I hadn’t had such a peaceful sleep in a very long time. Knowing I didn’t have to go to school, I stretched lazily and buried myself deeper into the soft, luxurious bed. The weight of my new reality was still settling in, but for now, I allowed myself a moment of calm.
Last night, I had focused my thoughts on something that defied everything I had ever known: Aetherium, the miracle mineral that powered this strange, futuristic world. My search had yielded some answers, but it had also left me with more questions. As I glanced out the window, I noticed the same elderly woman from yesterday tending to the flowers in the distance, her movements methodical and serene.
“Training time is approaching. It’s advisable to wake up and prepare,” Povi’s voice interrupted my thoughts.
I groaned, rolling onto my side. “What’s the importance of training? Does everyone in Aetheris train?”
“It’s for safety, defense, and protection purposes,” Povi explained. “Every individual in Aetheris is encouraged to train by whatever means necessary. Thankfully, Mr. and Mrs. Nia can afford the Aetheris Combat Simulator, a state-of-the-art machine designed to simulate high-stakes combat scenarios. Mastering its challenges sets you apart from others and ensures you’re prepared for any threat.”
That piqued my interest. “Defend from what? Isn’t Aetheris supposed to be safe?”
“From the Shadow Syndicate,” Povi replied, her tone serious. “They’re a terrorist group hidden within Aetheris, responsible for numerous deaths each year. They’re sharp, meticulous, decisive, and deadly. The Federation has implemented strict measures to root them out, but they’ve proven elusive.”
“What’s their mission? Why do they kill Aetheris citizens?” I asked, my curiosity growing.
“As of today, I don’t have enough data to determine their exact motives,” Povi admitted. “All I know is that citizens are encouraged to train, stay vigilant, defend themselves, and report anyone suspected of being part of the group. Plus, the training is excellent for your health.”
I sighed, leaning back against the pillows. I had spent my last life running around, fighting, and sacrificing everything. By the time of my death, I was crippled and my body was drained and defeated. This time, I wanted to be smarter. Knowledge was the key to achieving my goals, and I wasn’t about to repeat the mistakes of my past.
Reluctantly, I sat up and headed to the bathroom. After brushing my teeth and taking a quick shower, I changed into soft pants and a T-shirt. My mind was already racing with questions, and I needed answers.
On my bedside table, the Terminal from yesterday lay waiting. I picked it up and accessed the web, searching for information about the Shadow Syndicate. Just as Povi had said, they were described as a deadly group, and citizens were permitted to shoot them on sight—no questions asked. But there was little else. No history, no motives, just vague warnings about their danger.
Frustrated, I shifted my focus to the Aetheris Combat Simulator. Unsurprisingly, Aetherium was integral to its design. The machine used advanced optical illusions to create hyper-realistic combat scenarios, simulating life-threatening situations without actual risk. It was a marvel of technology, blending virtual reality with physical training to push users to their limits.
Next, I searched for information about the weapons used in training and combat. Guns and bombs were obsolete here, replaced by futuristic marvels that left me both baffled and amazed:
1. Luminarc Gauntlets: Sleek, lightweight devices that attach to the forearm, blending seamlessly with the wearer’s body. They emit concentrated beams of blue plasma energy, capable of cutting through almost any material with surgical precision. The beams are silent, leaving no trace of sound, but their impact is devastating—deep, cauterized wounds that are often fatal. Powered by a micro-reactor fueled by Aetherium, the Gauntlets are both efficient and deadly. Their elegant design features glowing blue veins running along the surface, and they can be activated with a simple mental command via the neural chip implanted in every citizen. No wonder guns weren't detected my the Combat Simulator, they were outdated tools compared to the luminarc.
2. Voidspheres: Small, marble-sized orbs that resemble smoke balls but are infinitely more destructive. Each bead contains a core of compressed Aetherium, which, when activated, triggers a controlled implosion followed by a massive explosion. Detonated via a neural chip signal, Voidspheres can be set off remotely or on a timer. A single Voidsphere can level two skyscrapers, burying them deep into the ground. Despite their destructive power, they are incredibly stable and safe to carry—up to 100 can fit in a palm-sized pouch. The explosion is accompanied by a faint, eerie hum and a blinding flash of light, leaving behind a crater surrounded by a shimmering, glass-like residue. Looking at the visual images on the terminal, their blast power was incredible, bombs couldn't compare.
3. Stellar Collapsars : Buried deep beneath the surface of Aetheris, these are the Federation’s ultimate weapon—a doomsday device capable of annihilating an entire galaxy. Powered by a core of hyper-compressed Aetherium, the Collapsars create a chain reaction of gravitational collapse when activated. The explosion would not only destroy Aetheris but also create a black hole capable of consuming nearby star systems. Guarded by an impenetrable vault, the Collapsars can only be activated by two high-ranking generals on the Federation Committee, each possessing a unique neural key. However, this was just general knowledge but no one knew where they were buried, only the federation knew that.
My mind reeled at the sheer power and sophistication of these weapons. They made the nuclear weapons of my time seem primitive by comparison. But what fascinated me most was Aetherium itself. The mineral was the cornerstone of everything in Aetheris per my assessment.
As I delved deeper into my research, a sharp 'ring' interrupted my thoughts. I set the Terminal aside and walked to the door. On the other side stood a tall, elegant woman in a tailored suit, her presence commanding yet graceful.
“Mom?” I wondered silently. It seemed Zahara's mother was still in region C?
“That is Mrs. Ngoni,” Povi informed me. “She’s the head of all service staff and oversees the maintenance of this estate. She ensures everything runs smoothly.”
“Oh,” I replied, feeling slightly embarrassed.
Mrs. Ngoni pressed the pager again, and another ring echoed through the room. I quickly opened the door.
“Madam Zahara, good morning,” she said, her tone polite but slightly surprised. “You’re not going to school today?”
“No, I’ll be staying in,” I replied.
“Very well. I came to check on the room and see if anything needs attention,” she explained.
“Please, come in,” I said, stepping aside to let her enter.
As she walked in, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of curiosity. Mrs. Ngoni seemed to know the inner workings of the Nia household well. Perhaps she could provide some insight into Zahara’s life—and this family.
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