The next morning, Jean was gently awakened by the soft sunlight streaming through the window. He sat up, stretching, and then walked groggily to the door. But when he tried to open it, it didn’t budge. Confused, he tried again, but the door was still locked.
“Mira, why isn’t the door opening?” Jean called out; his voice tinged with annoyance.
From the other side, Mira’s calm voice replied, “You’re awake now. Good. I have something important to tell you.”
“Go ahead, but make it quick—I really need to pee!”
“Okay,” Mira continued. “I want to go to your world.”
“What?” Jean exclaimed, taken aback by the sudden request.
“If you disagree, you’ll be locked in that room for the rest of your life. Now, it’s up to you.”
Jean sighed, rubbing his temples. “I can take you, but it’s dangerous. They’ll try to capture you and perform dangerous experiments.”
“You’ll protect me,” Mira replied confidently.
“Why would I—”
“Remember, I let you stay at my house,” she cut him off, her tone playful yet firm.
Jean groaned, realizing he had little choice. “Okay, fine. But I’m warning you—it’s risky.”
“You’ll protect me,” Mira repeated, a hint of a smile in her voice.
“...But can you please unlock the door? This is an emergency!”
Mira chuckled softly. “Alright, it’s unlocked now.”
The moment Jean heard the click of the lock, he bolted from the room, racing to the restroom at full speed. Behind him, Mira couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
When Jean returned from the restroom, he saw Mira sitting at the dining table, breakfast already served.
“Have breakfast and get ready to go to your world,” Mira said with a determined look.
“Huh? You want to go now?” Jean asked, surprised.
“Yeah, now. Eat fast and get ready.”
Jean started eating breakfast with Mira. She seemed unusually happy and excited about the journey ahead. After they finished, Mira stood up and said, “Let’s go.”
Jean sighed, “I’m warning you again... It’s dangerous.”
Mira just smiled, a mix of excitement and determination in her eyes. “I know... Now let’s go.”
With a resigned nod, Jean muttered a spell, and a black, whirlpool-like portal swirled open before them. Mira took a step back, a flicker of fear crossing her face, but Jean offered his hand to her. “I don’t know where we may end up… but let’s hope for the best.”
Jean stepped into the portal, still holding Mira’s hand, and together they were pulled into the vortex. They traveled through a tunnel-like passage, the world around them a blur of light and shadow. After what felt like moments and eternity all at once, the portal opened again, depositing them back into the world.
Jean immediately recognized the surroundings. They had landed on the rooftop of his apartment building.
As Mira stepped out of the portal, her eyes widened in wonder. The world before her was a harmonious blend of nature and technology, unlike anything she had imagined. Towering above them were sleek, crystalline skyscrapers that seemed to pulse with an inner light, their surfaces reflecting the vibrant hues of a sky painted in shades of violet and indigo. The air was filled with the soft hum of energy, and the ground beneath them was covered in a living, bioluminescent moss that glowed gently underfoot, creating a soft, ethereal path.
In the distance, she could see floating islands, each connected by shimmering bridges of light, with waterfalls cascading down from them, disappearing into the clouds below. Strange, luminescent birds with wings of light flitted between the buildings, leaving trails of sparkling dust in their wake. The streets were lined with towering trees, their branches intertwined with glowing vines that emitted a soft, soothing light, guiding the way.
Jean watched her take it all in, a small smile playing on his lips. “Welcome to my world,” he said softly.
“Where did we end up?” Mira asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
“We’re on the rooftop of the apartment where I live,” Jean replied, glancing around to confirm their location.
Mira sighed in relief. “Thank goodness.”
Jean smiled, noticing the spark of excitement in her eyes. “Would you like to take a look around the city? You seem eager to explore.”
“Yeah, let’s goooo!” Mira said enthusiastically.
They walked over to the loft, where the door slid open automatically with a soft whoosh. A soothing, AI-generated voice greeted them with, “Good morning, Jean. Which floor would you like to go?”
“To the ground floor,” Jean responded.
