Chapter 5- Daudis

The Super-train entered the city tunnels. The city of Daudis rolls into view. It is the Capital City of the Kingdom of Sayence, its appearance was overwhelming, magnificient! If you`ve been born in one of the smaller cities in the centre of the country you would be quite surprised. It was like two diferent worlds. Everything was monitored and managed by a seventh generation quantum computer. There were only three cities in the whole kingdom with a seventh generation quantum computer, the name of the one placed in Daudis was Claudia-R. The terminals, assistant androids, timetables...everything was just an extension of its limbs.

Of course, there was also a lot of human workforce with several tasks such as repairing broken screens, fixing doors, controlling the cleaning robots managed by Claudia-R... and also helping with security checks.

Claudia-R was not only present in the high-tech train station. It also helped with the management and supervison of the whole city. It was like an omnipotent machine-god helping to improve the well-being of humans.

It was also rumored that sometimes Claudia-R manifested physically as an electon-spirit with the shape of a small girl, and did pranks to the citizens. But of course, it was only a rumour, it was almost unbelievable that such a entity would have a childish and playful nature.

Daudis, a huge colossus, that was the impression it gave to Oz. No matter of many times he came, he always had that feeling. Like being eaten by a huge colossus.

As the Super-train approached one of the platforms, an gentle female voice resounded on the walls and corridors of the train.

"Dear passengers, we are approaching the last station of Daudis. Make sure to double-check your personal items and return to your wagon. Thank you for travelling with Rendes Inc. and we hope you a great and fulfilling day in the city of Daudis."

"Dear passengers, we are approaching the last station of Daudis. Make sure to double-check your personal items and return to your wagon. Thank you for travelling with Rendes Inc. and we hope you a great and fulfilling day in the city of Daudis."

Oz returned returned to his wagon as he bid farewell with a smile to the girl he helped a few hours ago. Finally, he was here again. There was a week time before the practical exams of the Royal Academy. He had planned to pay a visit to the mercenary guild, store a few dangerous items in the guild bank and greet some old acquaintances.

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Daudis as any of the Big Cities was divided in three levels: Sub-surface, Ground level and Over ground. As you can guess, the Sub-surface was the home of the segregated classes of the city, the poor, the prostitutes, the home of trouble, shaddy deals and hidden desires of the citizens.

The Ground level, was the most populated level, you could find there the average citizens like white-collars, low-ranked mercenaries, and the professionals of several diferent fields.

The Over ground was like a independent floating city, it was 5000 m above the Ground level and it was the home of the upper-class, the elite of the elite. It was where the headquarters of the biggest companies of the world where located, a luxurius place for the richest of the rich, the high-ranked mercenaries and the important figures of government and the most remarkable people of several fields. Also the entrance to this level was restricted to its citizens or the official guests of those. It was like a enormous floating paradise. You could wacth it everyday but it was almost impossible to reach it, like a shining star in a dark night.

Also the most eye-catching building of the whole city was there as well. The Black Clock Tower, with a height surpassing even the tallest skycraper of the city. It was the home of Claudia-R, and only a handful of people in the whole city had access to it. Also it was rumored to be the home of one of the 'Twelfth'.

In one of the streets of the Sub surface, there were two drunk people fighting. Their only weapon were their fists, covered by a thin layer of illeidos. Blood splashed eberywhere as they landed one punch after another on their opponent, while a crowd formed around them. Cheering and even betting for the winner. A good-looking prostitute even said that she would pass the night with the winner, which produced thunderous applauses from the crowd and the two drunkards fighted with even more vigour.

A black-haired youth passed near the turmoil like a shadow, he went inside one of the buildings of the street. Oz greeted the woman in the receiver and went to the elevator. A few minutes later he was in an elegant room, it was almost inconceivable to find such a splendid room in the Sub surface. A white-haired middle-aged man was seated there. There was a strange aura around him. Any expert would be able to tell that this man was a great fighter, a true monster. He smiled when he saw Oz entering the room.

"It`s been a while Crow, I almost thought you already forgot about this old geezer, haha. Well, what do you need this time? They gave you another strange and dangerous mission?"

"No, lord Arrys." Said Oz respectfully. "I just returned to the city a few days ago and after setting some matters I decided to come and pay you a visit." He bowed slightly towards the white-haired man called Arrys.

Arrys nodded in approval with a satisfied smile on his face. "Haha, I see, I see. Mind having a drink with me, Crow?" Asked Arrys.

"It`s Oz, sir. And yes, a glass of water would be wondeful." Replied Oz.

"As you wish, Oz. So what is the reason for your stay in the city? Or are you taking a break from the mercenary life? I know sometimes it`s hard and everyone needs some rest and peace from time to time."

"No, I will be attending the Academy. I never experienced school life before and I thought it would be a great experience. As you know, power is not everything in this world. You also need knowledge and probably a few friends. Friends like you, sir." Said Oz with a smile.

"I see. I feel honoured. Well if you need anything you can come and ask me anytime, my friend." Replied Arrys with another smile. But, you could see on his face that he didn`t believe that the wonders of school life were the only reason of the youth in front of him to stay at Daudis. "As you know, there are very few things that I can`t get on this city, I don`t like repeating myself but, Oz if you need anything just come to my place. Even if the Security Corps are after you. I can help you get out of the city. Even if the mayor is against you, I can help you sort it out." Said Arrys seriously.

"Then I will remember your words." Said Oz gratefully.

After chatting idly for half a hour, Oz went to his hotel in the Ground level, after all, the practical exams for the Royal Academy would take place tomorrow. He spent the week setting himself on the city and meeting some old acquaintances, and with the backing of friends such as lord Arrys and his cautious nature, he probably had nothing to fear in the city.