Neo Eden is a sprawling metropolis, its skyline dominated by towering skyscrapers that reach an artificial sky. Tall walls separate this city from the rest of the world, enforcing strict isolation. Communication with the outside world is heavily restricted, and the internet is tightly controlled. The artificial sky, a marvel of technological advancement, also serves to prevent satellite surveillance, shrouding the city's activities in secrecy. Once constructed to protect its inhabitants from the chaotic weather and scarce resources following long wars, these walls now act as instruments of control and oppression. Neo Eden initially envisioned as a utopia, has devolved into a gilded cage where luxury buildings stand in stark contrast to the lack of true freedom.

In Neo Eden, technology and magic coexist in a delicate balance. The city's elite have access to magical stones and mana, granting them extraordinary abilities. However, ordinary citizens are deprived of such powers, living under the shadow of a government designed to exploit the area's rich mana resources. The city was built not to save people from the chaos of war but to monopolize these valuable resources for the world's powerful elite. Gaining citizenship in Neo Eden was once a privilege reserved for a select few, and Gail's family, long-time residents of the area, managed to secure their place within its walls. Yet, the promise of safety and prosperity has been replaced by a harsh reality of secrecy and repression.

In this city, a young man named Gail seeks freedom more than anyone else. Gail is resourceful and tech-savvy, often attempting to bypass the city's restricted internet to connect with the outside world. His family has lived in the area where Neo Eden now stands for generations. Gail's thin frame and lack of physical strength highlight the toll that the oppressive environment has taken on him. His father, John, understands the city's dark underbelly and the extent of its control. Protective of his son, John tries to shield Gail from the authorities. But he is a government pensioner. Someone who sometimes justifies some of their actions for the few salaries and benefits he receives from the government. Sometimes he tries to show that the government is not so bad. A behavior that causes Gail's anger and strong opposition.

In one of his attempts to communicate with the outside world, Gail meets someone named Kaz. A virtual friendship forms between them. Kaz is an enigmatic figure from the outside world, with whom Gail forms a virtual friendship. Kaz's initial perception of Neo Eden as a utopia contrasts sharply with Gail's harsh reality. This dynamic between them underscores the vast disparity between the city's image and its true nature. One day, during a video chat with Kaz, the following conversation takes place:

Gail: "In the metropolis of Neo Eden, technology and magic are inseparably linked. This city, once envisioned as Earth's utopia, is now in disrepair. My family and I have lived here for generations, with deep roots in this place. However, obtaining citizenship was not easy. I doubt anyone would willingly migrate here now. This is the only civilization in the new world, enclosed within tall walls under an artificial sky where news is heavily censored. What do you know about my city?"

Kaz: "The city has a good reputation and is considered the best city on Earth. I would love to obtain citizenship there or at least visit as a tourist."

Gail: "Propaganda! Don't believe what they say. The media is controlled by them."

Kaz: "I think you're being paranoid and caught up in conspiracy theories. How is that possible?"

Gail: "Isn't it strange that obtaining citizenship was once very difficult, and now it's being advertised?"

Kaz: "Of course, we are communicating on a hidden network, and you are bypassing the local internet? Is this level of control really necessary?"

Suddenly, Gail's father, John, shouted, "Shut down the software immediately and come out of your room!"

Gail didn't have time to close the software before he left the room, seeing several officers arguing with his father. His secret connection to the outside world had been exposed. His father tried to stop the officers. The officers shouted that his crime was communicating with the outside world. Gail tried to escape, but... Kaz watched as Gail was captured by the officers, and then the software shut down.

Kaz looked at the black screen for a long time, thinking, "Maybe Gail's words weren't just paranoia. Why would he communicate with me secretly, and more importantly, why was he arrested? I heard the officers shouting, 'Why are you communicating with the outside world? Don't you know it's a crime?'" These thoughts came to Kaz, but it was too late.

While fighting with the officers, Gail was hit on the head. Gail's thin body could not withstand such blows. He passed out and fell to the ground. A person whose job was related to computers for many years and who had no physical activity, Gail was physically very weak. Also, the unfulfilled desire for freedom and life under domination had weakened him. Maybe if some mana, which was exclusive to the rich and important people, was available to him, he would have a different situation now.

