[Author's Note] (As the title suggests, it's a Prologue. You can choose to skip it without missing any significant information.)
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It was just an ordinary Monday, waking up and driving to work after a nice weekend. I had a bit of a headache from the drinks last night with my mates, but it was worth it. Surprisingly, my job as an electrician paid well.
I remember when I was 19 years old and hadn't applied to any university. I was jobless, feeling like I was wasting my life. But then, my uncle suggested I try a job as a full-time apprentice.
Feeling like I had nothing to lose and getting bored with the new games and novels that were coming out, I applied and got the position.
In the beginning, it was boring. I was basically just carrying their tools and acting like a driver and delivery person. I even brought my boss coffee in the morning and acted as a secretary.
After a year of training, I finally had the chance to display my skills. I had gained a basic understanding that went beyond using tools and memorizing the menu at the nearby coffee shop.
Recognizing my ability to complete tasks and contribute to larger projects, they decided to keep me in the company and extended a full-time contract.
No longer burdened with the duty of fetching coffee or carrying tools for others, I now had my own van and was working on smaller jobs, primarily simpler ones, to acquire more experience.
Everything was going well, and my pay was increasing with each passing year. The only issue was that I had a few toxic relationships in the past that left me feeling depressed after thinking I had found my soulmate.
But then it happened, I found someone I truly loved, and we got engaged, planning to get married next year. With my family and friends, I was happy and enjoying my life, going on trips and living the life I always wanted.
In my free time, I could enjoy reading and doing things that interested me. Natasha, my fiance, always dragged me around, going out. At the start, I wasn't that much of an outgoing person, but things changed in our relationship.
I took a step back, allowing her to introduce some minor changes to my routines that turned out to benefit my overall health.
Instead of renting, we made the decision and bought a house with a mortgage, thanks to significant support from our families and our jobs.
It was then that I realized the renting game was a scam—I had no idea that owning a house only cost slightly more per month.
Now, as a 25-year-old adult, I held a position as a full-time, seasoned electrician.
On that day, while I was driving, I stopped to buy a coffee. As soon as I entered the coffee shop, the barista made my order without me even having to ask for it. He was familiar with my morning routine.
''Where are you working today?'' he made small talk with me as I waited for the coffee.
''I've got a job installing some safety plugs at an old apartment. What about you? Where is everyone else?'' I asked, looking around as he was alone in the shop.
''I see. I'm stuck here because my coworkers are off, and the boss owner is treating me a bit harshly lately. I am thinking of quitting,'' he muttered.
Hearing this, I replied, ''You can try out an apprenticeship as I did,'' and told him where to check for more information on the web.
''Just make sure you have the following job secured. Don't quit without a backup,'' I added, hoping to offer some useful advice.
I shared my experience, and he expressed appreciation, replying, "Eric, I'll consider that." Taking the coffee, I thanked him before leaving a tip.
Arriving at the apartment, I told the old man that I needed to close the electricity, and he nodded, walking me to the box.
Everything was going fine, but that's when it happened.
Someone in the building mistakenly opened the safety switch, and I felt an electric current pass through me, shocking me.
The last thing I saw was my vision fading to black as I fell to the ground with a dull 'thud'.
My final thought lingered on "I hate Mondays."
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In a distant land, a baby was born – a new life from two of the strongest cultivators of a middle world.
"How is he doing?" the woman asked, looking tired after giving birth.
"He's fine. The delivery was without complications, although he hasn't shed a tear," the nurse responded, a trace of unease in her tone.
"Well, he is our son after all," a man chimed in, his demeanour displaying an air of confidence and ease, seemingly undisturbed by the situation.
The nurse observed the baby intently, drawing him near to her face. Her head alone dwarfed his.
Startled, the baby let out a cry. "Oh, he does cry," the nurse exclaimed, a sense of satisfaction crossing her features. She began to gently rub him, carefully removing traces of blood.
As the nurse handed the baby to the woman in the bed, who looked to be around 30 and a bit weary, an unmistakable air of uniqueness hung around her. A soothing, cool sensation enveloped her, casting a distinct and special ambiance.
The people in the room looked upon the child with tender expressions, their smiles radiating joy.
The mother softly caressed the baby, her voice a gentle murmur, attempting to lull it into slumber. "Shh... shh..." she crooned softly, gradually coaxing the baby into a peaceful rest.
The father of the child approached the bedside, his gaze filled with affection. This was their newborn, a precious creation they had tirelessly strived for, given their high cultivation realms.
"Have you chosen a name for the baby?" the nurse inquired.
The couple exchanged a glance, their hearts in sync, and simultaneously spoke the name they had thoughtfully selected, "Hao."
When the nurse heard the name, she nodded in agreement, "Hao? Indeed, a suitable name, City Lord. I look forward to seeing this child grow, much like your daughter," before giving a respectful bow and leaving the room.