted the horizon in shades of orange and purple. The gentle hum of the energy shield grew louder as Dawn approached, illuminating her path with its luminescent glow. However, rather than making her way directly towards it, she veered off to the east, towards the remnants of an old transportation hub, which she suspected would be the most probable location to find the underground connections she sought.
Hidden amongst the dilapidated ruins, Dawn spotted faint traces of recent activity: footprints in the dust, discarded wrappers, and the faintest whiffs of smoke. With cautious steps, she followed these subtle markers. As she traversed deeper into the labyrinthine remnants, the sounds of distant chatter grew closer.
Soon she stumbled upon a dimly lit tunnel, the entrance guarded by two burly figures. Their outfits, a mismatched array of armor and cloth, identified them as members of the fringe communities – outcasts, smugglers, and those who operated on the boundaries of legality.
One of the guards, a grizzled man with a patch over one eye, looked Dawn up and down. "What's your business here?" he growled.
Dawn responded calmly, showing no sign of intimidation. "I need passage into Nexhaven. I've got items to trade."
The other guard, a tall woman with intricate tattoos covering her arms, chuckled. "What makes you think we'd be interested in your junk?"
Without a word, Dawn carefully retrieved a small, shimmering crystal from her pouch. The guards' eyes widened in recognition and greed. Such crystals were rare, a power source that could be used for various technologies, or traded in the black markets of Nexhaven for a hefty price.
The man with the eye patch cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure. "Alright," he grumbled, "let's see what else you've got."
Over the next few minutes, Dawn showcased an assortment of items she had scavenged and procured during her travels. The guards, sensing an opportunity for a lucrative deal, began to negotiate.
After some intense bargaining, an agreement was reached. The guards would provide Dawn with safe passage into Nexhaven, bypassing official entry points and avoiding unnecessary questions. In return, she would trade a portion of her goods, leaving her with enough to ensure her sustenance and security within the city.
The tall, tattooed woman nodded at Dawn, a newfound respect in her eyes. "Follow me. And don't try anything funny. We've got eyes on you."
Dawn nodded, her heart rate accelerating. She was so close now. As she followed the guard deeper into the tunnel, the vibrant thrum of Nexhaven grew louder. A world of possibilities awaited her, and she was determined to seize every one of them.
Descending deeper into the tunnel, the stale, dusty air of the surface gave way to a cool, damp atmosphere. The rough walls of the passage began to smoothen out, revealing the remnants of ancient subway tiles and faded advertisements from an era long forgotten. Every few meters, Dawn could spot dimly lit lanterns, their soft glow revealing the presence of other travelers, merchants, and outcasts moving to and fro.
As she delved further, the muffled sounds of Nexhaven's subterranean life reached her ears. The distant murmurs of conversation, the faint hum of machinery, and an occasional burst of laughter painted a vivid picture of the bustling life below.
The tattooed woman, whom Dawn came to know as Lira, led her through a series of winding passages. Every once in a while, Lira would exchange whispered words or a nod with the various individuals they passed. It was evident that in this underworld, Lira was a known and respected figure.
After what felt like hours, they finally arrived at a large, rusted iron door, guarded by a couple of heavily armed individuals. Without a word, Lira approached one of them, handing over a small token. With a nod, the guards stepped aside, allowing the heavy door to grind open slowly.
Beyond the door lay a sight that took Dawn's breath away.
She stepped into a vast cavernous space, the ceiling lost in the darkness above. Stretched out before her was a sprawling cityscape, alive with the glow of neon lights and the hustle and bustle of its inhabitants. Buildings carved out of the cavern walls towered above her, while bridges and walkways connected different levels and sections of the city.
The air was filled with the aroma of cooking food, the chatter of merchants peddling their wares, and the soft melodies of street musicians. People of all ages and backgrounds moved about, going about their daily lives. It was a stark contrast to the desolation she had left behind on the surface.
Lira leaned in, her voice barely audible amidst the cacophony. "Welcome to the Undermarket. This is the heart of Nexhaven, where everything has a price and anyone can carve out their destiny."
Dawn looked around, absorbing the sights and sounds. It was overwhelming, but also incredibly exhilarating. This was the nexus of civilization in a world torn apart, a testament to humanity's resilience.
Lira continued, "I'll show you to a safe spot where you can set up. After that, you're on your own. Remember our deal."
.
Sat in a bare room, the walls made of stone and the only thing inside was a single bed in one corner. There wasn't even a door in the doorway.
Dawn sat on the side of the rough bed. Her arms leaned against her knees as her bag sat before her.
Gone was the variety of thrown together plates that served as armour. Sold off to whoever Lira could find to buy them. All Dawn was left with was a half dozen energy cells, some high compact field rations, and her dagger and pulse emitter. Everything else she had given to be sold. Either unable to assist her as it did any further, or would only get her in trouble if she was found carrying it once she left the black market area.
Now, she was only clad in black fibermesh that wrapped around her body. Not much for cloths, but it kept her covered and warm enough.
