The world lies in ruins.

Once it resembled a paradise, but devastating wars destroyed everything. The air became poisonous, as did the rain. Animals and plants died. The animals that survived mutated into cruel creatures. Most continents became uninhabitable. Disease and anarchy prevailed and the few surviving people fought for their survival.

Only one continent turned out to be habitable. This is where people gathered. They lived in a seemingly endless desert that had been spared by garbage and destruction. This is where the last civilization soon formed. They lived in the sand. Far away from the broken cities, which they regarded as resources.

Out of the rubble, new, eternally moving cities emerged. With old technology, new possibilities of progress were found. Metal became a valuable basis of life. People used everything they found. But death haunted them for a long time until they found a way to decontaminate water, seeds, air, and soil. At least within their cities. Even the metal was toxic and had to be cleaned.

Outside the cities, the world remained polluted, contaminated, and poisoned by radiation. A world of poison. Villages arose in front of the old towns. The cevilisation grew.

It took several generations for a healthy society to flourish in the cities and villages.

Nevertheless. We’re they?

Healthy?

A high crime rate prevailed, which was countered with a high military contingent. The work ethic of the people was very demanding. Top performances had to be achieved. Strict rules were applied everywhere. Due to the years in the poison, mutations also occurred in some people. And the rulers?

They were clones of the first generation of rulers.

Intelligent people who cheered on technical progress to be able to live forever. The chaos that the war had caused needed these rulers to emerge. They gathered people with the promise of survival.

And it all started with just one young, ambitious man. He became the cornerstone of the new world.

A world made from metal. They called it "Neuland". The new world.

Neuland was divided into four states: The 1st Neuland, the 2nd Neuland, the 3rd Neuland, and, of course, the 4th Neuland. These were located in the north, south, west, and the east. Ten moving cities each belonged to the respective states. In addition, there were many villages on the outskirts of the former, destroyed cities.

At the top of Neuland stood a single clone. Others ruled in every state. Four in total, which were located in each capital. In total, the world was ruled by five clones of the same man. Clones who thought the same. Clones that never argued. Clones who never questioned their hierarchy.

One clone at the top, four served him.

Four took care of the States. They were supported by Mina. An artificial intelligence that controlled the creation of the next clones, as well as the surveillance of citizens and the military. Mina had an eye on everything but subordinated herself to the will of the clones. Because that's how she was created. In the form of a woman made of gears, cables, and metal.

This story takes place in the 1st Neuland, which is located in the north and borders on the sea. Here, you can find lots of vegetation between the sand. Strictly speaking, we are in Burgstadt, Castle City, a walking city that can also swim. Powered by chains and gears, it moves on six legs through water and on land. It is the capital of the state, and rumor has it that this city can also fly.

Burgstadt is a monstrous structure made of shiny metal. Gold and bronze tones, as well as some shimmering silver. It is the largest city in Neuland. Built with six levels. The uppermost one is covered by a dome made of glass. There are gardens and fields here that can be cultivated. No air enters the monster from the outside without first being decontaminated. The same applies to water, earth... Huge filters have been erected for this purpose.

On the lowest level is the mechanics of the city. Engine rooms, computers.  On the second level, there are several laboratories, technical rooms, and Military Station 3. The third level is the home of the lower class, and the fourth the home of the middle class. Military Station 2 is also located here. The fifth level houses the rich society of Burgstadt. This is also where the clone's estate and the associated government building of the city are located. In addition, Military Station 1 can be found on this level.

A large chimney protrudes from each level, directing smoke and exhaust fumes out of the city. At the top of the city, built on level 3, there is a large lighthouse that reaches up to the dome. It guarantees the city's navigators a clear view at night.

Stairs and elevators operated by chains and gears connect the individual levels.

And although the city moves across the land with rumbling steps and defies relentless storms on the water, there is no sign of it within the walls of metal. The ceilings of levels 3, 4, and 5 show an artificial sky. The inhabitants can only see the actual sky from the dome. However, visiting the gardens there is only granted to the rich and the upper middle class. And those who work there.

When you walk through the gardens, you almost forget how broken the world is. Flowers smell, and birdsongs can be heard through iron speakers. And when you look up, the dome of almost indestructible glass shimmers above you. The sky above you is light blue. The gardens are particularly popular during storms. Then here you can watch lightning and rain. The glaring light makes the glass dome sparkle. And if you're lucky, you'll see a rainbow. 

The residents are supplied with artificially produced meat, and the vegetables and fruits grown here. Wheat, on the other hand, is rare and therefore expensive. It is not grown in every city. Burgstadt is one of the few cities with two large wheat fields. In addition, there is a rice field.

Medical care in the large hospital is of the best quality, provided that the residents can afford the treatment. If you don't have the means, you can visit the little doctors who can be found on levels 3 and 4.

And even though the world outside of every city is a garbage dump, Burgstadt is clean and bright. Neon lights and neon signs illuminate the aisles. The news is readable on large screens. Holograms serve as signposts. Mechanical carriages drive on the streets and the artificial sky determines day and night. It's eternal summer in Burgstadt.

And this is where our fairytale takes place.

But, is it?

A fairytale?

At the end of this story, dear friend, I invite you to decide this. Was this a fairytale, or a nightmare?