Like A Fairytale

Bonus 7

The year 2061. February 23

Third cycle.

"It's so dark and desolate..." Bao Wand looked around at Level 3. Elrik had accompanied him to Burgstadt again. This time, to look at the lowest living level.

Level 3. Cave-like. Spacious. Flickering light, pipes, open cables...

To enter Levels 4 and 5, they would have to wear protective suits, as they were not protected from the toxic air. Not yet. There were safety measures against the other dangers of this world, but the toxic air still penetrated these Levels.

Why?

To strengthen the metal.

Elrik's research team had found that the toxic air had this property. The metal became harder, more resistant. However, it might also turn unusable if it had been exposed to the poison for too long. Therefore, the part of the city below these two Levels was already covered with a protective varnish. This, too, was a new achievement.

They did not yet know exactly how often this had to be replaced. Probably every twenty years. At least that's what Elrik had said. He wanted to tell Bao more, but Bao was not interested in the details. These research and inventions did not belong to his medical specialty and only made his ears rustle.

"People are supposed to live here?" Bao sighed. This was supposed to be 'his castle town'? It was meant to be Burgstadt?

"Desolate?" Elrik grimaced. "Well... No one lives here yet. We are in a kind of shell. There will be a false sky! When the Level is finished. When all of Burgstadt is finished."

"It's a ghost town!" grumbled Bao, pointing to one of the new apartment buildings. Barracks made of concrete, steel... "You said Level 3 was habitable. But nothing is finished here."

"Theoretically habitable." Elrik laughed. "Theoretically, my angry, impatient friend. Of course, no one will live here NOW. Do you want to take a look at one of the housing units?"

Housing unit? That doesn't sound promising. No apartments? "Hm. How big are these units?"

"A room and a bathroom for one person. For several people? Two to four rooms. Plus a bath." Elrik smiled. "We have to save space. The residential units are not yet fully furnished. Except for one. Our 'prototype' with the most important things. Only the most important ones. So far. A small kitchen, a bed, the bathroom. But there is neither electricity nor water, as neither is currently connected there. But everything works!"

"So small?"

"Yes." Elrik shrugged his shoulders. "They are small apartments. In this way, we can accommodate as many people as possible in Burgstadt. This city is being built to serve generations. The city will not be indestructible. But almost! So... Would you like to see the prototype?" He was grinning proudly by now.

Bao nodded.

"A concrete cave!" These were the first words that left Bao's lips as his friend led him through the tiny housing unit. With an old, mechanical flashlight, since the electricity was not connected.

"Only because no one lives here." Elrik operated a small crank to make the flashlight shine. "This is a residential unit for one person only. You can't even see the concrete anymore!"

In fact, the walls were covered with shiny white metal, and there was cork on the stone floor, with a simple gray carpet above it. The furniture itself was also white, the simple bed linen light grey. A window was missing. Instead, there was a screen. "Here the resident can choose their view!" explained Elrik. "And important news is also displayed here. In the future, there should be all kinds of comfort."