Nebulae Commons

Thanks to Silas' connections in the bureau, they were able to obtain new identities with their Links. The Link is a terminal device that all citizens of the Radiant Federation were equipped with, linking them to the central brain AI of the Federation. It integrated ID cards, bank cards, phones, and acted as a computer.

Alex couldn't stop smiling as he continued to caress the Link on his arm. He had always envied those who possessed it, even though the one they had now was a general grade issue from the bureau. Nevertheless, he cherished it, as it gave him an identity. He looked down and saw his new name, Alex James, and a new surname that he would share with his brother.

The two million points were transferred to Devin's account, and Silas' subordinates prepared the holographic cabin card as they finished up at the bureau.

"I even threw in the nutrients for you. Consider it a gesture of goodwill for not stressing me out," said Silas, a hint of a smile on his face.

Devin didn't return the smile, but he nodded to show his appreciation. Silas had upheld his end of the deal.

"Now, can you sign?" Silas asked, presenting the contract.

"Sure," Devin responded, reading through the contract meticulously to ensure there were no hidden traps.

"It was a pleasure doing business with you. If you ever need my services again, feel free to contact me," Silas said, handing Devin his business card.

"Who would need your services? Don't jinx us," Alex retorted, voicing his distrust.

Silas, unfazed, chuckled as he left in his car.

"Devin, we finally have our own identities," Alex exclaimed, filled with happiness.

"Yeah, now we can do things legally. We even have household registration. We are no longer part of the black household," Devin smiled, sharing in Alex's joy.

"Can we go to the hospital now? Your leg needs to be treated," Alex said, growing increasingly worried about his friend's injury.

Let's go, the pain is killing me, also let's take a taxi". Said Devin.

"Wow we fancy now we can finally ride in a taxi" Devin smiled at the dramatic kid. If it was before

Devin wouldn't go to the hospital as he couldn't afford it but now he would make them live better and treat themselves better.

Devin's leg got checked out fortunately with no fracture so he only needs to lay in the medical cabin and he will feel brand new.

Devin decided to make both of them get a full body check, although Alex tried dissuading him not to waste money but Devin didn't compromise.

"Your result is out" said the doctor as he read their data "Devin James you have a clean bill of health except you are malnourished. On the other hand your brother Alex James is malnourished, and also we found he has XXYZ disease. It's good we caught it early, he only needs to get injected with the healing potion three times and he will be okay."

"Can the treatment be started immediately?" asked Devin

"Yes, we can start but the healing potion is not cheap," answered the doctor.

"How much will everything cost?" Asked Devin.

"300,000 points"

"That's fine you can start the treatment" said Devin.

"Devin!" Alex shouted Devins name, this is the first time he has spoken since he heard the doctor's diagnosis.

The doctor seeing the siblings have things to discuss excused himself after telling them to pay at the front desk if they are to get the treatment.

"Devin, what are you doing? Don't I have a say?" Asked Alex

"No compromise and please don't get stubborn. Having a clean bill of health is the priority. And don't say the money belongs to me. The only reason I collected the money was for us to live a better life. Our dream has always been to have stability, have a place to call home as we work hard to become people who can also raise their heads in society. What's the point if I don't have my brother beside me. My dream is also for us to do all this together. So please Alex don't argue and get the treatment you're my only family, and you would do the same".

Tears welled up in Alex's eyes as he listened to Devin's heartfelt words. He realized that his brother was right, and he had been selfish to argue against the treatment.

"Devin, I'm sorry. You're right. Our health and being together is what's most important. Thank you for always looking out for me," Alex choked out, his voice filled with gratitude and remorse.

Devin reached out and embraced his brother, holding him tightly. "It's okay, Alex. We're in this together, and we'll get through it together."

They made their way to the front desk to pay for the treatment, knowing that it was a small price to pay for their health and well-being. As they left the hospital, Devin couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and optimism. They finally had their own identities, and they were taking the necessary steps to prioritize their health and dreams.

Few weeks later Devin made a conscious decision with Alex to relocate to another Sector called Nebulae Commons. It was time to leave their current sector. It's too backward and not good for development.

The next day, Devin and Alex started arrived at Nebulae Commons. They walked through the vibrant streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling marketplace and the grand buildings that surrounded them. Alex couldn't contain his excitement, pointing out every beautiful building and luxurious car they passed.

"Let's check into the hotel first, and then we can start our apartment search tomorrow," Devin suggested, hailing a taxi.

As they settled into their hotel room, Alex couldn't help but let out another sigh, his anxiety evident.

"Would you please stop sighing? You're making me anxious too," Devin warned, trying to ease the tension.

Alex took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking up again.

"I've been thinking," Alex began tentatively, "since we've been spending money without making any, it's starting to worry me. It's not easy to go from living the high life to being frugal again."

Devin understood Alex's concerns, but he knew that the money they had spent so far had been necessary to secure a better future for both of them.

"Don't worry, Alex. Once we find an apartment, we'll go back to being frugal," Devin reassured him.

"But don't you think we should find jobs? It would ease my mind knowing we're earning money," Alex suggested cautiously.

Devin shook his head. "I want us to focus on Oasis. Trust me, we can make more money from it."

"How do you know so much about this game?" Alex questioned skeptically.

Devin smiled, revealing a glimmer of excitement. "I've been following the news and I overheard some of those privileged kids talking about it. With the government actively promoting it, it must be something worthwhile."

"I hope you're right," Alex said, a hint of worry still in his voice. "I don't want us to go back to living in that slum."

Devin placed a comforting hand on Alex's shoulder. "Believe in yourself and in me. We won't go back. We'll make sure of it."

With newfound determination and a shared sense of hope, Devin and Alex prepared for their journey into the world of Oasis. They were ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead, confident that together they could create a better future for themselves.

Devin and Alex couldn't believe their luck. The small apartment they had rented in the old building was perfect for their needs. It belonged to an elderly couple who had an upper floor they were willing to rent out since their children had moved away to other sectors for work.

When they first approached the couple, there was hesitation in their eyes. They were worried about renting their space to such young individuals. However, after Devin and Alex explained their situation, being orphans with no guardians, the couple's hearts softened. In a Federation where many children were abandoned by their parents, they understood the struggle and allowed special cases like Devin and Alex to take care of themselves at a young age.

The apartment, though small, had everything they needed. The couple had prepared it with their own children in mind, so it had all the necessary furniture and amenities. Devin paid a year's rent upfront, and the couple generously offered them a discount due to their circumstances.

The location of the apartment was also ideal. It was within walking distance of a large shopping mall and had a school nearby. Devin contemplated enrolling them in school, but he hadn't made a final decision. Both he and Alex had been self-taught for most of their lives, learning from books and whatever resources they could find. Mr. Fredricks, their neighbor back in sector ten, had also taught them a few things before his children moved him away.

Their first task now was to go shopping for clothes and groceries. They also needed to contact a company to install a holographic cabin, as having a personal oasis experience was essential for living in the modern world. Although they had spent a significant amount of money, they knew it was an investment in their comfort and well-being.

As they walked through the bustling streets of Nebulae Commons, Devin felt a newfound sense of opportunity and hope. They had come a long way from their humble beginnings in the slums, and now they were on the path to creating a better life for themselves.

Together, Devin and Alex stepped into the next chapter of their lives, ready to embrace the challenges and joys that awaited them in their new home.