Chapter 1: Arrival in the City of Glass

The screech of metal on metal pierced the air as the rickety train lurched to a stop, jolting Seth from his reverie. He peered out the grime-coated window, squinting at the towering cityscape that loomed before him. Samarat, the capital of Novania, was a sprawling beast of concrete and glass, its arteries clogged with a ceaseless stream of vehicles and throngs of people. The air vibrated with a cacophony of honking horns, hawker shouts, and the rhythmic thrum of distant construction. A wave of nausea washed over Seth, a potent cocktail of diesel fumes, sizzling street food, and nervous anticipation.

This bustling metropolis was a far cry from his quiet hometown of Novacrest. Here, buildings scraped the sky, their sleek facades reflecting the harsh sunlight in a dizzying display. Modern marvels like holographic advertisements flickered between towering structures that still bore the intricate carvings of a bygone era. The sheer scale of it all was overwhelming, a sensory overload that left Seth feeling both exhilarated and strangely alone.

Emerging from the train station, he was swept into the human tide. A bead of sweat trickled down his temple as he navigated the throngs of people, their faces a blur of curiosity and indifference. A holographic billboard flickered to life above him, showcasing a smiling woman in a pristine white lab coat advertising Paradise Limited's latest "revolutionary" healthcare product. The name sent a spike of anger through him. Paradise Limited, the supposed benevolent corporation that choked the life out of Novania, was everywhere. Their logo seemed etched into the very fabric of the city.

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

He finally reached Golden High, a majestic structure that stood in stark contrast to the gritty streets surrounding it. Principal Roy, a portly man with a receding hairline and a kind smile, greeted him warmly. "Seth, my boy! How good of you to finally make it. Such a tragedy about your folks," he said, his voice dropping to a sympathetic murmur. "And your father's health...well, let's just say we're all rooting for him."

Seth mumbled a reply, the memory of the accident still a raw wound. Roy then introduced Anya, a poised young woman with bright eyes and a welcoming smile. "Anya, our esteemed student council president, will show you to your dorm and get you settled in," Roy said, clapping Seth on the shoulder.

The walk to the dorm was a blur of introductions and explanations. Anya, ever-cheerful, pointed out landmarks and school traditions. Yet, Seth remained lost in his thoughts. The day's events swirled in his mind, culminating in the vivid nightmare that had plagued him for weeks. Images of his brother's lifeless eyes and his mother's strangled cry echoed in his mind, fueling the fire of vengeance that burned within him.

Reaching the dorm, exhaustion finally claimed him. He collapsed onto the thin mattress, the city's symphony a dull hum in his ears. Sleep came quickly, but it was a restless sleep haunted by the ghosts of his past.