The flash of memories seized Kaito's mind, taking him back to brighter and more hopeful times, before the shadow of chaos spread over Neo-Tokyo. Just a few years ago, society was flourishing in an era of progress and technology, where neon lights illuminated the streets and scientific advances promised a bright future for mankind. Kaito, then a young man of just 17, walked the city streets with the confidence and joy of youth, unaware of the dangers lurking in the shadows.
But then, fate twisted and tragedy struck mercilessly. A powerful virus, rising from the depths of darkness, spread like an unstoppable plague, infecting the minerals that sustained the technology of the modern age. In a matter of weeks, society was plunged into chaos and despair, as the advances of the past faded into oblivion and humanity regressed technologically by leaps and bounds.
The name of that malevolent virus that marked the destiny of mankind echoed in the annals of history like an everlasting curse: "Chrono-Plague".
Kaito clearly remembered the images of his youth, the anguish on the faces of loved ones, the despair in the deserted streets and the sense of helplessness as he watched the world he knew crumble before his eyes. Now, in the dark of night in Neo-Tokyo, those memories haunted him like shadows of the past, reminding him of the price of freedom and the value of survival in a world torn apart by chaos.
As he wandered aimlessly among the rubble and shadows of Neo-Tokyo, Kaito stumbled upon a singular object in the wreckage of a collapsed building. It was a diary, weather-worn and stained by dust and moisture. With trembling hands, he picked it up and began to leaf through it, finding in its pages the words written by a witness to the events that led to the disaster that devastated the city.
As he read, memories flooded into his mind, reconstructing the events that led up to that moment. He recalled the day the Chrono-Plague was unleashed upon Neo-Tokyo, the confusion and chaos that gripped the streets as society collapsed in the face of the unstoppable advance of the disease. Chrono-Plague, like a dark shadow, began its advance from the foundations of technology itself. The essential minerals that sustained the technological advances of the modern era were the first to succumb to its corrosive power. But the real horror came three months later, when the plague began to attack humans themselves.
In the age of advanced technology, each individual was born with an implanted chip, a tool that facilitated the understanding and use of society's technological advances. But the Chrono-Plague, insatiable in its voracity, pounced on these chips, rendering them inert and useless, depriving humanity of its connection to the technology they once dominated.
Faced with the collapse of society as they knew it, the survivors were forced to seek new ways of life, while struggling to rebuild what was once their home. The ruins of Neo-Tokyo became a silent witness to decay and rebirth, a devastated metropolis rising on the foundations of a glorious past, reminding its inhabitants of the fragility of civilization and the strength of hope.
In today's Neo-Tokyo, working life is divided into several options, each with its own difficulties and rewards.
Basic Technology Collectors: These brave individuals venture into the rubble and ruins of the city in search of artifacts with "baccy" technology, unusable remnants of ancient technology affected by the Chrono-Plague. Although the work is dangerous and legally questionable, the government pays handsomely for these artifacts, prompting many to take a chance on this risky profession.
Home Construction: A more stable but less lucrative job is that of a home builder. With the city in constant need of reconstruction, there is a constant demand for labor in this field. However, wages are modest and the work can be strenuous.
Night Bar Employees: Especially for women, working in night bars becomes a necessary option for many families disadvantaged by the crisis and the lack of a male breadwinner. The nightlife entertainment industry, while offering a source of income, is also rife with exploitation and abuse.
Jobs in Corrupt Government Organizations: For those with connections or social status, working in corrupt government organizations becomes a tempting option. However, this choice fuels resentment and distrust among society, as the actions of these organizations are perceived as unfair and detrimental to the welfare of the city.
Gravediggers: A grim but necessary job in a city devastated by tragedy, gravediggers are charged with burying the deceased, a constant reminder of the fragility of life in Neo-Tokyo.
Bootblacks, Chauffeurs and Other Legal Jobs: These jobs are low-paying and demanding, but are an option for those looking to earn extra money. However, many are forced to seek opportunities in the underworld due to the inadequacy of these jobs to support themselves.
In the dark environment of Neo-Tokyo, desperation and necessity have led to the formation of factions among the collectors and other workers, who, desperate to improve their situation, often find themselves drawn into illegal and dangerous activities in search of power and prosperity.
In addition to the jobs mentioned above, there is also a presence of police officers in Neo-Tokyo. These positions are usually held by individuals from lower classes who have connections to government organizations. Although salaries are not as high as those of the elites, police officers can live relatively quiet lives in the city's suburbs. However, they are widely despised by the population due to their reputation for corruption and abuse of power.
Most police engage in corrupt behavior, taking advantage of their status to extort money from needy citizens for additional benefits. This behavior has led to the police force being largely despised by the population of Neo-Tokyo, being derogatorily called pigs.
Many of the police officers are bought off by various factions in the low-lying areas to turn a blind eye to the activities of criminal organizations, including some factions of collectors. This complicity between the police and organized crime only contributes to distrust and resentment towards the authorities in a city where law and order is hard to find.