I woke up to find myself trapped in a deep, dark abyss. An impenetrable membrane constricted my movements, leaving me desperate for freedom. I thrashed about, hoping for release, but the prison held me tightly, dictating its own terms. Fading hope mingled with despair, suffocating me like a cloak, threatening to crush my spirit. Yet, I knew I had to remain resolute, summoning strength to endure this unbearable circumstance.
Amidst the darkness, my eyes caught a glimpse of a small blinking icon in the corner of my vision.
It all began in a world known as Neo Earth, an awe-inspiring planet abundant with resources and natural splendor. It surpassed Earth's size threefold, encompassing a vast continent that occupied 35% of its surface, accompanied by numerous smaller islands spanning 5%. The world consisted of 40% land and 60% water.
This breathtaking planet enticed exploration and adventure, luring its inhabitants to traverse various landscapes and marvel at its awe-inspiring beauty. Vibrant biomes and diverse species flourished across the continent. Vast lakes, rivers, and underground freshwater sources rendered most of it habitable. Although other regions were less hospitable, unique creatures managed to thrive there. The development on this planet mirrored Earth in many ways, but boasted a wider array of animal life, ranging from terrestrial to marine.
The ocean remained an enigma, vast and deep, harboring ancient wildlife that still thrived in its depths.
With a powerful gravitational force and a complex climate, the planet held secrets yet to be unraveled. Without it being the sixth planet in the solar system, it would have been uninhabitable for humans.
Accompanied by three moons, the night sky was a breathtaking sight, leading some scientists to speculate that additional moons might have collided with the planet's surface, augmenting its landmass, though no definitive evidence existed.
A world alliance established a governing structure over the supercontinent, composed of leaders from Zones A-Z. The continent was divided into 26 zones, ranked by economic prosperity, with Zone A being the most affluent and Zone Z being the least fortunate.
These Zones wielded substantial power and influence over global affairs, both economically and politically, shaping decisions that reverberated throughout human civilization.
The authority of the zone leaders was limited to the continent and did not extend to the smaller surrounding islands. Although these islands were habitable, their distance from the mainland discouraged people from inhabiting them. The vast ocean remained an unexplored territory, and the safety of the mainland deterred anyone from venturing to the distant islands on the other side of the planet.
The technological advancements on Neo Earth closely resembled those of Earth until the discovery of fossil fuels. This breakthrough revolutionized energy usage, leading to unprecedented levels of productivity and modernization. However, this shift also brought about negative consequences, such as environmental damage and economic instability.
Consequently, a re-evaluation of the planet's energy policies became imperative. The focus shifted towards renewable sources and solar power to ensure a sustainable future for Neo Earth, while efforts were made to enhance the efficiency of fossil fuel usage, or at least that was the intention.
With a wistful sigh, I closed one of the ancient history books, reflecting on the past of Neo Earth. Peering outside, I gazed upon the city enclosed within a protective dome, shielding it from the pollution that ravaged the outside world. Another sigh escaped me as I compared the mental image of the world from the book to the bleak reality before my eyes. The author vividly portrayed the planet's former glory, before humanity's detrimental impact, but transforming that vision into reality seemed utterly impossible.
I am Demetrius Grey, a 26-year-old orphan with a dark complexion, residing in the "N" Zone of Neo Earth. In this new era, the average human lifespan has dwindled to 45 years, thus rendering me past my prime. Nonetheless, I find solace in immersing myself in my hobbies such as; playing with animals, geography, art, and games virtually of course. Often, I ponder upon a world devoid of human influence and contemplate whether simplicity was once a cherished virtue.
I worked as an environmental artist for the highly esteemed Zeno Corps, headquartered in Zone A. This reputable organization specializes in renewable energy, biotechnology, AI, VR gaming, and nanotech. They are renowned for their ground-breaking solutions to complex problems, ushering in a new era of technological advancement that has revolutionized the way we live.
Within Zeno Corps, I was employed by their subsidiary, Zeno Gaming, where I was responsible for creating immersive 3D environments and biomes for virtual reality games. My role also involved designing terrain packs and applying textures and colors to enhance the gaming experience. Though the work was meticulous, my imaginative nature enabled me to create something truly distinctive.
It was an enticing profession with a lucrative salary, one that I had intended to leverage for early retirement and starting a family. Regrettably, the job gradually grew more demanding and arduous over time.
The latest VR games required so much from me that I couldn't keep up any longer. Zeno Corps had developed a new AI for learning that began replacing human workers, intensifying the pressure on employees. Playing games became my only respite from this dreary reality.
One of my greatest joys was indulging in civilization-building games, finding solace in their unexpected elements and using them as an escape. I had anticipated keeping my job until two years ago when the company declared the AI's work to be equal to, or even better than, my own. Strangely enough, it seemed as though the AI had been modeled after me.
They provided me with a generous severance package, but one of my few sources of happiness in life had disappeared. Starting a family, something I had always desired, became challenging. Being an orphan in a decaying world was a struggle; it required all my strength to move from Zone S to Zone N. Creating a game that showcased the potential of the world should have been my greatest accomplishment.
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Since the older generation took control, the world has grown colder. Resources have become scarce, and the kindness that once prevailed is now nearly nonexistent. However, despite these circumstances, I had dedicated my entire life to working hard in order to secure such a lucrative job.
