"The 2048 SSK Researcher's Conference-1"

At last, the long night had ended; morning came and the Researcher's Conference in the Sovereign States of Krizeldt had started. The venue was a four-star hotel in Surima City, its capital.

The invitees wore formal attire and were covered in thick coats to keep them warm. The country was located in North Asia, and it snowed for almost a whole year.

The moment Sanya entered the hall, almost all eyes fell on her. She looked rich and elegant, as she wore her very expensive Pleocatra fur coat, and her neatly bunned blue hair emphasized her pair of diamond dangling earrings. She brought her peach, branded sling bag that Sanno also gave her. She was wearing contact lenses instead of her usual round eyeglasses, and wore wine red-colored lipstick, which made her very attractive as she smiled at them.

On the other hand, Dr. Jaia Mullock and the Head Scientist Dr. Logan wore fur coats, too, but not as expensive as Sanya's. They looked very professional as they walked side by side with her.

"Nice to see you, Dr. Logan," a man said, and they shook hands.

"Likewise," Dr. Logan said. "How's your latest research?"

"Hmm... So-so," he told him. "It's not as fantastic as your discovery years ago."

"No, I think your study has a potential," the Head Scientist told him. "We can collaborate on it if you'd like."

"I'd like that," the man replied. "Are you going to present later?"

"Yes."

They took their time greeting the other researchers while waiting for their two colleagues, the heads of the laboratories in D.M. Cadre who were also invited to the conference. After a while, they arrived, with strong auras enveloping them.

Dr. Cytus Rogerfall, the head of the Genetic Engineering Laboratory, wore a black fur coat, partnered with his large black boots. He looked like a general who had just become victorious in a battle. His neatly combed black hair made him look younger than his true age which is fifty-five.

Dr. Lucian Hiddleworth, the head of the Pre-natal, Newborn, and Presymptomatic Disorders Laboratory, wore a blood-red fur coat, which contrasted with his dark green hair. He looked like a young king who had just conquered the neighboring lands, and his tall height made him look downwards to the people around him.

"Your colleagues are here," Dr. Jaia said. She then shook hands with them. "Welcome to the conference. How's the hotel?"

"It's comfortable, thank you," Dr. Cytus said.

"That's great!" Dr. Jaia was pleased, "Dr. Lucian, nice to see you again, it's your third research conference here, right?"

"Yes, Dr. Jaia," Lucian said, he then looked at Sanya, who looked so elegant that she looked more like a model than a scientist. "Who...?"

"Ah, you were not in her research proposal presentation," Dr. Logan realized. "She's Sanya Mayheart, one of the Assistant Scientists."

"And, my new favorite researcher," Dr. Jaia added, as she smiled at her.

Dr. Logan introduced him to her, "Sanya, this is Dr. Lucian Hiddleworth. Head of the PNPD Laboratory."

"Hello, doctor Hiddleworth," she offered her hands for a handshake.

"Call me Lucian, I quite don't like being called by my last name," and he shook hands with her.

"Okay, Dr. Lucian," she politely replied, smiling sweetly.

His green hair, his height, and his complexion reminded her so much of her beloved Sanno. She couldn't stop herself from admiring the handsome features of the scientist in front of her.

Lucian noticed how she stared at him. Even if he turned away to talk to other people in the hall, she still stared at him, "Is there something on my face?" he said, after approaching her.

"Oh, I'm sorry?"

"You've been staring at me since a while ago," the young scientist told her.

"It's just… you looked like someone I know," she replied. "I'm amazed with your resemblance to him."

Lucian was puzzled, thinking who the person might be. "Whoever that person is... I'm sure I'm more handsome than him."

"That attitude," Sanya chuckled, "You're really quite alike."

The emcee suddenly announced, "The program will start in five minutes. Please sit down in your assigned seats."

"Let's go?" Sanya said and he responded with a nod. They sat together at a round table with Dr. Jaia. Head Scientist Dr. Logan was preparing his presentation in the waiting area.

The program started with the National Anthem of the Sovereign States of Krizeldt, which was a recorded audio. Then, the leader and organizer of the Researcher's Conference delivered his opening remarks.

"Good day, I see some old and new faces around. Welcome to the annual SSK Researcher's Conference!"

The audience applauded. The old man continued his speech, "My name is Seth Viordan. And to those who do not know me, I am the former Head Scientist of D.M. Cadre in the Philippian Archipelago. I retired, but I am still involved in research as a consultant," he shot a look at the table where Dr. Jaia was seated and waved his hand. He then looked around the audience. "I'm pleased that you can all attend here. It is important for us to make sure that the new blood of researchers and scientists will be guided in the right path. So everyone, sit back and listen to some of the world's greatest research!"

Everyone clapped their hands, and Dr. Seth sat beside Dr. Jaia Mullock.

"Dr. Seth, that's an impressive welcome message," Dr. Jaia said. "By the way, here's our new blood of researchers in D.M. Cadre, I believe you still haven't met the two."

"Nice to meet you, Dr. Viordan," Sanya said politely, slightly bowing her head. "I am Sanya Mayheart, an Assistant Scientist."

"A pleasure to meet you, Dr. Viordan. I'm Lucian Hiddleworth," Lucian said, and they shook hands with him.

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Mayheart, and... Mr. Hiddleworth. I'm sure your mother's proud of you," Dr. Seth said, smiling widely, not knowing how Lucian felt. "Please send my regards to her."

"Ah... Alright, sir," Lucian replied to the notable researcher. He wanted to say that he's not on good terms with his parents, but it would just make the conversation longer.

The moment he decided to work in D.M. Cadre, he already knew that his mother had connections all across the globe because of politics. He knew, especially in his own country, that he couldn't get away from the shadow of his ex-politician parents. That was why he chose a different path and not a politician; he didn't want to be associated with his weak-willed father and his corrupt, materialistic mother.

After a while, the presentations of the different scientists started. Robotics, medicine, agriculture, and psychology were among the topics covered in the conference.

The last presenter was the Head Scientist. He looked very respectable as his white hair was neatly combed. His deep blue eyes looked around the audience, before giving them a smile, making them stay quiet, ready to listen to him.