They stepped into the lift, which was made of transparent material that offered a panoramic view of the city as they descended. Mira’s eyes widened in awe as she took in the sight of towering skyscrapers and floating islands that seemed to defy gravity.
“How are those islands floating?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper as she stared in disbelief.
“With the help of magic,” Jean replied nonchalantly.
Mira couldn’t take her eyes off the breathtaking view. The sight of the city’s futuristic architecture, with its seamless blend of technology and magic, left her speechless. The lift continued its descent, and when it finally reached the ground floor, the doors slid open to reveal the bustling streets.
Mira stepped out and immediately noticed something unusual. The cars on the road weren’t actually on the road—they were hovering slightly above it, gliding smoothly through the air.
“Jean, how are these cars floating?” she asked, her eyes widening even further.
Jean grinned. “This is the latest model. They’re designed to fly and can travel anywhere—from the depths of the ocean to outer space.”
Mira’s amazement grew with each new discovery. “Whoa, this is incredible!”
Jean turned to her with a playful smile. “Hey, would you like to go to the amusement park? It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen.”
“Yes, I want to!” she exclaimed, excitement bubbling in her voice.
Jean pressed on the screen of his wristwatch, and a holographic screen appeared in front of him. With a few taps, he selected a car, and within moments, a sleek, futuristic vehicle hovered into view, parking itself right in front of them. It was the same type of car Mira had marveled at earlier.
“Get in,” Jean said as he opened the door. “Let’s go have some fun.”
Mira eagerly climbed into the car; her eyes still wide with wonder as she buckled her seatbelt. Jean joined her, and with a simple command, the car lifted off the ground, beginning their journey to the amusement park.
As the car floated above the city streets, Mira’s excitement only grew. She gazed out the window, her eyes wide as she took in the breathtaking view. The city below was a dazzling spectacle of lights, with buildings that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky. The floating islands overhead cast long shadows on the streets, creating a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere.
Within minutes, the car gently touched down at their destination. Jean turned to Mira with a smile. “Welcome to Astral Park, the most magical amusement park in the city.”
Mira stepped out of the car and gasped. Before her stood an enormous archway made entirely of shimmering, golden light. Beyond it, the park stretched out in all directions, filled with towering roller coasters that twisted and turned through the air, massive Ferris wheels with seats that floated rather than spun, and countless other attractions that seemed to defy the laws of physics.
“This… this is incredible!” Mira exclaimed; her voice filled with awe.
Jean chuckled. “Wait until you see the inside.”
As they passed through the archway, Mira was immediately struck by the park’s vibrant energy. Everywhere she looked, there were people of all ages—children laughing as they raced through the park, couples holding hands as they strolled along the glowing pathways, and groups of friends eagerly lining up for the next big ride.
The air was filled with the sounds of joy and excitement, mixed with the sweet scent of various magical treats being sold at the numerous stalls scattered throughout the park. Floating carts served colorful drinks that bubbled and fizzed, while others offered snacks that changed flavors with every bite.
Jean led Mira toward one of the park’s main attractions: the Celestial Coaster. The roller coasters tracks seemed to stretch up into the sky, disappearing among the clouds before looping back down in a series of dizzying twists and turns. The entire structure was made of a transparent, crystalline material that sparkled in the sunlight.
“Are you ready for this?” Jean asked, a playful grin on his face.
Mira looked up at the towering coaster, her heart racing with both excitement and nervousness. “I think so… but that thing is massive!”
“Trust me, it’s worth it,” Jean assured her. “Besides, the view from the top is amazing.”
They joined the line, and it wasn’t long before they reached the front. The ride attendant, smiled at them as they climbed into one of the coaster’s sleek, aerodynamic cars.
“Hold on tight!” the attendant said with a wink as the safety bar lowered itself over their laps.
The coaster started moving, slowly at first, as it climbed higher and higher. As they ascended, Mira’s nerves began to melt away, replaced by sheer exhilaration. The higher they went, the more of the park—and the city beyond—came into view.
Finally, they reached the peak. For a moment, the car paused, giving them a breathtaking view of the entire park and the surrounding city. The skyscrapers below looked like tiny models, and the floating islands seemed even more magical from this height.
