Nova Lockwood

The chilly breeze permeated the atmosphere, causing many to shiver and anticipate the long-awaited snowfall. Many traversed the metropolitan city of Vancouver, Canada, their eyes glued to electronics and their footsteps almost robotic.

The city was bustling, while the lives of the residents were quite hectic. 

The age of modernization had assimilated, and as the late 2020s approached, it only became more visible. 

"Yes… Yes, I'll be there, Linda, don't worry."

A young office worker repeated in a tone of kindness and politeness. His expression held nothing but positivity, as he held a smartphone to his ear, attempting to dull the fury of his boss. She did not seem happy.

"I won't miss it, like last time. As I've mentioned before, I learn from my mistakes."

"Right, thank you, I won't make a mistake this time. Thank you for this opportunity."

However, as the office worker clicked the bright red button at the bottom of his screen and slid the phone into his pocket, his expression soured. "Who does she think she is? Little controlling bitch."

Practically spitting in irritation, the office worker laughed bitterly, walking away in a hurry while continuously staring at his bank account, which displayed large, red numbers with a minus sign at the front.

Despite the physical world moving in the correct direction, the mentality of the residents did not change. Although the physical aspect of society evolved, the mental aspect lagged, while the difficulty to survive arose.

Instead of fully enjoying the advancements, humans instead began loathing good news.

No, that wasn't it.

It was simply that there was no good news.

It was like–after a peak–humanity had begun spiraling down.

Amid the metropolis, a certain 14-year-old boy with distinct, pristine, white hair and a pair of frosty-blue eyes casually traversed the streets, a rather stuffy backpack strapped to his back. Because of it, his spine was bent at the moment.

Along with his casual attempts at whistling–which failed miserably and made him seem like a desperate young walrus–the boy–named Nova Lockwood–walked home from school with a rather carefree gaze.

After an arduous day at the place he hated most, he merely wished to relax upon his cushy bed.

"Nova, fancy seeing you here," an elderly man suddenly called out. He was dressed in a rather posh, stark black suit adorned with stripes that displayed its brand with pride. The man possessed somewhat black hair with the occasional streaks of white and held himself with immense pride.

His spine refused to bend, and a rather toned body bulged from the tight suit, despite his age. A loose smile hung at his lips as he directed his gaze at the youth, slight surprise coursing through his black pupils.

"Ah, it's been long, Great Uncle Jamie," Nova expressed his surprise with a smile that held true excitement. 

Great Uncle Jamie–also known as Jamie Lockwood–was a renowned businessman in the East, and was a multi-millionaire. However, although favored in the world of business, the Lockwood Family usually looked down on him for his unwillingness to find a partner and settle.

He was considered a bad influence, yet Nova couldn't help but be impressed by his lifestyle. 

He–too–wanted to be a businessman.

"It has, young one," said the prideful, elderly man. "How have you been doing? Is the Family all right?"

"I'm doing well, and so are Kylie, Mom, and Dad."

Kylie was Nova's sister.

"That's good, that's good. Mind if I come for a quick visit tomorrow? I'm only in Vancouver for a few days."

"Ah, of course… Well…"

"Right, you need to consult your parents," said Kyle, laughing bitterly. "It's fine, I'll text them. Even if I can't visit, I'd be happy to sit down with you, tomorrow. Didn't you want tips on how to study the market?"

"Ah, yes! Of course, we can do that!"

"I'll text you."

Nova nodded frantically. As the two exchanged a few more words, they parted with smiles on their faces. They were smiles that displayed their sheer compatibility, and their mutual interest in the study and psychology of the market.

Alas, they were unbeknownst to what would occur in the near future.

Nova sped up, excited to meet his Great Uncle tomorrow. He traversed through the streets of Vancouver, passing by Queen Elizabeth Park while approaching South Cambie, directly to the West of the former.

However, as he continued, he felt as if someone were trailing him.

It was merely 3:30 PM, yet due to Daylight Saving Time and the approaching Winter Solstice, it was already dusk. In merely half an hour, the Sun would set, and darkness would envelop the Western part of Earth.

As Nova continued to walk, the fact that someone was trailing him became increasingly obvious. A shadow draped over him, highlighting the person's existence.

'What do I do… I can't go home,' Nova concluded. It was widely believed that if you realized someone was following you, you should never go home, as the person could then track you from your residence. 

But Nova wasn't sure what else to do.

'I'll just keep walking.'

But that turned out to be the worst possible choice.

Suddenly, the figure dressed in tight, black clothes sped up, rushing towards the white-haired youth with rather heavy footsteps. Before Nova could react, he felt a sharp downward force on his left shoulder.

He ducked, yet a sturdy hand clothed in a soft, brown glove embraced his face, restricting his breathing and preventing him from escaping easily.

Then, the man who held him twirled, swiftly pulling him into a nearby dark alley.

'So that's what he was aiming for!' Nova realized, overcome with both fear and a sense of exasperation. He wasn't certain why–in such a terrifying situation–he felt such an insignificant emotion.

But he couldn't rid himself of it.

Suddenly, a sharp, steel blade rested only an inch away from his tender neck, threatening to dig in.

It was quite a disasterful way to end the day.

Nova couldn't help but clench his fists.