As expected, the tram was packed to the brim with people. Everyone was returning from parties and gatherings, completely drunk, excited, and shouting at the top of their lungs. The smell of alcohol filled the air, irritating the nostrils. Ferrick stood squeezed between the crowd, lost in thought. He looked at the laughing faces and wondered if these people were truly celebrating the National Caldoria Day, or perhaps just rejoicing in their freedom. Today, no one was trying to hold back – everyone was indulging in freedom, as if for one day they had completely forgotten about rules, boundaries, and restrictions.
Ferrick grabbed his aching head. He was tired. At this hour, he usually slept. Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned around and saw the smiling face of Garlos.
- Just a moment - his friend said, shouting to be heard over the noise.
The crowd's cheers and shouts kept echoing, throwing propaganda slogans around. Ferrick wasn't sure whether everyone in the tram took it seriously, or if it was all just one big irony.
- Listen... - Garlos continued, lowering his voice. - I'm sorry for him. And for telling him about Elena. He insisted I tell him everything about you... I thought I had to. I'm really sorry, my friend.
Ferrick looked at him and sighed.
- It's nothing, my dear. It doesn't matter anymore. A new beginning is ahead of us, right?
Garlos noticed his eyes and, in that moment, saw something he hadn't noticed before. He no longer saw the empty, lost person. Ferrick had changed. He was now someone else, someone stronger.
- Right - he smiled genuinely.
Outside the window, neighborhoods passed by, filled with crowds of people who seemed not to feel any fatigue. They were still celebrating, waving Caldoria's flags, lifting half-empty bottles of vodka to their lips. Their faces were flushed with alcohol and euphoria. He noticed there were relatively few women. Most likely, the majority stayed home, taking care of children, while their husbands and fathers lost touch with reality on the streets. The air was thick with cigarette smoke and the stinging fumes of flares, which, though usually prohibited, were sold without restrictions today. White and yellow lights illuminated the darkness, giving the city an almost warlike feel.
Ferrick squinted when he spotted a familiar face in the crowd. Irlop Vardon. He hadn't seen him for a week. He would never have called him a friend, but they spent quite a bit of time together during breaks, talking about trivial things and more important ones. Irlop always seemed calm, confident, one of the few people who could find peace even in such a chaotic place. But now, he looked like a shadow of himself. He was lying on the sidewalk, completely drunk, his face red from tears. His arms trembled, and his hands clenched around an empty bottle. No one noticed him – the crowd passed by indifferently, and some even bumped into him accidentally. The world around him kept rushing forward, without stopping for a moment.
What had happened to him? Ferrick could only guess. Maybe someone had hurt him? Maybe he had lost someone close to him? Or maybe, for the first time that night, all the emotions he had buried for years finally broke free?
For some reason, Ferrick felt a pang of regret. Maybe if he had tried to get closer to him earlier, he would know what had happened. Maybe he could have helped. But now it was too late. The tram moved on, leaving Irlop in the darkness, among indifferent people and flickering lights from the long street lamps.
Ferrick focused his gaze on the receding landscape, letting his thoughts drift with the passing streets. Suddenly, the tram's loudspeaker cut through his moment of reflection. It announced that the tram was approaching the station in the Ozymandias district.
Ferrick straightened up almost instinctively, as if he had been waiting for those words all day.
- We're getting off, gentlemen - Malvin said, standing up.
The tram stopped with a loud screech, and the three of them struggled to push through the crowd of enthusiastic passengers. Finally, they stepped outside, where they were greeted by the cool night air, illuminated by the calm glow of the hanging street lamps. There were unusually no people on the platform. A deep silence dominated. The air, though far from fresh, was much better than the stuffy, alcohol- and sweat-soaked atmosphere of the tram.
Ferrick took a deep breath, letting the cool breeze clear his mind. For a moment, no one spoke – as if all three were enjoying the sudden change of surroundings. The lamps hung low, casting long, soft shadows on the cobblestones, and the distant echo of the crowds seemed like a faraway memory.