“Wow…” Mira whispered, unable to take her eyes off the view.
And then, with a sudden whoosh, the coaster plunged downward. Mira let out a scream of pure delight as they raced along the track, twisting and turning through loops and corkscrews. The ride was a blur of speed and color, the wind whipping through their hair as they zoomed through the air.
By the time the coaster finally came to a stop, Mira was breathless, her heart pounding with excitement. She turned to Jean, a huge smile on her face. “That was amazing! I’ve never experienced anything like it!”
Jean laughed, clearly pleased with her reaction. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. There’s still so much more to see.”
They spent the rest of the day exploring the park, each attraction more wondrous than the last. They rode a Ferris wheel that floated above the clouds, giving them an unparalleled view of the city at sunset. They visited a magical garden where the plants changed colors and shapes depending on their mood, and even tried their hand at a few games, winning some enchanted prizes along the way.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the park transformed into a dazzling display of lights. The pathways glowed softly beneath their feet, and the rides were illuminated with vibrant, shifting colors that danced in the twilight.
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Mira looked around; her heart filled with a sense of wonder. “This place is like a dream… I don’t want it to end.”
Jean nodded, understanding her sentiment. “I know what you mean. But don’t worry—there’s always more to explore. This is just the beginning.”
They continued to wander the park as the night grew darker, the stars twinkling above them. Finally, they found themselves back at the entrance, where the golden archway now shimmered even more brightly against the night sky.
“Thank you for bringing me here,” Mira said softly, turning to Jean. “This has been one of the best days of my life.”
Jean smiled warmly. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. There’s plenty more where that came from.”
With a final glance at the shimmering lights of Astral Park, Jean and Mira stepped back through the archway, leaving behind the magical allure of the park. The night had settled in, casting the city in a mesmerizing glow that made everything feel surreal—a day brimming with unforgettable memories that would linger in their minds for a long time.
As they exited the park, the car that had brought them there was waiting in the parking area. The sleek vehicle, shimmering under the neon lights, smoothly glided over to them as they approached. Mira couldn’t help but marvel at the convenience. "Does everything here just come to you when you want it?" she asked with a playful grin.
Jean chuckled. "Pretty much. Welcome to the future."
They both slid into the car, the doors closing with a soft hiss. The interior was bathed in a gentle ambient light, setting a calm mood after the excitement of the day. As the car lifted off the ground and started its journey back to Jean's apartment, Mira was entranced by the city at night. Every skyscraper was illuminated with vibrant neon colors, casting a kaleidoscope of light across the cityscape. Massive holographic billboards floated in the air, displaying advertisements in dazzling 3D. Even the floating islands, which dotted the skyline, glowed softly, their artificial waterfalls streaming down in vibrant neon hues.
“This city is... unbelievable,” Mira whispered, her eyes wide with wonder. “It’s like something out of a dream.”
Jean smiled, watching her reactions. "It's a bit overwhelming at first, but you get used to it."
“I don’t think I could ever get used to this,” she replied, her gaze still fixed on the glowing skyline as they flew past.
Within minutes, the car gently descended in front of Jean’s apartment building. The structure itself was a marvel—an elegant, towering building that seemed to blend seamlessly with the futuristic city around it. They got out of the car, and as they walked toward the entrance, Mira took one last look at the city’s breathtaking view, savoring the moment.
The entrance doors slid open silently, and they stepped inside, greeted by the cool, sleek interior of the building. As they entered the lift, the AI's soothing voice chimed in, “Good evening. Which floor would you like to go to?”
“Floor 285,” Jean responded, and the lift smoothly began its ascent. Through the transparent walls, Mira could still see the city outside, now a dazzling sea of lights against the dark sky. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight, and she leaned closer to the glass, trying to take it all in.
“This view is... there’s nothing like this back in my world,” she said softly.
Jean nodded, understanding her awe. “It’s easy to take it for granted when you see it every day. But seeing it through your eyes… it feels special again.”
