Skyway Hub bustled with activity, an intricate network of pathways, platforms, and floating structures that gave the impression of a city suspended in mid-air. Holographic signs flickered with vibrant colors, directing passengers to their destinations.
The air buzzed with a mixture of mechanical hums and the chatter of people from all walks of life. The atmosphere was electric, a palpable sense of excitement and wonder permeating the air.
The conductor's voice, authoritative yet tinged with a hint of sorrow, cut through the din.
"You either get to ride the Right Star or an alternative when it's busy," he said, pointing towards a sleek, futuristic train in the sky.
The Right Star was a marvel of engineering, its metallic surface gleaming under the sunlight, and as it sped away, it left behind blue trails that seemed to paint the already blue sky. The sight was breathtaking, a testament to the incredible advancements in rasvian energy use.
"You were supposed to ride on that one," he continued, his tone conveying a palpable sense of regret.
He paused, then spread his arms wide. "But no matter, a lift is here to take you." His words carried a mix of disappointment and reassurance, reflecting the ever-changing nature of technology in this world.
Most people around didn't even flinch at this announcement. In Skyway Hub, new inventions were introduced and discarded daily, and no one knew if this "lift" would be abandoned a week later.
The crowd, a mix of locals and visitors, moved with the practiced indifference of those accustomed to constant innovation. Their nonchalance was a stark contrast to Leonardo's wide-eyed wonder.
Leonardo, on the other hand, couldn't hide his excitement. His eyes sparkled with curiosity, and he bounced on the balls of his feet as he and the girls made their way towards the ticket desk.
Every day since he arrived here had been filled with new experiences—first with cars, stoplights, time (clocks), and the awe-inspiring Right Star.
Each new discovery was a feast for his senses, a reminder of how far he'd come from his medieval origins.
"How does the lift look?" he asked, barely able to contain his enthusiasm. The idea of yet another new invention thrilled him to his core.
His excitement was infectious, drawing amused glances from passersby.
"I don't know, probably a new invention," Anna replied flatly, her tone betraying no excitement. Her nonchalance was a stark contrast to Leonardo's enthusiasm, highlighting the difference in their backgrounds.
"It'll probably look like an elevator," Elara added thoughtfully, drawing a comparison between the names and their functions. Her attempt to bridge the gap between Leonardo's lack of knowledge and the modern world was evident in her patient explanation.
"A what now?" Leonardo asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. The concept of an elevator was entirely foreign to him, another reminder of the vast technological gap he was trying to bridge.
"A machine that takes you up and brings you down," Elara explained, trying to simplify her explanation as much as possible without delving into the mechanics. Her patience with Leonardo's questions was admirable, a testament to her understanding nature.
As they walked towards the gate with the rest of the crowd, the ambiance of the Skyway Hub became more apparent.
The architecture was a stunning blend of modern design and fantastical elements, with soaring arches and intricate, almost ethereal decorations. Holographic advertisements and informational displays floated in mid-air, providing a constant stream of updates and announcements.
The air was filled with the soft hum of machinery and the distant murmur of conversations, creating a lively yet orderly atmosphere.
Anna's sharp eyes caught the presence of more guards than usual patrolling the area. The guards, clad in sleek, dark blue coats, seemed tense, their eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of trouble.
They carried sophisticated weapons [swords], and their disciplined movements suggested rigorous training. "They're so paranoid," she thought, observing their heightened alertness.
The guards' presence was a stark contrast to the otherwise casual atmosphere of the hub, creating an undercurrent of tension that most people seemed to ignore.
Elara, oblivious to the increased security, walked alongside Leonardo. For her and Anna also, this was theoretically her first time outside the tower, much like Leonardo.
The interior of the tower had been designed to mimic the outside world so closely that it was easy to forget they had been secluded for so long. The tower was a marvel in its own right, with its pristine corridors and rooms divided in a hierarchical pyramid structure, where the ruling families resided at the top.
"How does the tower look from the inside?" Leonardo asked, his curiosity piqued as they waited in line. His thirst for knowledge seemed unquenchable, each answer leading to more questions.
"Pristine at best," Elara replied, her voice filled with a hint of nostalgia. The tower's interiors were immaculate, with polished surfaces and elegant decor that spoke of wealth and tradition.
"Divided in a pyramid where the ruling families stay at the top," Anna added, both speaking at the exact same time.
This division created a clear social hierarchy, with the most powerful families enjoying the best views and most luxurious accommodations. Their synchronized response hinted at a shared upbringing and understanding of their world.
"Oh yeah, that too," Elara continued, embarrassment lacing her tone as she realized their synchrony.
She tried to brush off her embarrassment with a small smile, a reminder of the close bond between the sisters despite their different personalities.