For a moment, they seemed unsure of what to do next. Each of them looked as if they were unaware of what was about to happen. Everything seemed to depart from reality. They felt as if they were dreaming.
Ferrick looked around at his companions. Malvin had furrowed brows and was staring at the ground, as if trying to sort his thoughts, but his tired eyes betrayed the difficulty he had concentrating. Garlos ran his hand across his face as if trying to shake off sleepiness, and his lips twitched, as if he wanted to say something, but then quickly gave up. Ferrick himself felt the weight of the day on his shoulders – his eyelids were heavy, and his legs felt as if they weren't entirely his. Each of them looked as though they were battling their own fatigue, but something still held them back from giving in to exhaustion.
- Follow me - Malvin said.
The two companions nodded and followed the aging man.
The Ozymandias district looked different from the rest of the Lower Level. The gray housing blocks, though austere, were not as decayed with time. Their walls were smooth, devoid of the usual cracks and stains that in other areas indicated neglect. They seemed more solid, as if someone had actually taken care of their condition. To Ferrick's surprise, some of the upper floors had large windows that didn't quite fit the tight, closed architecture of the Lower Level. It seemed as though someone from above had designed them to observe the residents and their everyday lives. Equally unusual was the light. It was clear, almost blinding, so different from the weak, flickering glow he had become accustomed to. He could see every detail – the facades of the buildings, even the tiny specks of dust. This is how the lights on the entire level should have worked.
Walking on the sidewalk, he looked down at his feet. The pavement was surprisingly well-maintained, completely undamaged, as if no one had hurriedly walked on it or smashed bottles on it. The tiles formed a symmetrical pattern of squares, with circles winding between them, as if someone had intentionally designed this walkway with order and precision in mind.
- It's pretty strange here. Or rather... different - Garlos remarked.
- Normally, we wouldn't have access here - Malvin said, glancing at the empty streets. - Usually, this area is patrolled by numerous TDP units. They move back and forth, making sure no unauthorized person comes around. But today? Today, it's relatively calm because of the holiday. I guess they're not expecting anyone.
After a long walk, the heroes arrived at a massive wall that surrounded the area from all sides, effectively separating it from the rest of the district. Thick barbed wire hung from its top like steel thorns, and the structure itself was at least seven meters tall – high enough to prevent any unauthorized person from seeing what was on the other side. The wall was dark, almost matte in color, and numerous warning signs were attached to its surface, reading "Unauthorized entry prohibited. Death penalty." Each letter was clear, as if the warning was periodically renewed to ensure no one doubted that this was not just a threat but actual law.
Above the wall rose high watchtowers, where military personnel probably usually sat, watching for unwelcome visitors. Fortunately, now they were empty.
Ferrick stopped by the massive metal gate. It was tightly shut, and its heavy iron construction suggested that even if he gathered all his strength, he wouldn't be able to move it. He knew that no accidental intrusion was possible – if they were to get to the other side, they had to find another way.
Malvin moved to the left of the gate, and Ferrick and Garlos followed him like obedient dogs on an invisible leash. Walking behind him, they exchanged glances as if expecting one of them to explain what was going on. Unfortunately, both were just as confused. A chaos of thoughts swirled in their heads, and the only thing keeping them sane was the thought of the Upper Level. A place that could change everything.
- Here it is - Malvin muttered, pointing at a spot.
It was an old gap in the wall. It looked like it had been deliberately hidden, as if someone had once tried to use it but later decided to conceal its existence. Though the opening was small, it seemed wide enough for one person to squeeze through.
- We need to remove these rocks. Then, without delay, we'll squeeze through to the other side - Malvin ordered, glancing at the blocked gap.
- A... hole? - Ferrick raised an eyebrow, surprised. - Did the government really not notice such an obvious place?
- Believe me, the TDP members are terrible lazybones. They think they have everything under control and have nothing to fear. They can't even imagine that someone might oppose them. And that's their biggest mistake. As soon as things get out of hand, most of them just run away.