The lift arrived at their floor, and the doors opened with a soft chime. Jean led the way down the corridor until they stood in front of a door with his name elegantly displayed on a sleek panel. As they approached, the security camera scanned Jean, and with a soft click, the door unlocked, swinging open to reveal the interior.
The lights inside automatically flickered on, revealing a modern yet cozy living space. The walls were adorned with a few minimalist pieces of art, and the furniture was a perfect blend of comfort and style.
“Wow, this place is incredible,” Mira exclaimed, stepping inside and looking around in awe.
Jean smiled, watching her take it all in. “It’s home,” he said simply, feeling a sense of pride.
Mira turned to him with a playful grin. “You sure know how to live, Jean. I might never want to leave.”
Jean laughed. “Well, you’re welcome to stay as long as you like. But I warn you, it might be hard to go back to your world after this.”
Mira looked back out the window at the glowing city, her expression thoughtful. “Yeah… I can see that.”
As they settled into the apartment, Jean turned to Mira with a grin. "So, what do you want for dinner?"
Mira's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "I want something that’s only available in this world… something completely different."
Jean chuckled, appreciating her adventurous spirit. "You’ve got it." He raised his wrist and tapped a button on his wristwatch, causing a holographic menu to appear in midair. The display showcased an array of dishes, each more exotic than the last. After scanning through the options, he selected a few of the most unique items, knowing they’d give Mira a true taste of his world’s cuisine.
Within minutes, a soft whirring sound filled the room. Mira turned toward the window just in time to see a sleek drone hovering outside. Jean approached and opened the window, allowing the drone to extend a robotic arm that handed over a polished, silver box. The drone gave a polite beep before zipping off into the night.
Jean brought the box to the dining table and opened it, revealing an assortment of dishes, each one more intriguing than the last. There were vibrant, glowing fruits, a steaming bowl of something that resembled noodles but shimmered with a rainbow of colors, and a plate of tiny, intricately shaped pastries that seemed to change color.
"Wow," Mira breathed, taking in the sight of the unusual meal. "This looks incredible."
Jean set the table, and they both took their seats. As they began to eat, the flavors were as surprising as the presentation—each bite a burst of something new and delightful. Mira couldn’t help but let out little gasps of amazement with each dish she tried.
Just as they were getting into the meal, the large screen on the wall flickered to life. It displayed a smooth transition into a news broadcast, where an AI-generated avatar presented the weather forecast for the following day. The avatar, perfectly lifelike yet unmistakably digital, had a soothing voice and a cheerful demeanor. "Good evening! Tomorrow’s weather will be clear and sunny, with temperatures ranging between 68 and 75 degrees. A perfect day to explore the city!"
Mira watched, fascinated. "Even the news here is out of this world…"
Jean nodded, taking a sip of a drink that seemed to bubble with an inner light. "The AI presenters are pretty popular. They never make mistakes and always keep things interesting."
They continued their meal, the TV providing a soft background hum as they talked about the day’s adventures and what lay ahead. The neon lights of the city cast a soft glow through the windows, adding to the surreal atmosphere of the evening. Every now and then, Mira would glance out at the skyline, still unable to fully believe she was in a completely different world.
As they finished their dinner, Mira leaned back in her chair, a content smile on her face. "I think this might be the best meal I’ve ever had. Not just because of the food, but the whole experience… it’s like living in a dream."
Jean smiled, glad to see her so happy. "Well, there’s plenty more to explore. Who knows what else this world has in store for us?"
They exchanged a knowing glance, both aware that this was just the beginning of their extraordinary journey. The remnants of their dinner still lingered on the table, a reminder of the unique experiences they had already shared. As the soft glow of the city filtered through the windows, casting gentle shadows across the room, they began to settle in for the night, mentally preparing for whatever adventures tomorrow would bring.
Mira stretched, a satisfied smile on her face. "Thanks, Jean. This entire experience has been amazing. But I’m exhausted… I think I need to crash for the night."
Jean nodded, understanding her weariness. "Of course. Let me show you to your room."
He led Mira down a softly lit hallway to a door that slid open with a whisper. As they stepped inside, the lights flickered on automatically, revealing a room that took Mira’s breath away. The walls, ceiling, and parts of the floor were made of transparent material, offering an uninterrupted view of the glowing cityscape below and the starlit sky above.