"A what?" Leonardo replied, his brow furrowing in confusion. The concept of a hierarchical structure was still foreign to him, having spent his life in the medieval era, where thralls like him had no idea of what was happening beyond their immediate surroundings.
Noticing the growing frustration on Anna's face, Leonardo decided to drop the subject. "Never mind," he finally said, sensing it was best not to push further. His ability to read the situation and adapt showed a growing understanding of his new companions.
As they reached the desk, Anna flatly stated, "I would like to go to the tower." Her tone was matter-of-fact, devoid of the wonder that still filled Leonardo's voice.
"Good morning!" the woman behind the glass divider greeted them cheerfully. The divider was made of transparent material, allowing a clear view of the bustling activity on both sides.
Leonardo noticed it was a different woman this time. The last time he came, it was a man didn't even greet him, only gesturing for money to be handed over. This contrast in customer service intrigued him, another small detail in this new world he was trying to understand.
"That would be 'only' 100 draws, but due to the lift being newly created, there is a 25% discount for the three of you," the woman behind the desk said cheerily. Anna looked at her, anger building.
The woman's smile seemed forced, and her cheerful demeanor couldn't mask the sweat beading on her forehead. The tension in the air was palpable, a stark contrast to the woman's forced cheeriness.
"You didn't apply a discount?" Anna said, her tone sharp. Her eyes narrowed, scrutinizing the woman's expression.
Anna's keen observation and direct approach were evident, showcasing her no-nonsense personality.
"What?" The woman, already dripping with sweat, sighed. Her shoulders slumped slightly, revealing her exhaustion. The facade of cheerfulness crumbled under Anna's pointed question.
"Uh, just pay her," Elara said, sighing. She looked at Leonardo, who was trying to read the situation with furrowed brows. Elara's attempt to diffuse the situation highlighted her role as a mediator between her sister's bluntness and Leonardo's confusion.
Leonardo, reading from the text for a better understanding of the situation, butted in, "That isn't fair. It's the same price as last time. Why lie about a dis—" he stuttered, "ahem, discount."
Most people turned to look at him, whispering, "Is he dumb?" The murmurs grew louder, and he could feel the weight of their stares. His attempt to apply his newfound knowledge, while admirable, only served to draw unwanted attention.
"Ah, well, you know," the woman tried to explain, her voice wavering. But suddenly, Elara brought forth her phone. "225 draws, right?" she asked, her tone firm. Elara's intervention showcased her practical nature and her ability to take charge when needed.
"Yes," the woman replied, relief washing over her face. Elara sent the payment through an app called Drawpall. "Now that's settled," she said, her voice calm but authoritative. The quick resolution of the situation demonstrated Elara's efficiency and her desire to avoid unnecessary conflict.
"Ahem, yes, that way please," the woman gestured towards another area, where the lift was now visible as it descended slowly. Her relief at the conclusion of the transaction was evident in her hurried direction.
"I knew it was similar to an elevator," Elara said, smirking. The lift in question was a cube shape, mostly glass but with a base made from a material unlike stone or metal.
It was attached to the tower like a staircase and ascended gracefully. Elara's satisfaction at being correct was clear in her expression, a small victory in understanding this new world.
"That's amazing," Leonardo exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder. His enthusiasm for each new discovery remained undiminished, a constant reminder of the vast differences between his old life and this new world.
"Eh, not really," both Anna and Elara said together, their voices in perfect unison. Their shared sentiment highlighted the contrast between their familiarity with technology and Leonardo's awe.
"Jinx again?!" Elara laughed, and Anna joined in, their laughter light and infectious. This moment of levity showcased the sisters' bond and their ability to find joy in small coincidences.
Leonardo stood there, unable to understand what was going on until floating text appeared, explaining, [Said when two people inadvertently say the same thing at once.] "I think I get it," he said, looking at the text as it slowly faded away when he was done.
The floating text, a constant companion in his journey of discovery, once again bridged the gap in his understanding.
As they approached the lift, Leonardo's excitement continued to build. The glass cube, hovering slightly above the ground, seemed to defy gravity.
Its sleek design and smooth operation were a far cry from anything he had ever seen in his medieval life. He marveled at how the material, neither stone nor metal, could support their weight and move with such ease.
"How does it work?" he whispered to Elara, his eyes never leaving the lift as it descended to their level.
Elara smiled patiently. "It's powered by rasvian energy, like most things here," she explained. "The energy manipulates gravity and friction, allowing the lift to move smoothly up and down the tower."
Leonardo nodded, trying to grasp the concept. The more he learned about rasvian energy, the more he realized how central it was to this new world he found himself in. As they stepped into the lift,
The doors of the lift closed silently behind them, and with a soft hum, they began their ascent towards the golden tower.