- Most? - Ferrick repeated, narrowing his eyes. - What do you mean?
Malvin straightened up and looked at his companions.
- You're not the first ones who want to escape from here. There have been many before you. I led them here.
Ferrick and Garlos exchanged glances. For a moment, they stood still, processing the words they had just heard. They had thought they were special, that only they had come up with the idea. Yet, they were just one of many.
- But since you led others out of here, why are you still here? - Garlos asked after a moment. - There were so many opportunities to escape.
- Who said I want to escape? - Malvin sighed. - My daughter was my whole world. I lost it when she died. There's no place where I could be better without her... But at least I can help others.
After answering their questions, Malvin approached the gap and began moving numerous stones aside. Ferrick and Garlos joined him after a while. They worked in silence, each lost in their thoughts, focusing on the task at hand. Their hands skillfully slid the stones, which fell to the ground with a soft crack. Minutes passed, and their efforts seemed endless, when suddenly, they heard a voice. All three froze, their bodies stiffening in shock. They looked at each other, their eyes flashing in silence, ready to flee at any moment. But after a moment, they realized what it was. A loudspeaker, which usually informed the residents.
- The time is now 11:30 PM. Today is Wednesday, April 30th, 2098. The air pollution level is moderate. The National Caldoria Day has passed without major incidents. We are grateful to live in this beautiful country without much worry. Enjoy the night while it is still young. Glory and honor to Caldoria!
The three of them breathed a sigh of relief and, after a moment, resumed their work. With determined movements, they continued to remove more stones, feeling the pressure of time. Minutes passed, and their efforts gradually started to bear fruit. Finally, after several moments of intense work, the hole was completely dug out. One by one, without a word, they slipped into the opening. Slowly but steadily, they made their way to the other side of the wall. All three of them finally found themselves on the other side, unnoticed.
The facility was enormous, stretching infinitely. Ferrick looked around and noticed that the entire area was dotted with glass buildings, similar to the ones where Mr. Sorvigoh, his boss, spent his time. They were small but seemed specifically designed for meetings with rulers and military generals. Through their transparent walls, he could see numerous maps, diagrams, and boards, which seemed to be used for displaying military operations. Their surfaces were covered with detailed plans and notes, as if this place was preparing for some important operation. Though the buildings seemed to be nothing more than unused decorations, their interiors held the weight of decisions that must be made behind closed doors.
All around, there were also numerous four-wheeled vehicles. Ferrick and Garlos had never seen them in person before. They had only heard about them in stories, that once upon a time, they were commonly used. Now, in the age of modern technology, they were rarely seen. Instead, cities used much faster trams, which, in theory, were supposed to make travel easier. In practice, however, as both knew, trams were in poor condition, and breakdowns were a regular occurrence. It seemed that these four-wheeled vehicles, though outdated, were much sturdier.
They walked on, passing numerous meeting places that remained empty. Ferrick felt increasingly uncomfortable. Though the absence of people allowed them to move freely, something about it all felt off.
- I thought there would be at least someone here - Ferrick replied.
- I thought so too, but it seems the soldiers were moved to another location today. We've had some luck - said Malvin.
Walking through the oppressive silence, they suddenly noticed a gigantic tower. It was so enormous that at one point, it seemed to touch the upper grilles separating the Upper Level from the Lower. Its peak vanished in the darkness, rising toward the sky like a colossus, seemingly reaching beyond the visible boundaries. The structure was raw, almost overwhelming, and its metallic reflections in the light made it seem not only a physical barrier but also a symbol separating two completely different realities. Ferrick and Garlos stood for a moment, silently watching it, feeling the weight of its presence.
- That's our elevator - said Malvin.
They walked for a while longer, passing through the emptiness until they finally reached their destination. Up close, the tower seemed even bigger than it had appeared from afar. The colossus dominated its surroundings with its power, overwhelming everything around it and taking their breath away. Ferrick had never seen anything as impressive and, at the same time, terrifying. He was filled with both awe and anxiety – this structure was not an ordinary building. It was a mythical gate that would lead them to a better life.
