Chapter 1:
Meet Solla, a determined human teenager who longed to escape the harsh realities of his life. Living in the eastern region of Asya, he dreamed of finding work in the futuristic Central Land—a beacon of prosperity and progress. His ultimate goal: to break free from the cycle of poverty that had defined his existence.
Since early childhood, Solla had lived alone. Both his parents had tragically perished in a car accident, leaving him orphaned. That solitude shaped him into a resilient survivor, instilling a fierce independence and unwavering ambition.
In his eyes, there was only one path to a better life—B Empire.
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B Empire, founded and governed by the Four Kings of the Four Nations, was located in the heart of the Central Land. It was the only global power where mortals and exceptional beings coexisted peacefully. Its technology surpassed anything the world had ever seen—automated infrastructure, flying transports, and integrated chip systems controlled nearly every aspect of life.
For Solla, joining B Empire wasn't just a dream—it was a lifeline.
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Morning Rush
A LOUD ALARM BUZZED through the cramped room.
"Oh, Puck! I've overslept!" Solla jolted upright.
A voice echoed from his AI device:
"Relax, Handsome Guy. Everything's under control. Chill."
He rushed downstairs and turned on the electric heater, then darted to the bathroom for a quick shower.
(5 minutes later)
"Ugh! This water is boiling! I feel like a boiled egg in here."
Grumbling, he towel-dried quickly.
"First paycheck—I'm getting a better room, guaranteed."
Skipping breakfast, he grabbed his worn backpack and stepped out of his room, locking the door behind him. As he passed through the shared villa's common area, he saw his roommates—some cooking, others drinking or deep into video calls. The entire space felt cramped, noisy, and stifling. A visual reminder of their shared struggle to survive.
"Good luck on the job hunt, man!" said Justin, raising a glass with a smirk.
"Thanks, bro!" Solla replied.
"Wanna chug something before you go?" another roommate offered.
Justin shook his head. "Don't drag him down with you. Go get that job, Solla. Good luck."
Solla smiled. Before stepping out, he paused at the doorway, closed his eyes, and whispered a short prayer. Then, with his right foot first—a lifelong ritual—he stepped outside.
To him, this small act brought luck.
He believed that the universe listened, and that fortune smiled on those who honored its flow.
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Just then, an electric taxi glided to a stop in front of him.
"Right on time!" Solla grinned and hopped in.
The ride through Central Land was surreal. Towering skyscrapers, floating drones, holographic billboards, and AI-run vehicles painted a world unlike any other. Chip implants granted access to public services, and robotics powered everything from street cleaners to security patrols.
"You have arrived at your destination," the automated voice announced.
"Thank you," Solla said, stepping out.
A pause.
"Your account balance is negative 220," the car reminded him.
"Yes, yes—I know! I'll pay by the end of the month," Solla muttered, annoyed.
In Central Land, reaching a negative balance wasn't just inconvenient—it was dangerous. Citizens with outstanding debts were often arrested, imprisoned in high-security zones, or—worse—exiled to Tartika, the Wasteland.
Tartika was a desolate territory, home to society's cast-offs. Those sent there rarely returned. The land was harsh, resources were scarce, and survival was not guaranteed. For many, it was a death sentence.
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Arrival at B Empire
As Solla stood at the gleaming gates of B Empire, awe took hold of him.
"Puck! This feels like a dream. Where am I supposed to go? Am I early? Late? Why is it so quiet?"
Suddenly, a group of imposing security guards—led by a towering Ogre officer—approached.
"This area is reserved for guests. Applicants should report to the rear entrance," the Ogre informed him in a deep, gruff voice.
Embarrassed, Solla nodded and followed them.
Once at the rear gate, he gasped.
"Oh, Puck! The line is massive… I'm number 1022? I should've arrived before dawn!"
Hundreds of applicants stood in queue—each one, like him, chasing a future.
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TO BE CONTINUED…