*Year 3087, Monday, 11:00*
Ethan Blake gazed out of his office window, the sprawling cityscape reflecting a life that mirrored his—successful, driven, but devoid of personal fulfillment. Tall skyscrapers rose like sentinels against the sky, their gleaming facades a testament to the relentless pursuit of ambition. Ethan's office, perched high above the urban sprawl, seemed to insulate him from the bustling world below. His thoughts wandered as he absently tapped his pen against the glass-topped desk, the rhythmic sound lost in the hum of the climate-controlled room.
The tranquil moment was interrupted by the familiar voice of Mark, his colleague and longtime friend. "Ethan, did you complete the coding for the dashboard?" Mark's voice carried a hint of admiration mixed with camaraderie as he approached, his grin wide and infectious.
Ethan turned, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Relax, Mark. It's all taken care of. I finished the coding last night," he said, his tone tinged with the quiet confidence of someone accustomed to staying ahead.
Mark chuckled, shaking his head in mock disbelief. "Still the same old genius, aren't you? Even back in high school, you were the first to finish every assignment while the rest of us were still scratching our heads."
Ethan's expression grew more serious as he adjusted his cufflinks, the polished metal catching the sunlight streaming through the window. "You've always had potential, Mark. It's just that your laziness gets in the way. If you'd fix that, you'd be unstoppable."
Mark feigned a wounded look, his eyebrows arching in exaggerated surprise. "Ouch, that's harsh, Ethan. But probably true," he admitted with a laugh, a genuine warmth in his eyes.
Ethan's gaze softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on Mark's shoulder. "Just trying to give you a nudge in the right direction. See you later." With a final nod, he grabbed his jacket and walked out of the office, the door closing softly behind him, leaving Mark chuckling to himself.
*Year 3087, Monday, 14:00*
Back in the office, Ethan was immersed in the intricate dance of algorithms and code, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he reviewed the final integration protocols for his latest project. The room was bathed in the soft glow of computer screens, the digital hum a constant companion to his thoughts.
His concentration was broken by the voice of his manager, Mr. Ross, calling out from his office. "Ethan, could you come in here for a moment?"
Ethan rose, his mind still entangled in the lines of code he had been refining. He straightened his tie, his reflection briefly catching in the glass partition as he made his way to Mr. Ross's office. Mr. Ross was a balding man in his early fifties, known for his sharp business acumen and a smile that rarely reached his eyes. He was hunched over his computer, the screen reflecting in his glasses as he scrolled through Ethan's data.
"Ah, Ethan. I've been going through your data," Mr. Ross began without looking up. "Impressive work as always. I see you've implemented a new system that allows users to manage bulk orders, integrate their bank accounts, and even connect with other financial institutions for loans. Very forward-thinking."
Ethan stood patiently, his hands clasped behind his back, the faint scent of leather and polished wood filling the air. "Thank you, sir. I've put a lot of thought into it. The app is designed to simplify financial management for both individuals and businesses."
Mr. Ross finally looked up, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of admiration and calculation. "It's more than good, Ethan. It's revolutionary. This could be a game-changer for the company. I think you deserve the rest of the day off. Go enjoy yourself; you've earned it."
Ethan felt a twinge of suspicion at Mr. Ross's uncharacteristic generosity. He knew the man well enough to sense when something was amiss. The undercurrent of tension in Mr. Ross's voice betrayed a hidden agenda. Nonetheless, Ethan nodded. "Thank you, sir."
As he left the office, a sense of unease settled over him. He knew Mr. Ross well enough to recognize the look in his eyes—the look of someone who planned to claim credit for work that wasn't his. Ethan had spent three years developing the app, Global Banker. It was a comprehensive platform that allowed users to buy anything from groceries to cars, manage their finances, and even secure loans. It was his magnum opus, a project he believed could change the world.
*Year 3087, Monday, 18:30*
Outside, the summer sun was bright, casting long shadows across the city streets. Ethan decided to take a walk to clear his head, the sounds of the city a distant roar. He wandered through the urban labyrinth, the towering buildings casting long, dark shadows that danced across the pavement. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and possibilities, the gravity of his creation weighing heavily on his shoulders.
The air was warm and carried the faint scent of blooming flowers from the nearby park, a sharp contrast to the sterile environment of his office. As the sun dipped towards the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over the city, Ethan decided to head home. His apartment wasn't far, and the walk would give him time to think about his next move.
He was crossing the street, his thoughts still tangled in the intricacies of the Global Banker, when he felt a sudden, blinding pain. The world spun, and he was dimly aware of the screech of tires and the shattering of glass. Time seemed to stretch, each second a painful eternity. His vision blurred, and as he crumpled to the ground, his thoughts turned to the unfinished work he was leaving behind.
The last thing he saw was the setting sun, a brilliant splash of orange and red against the darkening sky. Then, everything went black.
*Year ???, ??? ???*
A cacophony of birdsong greeted Ethan as he struggled to open his eyes, the light almost unbearably bright. The scent of pine and fresh earth filled his nostrils, a stark contrast to the city's smog and steel. Blinking against the sunlight filtering through a canopy of trees, he slowly sat up, his body aching as if from a deep, dreamless sleep.
"Ah, what happened?" he muttered, his voice hoarse and disoriented. The last thing he remembered was the blinding pain and the screeching sound. He looked around, bewildered by the dense forest surrounding him. The rustling leaves and distant call of birds created a symphony of life that was utterly foreign.
"This is not the city," he whispered, panic rising in his chest. He scrambled to his feet, his movements startlingly swift and agile. The sensation was jarring, a stark departure from his 39-year-old self. He sprinted towards a nearby lake, the cool forest air whipping past his face. As he skidded to a halt by the water's edge, his reflection stared back at him—youthful, vibrant, and unmistakably different.
"What...?" He leaned closer, his reflection rippling in the pristine water. "This can't be real. I'm... young again." His hand reached up, touching his face, feeling the smooth skin and the absence of the lines that had marked his years.
His mind raced, trying to piece together the fragments of his memory. "The last thing I remember is crossing the street, then... nothing. I must have died and somehow ended up here. This is impossible."
He looked around, trying to make sense of his surroundings. "This feels like something out of a game or an anime," he mused aloud, the absurdity of the situation making him laugh despite himself. "What the hell is going on here?"
Taking a deep breath, Ethan tried to calm his racing thoughts. "Okay, let's think. I've got low-tier clothes on," he noted, examining the rough tunic and trousers that seemed out of place in his memories. "If this follows RPG logic, I'm probably a low-ranking character in this world."
As he pondered his next move, a sudden burst of light filled his vision, accompanied by an ethereal chime.
*System Code Activate: Global Banker*
*System Message HUD Bar Open*
*System Message: Welcome, Ethan. How can I assist you?*