At the age of 28, with only 17 years left, I was reminded of the fleeting nature of time and how many of my peers were living their dreams. I had spent over 2 years without a job, confined to my apartment, losing myself in the virtual reality world.
As my 29th birthday approached, I felt even more despondent. In an attempt to alleviate my depression, I ventured outside my high-rise apartment complex, a symbol of my hard-earned savings accumulated over the years. Aware of a serum that could extend my life by 10 years, I questioned its purpose. Did I really want to prolong my existence in a deteriorating world and become just another destitute soul grappling with depression? As much as I desired more time, it seemed like a hollow prospect. What would it truly bring me?
As I wandered through the streets of Spring City, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the incredible transformation that had taken place. The inclusion of artificial plants and trees had brought a newfound beauty to the surroundings. However, amidst this enchanting facade, I found myself pondering the complexities of life. Standing at a crossroads, I felt a profound sense of loss and confusion after unexpectedly losing a job that I held dear, despite my expertise. Why was this thought resurfacing after two long years?
Memories flooded my mind as I reflected on a childhood marked by tragedy, growing up in an orphanage after the untimely loss of my parents. Despite my relentless efforts, it seemed that others effortlessly surpassed me, while I struggled to keep pace. Time ticked away, and the awareness of technological advancements shrinking our lifespans fueled a sense of urgency, compelling me to choose a career path as early as the age of 12. In a world like ours, it was imperative to specialize from a young age.
In due time, I found success in the realm of art. However, the haunting reality of my past still lingers to this day. During my formative years, I felt like an empty vessel, with no one to guide or support me.
Suddenly, the sky darkened, a foreboding omen of imminent rain. Yearning for warmth and shelter, I sought refuge in a nearby restaurant. Despite the protective dome that shielded the city, the rain managed to permeate through, carrying with it the threat of perilous diseases.
The restaurant, specializing in synthetic meat dishes, was conveniently close to my apartment. However, I yearned for the taste of real meat, despite its exorbitant prices. Livestock had become scarce, a luxury reserved for the affluent. Engrossed in a holographic samurai show on the screen, my attention was abruptly diverted by emergency news.
"Startled by recent lunar observations, astronomers had discovered enormous handprints on all three moons. This shocking revelation sent the moons spiraling off their orbits, hurtling towards our planet's surface. Speculation have risen, suggesting the involvement of extraterrestrial life or a higher being, signaling the impending demise of all life within 24 hours after the first moon's impact". The reporter's trembling voice and tearful demeanor lent credibility to this unimaginable catastrophe.
Overwhelmed by the surreal nature of the news, I struggled to comprehend the unfolding events. The restaurant erupted in panic as people rushed out, frantically verifying the authenticity of the news. In the midst of chaos, I sat calmly, savoring each bite of juicy fried chicken on my plate.
As a person of faith, I held onto the belief in reincarnation, finding solace in the notion that death was not the end. However, losing my job had taken its toll, eroding my optimism and extinguishing my zest for life. The money I had saved remained untouched, while relationships had become fleeting encounters.
I felt like a walking corpse, consumed by virtual games and detached from humanity. Today, I had resolved to break free from this monotony and enjoy an outdoor dinner, only to be confronted with this cataclysmic revelation.
As I sat there, savoring each bite of my fried chicken, conflicting emotions washed over me. I grappled with acceptance of my reality, denial of what was truly happening, and a desperate longing for something more than this. However, it seemed that nothing could alter my circumstances. Was this merely another breakdown, or had I already been shattered and now refused to acknowledge it?
After a while, even though I still felt hungry, I found myself alone in the restaurant. Rising from my seat, I ventured into the kitchen. Inside, I collected several takeout plates and filled them with 60 pieces of mouthwatering, crispy fried chicken and five astonishingly large beef steaks. Leaving the payment on the counter, I exited the restaurant.
Stepping out onto the street, I was greeted by chaos, panic, and the scent of death. Humans, those peculiar beings, had already begun turning on each other through accidents and perhaps even deliberate acts, even before the planet faced its impending doom. Carefully maneuvering through the mayhem, I made my way to my apartment complex. I entered the elevator and ascended to my apartment.
Upon entering, I walked to the window and gazed out at the city below, taking in a deep breath. The acrid scent of burnt rubber and ozone permeated the air. My head throbbed, but after taking some medication, it felt as though gentle hands were massaging my brain, soothing the pain. As the evening descended, bars of golden light pierced through clouds stained by the sunset. The moons appeared closer and larger than before, almost within reach if I strained hard enough. Their beauty in the sky moved me to the brink of tears.
Finally, I decided to indulge in the food I had brought from the restaurant, knowing it would be my last meal.
After enjoying a satisfying meal, I indulged in a refreshing bath, diligently cleansing away every trace of dirt from my body. Clad in cozy home attire, I then immersed myself in a captivating offline Civilization building game, seeking solace from reality and passing the time. If my fate was already sealed, I reasoned, I might as well engage in activities that brought me joy.
Two hours later, my frustration reached a boiling point, causing me to violently remove the VR system and cast it aside in anger. With a heavy heart, I wearily made my way to the grand window, which offered a panoramic view of the city below. Tears streamed down my face as I whispered, "Perhaps in my next life, I will find myself in a place where I am deserving of love and care." As I observed the moonlight dancing upon the flooded cityscape, a wave of fury consumed me. I remained seated until exhaustion overcame me, ultimately succumbing to a restless slumber.