A few hours had passed since Amon was brought into the Operative & Heroic's Agency Headquarters. Now, he found himself in one of the living quarters inside the massive facility — a sleek, well-lit room that had temporarily become his new home.
At the moment, Helios sat across from him, conducting what could only be described as an interrogation… though it felt more like a casual interview gone off the rails.
"So," Helios began, adjusting his gloves, "tell me something you remember about your life before we found you."
Amon thought for a moment, tapping his chin. "I like soda."
Helios blinked.
"…Soda?"
He stared at the young man blankly. Out of all the answers he expected — that certainly wasn't one of them.
'Soda? What the hell is a soda?' Helios thought. He had never heard of that term before, and it left him strangely curious. For someone who claimed to remember nothing of his past, this Amon certainly said some peculiar things.
"Hm… what is this 'soda' you speak of?" Helios asked, leaning forward slightly.
"Oh!" Amon's eyes brightened. "They're carbonated drinks that have this weird acidic kick that feels like it's attacking your mouth — but it tastes really good!"
Helios finally understood. "Ah… I think you're referring to Carbon Juices."
Amon tilted his head, eyes squinting in confusion. "Eh?"
"Carbon Juices fit your description." Helios reached to the nearby counter and picked up a black bottle with sleek silver labeling that read Carbon Cola.
"This," he said, handing it to Amon, "is a Carbon Juice branded Carbon Cola. Try it."
Amon studied the bottle curiously. It looked similar to a soda bottle, but the design was far more futuristic. The cap didn't twist off, and he couldn't find a pull tab. He turned it over in his hands, brows furrowed.
"How do I… open this?" he asked.
Helios chuckled softly and took the bottle back for a demonstration. "It's simple. Tap your finger here—" he said, pressing a small spot on the top of the bottle's cap.
The cap clicked, shifted, and then transformed into a smaller piece that neatly folded into a bump near the rim of the bottle. The transformation was accompanied by a soft metallic clink.
Helios handed it back. "There. Now it's open."
Amon blinked in awe. He gently tapped the bump again, watching as the cap reformed back to its original shape with another series of tiny clinking noises. "Woah…"
He looked absolutely amazed, as though he had just seen a magic trick.
Tapping it again, he reopened it and took a sip. The familiar fizz filled his mouth — sharp, cold, and oddly nostalgic.
'Reminds me of… Coca-Cola,' he thought. The tang, the sweetness, the bubbles — it was almost identical to the soda brand he loved back in his old world.
Helios smirked slightly. "How is it?"
"It's good!" Amon grinned, genuine excitement glowing in his eyes. "Reminds me of a drink I liked before."
Helios exhaled, shaking his head. He still couldn't believe he was speaking to someone who was physically eighteen, yet had the personality of a cheerful child. It was… oddly refreshing. In a world filled with corruption, politics, and war, this boy somehow radiated innocence.
Then he remembered — Amon didn't know anything about this world. No wonder he acted this way.
He sighed. "You really are something, kid…"
PFFF—
The room's automatic doors slid open, breaking the brief calm. A woman entered, her red hair tied neatly into a bun, her reading glasses gleaming under the room's light. She was dressed sharply — a fitted suit and leggings that gave off an air of pure professionalism.
"Helios," she said briskly, "the Branch Director's calling."
"Is that so?" Helios stood up, brushing off his coat. "We'll continue our chat another time, kid. Rest for a while."
He gave Amon one last nod before heading toward the door. The woman, however, lingered for a moment — her crimson eyes glancing toward the young man. She gave him a subtle wink.
Amon smiled in return, a faint pink dusting his cheeks. The woman chuckled lightly before exiting, the door sliding shut behind her.
Alone again, Amon lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
"I wonder if I'll get a 'golden finger' like those reincarnation novels usually had…" he muttered with a sigh. The thought of having some sort of cheat ability — a system, or an overpowered ability to help him survive — was the only thing keeping him from spiraling into panic.
He chuckled softly. "Yeah, as if…"
[Ding!]
The sound was clear and sharp — mechanical, yet resonant.
[Welcome, Host.]
"Huh?" Amon sat up instantly, eyes wide. A translucent panel hovered before his eyes, filled with shifting text and symbols.
"Wait— a system?!" he exclaimed.
The voice was monotone and synthetic, but it spoke directly into his mind, leaving no room for doubt.
[Correct. You may refer to this unit as the Dark NEXUS System.]
"Dark… NEXUS System?" Amon blinked rapidly. "Usually systems have names like 'Godly Gamer' or 'Reincarnation Helper' or something… You sound way more ominous."
[This designation is fitting. You may request information about the universe if you wish.]
"The universe?" Amon tilted his head, curiosity overpowering confusion. "Then— what's a NEXUS?"
The system responded instantly.
[A NEXUS, short for "Neuro-Eidetic eXpansion and Unison System," is this universe's equivalent of a 'superpower.']
[In simpler terms, every mortal, upon reaching the age of eighteen, may undergo a NEXUS Surgery — a procedure that forever alters their existence.]
[The surgery implants a neural tech device into the junction between the neck bone and skull, effectively turning the mortal ageless. Even a thousand years later, their body will remain in the prime condition of their eighteenth year.]
Amon's jaw dropped slightly. "So everyone's basically immortal after that…?"
[Functionally ageless, yes. Mortals cease aging, but can still die through external means. After the neural tech is implanted, the device randomly grants a form of power — referred to as the NEXUS Ability.]
[There are three main categories:]
[Caustal – Individuals who command complex suits or weaponry through mental synchronization and intent. They are the front-line warriors, their minds directly linked to their gear.]
[Hexacaust – Users who manipulate drones, ships, or floating devices in combat. The size and number of controlled units depend on their mental strength.]
[Oxtem – Strategists who operate within control rooms or systems, managing large-scale operations and ensuring absolute defense against hacking or sabotage.]
Amon blinked, absorbing every word. It was a lot to take in.
"So it's like… superpowers through tech. Damn…" he murmured.
The System continued, unbothered by his commentary.
[After acquiring a NEXUS, mortals attend specialized institutions known as Nexus Academies. These academies train individuals in combat and practical survival, ensuring that every graduate is prepared for the outside world.]
[Upon graduation, there are two major paths: the Heroic Exam and the Operative Exam.]
[The Heroic Exam allows graduates to become certified Heroics. They are assigned to mobile cities based on demand, performing public service, combat operations, and even maintaining media presence. Though popularized as celebrities, their core purpose remains duty above all else.]
[The Operative Exam, however, is different.]
[Operatives are often those who fail the Heroic Exam but refuse to abandon their duty. They perform critical work — guerrilla operations, panic control, and intelligence gathering.]
[Though less known to the public, Operatives and Heroics function as two halves of the same whole. Neither can survive without the other.]
Amon blinked rapidly as the flood of information filled his mind. His lips parted in awe. "So… those two from earlier — Helios and that red-haired woman — they're Operatives?"
[Correct. In fact, the woman who keeps flirting with you is one of them.]
Amon's face instantly flushed crimson. "H-Hey! She wasn't flirting!"
[Processing statement… Incorrect. She was.]
Amon groaned, covering hi s face. "Oh my god, this system's— UGH!"
The mechanical voice paused, then responded — almost smugly.
[Pleasure to be of service, Host.]