Time at MIT had flown by, and Steven's bee-inspired microdrone project had evolved into something groundbreaking. With the military backing his research, his drones were no longer just theoretical designs but functional, field-ready prototypes. Unlike conventional surveillance technology, these microdrones were engineered to mimic real insects, blending seamlessly into the environment while conducting high-tech reconnaissance.
The project had diversified into various specialized drones:
Bee Drones – Solar-powered aerial scouts, capable of long-distance surveillance and real-time environmental analysis.
Housefly Drones – Small, agile, and perfect for covert indoor espionage in tightly secured locations.
Ant Drones – Ground operatives equipped with advanced listening devices. These drones were unique—they could form independent communication networks, transmitting data from one drone to another, allowing them to establish wide-area surveillance without requiring internet or external signals. They generated energy from both solar power and vibrational sources, making them self-sustaining.
Spider Drones – Designed for infiltration in urban environments, capable of scaling walls and analyzing structural weaknesses.
With prototypes now under evaluation by military intelligence, Steven's work was no longer just a university project—it was shaping the future of covert operations, disaster response, and battlefield reconnaissance.
Despite his growing involvement in high-stakes research, Steven never neglected Veronica
Between his AI research and business empire, Steven had uncovered a new passion: music.
Veronica had introduced him to various instruments, and thanks to his system-enhanced learning, he quickly mastered the piano and violin, seamlessly harmonizing with her enchanting vocals.
Music had become their escape, and soon, they decided to share their performances with the world.
Thus, "Melody of Sun and Moon" was born—an anonymous livestream music channel where they performed without revealing their identities.
Steven took the persona of Solaris, wearing a golden lion mask, while Veronica became Luna, adorned with a silver fox mask.
Their performances became a viral sensation, drawing in thousands of listeners across MIT, Ivy League universities, and global online music communities.
To accommodate their growing projects, Steven had purchased a private house near MIT, giving them the perfect space for creativity, research, and music.
Steven had enjoyed dorm life—his camaraderie with Isaac, Nate, and Julius had been filled with unforgettable experiences. But between his military research, business responsibilities, and music, he needed his own space.
His house was more than just a home—it was a strategic base for everything he was building.
Inside, it featured:
A Spacious Living Room – A cozy, high-tech space with a state-of-the-art entertainment system.
A Fully Equipped Kitchen & Dining Area – Designed for culinary experiments, thanks to his Heavenly Chef title.
A Dedicated Study Room – Where Steven handled his businesses, talked with Arthur and Arnold, managed SilverByte Studios and developed new games for company, work on military project, and AI research.
A Music & Livestream Studio – The sacred space where Solaris & Luna came to life.
Outside, the house had:
An Underground Garage – Housing Steven's BMW M8 Coupe. Spacious enough to house few more.
A Zen Garden & Koi Pond – A tranquil retreat for relaxation and inspiration.
A Private Swimming Pool & Gazebo – The perfect setting for social gatherings and late-night conversations.
Veronica often stayed over after late-night rehearsals or study sessions, making the house a second home.
A prestigious MIT music competition was approaching, and Veronica had been training relentlessly with her pianist partner, Naomi Kova'cs.
The night before the competition, Steven arrived at the music hall to pick up Veronica for lunch.
Just as she was leaving, someone stepped in her way.
Lyra Rose.
A fellow contestant, her presence radiating arrogance and hostility.
"Veronica," Lyra smirked, tilting her head. "You have a great voice, some raw talent, and even a little popularity… but that's not enough to win. This competition? I am destined to take first place. You? You'll lose."
Veronica didn't flinch. "Lyra, we'll do our best. You can try your hardest—we don't fear competition."
She brushed past Lyra, joining Steven in his car.
But just before Steven started the engine, his keen perception caught something unusual—
Lyra handing an envelope to Naomi.
Naomi hesitated, then took it with a small nod.
Steven's gaze darkened. A bribe.
Next day, the competition hall was packed. The audience hummed with excitement as contestants took the stage.
However, Veronica's excitement had turned into unease.
She had called Naomi multiple times—but there was no answer.
Then, Lyra appeared, grinning.
"Veronica, where's Naomi?" she taunted, her voice dripping with mock innocence. "Don't tell me she's too afraid to show up. It'd be such a shame to lose like this."
Steven stepped forward, his voice calm but commanding.
"It won't be a shame. Veronica will win, and the audience will be left speechless by her performance."
Lyra's smirk faltered, but she quickly composed herself. "We'll see about that," she muttered, disappearing backstage.
Lyra's performance was technically flawless. She had both a pianist and a violinist, creating a layered melody that earned her high scores from the judges.
Five judges gave her perfect 10s. Three judges gave her 9s. Remaining two judges gave her lower scores, stating her voice was overpowered by the instruments.
Even then, her score was the highest so far.
As she returned backstage, she smirked at Veronica, believing she had secured her victory.
But then…
It was Veronica's turn.
Steven took his place at the piano.
The audience, tired from the long event, had begun to lose interest. Some were dozing off, while others headed for the exits.
A dirty trick from Lyra's side—Veronica was given the last slot on purpose.
But for Steven? It didn't matter.
As Veronica began to sing, her voice filled the amphitheater, rich with emotion and depth.
Steven's fingers moved effortlessly across the piano keys, weaving a melody so powerful that it awakened the crowd.
One by one, heads turned, eyes widened, and breaths were held.
Through the golden fields, where sunlight dances free,
Where the winds whisper softly, calling out to me.
Yet even in warmth, the shadows creep near,
A fleeting eclipse, a whisper of fear.
But stars still shimmer, in the endless night,
A promise of dawn, of hope, of light.
The audience not only enjoyed the performance, they could feel it, experience the thought behind it—
Warmth of a golden wheat field under a bright sun. A sudden chill, like the arrival of night. Darkness, sorrow— like an eclipse stealing away the light. And then, again light of hope—like moon shining brightly in sky with stars twinkling around, a promise of tomorrow.
By the time they finished, the entire amphitheater was silent.
And then—
Thunderous applause.
Veronica had won.
And Lyra?
She had lost before the results were even announced.