After about an hour, Lira returned. Tossing Dawn a large cloak and a small bag. Checking the bag, it had two dozen small silver bars. Credits, the currency used through Nexhaven. And although the amount inside was likely only half of what would of been earnt, should she had sold them herself. Dawn was happy with how quickly she had gotten it, and didn't mind the missing parts. She, is everything went to plan, wouldn't need them that badly.
Lira leaned against the doorframe, studying Dawn intently. "That should get you started. Stay out of trouble, and don't flash those credits around too carelessly."
Dawn nodded, pulling the cloak around her shoulders and fastening it. "I appreciate your help, Lira. I know we had our deal, but thank you for the swift transaction."
Lira smirked, the edges of her tattoos twisting with her grin. "Just remember, if you ever need anything or find yourself in a tight spot, you know where to find me. And if you come across more of those energy cells..." she trailed off, her gaze sharpening.
"I'll keep that in mind," Dawn replied, tucking the bag of credits securely under her cloak.
With a final nod, Lira turned and disappeared down the dimly lit corridor. Dawn took a deep breath, absorbing the myriad of sounds and scents that surrounded her. The Undermarket was a bustling hub of activity, each corner filled with opportunities and dangers alike.
As she stepped out into the crowded marketplace, she felt the weight of numerous eyes upon her, sizing her up. Dawn kept her head down, her steps purposeful, navigating the labyrinthine streets with caution. Here, stalls offered everything from food to gadgets, weaponry to clothing. The vibrant energy of the place was palpable, every individual eager to make their mark, to survive and thrive in this subterranean world.
However, for Dawn, her objective wasn't here. As she headed straight to the far wall of the cavern, where the inner parts of Nexhaven were. Where more lawful places existed.
A clever little system by the governing body, they not only let the black market thrive, but gave them place to do so. And so long as the fighting and what not stayed away from the innocent people, and things didn't impact the lives of the officials, they would be left alone. Keeping those that didn't wish to follow the law all in one place they could be watched, containing the chaos, as well as a first wall of defense against any invading force, should it be required.
This was a great place for outlaws, mercenary's, assassins and any kind of corrupt person that might wish to make some sort of business in this place. And was part of the reason Dawn kept her head down, heading towards the place she could get into the inner city.
The city before her was like a beautiful mosaic of life and hope amidst a canvas of destruction and despair. But the Undermarket was just the outer layer. To truly find sanctuary, she would need to get into Nexhaven's inner sanctum.
As Dawn ventured further, the vibrant, lawless energy of the Undermarket began to wane, giving way to a more structured and organized atmosphere. Here, stalls and makeshift shops were replaced by actual structures, crafted with purpose and intent. She could feel the very air around her change, becoming less dense with the scent of sweat and iron, and more with the aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted meat.
She was nearing the inner gates of Nexhaven.
A vast wall loomed before her, the entry into the inner city guarded by sentinels in uniform, contrasting with the patchwork guards of the Undermarket. As she observed, she noticed people presenting some form of identification – paperwork, holographic chips, or in some cases, even branded symbols on their skin, proving their citizenship or entry rights.
Dawn knew she didn't stand a chance getting through the main entrance, not with the stringent checks and her conspicuous lack of any form of ID. She needed another way.
From the corners of her eyes, she spotted a young boy, no older than 10, deftly moving between the legs of the crowd, his fingers light as feathers as he skillfully pickpocketed a trinket or two. She smirked. If anyone knew the ins and outs, the hidden passages, and the ways to bypass security, it'd be the street urchins of the Undermarket.
Approaching him with caution, she managed to corner the young pickpocket in an alley, her swift reflexes catching his wrist as he tried to make off with her bag of credits.
"Easy there," she whispered, her eyes piercing into his. "I don't want to harm you. I need your help."
The boy, wide-eyed but defiant, spat back, "And why would I help you?"
Dawn carefully released his wrist, keeping her posture non-threatening. "Because I can pay, and because you might just be curious enough to see if a newcomer like me can actually make it into the inner walls."
The boy seemed to consider this for a moment, then with a sly grin, he replied, "You've got spunk, I'll give you that. Alright, but it'll cost you."
After a brief negotiation, a deal was struck. In exchange for a few of her remaining credits, the boy, who introduced himself as Jax, would guide her through a maze of tunnels, forgotten pathways, and hidden hatches to smuggle her into Nexhaven's protected core.
Jax led her through a series of underground passageways, their journey lit by the bioluminescent fungi that grew along the walls. Dawn noticed that Jax moved with a confidence and familiarity, showcasing that these tunnels were a part of his daily life.
They encountered several challenges along the way – hidden traps for unsuspecting trespassers, patrolling guards that they had to avoid, and even a flooded section that required some quick thinking and agility.
As hours passed and after what felt like endless twists and turns, they finally reached a nondescript metal door. Jax whispered, "Beyond this is Nexhaven's inner city. Remember, once you're inside, you're on your own. The walls have ears and eyes. Stay sharp."
Dawn nodded, her gratitude evident. "Thank you, Jax."
He flashed her a toothy grin, the innocence of his age showing for a brief moment. "Just remember, if you ever need to get out or find some... unique services, you know where to find me."
With that, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving Dawn at the precipice of her new life. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door, stepping into the heart of Nexhaven, her journey only just beginning.