***
Halcendre. Otherwise known as the Capital, was an incredible super structure which suspended in the air several kilometres above the surface.
It's the only known floating city and is home to the highest population of Vassari's on the planet. Here, everything humanity has ever come up with is stored.
It's so large in fact—people would go as far as to call it is its own country.
And for the former resident of Osvain; Jin. There was never a day that went by which he didn't see that flying fortress levitating above his city.
Jin and Kyle stepped into a train; obiously, like the elevator, Jin has never been in an actual train before. But luckily, it was empty so no one other than Kyle himself could see his astonished reaction towards the extreme acceleration that the train moved at.
He'd even say that it might be even faster than the elevator. And that was already quite fast.
The insides had comfortable seats and even a table which the staff members would ocassionally drop by to serve food.
It was a lavish lifestyle which Jin never thought he would ever experience in his life. But here he was, partaking in some of the most delicious delicacy's he's ever eaten.
"Are you not eating anything?"
Jin found it really awkward that he was the only one eating on the table. A part of him hoping that this would've been his chance to see what Kyle looked like under that helmet.
All he could remember was the memory of his eyes. He had a scar over one of them.
"No, I've already eaten. The food is better spent on someone who is no different from bone."
"Okay, I'm not that skinny."
He wasn't malnourished... right? Isis and Taro always pointed it out, but Jin never thought he was that bad. He just didn't eat much to save more money.
Kyle sighed. "Gosh, you have no table manners. Don't tell me I have to build that into you too. You're fortunate that Lord Arael booked this whole train."
"He booked the whole thing? Didn't realise he held that much influence," Jin muttered, taking another bite from his steak.
"As I'd expect from an ignorant Ordinary. It should be expected. He's a prominent member of the council. It should be of no surprise that he commands most of the enforcers."
Jin's appetite dulled. He set his utensils down.
"Always so quick to place that guy on a pedestal."
"Just reminding you of what kind of man has granted you mercy."
"I wouldn't call this mercy," Jin cursed, leaning his cheek into his palm and looking out the window.
"Lord Arael could've just as easily had you executed for your actions. Your existence would make you a prime labrat for the Vassari. Instead, he's granted you a second chance and even given you compensation through helping find your father. That is mercy."
"Yeah, whatever. I would've preferred it if he just let things stay as they were and minded his own buisness."
Jin rolled his eyes.
Spires as tall as the ones outside of the outer walls kindled by in a blur of grey and silver. Jin wondered how beautiful this would all look at night time.
"Just... how technologically more advanced is this place?" he blurted.
Jin knew Halcendre was unbelieveable when it came to their knowledge and technology. But to think that the gap was this huge! It was something right out of a dream.
He could barely recognise anything in this city. If it could even be called that.
"Compared to Osvain?" Kyle hummed. "If we were to take into account the years it would likely take, I'd say about... 100, or maybe 150 years. Does that give you a sense of scale?"
Jin blinked. "I'm surprised it's that low."
He didn't mean it in the way that Osvain could reach this level faster. The opposite really, he couldn't comprehend Osvain nearing this level in a thousand.
"It really is a whole different world."
Further in the distance, Jin would see a section that didn't match the glossy enviroment around them. It looked similar to Osvain. Broken, old, and rugged.
"What's with that?"
"The third layer; The Forbidden Zones. Best you try avoid those places. They're more rougher than you'd think."
"Looks normal to me."
"That's because your normal is filled with rust and ripped apart city blocks. Don't compare that. You're in Halcendre now."
Jin remembered home and ached in loneliness. Right, that's also a fact now, isn't it? A fact Jin hated to admit was true.
"Tch..."
He gripped his necklace tightly and close to his heart.
I wonder how it's going on with mum. Did she finally move into Isis's house? It was a shame that Arael wouldn't let his mother live in the mansion.
It was frustrating. Jin actually tried convincing him many times that she should stay in that place to no avail.
It was Isis who offered to take Nozomi into her place with the Namil family once it was discovered that she couldn't stay after Jin leaves to Halcendre.
He was grateful for that—he was grateful that he had reliable friends to look after his mother back in Osvain while he's fighting his own endeavours.
Isis and Taro always had a better enviroment than he did for as long as he knew.
There were times where Jin would question why Isis would go along with helping him steal given she didn't need the extra money.
He even felt guilty—thinking that they were helping him out simply because they were his close friends. But also another part of him didn't.
It was that duality which made him question if he was truly a good person or not.
He knew he wasn't perfect. But he did his best to make sure things didn't change. That was okay... right?
Right?
"....."
That thing with the MP3 player... I guess I should try that soon when I get the chance. I'm sure Taro is waiting for a signal.
"Here you go," a staff member said, placing a white cup of water on the table cloth. A smile formed across their face as they waited expectantly for an answer.
"Oh, thanks..."
Jin answered but didn't feel like having a drink. Even though his throat was parched—he'd rather keep it like that.
When the train rumbled to a stop, that was their cue to leave as the two hopped off the train. Those sliding doors mercifully slid from behind as Jin gaze back at the staff members who were still smiling at his leave.
How fake... Jin thought. Everything about them.
***
One final drive brought Jin to his destination. He didn't mind—except for the part where motion sickness nearly killed him.
"This feels… actually terrible…" Jin groaned, clinging to the car door frame.
"Try not to vomit," Kyle muttered. "Didn't expect you to have motion sickness."
The Vaen Family Estate was nothing like the mansion in Osvain. This one was built with sharp edges, smooth surfaces, and a sterile elegance. Located at the heart of Halcendre—the First Layer—this district housed the highest-ranking Vassari families.
Beside the estate towered a massive spire, rivaling the Bridge of Strata itself.
The First Layer was vastly different from anywhere Jin had ever been. Clean. Green. The air was crisp and refreshing.
Before, Jin thought all Vassari were born equal. But seeing how Halcendre was built…
Power wasn't equal.Not even for the mighty.
Getting through the golden gates required multiple scans, searches, and checks—but Kyle assured him it was a one-time ordeal. Jin was relieved.
The estate walls glowed like polished snow, lined with black accents. Trees flanked the pathway leading up to the mansion, which overlooked Halcendre's skyline.
For a moment, Jin forgot he was standing in a city floating in the sky.
He stepped out of the car once his stomach settled. Ahead, a blonde girl stood at the entrance, posture elegant, golden eyes sharp.
Something about her felt familiar… and it made his skin crawl.
She bowed politely when Jin and Kyle approached.
"Good evening, Officer Kyle. And welcome, guest." Her voice was clear and refined."I am Vaen Elise, daughter of Vaen Arael."