"Wow… it’s like something out of a dream," Mira murmured, her voice filled with awe.
Jean smiled, pleased by her reaction. "It’s one of my favorite rooms. The view is incredible, isn’t it?"
Mira nodded, still entranced by the scenery. She walked over to the bed, which was positioned perfectly to take in the panoramic view. As she sat down, Jean gave a simple command, "Activate sleep mode."
In response, the transparent walls began to shift, transforming into a serene night sky filled with twinkling stars. The floor beneath them shimmered as it displayed a tranquil lake, its surface mirroring the stars above, creating the illusion of floating in a peaceful, celestial space. The temperature in the room adjusted slightly, making it even more comfortable—an ideal environment for a restful sleep.
Mira sighed deeply, the soothing atmosphere washing over her. "This is… unbelievable."
Jean chuckled softly. "Good night, Mira. I hope you have a wonderful sleep."
She glanced back at him; her eyes heavy with exhaustion but still filled with wonder. "Same to you, Jean. Thank you… for everything."
With that, Jean quietly exited the room, leaving Mira to drift off into a peaceful slumber, surrounded by the beauty of a world that was as magical as it was mysterious.
Jean returned to his room, eager to finally have a peaceful sleep after a long day. But just as he was about to relax, the doorbell rang, breaking the silence. His instincts immediately went on high alert. Who could it be at this hour? He moved cautiously to the door, peering through the peephole. To his dismay, a group of stern-faced individuals from the research facility stood outside, their eyes cold and determined.
They demanded, "Hand over that girl."
Jean’s heart sank. He had been naive to think they wouldn’t come for her. It dawned on him that from the moment he arrived in this world, he had been under surveillance by HQ. They had given him time, hoping he would surrender Mira voluntarily. But now, their patience had run out.
Without a word, Jean slammed the door shut, locking it swiftly. Panic raced through his veins as he sprinted towards Mira’s room. Bursting in, he found her already awake, startled by his sudden entrance.
“Mira, we have to go. Now,” Jean said, his voice urgent. “They’ve found us. They’re here to take you.”
Mira’s eyes widened in fear. “What? How? What are we going to do?”
“There’s no time to explain,” Jean replied. “If you don’t want to get caught, you need to trust me. Follow me.”
Jean led Mira to the window, throwing it open. The city lights shimmered far below, and the wind whipped through their hair.
“We have to jump,” Jean said, his voice steady but firm.
Mira froze, her fear palpable. “What? Are you insane? We’ll die!”
“Trust me,” Jean insisted, grabbing her hand. “Nothing will happen. Just close your eyes and jump.”
Trembling, Mira hesitated, but the sound of the facility team banging on the door spurred her into action. She shut her eyes tightly, holding onto Jean as they both leaped into the void.
For a terrifying moment, they plummeted through the air, the ground rushing up to meet them. Mira’s scream was caught in her throat, her heart pounding as she prepared for the worst. But just as the city below seemed impossibly close, a sleek car swooped in beneath them, catching them in mid-air. The vehicle stabilized, and Mira slowly opened her eyes, breathing heavily.
“Did we die?” she whispered, her voice shaking.
Jean chuckled, trying to ease the tension. “No, you’re very much alive. Look around.”
Mira glanced around the car’s interior, recognizing it as Jean’s vehicle, but something was different—it was flying. High above the city, they soared through the night sky.
Before she could ask any more questions, a squadron of flying cars appeared in pursuit, their lights flashing menacingly. Jean gritted his teeth and accelerated, but the pursuers matched their speed, closing in fast.
“Jean, what are we going to do? They’re gaining on us!” Mira’s voice was filled with panic.
Jean’s expression hardened. “I’ve got no choice.”
He quickly commanded, “Inventory open.” A holographic screen appeared in front of him, displaying a vast array of weapons. Without hesitation, Jean selected a gleaming sword, which materialized in his hand as if from thin air. The car’s speed decreased slightly as Jean commanded, “Roof open.”
