Chapter 1: The Sky Race and the Fake Sky

"Not everything that falls from above is real."

The year was 2150. In the futuristic city of Neoterra, cars did not touch the ground. They floated high in the air on beams of light.

Five best friends were flying together in five sleek sky-cars. Their names were Rayan, Aira, Kai, Zoe, and Liam. They were laughing, racing, and chasing each other through the glowing sky-lanes.

Suddenly, every sky-car screen flashed red. A video message from the city’s ruler, Mayor Vance, popped up.

"Citizens of Neoterra," Mayor Vance said with a fake smile. "As you know, the world outside our walls is completely dead. Nothing exists out there. Today, we will create artificial rain so you can stay safe."

Dark artificial clouds formed above them, and rain began to pour.

The friends landed on a floating platform. Aira stepped out and held out her hand. But when the raindrops hit her skin, she felt nothing. No coldness. No wetness.

"This rain is fake," Rayan said, looking closely at his dry hands. "Why would Mayor Vance lie about the weather? What else is he hiding?"

Aira looked at Rayan, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Let's go to the Mayor's tower and find out!"