Malvin approached a small door embedded in the giant metallic wall. Typing something on the keyboard, he turned around and took a few steps back, leaving Ferrick and Garlos waiting.
The silence that surrounded them was suddenly broken. They heard the sound of the elevator descending from the top of the tower. The noise wasn't loud, rather subtle, but there was something about it that made it perceptible – a vibration in the air, almost as if the very air was trembling. It was a sound that made the heart beat faster. The elevator moved. It felt as if something was changing, and the moment they had been waiting for was finally approaching.
Suddenly, when the sound of the descending elevator stopped, the metallic doors slowly opened, revealing an interior that seemed as futuristic as the structure on the outside. The space inside was vast, enormous, as if designed for larger groups – it could easily accommodate up to 30 people. The area was filled with raw, shiny surfaces, and everything around had a cold, almost sterile character.
- It's time for you, gentlemen - said Malvin.
- Are you sure you don't want to come with us? - Garlos asked anxiously.
- Oh, Mr. Garlos - Malvin replied with a slight smile. - The moment I saw you in that bar, I knew you were the perfect candidate to escape from this place. I wasn't wrong. You have a good heart. This place isn't for you.
Garlos returned the smile and looked at Ferrick. Both men knew it was their time now. Despite the fear that engulfed them, they had to step inside. It was their only chance. They slid into the elevator, and before them was only one last look at Malvin.
- Thank you so much - Ferrick said.
Malvin didn't respond, only looking at his companions.
Ferrick glanced at the button, which had an upward arrow and the abbreviation "U.L." – Upper Level. He could feel his heart beating faster, and his mind began to spiral with questions and doubts that had been gnawing at him throughout his life. Ups and downs, life and death... In all of this, nothing was certain. The fear of change overwhelmed him, but at the same time, something pushed him forward. And then he remembered Elena's words.
- Life isn't just about comfort, Donnie. It's not just about convenience and safety. It's about searching for meaning and chasing your deepest dreams. Sometimes you have to step beyond what's familiar to feel truly alive.
These words broke through his doubts. He now knew what to do. With determination, he stretched out his finger and reluctantly pressed the button. For a moment, there was silence. Ferrick and Garlos stopped breathing, as if waiting for a reaction, as if their whole future depended on this one moment.
Nothing happened.
Ferrick pressed the button again. Still nothing. He started pressing faster, in panic. His fingers were almost smeared on the worn panel, yet the elevator didn't move an inch. Garlos stood in the corner, his face pale as paper. His eyes were wide open, and his breath was shallow, as if he were fighting for each breath. His body trembled. He looked as if he were about to collapse from a heart attack. Ferrick glanced at him, and his heart started beating even faster.
- Damn, why isn't it working?! - Ferrick screamed in fear, still pressing the button. - Malvin! Something's wrong! The elevator isn't closing!
Malvin stood still, seemingly unmoved by the situation. His face had suddenly become cold, as if completely incapable of showing any emotion. It seemed as though he had known for a long time what was about to happen. Without a word, he pulled a black pistol from his pocket and pointed it at the terrified heroes.
- You have the right to remain silent - he said flatly.
Ferrick felt his body go limp. His throat tightened as if something invisible was preventing him from speaking even a word. Cold sweat ran down his forehead, forming little streams that disappeared into the corners of his eyes. He felt the adrenaline paralyze every cell in his body. The fear was so intense that he couldn't move, as if he had suddenly turned into a statue.
Suddenly, as if from nowhere, a figure appeared, emerging from the darkness behind Malvin. Her silhouette was almost unreadable in the dim light, but the smile that appeared on her face was clear and blood-curdling. She approached slowly, her steps silent, as if she didn't want to draw attention. The figure stopped beside him, and her voice rang out in the silence, clear and calm, though with a certain mocking tone.
- You're truly fascinating person, Mr. Ferrick - replied Zeilendorf.