In a modern classroom, equipped with sleek, The walls are lined with holographic screens that display shifting visuals and dynamic content. A large screen at the front shows historical images as part of the lesson. Each desk is embedded with advanced tech devices that allow students to interact with the material being presented.
The students, a mix of boys and girls, sit at their desks, their expressions ranging from curiosity to boredom as they watch the teacher. They wear school uniforms that combine traditional elements with tech-enhanced fabrics.
The teacher is a middle-aged handsome man dressed in a smart, gray outfit. His tailored jacket has small glowing patterns that indicate his rank. He has short gray hair and wears thin, circular glasses. His demeanor is calm but authoritative as he stands at the front, pointing to the screen while speaking.
the teacher showing ancient pictures of Earth's cities. He explains how human civilization evolved, starting with simple tools and progressing to advanced machines. "Technology developed rapidly," he says, "leading to space exploration."
The teacher moves to the next slide, showing images of Earth's deteriorating environment. "As the planet became increasingly unstable," he continues, "humanity was forced to search for a new home."
He gestures to the screen, now showing images of failed space expeditions. "There were many attempts to find another habitable planet," he explains, "but all of them were unsuccessful."
The teacher shifts to an image of the first high-tech spaceship. "To ensure humanity's survival, the brightest minds were selected to leave Earth," he says. "These ships were cutting-edge for their time, but to us now, they are relics of the past."
Next, the teacher displays a digital diagram of humanity's ships in space. "Over time, 200,000 people went into dormancy to conserve resources while maintaining the population," he explains.
The teacher pauses, looking around the room. "Humanity survived in space for over 20,000 years," he says, "with the human race evolving inside the ships, isolated from the rest of the universe."
The screen changes to show Raptor, a massive planet far larger than Earth. "Eventually, we discovered Raptor, a planet ideal for human settlement," the teacher continues. The students watch in awe as the screen zooms in on the vast planet.
"But Raptor wasn't suitable for humans," the teacher adds. "While it could support life, the environment was not habitable for us. We had to live inside protective domes and study the native creatures."
The teacher switches to an image of these creatures, each one with a strange core visible in its body. "These cores," he explains, "define the creatures' abilities and powers. This discovery was crucial for humanity's survival on Raptor."
He goes on to explain the breakthrough of genome enhancement. "We used liquid extracted from the creatures' hearts to enhance human genes," he says. The screen shows an animation of the enhancement process, followed by images of initial failures humans who succumbed to madness, illness, or poor health.
"As generations passed, the descendants began to show results," the teacher continues. "Some humans showed improved health, longer lifespans, and eventually, the rare appearance of cores within humans."
He pauses, letting the information sink in. "Now," he concludes, "there are two types of humans: Earthlings, who adapted through genetic enhancement, and innates, those who possess the core which allows them to possess extraordinary abilities. But innates are rare, only one in a hundred humans is born with a core."
The lesson was moving along smoothly until a voice from the back interrupted.
"Teacher, which kind are you?"
The classroom fell silent. The students turned their heads, curious about the question. A black-haired, overweight boy sat with his hand raised, his expression honest and expectant.
The teacher chuckled. "Hahaha, I'm just a regular person."
The fat boy didn't seem satisfied. "What about those with no heart or core? I've heard of them, but there's no information on the network."
For a brief moment, the teacher's expression shifted, his usual calm demeanor faltering. Then he waved it off casually. "Alright, alright… class is over. Everyone, get home safely."
Groans of disappointment rippled through the students as they gathered their things. The fat boy looked let down, clearly wanting more answers, but no one pressed further. One by one, the students shuffled out of the room.
The teacher stood by the door, watching them leave. Soon, only one student remained. An 18-year-old boy with white hair and gray eyes, sharp as silver blades. He wore a black hoodie, jeans, and white shoes, standing casually near the exit.
The teacher smiled. "Such a coincidence… I was surprised to see you in my class. How's your first day at school?"
Orin met his gaze with indifference. "That's what you said last time… and many times before. I know you intended to teach my class from the beginning. My day is quieter than usual."
The teacher chuckled. "Glad to hear that. You can't blame a father for being a father, right?"
Orin walked past him, barely pausing. "And you can't blame a son for being a son," he replied. "You can't keep an eye on me forever, Dad."
The door closed behind him, leaving the teacher alone in the empty classroom, he turned off the screen, and put on a smile on his face then walked out.
Orin leaned against his father's advanced car, arms crossed, his gaze drifting over the cityscape. The streets were lined with floating vehicles moving seamlessly through designated air lanes. Towering holographic billboards flashed advertisements in vibrant colors, and pedestrians moved along high-tech pathways designed to optimize foot traffic. It was the same scene every day—clean, efficient, and artificial.
His eyes stopped on a small scene unfolding near the school gates. A tall, handsome student stood in front of a red-haired girl, holding out a delicate white flower. She didn't hesitate. Without a word, she took a step forward, crushing it under her shoe before walking past him.
The boy's face twisted in anger. "You'll never find someone better than me!" he snapped, his pride clearly wounded.
The girl ignored him entirely, stepping into a sleek black limousine. Without a sound, the vehicle pulled away, leaving him standing there, stunned and humiliated.
Orin scoffed internally. Hmph. Kids' drama. Scenes like this were common outside the school—rejections, confessions, heartbreak. It was nothing new.
Unfortunately, the rejected student caught him watching. "What are you looking at?" he snapped before storming off, still seething.
Orin didn't bother responding. He just exhaled and glanced toward the road. Moments later, his father's car pulled up. The driver's side window lowered, revealing his father's teasing grin. "Look who's waiting for Daddy…"
Orin's expression darkened. "Can we just drive home?" he muttered, opening the passenger door and sliding in.
Their house stood in a quiet district, surrounded by well-maintained greenery. The sleek, modern structure was made of polished glass and reinforced metal, reflecting the sky like a mirror. Automated systems controlled everything temperature, security, lighting. A spacious garden stretched behind the house, featuring a pristine pool and a designated training area.
As soon as they arrived, Orin stepped out, ignoring his father as he headed toward the backyard. A familiar sound caught his ears—a sharp bark, then the rapid patter of paws. His dog came sprinting toward him, a strikingly athletic canine with sleek fur, piercing blue eyes, and long ears that twitched at every sound. Orin crouched slightly, letting the dog leap onto him, licking his face with an excited whine.
"Alright, alright," he muttered, scratching behind its ears. "I missed you too."
Then, everything shattered.
A blinding explosion erupted from the house, the shockwave ripping through the air like a violent storm. The force sent Orin flying backward, his body slamming against the ground as fire and debris rained down. His ears rang, the world around him reduced to distorted noise.
Pain spread through his body sharp, burning, unbearable. Blood dripped from fresh wounds, warm and slick against his skin. He turned his head weakly, searching for his dog. The sight made his stomach twist. His lifelong companion lay motionless beside him, its body torn by the blast.
Orin's vision blurred. His fingers twitched, reaching out. Then, darkness swallowed him whole.