"What is this?" Lux thought as he glanced at the screen. He looked at it thoroughly, thinking it might be some kind of sorcery. But mana didn't exist in this world, so he dismissed the thought of it being magic.
"Could it be Dark energy?"
During his three years, Lux gathered prior knowledge to help him familiarize himself with society. He discovered there is an alternate power source similar to mana—Dark Energy.
Centuries ago, humanity advanced at a terrifying pace, dwelling deep into the mysteries of the universe. One scientist discovered a phenomenon that shaped the course of civilization. He called it Dark Energy, an unknown force that sustains all life forms and flows throughout the universe.
Years later, Dark Energy became the main fuel for technology, powering an eco-friendly society and becoming essential to everyday life. Constant exposure to it enabled people to perform miraculous feats upon reaching adulthood. Individuals could conjure elemental forces or manipulate the laws of physics in unique ways.
Since its emergence, children born in this era were physically and mentally enhanced.
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It would make sense if the floating screen in front of him was a high-grade illusion produced by Dark Energy, or perhaps a complex technology capable of manipulating perception. But such illusions were rare and expensive, accessible only to the wealthy.
Who would waste such a resource on a toddler like him?
"What really is this thing?"
"Yush! We're here!" Arion said while parking on the side.
Setting aside the screen, Lux didn't bother with it anymore.
They got out of the car, and Arion put Lux down. Seeing many parents and children entering the gate, they followed the crowd. Lux looked up at the massive building before him.
A city had only one daycare, an important facility built to ensure the safety of children aged 3 to 5. Due to safety concerns, it was a massive, specialized structure protected by soldiers.
"My husband, don't you think the soldiers seem more than usual?" Charlotte asked, looking worriedly at the military vehicles.
"I noticed it too just now," Arion said seriously. He held Lux's hand tighter. "Let's keep an eye on the situation first."
Even Lux, with the intuition of a former Cult Leader, felt something was off.
"Hey mate! Do you know what's happening around here?" Arion asked, patting another parent's shoulder.
The person turned around—a big middle-aged man in formal blue clothes. Though he looked grumpy, he spoke kindly.
"About the military, right? I also don't know. I've asked around, but no one's got answers. I'm guessing it has to do with the border."
"The border? That must be it," Arion whispered.
Charlotte remained quiet.
"Border?" Lux wondered. It was his first time hearing that term.
Arion sighed. "Thanks for telling us. My name's Arion, and this is my wife and son—Charlotte and Lux."
"I'm Max, and this is my angel, Calliope."
This pink-haired child was extraordinarily pretty, looking like a baby doll Lux had seen on television. She was the same age as Lux, though slightly shorter.
Calliope heard her name and hid behind Max's legs.
"My wife passed away early. I'm usually busy with work, so she grew up shy living with relatives. Today I wanted to make up for it—her first day at daycare!" Max said, scratching his head shyly.
Arion and Max started bonding over parenthood while their kids stood nearby.
From time to time, Lux noticed Calliope glancing at him. When he looked back, she would hide.
Did he look scary?
They entered a massive hall where many other families waited. Lux noticed two soldiers in white jumpsuits speaking with a woman with striking purple hair. She seemed important.
Minutes later, an announcement echoed through the hall.
"Good morning to all parents, guardians, and children. Today, we will have a parent's conference with the Mayor. We encourage all parents to attend. Please proceed to Hall 25, where Miss Lucy will guide you. The children will be led to another room by the soldiers. Thank you!"
Whispers rose around the hall.
"Why would the Mayor be here?" "He never shows up unless it's serious."
Arion and the others looked at each other, troubled.
The purple-haired woman stepped forward. "Hello, dear parents. I'm Lucy, your guide to Hall 25. The soldiers will care for your children. Please follow me."
Soldiers in white lined up across the hall. A parent raised a hand.
"My child is special. Can I bring them along?"
Lucy smiled. "I believe that's not possible. Rest assured, your children are safe with us."
Before leaving, Arion and Charlotte gave Lux a star-shaped pendant.
"Sweetie, always wear this pendant. Don't lose it, okay?"
"I will."
"That's our champ!" Arion said, rubbing his head.
The room echoed with the cries of children. Calliope quietly cried beside Lux.
"Calliope, don't worry! Papa will be back soon!" Max cried.
Lucy called out, "Dear parents, please follow me."
The parents left, and soldiers guided the kids into a colorful playroom filled with toys.
"Um..."
Lux felt his shirt tugged. Calliope clung to his side, teary-eyed.
"What do you want?" he asked.
"C-Can I follow you?"
"Do what you want. It's not up to me."
"Then... can you be my f-friend?" she asked nervously.
Lux paused, then said, "Sure. As long as you don't bother me."
Calliope nodded, silently following behind.
Lux took a storybook from a shelf and sat in the corner. He pretended to read, observing the soldiers who stood guard. There were no windows—only the door behind them.
An orange-haired toddler began picking fights, yet the soldiers didn't interfere.
"Weird," Lux thought.
1 hour and 20 minutes later
Lux looked at the clock. Other children were crying again, desperate to see their parents. A parent conference shouldn't take this long.
"I miss Papa..." Calliope sobbed.
One soldier received a call. He nodded to the others.
Suddenly, they wore white masks.
Purple smoke flowed out from the vents.
One by one, children began collapsing.
"This—?!" Lux quickly covered his nose. He turned to Calliope. "You, cover your—"
Too late. She had already fainted.
"Ugh! Not good!"
"What an interesting child," said a voice.
"!!" Lux spun around. It was Lucy—now wearing a mask.
Before he could react, something struck his neck.
His vision blurred.
Funny. This felt... familiar.
"Make sure to take note of this child."
"Yes, ma'am."
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