The roof slid back, exposing them to the open sky. Mira looked at him in confusion and fear. “Why are you slowing down? They’ll catch us!”
Jean gave her a reassuring smile. “Just watch.”
As the enemy cars closed in, coming within a 150-meter radius, Jean stood up, sword in hand. With a swift, calculated motion, he sliced the air in front of him. In an instant, portals appeared before each of the pursuing cars, and before Mira could blink, the sword multiplied, emerging from the portals to strike each vehicle. The blade, now enlarged to a massive size, cut through the cars like they were made of paper. Explosions erupted behind them as the vehicles were split in half, falling from the sky in a blaze of fire.
Mira stared in awe, her mouth agape. “What was that, Jean?”
Jean sheathed the sword, the portals closing as quickly as they had opened. “Just a little magic trick,” he said with a smirk. “But it won’t keep them away for long. We need to find a safe place to lay low.”
He quickly commanded, “Portal open.” A large portal formed in front of them, its swirling vortex radiating a soft blue light. Jean sat back in the driver’s seat, the roof closing as he maneuvered the car into the portal. Within seconds, they emerged on the other side, hovering above a serene floating island surrounded by clouds, far away from the chaos of the city below.
Mira gazed in wonder at their new surroundings. There was a modest building nestled amidst a garden filled with vibrant, otherworldly flowers. The air was crisp, and the view of the distant city was breathtaking.
“Where are we?” Mira asked, her voice filled with awe.
“We’re in the Spirit Region,” Jean replied. “A friend of mine lives here, and the guards can’t follow us. They’re restricted to the Human Region, so we’re safe for now.”
Mira couldn’t contain her excitement. “Jean, that was incredible! The way you handled those guards… I wish I could do something like that.”
Jean smiled at her enthusiasm. “Maybe you will, someday.”
He guided the car to land gently near the building. As they stepped out, Jean approached the door and rang the bell. A moment later, a familiar face appeared—Mike, Jean’s old friend.
“Wassup, Jean?” Mike greeted him with a broad grin, pulling him into a quick hug. His eyes then fell on Mira, and his grin widened. “Who’s this lovely lady? Your girlfriend?”
Mira blushed, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. Jean quickly shook his head. “No, she’s a guest. And she’s from another world.”
Mike’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “From the world you visited recently?”
Jean nodded. “Yeah. She’s technically a subject of the experiment, but I’m not letting her get caught up in it.”
Mike’s expression softened with understanding. “I see. So, she’s here to see this world, and the guards chased you. Typical.”
Jean sighed. “Yeah, pretty much.”
“Well, you’re safe here,” Mike said, gesturing for them to enter. “Come on in. You can stay as long as you need.”
The interior of Mike’s home was as modern as Jean’s apartment, with sleek designs and advanced technology. Mike led them to a cozy guest room. “You can rest here for the night. We’ll figure out the next steps in the morning.”
Jean and Mira both nodded, grateful for the sanctuary. As they settled in, Jean couldn’t help but mutter, “Those guards are going to keep searching for us everywhere in the Human Region. It’s such a pain…”
He then commanded, “Status open.” A holographic screen materialized in front of him, displaying his stats: [Level-254; Magic points-6458/100000; HP-100/100]. Jean frowned. “I’ve used up most of my magical power…”
Mira, still intrigued by the technology, asked, “What’s that?”
Jean explained, “This screen shows how much magic you’ve used, your magic level, and your health. Only people from this world can access it.”
Mira looked at him curiously. “Wow… Do I have something like this?”
Jean shook his head. “No, you’re not from this world, so—”
But before he could finish, Mira hesitantly said, “Status open.” To their astonishment, a holographic screen appeared in front of her too: [Level-97; Magic points-25000/25000; HP-100/100].
Jean’s eyes widened in shock. “How is this possible? You’ve never even been to this world before!”
Mira was equally surprised, staring at the screen in disbelief. “I have no idea…”
Hearing the commotion, Mike walked into the room, a concerned look on his face. “What’s going on, guys?”
Jean and Mira exchanged bewildered glances, both at a loss for words.