Chapter 2: New Beginnings

March 22, 2024

The streets of this strange new world bustled with life, and though I moved cautiously through the crowds, I knew my appearance was giving me away.

I was wearing what to these people must have seemed like primitive clothing, jeans and a simple t-shirt, compared to their sleek, futuristic attire. I couldn't afford to draw too much attention.

I kept my head down, blending into the flow of people as best I could, but I caught more than a few curious glances.

This place was beyond anything I could have imagined back on Earth, and though my mind was sharper than ever, I knew I was still vulnerable. I couldn't let anyone figure out that I had no idea where I was or how things worked here.

The technology around me was far beyond anything I had ever seen, and yet, somehow, I felt like I could learn it. Like my brain was ready to process things I hadn't even begun to understand yet. But time wasn't on my side, I needed to adapt, and fast.

The air around me was alive with activity. Beings moved quickly, some walking, others gliding above the streets on platforms that floated without visible support. A few were larger than humans, towering above the crowd with broad shoulders and muscular frames.

I saw others with metallic limbs, robotic in their movements, their faces blank slates of polished chrome. Some had glowing eyes, others with skin in colors I had never seen before, deep blues, bright yellows, and even shimmering silvers.

I passed a group of what looked like humans, though their clothes were sleeker, and their eyes gleamed in ways that were unsettling. They carried themselves with confidence, their footsteps sure, and the crowd parted slightly to let them pass.

Then there were the others, strange creatures with scales, extra limbs, and wings. Some floated through the air effortlessly, while others marched with purpose. I was surrounded by an array of beings from worlds I couldn't begin to comprehend.

The market ahead drew me in, a jumble of colors, lights, and sounds, stalls set up with all kinds of goods, some so advanced that they were beyond my comprehension. Gleaming machines and gadgets pulsed with energy, weapons with displays flashing above them.

Every few feet, something new caught my eye, technology that defied Earth's reality. Yet, in the middle of all this, I passed by. There was no time to marvel. I needed something to help me survive.

I slowed my pace as I spotted a stall off to the side. It stood out, cluttered and disorganized compared to the sleek setups around it. The man behind the stall was older, his skin weathered, with sharp eyes that followed me as I approached.

His table was filled with worn, outdated tech, rusted metal parts, cracked screens, devices that barely flickered with weak holographic displays. It reminded me more of the technology back home in Milan, functional but nothing extraordinary.

I moved closer, careful not to reveal too much interest. The old man's eyes flicked over my clothes, he didn't say anything, but I could tell he noticed. I was out of place, and he knew it.

"Looking for something, traveler?" His voice was rough but casual, the words just clear enough for me to understand. I nodded, keeping my face neutral, my hands resting lightly at my sides.

I scanned the items on his table, most of it looked like junk. Old gadgets, scratched holo screens, and mechanical pieces that seemed half-functional at best.

One item caught my eye: a small, slim holo bracelet. It was worn, scratched up, and looked barely functional, but something about it seemed useful.

I picked it up, turning it over in my hand as if I knew what I was doing. The old man watched me quietly, his eyes following my movements.

"That one's still got some life left in it," he said, his voice calm. "Won't get you everything, but it'll connect you to the local network. Might not be fast, and it's not fancy, but it'll do the basics."

"How much?" I asked, keeping my voice steady.

The man chuckled softly, shaking his head. "It's old tech. Practically worthless now. You can have it."

I raised an eyebrow, careful not to show too much surprise. I didn't trust free gifts, especially not in a place like this. "Why?"

He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. "You stand out. Those clothes, they don't fit in here," he said, glancing briefly at my t-shirt and jeans.

"You're not the first to pass through here looking out of place, and you won't be the last. Besides, that bracelet isn't worth much to anyone else."

So, my appearance had already marked me as different. It wasn't exactly unexpected, but it still made me uneasy. I had been trying to blend in, but clearly, I wasn't doing as good a job as I had hoped.

"Take it," the man said again, waving his hand dismissively. "You'll need something to get by in a place like this. It's outdated, sure, but it's better than nothing."

I hesitated for only a moment before slipping the bracelet onto my wrist. The screen flickered weakly to life, casting a faded holographic display above my forearm.

It wasn't impressive, but it worked, and that was what mattered. I scrolled through the basic functions, slow, clunky, but functional. A map of the city popped up on the display, though it was filled with symbols and locations I didn't recognize. At least it was a start.

The old man watched me as I toyed with the bracelet. "You'll figure it out. Local maps, basic information... it'll help you stay informed. The newer models are faster, but this'll do for now."

I nodded, already scrolling through the functions. The bracelet connected to the local network, and while the tech was rudimentary compared to the sleek devices I'd seen others using, it gave me what I needed, a basic layout of the city, a way to navigate this strange world.

The man leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing. "You've heard of the ranks, haven't you?"

I met his gaze, careful not to show just how little I knew. "I've heard bits and pieces," I replied, keeping my voice steady.

He nodded slowly, seeming to consider his next words carefully. "In this world, power isn't just about wealth or influence. It's about your rank, your ability. Most people don't climb far, but those who do... they're the ones who matter."

I kept quiet, not wanting to reveal too much.

"You don't seem like the type who'll settle for staying at the bottom," he continued, his voice low. "But that's where everyone starts. You'll figure it out soon enough."

I gave a brief nod, more out of politeness than agreement. I had a feeling he was right, though. I wasn't going to stay at the bottom for long, whatever that meant in this place.

"Thanks for the bracelet," I said, turning to leave before the conversation went too deep.

The old man leaned back in his chair, his attention drifting to the next customer. "Good luck, traveler. You'll need it."

I didn't look back as I walked away from the stall, the bracelet flickering dimly on my wrist. The map on the screen was rough, incomplete, but it gave me a small sense of direction. I felt a flicker of progress, even if I was still lost in this strange world.

The first step was survival, learning the language, navigating this place, and figuring out how the ranks worked. The next step, though? That would be about power. I wasn't planning to stay at the bottom for long.