The officers left the father at home and immediately transferred Gail to the police car. The younger officer said to the experienced one:

"Sir, we gave him a bad blow on the head and he is unconscious. It is better to take him to the hospital first."

Senior officer: "You idiot! Do you want to create a headache for ourselves? We will transfer him to the center, he will probably regain consciousness by then and then enter the detention center."

Young officer: "What if he doesn't regain consciousness?"

Senior officer: "We say that he ran away on the way, fell down, and became unconscious. Don't worry, boy."

Gail was quickly taken to the temporary detention center at the police headquarters to prepare for his court hearing the next day. Gail slowly regained consciousness but was still confused. When he came to, he found himself in a small room that was in stark contrast to the luxurious appearance of the city, crumbling, with cracks in the walls and water dripping from the ceiling. Another person was also present in the detention cell. The young man looked calm, his peace contrasting with what the government called "criminals." His appearance suggested he had a lot of information behind his eyes, things he should not know. In a pretense of freedom, the government convicted those it deemed guilty to various punishments without defense after a trial.

"Where am I?" asked Gale, who had just regained consciousness.

The person sitting next to him: "You are in detention... welcome to captivity."

Gail, upon hearing this, reminisced about his memories. How he had interacted with the outside world and got arrested. He felt miserable. He remembered his father and Kaz. For their sake, he had to try to pull himself together. He tried to distract himself from negative thoughts by talking to his cellmate.

After taking some time to adjust, Gail said to his cellmate: "What's your name? Why are you here?"

Cellmate: "You can call me Tommy. I'm a journalist. I'm here because I published something that I shouldn't have. Why are you here?"

"I also had to communicate with someone that I shouldn't have." Gail, who was still not feeling well, tried to engage himself more in the discussion by answering.

Gail's thirst for freedom made him curious to know what Tommy had published. As a journalist, he probably knows a lot. He probably revealed a secret. Maybe Tommy had information that could help him see his father again. "Can you tell me what you published? Can you help me see my father?" Gail said.

Tommy pointed to a corner of the room where a hidden listening device was placed: "Do you want my charges to be worse?"

Tommy doesn't fully understand Gail's exact crime and thinks he is lying. He ignored it and didn't listen to the rest of Gail's words.

Gail sat in his dim, flickering cell, the weight of his situation pressing down on him. The monotonous rhythm of water dripping from the ceiling heightened his despair. Unable to sleep, Gail's troubled thoughts centered around his father's worried face, his harsh confrontation with officers, and his uncertain future. Suffering from ADHD, Gail couldn't remain still. His mind raced with distressing thoughts, leading him to pace the confines of his small cell. The physical discomfort of pacing offered a welcome distraction from his chaotic mind.

As the next day's court session approached, Gail felt a gnawing anxiety. Exhaustion and frustration showed in his bloodshot eyes and dark circles. The oppressive atmosphere of the cell, compounded by the presence of the quiet yet enigmatic Tommy, added to his unease. Gail doubted the fairness of justice in Neo Eden, aware it was a facade masking the regime's brutality.

Gail's thoughts wandered to his virtual friend, Kaz. He hoped Kaz had understood the gravity of the situation and wouldn't try to contact him again, knowing it could lead to more trouble. The uncertainty of his fate weighed heavily on him, but beneath the layers of fear and despair, a spark of determination began to flicker. He resolved to fight for his freedom, to challenge the oppressive system that had ensnared him and so many others. The upcoming court session loomed large in his mind, a daunting hurdle that he knew he had to face, no matter the outcome.

With dawn's weak light signaling a new day, Gail felt a mix of dread and hope. The contrast between the luxurious city and his crumbling cell symbolized Neo Eden's vast disparity. His thoughts of escape grew stronger, fueled by his desire for freedom. He glanced at Tommy who was just waking up, hoping the journalist might hold the key to the city's dark secrets.

As the guards arrived to escort him to court, Gail exchanged a final glance with Tommy, understanding that the fight for freedom would be long and arduous, but he was not alone.

A guard called out, "Gail. You'll be sent to court for your hearing."