So are they an illusion on the surface of the barrier or do they exist outside of it?

[ She knows that people have been on missions and drafts and whatnot outside of the barrier, just not in space before. So if they'd still seen the stars outside, then that means that it's somehow in the atmosphere. Which.. would mean the whole world and everything in it can be controlled, even down to the appearance of the skies. ]

The same guy who everyone tried to help out against the Malnosso's orders and he ended up dying a few days ago?