The Khasano descended slowly through Terria's upper atmosphere, its hull humming as layers of authorization fields and atmospheric regulators washed over it. Outside the viewport, the planet grew larger, more detailed, until continents and coastlines sharpened into sprawling networks of light and structure.
Their destination was the Batuzane Continent.
The eastern sector of Batuzane existed almost entirely for one purpose: transit. From orbit it looked like a massive metallic scar across the land, an intricate grid of landing corridors, docking rings, and shielded platforms that stretched farther than the eye could follow. Civilian vessels, military transports, cargo freighters—everything that entered or left Terria passed through Batuzane first.
The Khasano angled downward and settled onto a Terrian military station. Docking clamps locked in with a deep, resonant thud, and the engines powered down to a low idle.
Barnaby was the first to stand.
"Welcome to Terria," he said calmly.
Youri followed him out of the ship alongside two Terrian guards. The air inside the station felt different—cleaner, heavier somehow, charged with a faint hum of regulated atmosphere. A black military sedan waited just outside the hangar bay, sleek and angular, its surface absorbing light rather than reflecting it.
All four of them climbed inside.
As the vehicle pulled away, Youri pressed his gaze to the window. Batuzane unfolded around them in layers. The surface city—Mines—was unlike anything he had ever seen.
From above, Mines looked almost sealed. Thick metallic plates formed a continuous shell over the city, broken only by transit lanes and ventilation towers. Most of its population lived underground, where vast circular capsules housed entire districts. These capsules interlocked like a honeycomb beneath the surface, leaving the upper layer free for high-speed transit vehicles and logistics routes.
After several minutes, the car dipped into a wide tunnel and descended beneath the surface.
Mines revealed its true form.
The city was enormous—towering buildings rose within the capsule, their designs blending industrial function with Terrian elegance. Roads flowed between them in smooth, luminous streams. Because Mines existed entirely underground, the city was illuminated by a massive crystal suspended at the apex of the capsule. The crystal was spherical, radiant, and alive with shifting light, casting a constant artificial "day" across the city below.
Youri stared, awestruck.
The technology wasn't just advanced—it was intentional. Every structure, every system felt integrated, designed to coexist rather than dominate.
The car slowed and eventually came to a stop.
Barnaby turned slightly in his seat. "This is where we'll be staying for the night."
He pointed through the window.
Ahead of them stood a tall, luminous building.
"This," Barnaby said as they stepped out, "is the Ressa. One of the most luxurious hotels in Mines."
The Ressa rose proudly in the heart of the city, its towering silhouette blending modern precision with timeless refinement. The façade glowed in warm golden hues, reflecting quiet confidence rather than excess. Sleek vertical lines stretched upward, softened by an illuminated lattice that ran through the center of the building—its signature feature, instantly recognizable against the cityscape.
At ground level, the hotel opened into a grand podium. Arched windows and elegant columns framed the entrance, creating an atmosphere of prestige without arrogance.
Inside, the lobby unfolded like a sanctuary.
High ceilings soared overhead, layered with warm wooden beams that guided the eye naturally through the space. Soft golden lighting flowed along the walls and polished floors, reflecting gently and giving the room a calm, refined radiance. Carefully arranged seating areas invited pause—low sofas, minimalist tables, and at the center, a living tree whose presence softened the clean architectural lines.
The space felt open yet intimate, designed to welcome rather than overwhelm.
To one side stood the reception desk, understated and modern, framed by vertical wooden slats that added rhythm and depth to the room.
Barnaby had already checked in. He handed Youri a room key without ceremony.
"Get some rest," Barnaby said. "Tomorrow, we head to the place we came to take you."
With that, he stepped into the elevator and disappeared.
Youri stood there for a moment, staring at the key in his hand. Then he followed, riding the elevator upward in silence.
His room greeted him with warmth.
Soft, amber tones wrapped the space as sleek wall panels glowed gently, guiding the eye toward a plush bed positioned perfectly at the center of the room. Smooth linens and textured throws layered it with understated luxury, while a cushioned bench rested at its foot. Above, a delicate chandelier shimmered subtly, casting light that softened every edge.
Floor-to-ceiling windows opened the room to Mines below, the underground city glowing like a contained universe.
Youri closed the door behind him, exhaled deeply, and fell face-first onto the bed.
Sleep took him almost instantly.
The next morning, a knock at the door pulled him from heavy dreams.
Groggy and half-awake, Youri dragged himself upright and opened the door. One of the Terrian guards stood there, posture rigid.
"Get ready," the guard said. "We leave in thirty minutes."
The door closed before Youri could respond.
He moved quickly—showered, dressed, steadied himself—and headed down to the lobby.
Barnaby waited on one of the couches, composed as ever. When he saw Youri, he stood.
"So," Barnaby said, "you're finally ready."
He gestured toward the exit. "Come on. We've got a supersonic way to catch."
Youri frowned slightly. "Supersonic… what?"
Barnaby smiled. "Better if I show you."
The drive was short. The car emerged back onto the surface east of Mines and came to a stop in front of a colossal structure.
Youri stepped out and looked up.
The building was massive—square, imposing, and entirely clad in reflective glass that shimmered as sunlight struck it. From one side of the structure extended a gigantic circular tube that stretched across the horizon, vanishing into the distance.
Barnaby pointed. "This is the Supersonic Waystation."
He paused, letting the weight of it sink in.
"The Supersonic Way is Terria's jewel," Barnaby continued. "One of its four great masterpieces."
The system connected all four continents, allowing seamless travel between them. The tubes—called pockets—formed vacuum corridors that stretched across the planet. Inside them, transport cabins could travel at speeds exceeding five thousand kilometers per hour.
Batuzane to Carcas in minutes.
Eight pockets operated simultaneously—four in each direction—ensuring uninterrupted flow.
It was the marvel of Terrian engineering. And one of its most critical infrastructures.
Barnaby led Youri into the station, navigating through wide halls until they stood before their assigned cabin.
Barnaby stopped and turned to him.
"All right, kid," he said quietly. "After this, whatever you do—it's up to you."
He met Youri's eyes.
"And remember this: you're in the military now. Not the streets."
The cabin doors slid open, light spilling out.