"In the long course of history, it has been proven time and again that people are the most unstable factor in the world..."
The history teacher in the classroom repeated his opening remarks countless times.
Some students were sleeping, some sneaking snacks, and others picking their noses...
The afternoon sun struggled to pass through the leaves and the window glass, finally shining into the classroom.
However, everyone ignored this afternoon's hard-earned gift.
The students were tired of the history teacher's lectures. They preferred listening to the birds outside over cooperating with this unshaven old man.
However, there was one person in the classroom.
He wore a clean white shirt, with hair as sharp as moonlight, and his eyes were wide open, focused on the history teacher.
Every word, even a frivolous tone, was crucial to this attentive boy.
"Teacher." The boy finally couldn't suppress his excitement and raised his hand.
"Huh? Is it you again? Vegapunk! Just ask what you want."
The history teacher frowned, seemingly uninterested in answering Vegapunk's questions.
This kid's questions were always tricky, making it difficult for the teacher, yet he listened more carefully than anyone else.
"Teacher, where do we come from and where are we going?"
Vegapunk put his hand to his mouth, asking with fascination. This question had been on his mind for days, and he was eager for an answer.
He had made various inferences but quickly dismissed them.
This is a simple question, yet incredibly complex.
The teacher put down his chalk and stared at Vegapunk, as if trying to find the cornerstone of this question in his face.
"Listen, Vegapunk! We come from the dust, and finally return to the dust." The teacher spoke resolutely and sternly added, "Don't ask such questions again!"
"But teacher, wouldn't this fatalistic statement be a kind of contempt for life?"
Vegapunk was immersed in his thoughts, oblivious to other words.
"Did you pick up that word from somewhere and use it casually? Do you even know the true meaning of 'fatalism'?"
The teacher spoke emphatically, trying to suppress his restless student.
"I just think what the teacher said is wrong, nothing else." Vegapunk apologized in his own way.
He was naive, unaware that this kind of apology could insult some proud historians.
"Vegapunk! You are shameless. Do you think you know a lot? Your knowledge isn't even one percent of the teacher's!"
The teacher trembled with anger, forgetting his dignity.
His old, solemn voice echoed, bringing other students back to their senses.
"Hmm? Is class over? So soon today."
The recently awakened student said dazedly.
"Shh, quiet, the teacher is angry."
"What's going on?"
"It's that guy Vegapunk acting up again!"
The students whispered, and the class became lively.
"Quiet, quiet!" The teacher looked serious and knocked on the table.
The students stopped, but whispers continued.
The teacher pointed at Vegapunk, who looked innocent, and said angrily.
"Stand at the door, you're not allowed to attend today's class!"
Vegapunk obediently left his seat for the classroom door. Instead of standing there, he walked to the flower bed, fascinated by the flowers.
"Teacher, Vegapunk isn't standing at the door!" A student reported.
"Ignore him, let him do what he likes!" The teacher dismissed it and continued, "Let's carry on with the class."
The classroom soon returned to its usual silence.
But outside, Vegapunk seemed to have discovered a new world.
"What beautiful flowers! It would be great if they could smile, but life has given them too little."
Vegapunk whispered, passionately lamenting the flowers' fate.
...
This is a long island. Located in the cold zone, it snows most of the time, with few sunny days.
But even so, it remains renowned.
People here use knowledge and technology to fight the cold, not losing in this battle with nature.
Various scientific geniuses have emerged, bringing possibilities to human survival.
The unique technology has spread worldwide, profoundly affecting everyone.
People call this place Machine Island, an island with breath and emotion.
At an inconspicuous port, a young man stepped off his boat energetically.
"Aha! Finally, an inhabited island! I almost lost it at sea!"
The young man scratched his head, complaining while joyfully observing his surroundings.
The lively atmosphere brightened his mood, releasing the tension from his days at sea.
"Oh! I can't wait to have a drink!" He remembered his desire to celebrate.
"Hey! Brother, is this your first time on Machine Island?"
Suddenly, a man with a sharp face greeted the young man enthusiastically.
"That's right, first time here. It's so lively!" The young man put his hands on his hips, embracing life.
"Oh! You're lucky to have met me." The man looked at him proudly.
"What do you mean?" the young man asked.
The man took out an object, looked around cautiously, and spoke to the young man.
"This is an exclusive, detailed map of Machine Island.
Every road, river, and even every toilet is recorded.
With this map, you'll navigate Machine Island with ease.
No more getting lost!
Do you want one?"