3D Map

"A 3D map? What's that?" I ask, wondering what a 3D map could be.

Is it a map that sticks off the page? Or does it float in the air like a hologram? Does it show a 3D version of the mapped area? A dozen possibilities run through my mind as Luka begins to explain.

"A 3D map is a type of map that you place on a specific device. It generates a highly realistic, navigable 3D projection, allowing you to pinpoint precise locations—even inside buildings. The reason it's called a 3D map is that, with the right tool, you can project structures into the real world and see exactly where they lead."

"Hmm, that's interesting. Do you have a mapper I can use to look at the map?"

"Yeah, I do, but it's old. I don't know how much power it has left."

"That's great. I'll use it in moderation so it doesn't deplete too quickly."

Luka nods. "Alright. Wait here. I'll go get it so you can scan the map and figure out where it leads."

"Thank you," I say as Luka waves his hand dismissively, as if to say, It's no big deal. He then disappears into a back room.

A few minutes later, Luka bursts through the door like a tornado, the door slamming open with the speed of a bullet. He's laughing like a kid who just got the best birthday present.

"Did you find it?" I ask, a hint of fear creeping into my voice after witnessing his chaotic entrance.

"Hahaha! Of course I found it! And guess what? It still has 42% battery left!" He grins as he holds up his left hand, revealing a strange device about the size of a hand. It has a square screen with touch controls below it, a handle on the side, and a cube-shaped underside with a small hole—probably where the projector is located.

Luka grabs the map and says, "To scan it, just place it face down on the screen. Once it's scanned, press this button here, and it'll project the map into the air like a hologram."

He pushes the button, and suddenly, a massive cathedral appears, floating in the air with a soft blue glow. It has four towering spires, seven lower levels, and four main levels. In the deepest part of the seventh level, a bright red X is marked.

"That's probably what you're looking for, Jack," Luka says, pointing his giant finger at the X while giving me a serious look.

"Yeah... I bet that's it. This is Watts' last gift to me. I have to go get it—and claim the gift that he left there for me.

"Hold on a second. 3D maps usually come with some kind of instructions. Let me bring them up."

"Okay."

Luka fiddles with the controls for a few seconds. The cathedral projection vanishes, replaced by floating words.

 "Jack, you found a mapper. Good job. But this map that you scanned will lead you into danger, so be careful.

 The cathedral showed in the map is called Andromeda's Cathedral. It is apart of the spire that is sticking out of the desert out west. I don't know much about it other than that the key is located in the bottom of Andromeda's Cathedral. The person who told me all of this said you will know what the key looks like when you see it, so look carefully.

 No matter what happens, never risk your life for this. I did, because I was arrogant and stubborn. But I know that you're not.

 So don't make my mistake. Live. Live long. Also don't trust A------

 Watts"

'Don't trust A------. Who is A-------?' I look up and sigh.

"Luk—" I start to speak, but when I glance around, Luka is gone.

Confused, I leave the back room and head to the front. Luka is sitting at his table, his elbow resting on the surface, his chin propped on his palm. With his perfectly shiny bald head and bulging muscles, he looks like an ancient sculpture frozen in time.

"Luka... when did you leave?"

"The moment the message appeared. I didn't want to pry into family business, you know."

"It wasn't anything too personal, but... I'll be leaving in a couple of days. I'm going to the desert spire."

"The Spire?" Luka raises an eyebrow. "Is that what the map showed. What is underneath the spire is actually a massive cathedral."

"Yeah, Watts said in the message that there's a cathedral under it and that I should go there."

Luka smirks. "Don't get too excited. No one has ever come back from the Spire, so it is definitely dangerous."

I sigh. "Well, I'm still leaving."

"Alright." Luka says, offering his final farewell as I leave his house, the mapper secured in my hands.

On my way home, I stop by the well—mostly empty, as always. Getting water in this desert is never easy. I lower the bucket, but before I can pull it up, someone calls my name. Turning around, I spot a young man with dark red hair and bright yellow eyes.

"Yule? What are you doing outside? I thought you were sick."

"I am, but I need to step out every once in a while, you know." Yule grins like a kid who just got his hands on an ice cream cone.

"That's true, but... isn't the sun dangerous for you because of your disease?"

Yule looks away, an uncomfortable expression crossing his face. A second later, he forces a smile and says, "It is. But my mom developed a new cream—it lets me stay outside for about thirty minutes before my skin starts burning away."

"That's good, I guess. Well, I need to get this water and head home. I have to prepare for my trip to the Spire"

"The Spire?"

"Watts left me something there. I have to go get it."

"Got it. Well, good luck. Don't die in the Spire."

With that, I return home. Before setting off, I take one last look in the mirror.

Staring back at me is a seventeen-year-old boy with hair as vibrant as the jungle—dark green at the roots, fading to light green at the ends. It's the kind of color that could leave anyone speechless. My eyes gleam like the sky at noon. He has an average height of 175cm

I nod to myself and mumble, "Watts... I'll definitely avenge and take down The Galaxy Order."