"Have you ever wondered why humans are the only species capable of such intelligence? Other creatures exist, yet none think, evolve, or create like us. From the Stone Age to the year 2100, humanity has never stopped advancing. But now... we've gone too far."
"People no longer live in the present. They chase after the past, clinging to memories. Some even become prisoners within them."
A distorted voice echoes, blending into the void as the title fades into view— Shattering Memories.
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Chapter 1: The Promise of Yesterday
The world never stops evolving. From 2040 to 2090, humanity's progress surged at an unnatural pace.
In 2040, Mars became our next frontier. SpaceX and NASA took the first step, sending human missions beyond Earth. By 2045, the first settlement project was initiated—Blue Light Technologies Inc. pioneered a method to create an artificial ozone layer, making Mars habitable.
By 2056, the first human family lived on Mars. By 2060, Nexara, the first Martian city, was established. By 2085, Earth and Mars coexisted as two homes for humanity.
My parents—my entire family—live on Mars.
I should have been there too.
But I lost something I can't replace.
My sister, Ruko.
She vanished—not from this world, but from reality itself. She was taken… by them. By Blue Light Technologies.
It all began in 2095 when they introduced 'Echo'—a groundbreaking technology that allowed people to relive their memories as if they were truly there. You could see, touch, taste, and feel everything, just like in real life.
No one warned us about the danger. No one told us that if you stayed too long…
You might never wake up.
And behind this nightmare, a hidden force controlled it all. A technological AI known as 'Sin'.
Now, thousands of people are trapped inside their own dreams. Reality has become irrelevant. And the worst part? Echo is the best-selling product in the world.
People protest, demanding its ban. But nothing changes.
Blue Light Technologies owns everything—power, politics, the economy.
But I don't care about any of that. I care about one thing.
I will save my sister.
Because I made a promise.
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Flashback – 10 Years Ago
A flying car soars through the sky, city lights reflecting off its glass panels. Inside, a family of four laughs together.
Then—a blinding flash.
A deafening crash.
Metal twists. Flames consume everything. The scent of burning wires fills the air.
A trembling hand reaches out—my mother's.
With her last breath, she whispers:
"Please, Yuko… save your sister. No matter what happens… protect her."
And then, she was gone.
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Present Day
Tears streak down my face as I clutch my chest.
"I failed you, Mom… I lost Ruko. I broke my promise."
But I refuse to give up.
"Ruko… I am your sister, Yuko! And I will find you, no matter what. I will bring you back."
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End of Chapter 1
Author: Jagadeeshwaran