The pod slowed as we pierced through the upper atmosphere, the glass fading to a darker tint to protect the passengers from the glare.
Beneath us, the surface of Shenzhou spread out —towering silver spires, floating bridges, rivers of glowing essence running like veins through the city.
Enormous aerial platforms drifted lazily between skyscrapers, carrying cargo the size of small mountains. Everywhere, crafts moved in perfect formation, guided by faintly glowing rails only visible through Essence perception.
"This place…" Steve whispered, eyes wide. "It's like a mixture of fantasy and sci-fi had a baby."
Primus chuckled. "Get used to it. You're going to see far stranger things."
The pod landed in a massive terminal like a spaceport fused with a marketplace. The doors opened, and we were hit by a wave of sound.
People shouting in different languages. Machines humming. Essence engines roaring.
