NEW EARTH

Stare's gaze fixed on Doush, the slightly chubby boy who now stood up with a sheepish grin. "What? It was a limited edition dragon fist battle card. That thing cost 150 credits at a reseller's shop, and I could score over 250 credits if I sell it to one of those addicted nerd fans. That's like one-third of the price for the new x-gaming console and half the cost of those new lil-thug power sneakers. It was worth the gamble."

Stare's frustration was palpable as he held up a small rectangular box he had taken from his pocket. "Your little bet just ate into the time we should've spent delivering this parcel to my mom. Do you have any idea what'll happen if I'm late delivering whatever's in this package? Well, congratulations, because you're going to be getting a scolding right alongside me."

Doush's smile immediately vanished, replaced by an expression of regret and worry.

"Oh, shit!... I knew I had left something important behind when I was making the plan…."

"Well, maybe if we believe, we might still make it in time. I'm feeling quite lucky today, and I'm sure that's already evident." Doush's wry smile returned as he produced a shiny card from his pocket. At the card's center was a meticulously detailed image of a dragon depicted in a dynamic pose, accompanied by swirling patterns reminiscent of dancing flames.

Stare's barely contained anger was apparent. His breathing grew heavier, and his fists clenched.

From his odd expression, it was clear he was likely crafting a 'nice' response.

However, before he could reply, their bickering was abruptly interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps fading into the distance. Seizing the opportunity during their argument, the thugs' boss had made a swift escape.

Doush's confusion was palpable. "What's the plan now?"

Stare let out an exasperated sigh and turned toward the exit of the dim underground alley. "We run. Chances are he'll be back with reinforcements."

With a nod of agreement, the two sprinted toward the far end of the alley, nestled beneath a building. In the end, a staircase led up to the surface.

Climbing the staircase, they emerged from the underground alley, leaving behind the façade of an abandoned music shop.

Stepping outside, a futuristic cityscape unfolded before them. Flying cars and other vehicles floated around, accompanied by hovering security bots and intricate structures.

Sunlight bathed the scene, a marked improvement from the dim underground setting. The atmosphere exuded tranquility, from the orderly flow of floating vehicles to the nearly silent surroundings and impeccable cleanliness.

Stare's expression was a mix of astonishment and disbelief as he took in the sight before him.

This wasn't his first time seeing the futuristic setting of New Earth, yet whenever it came into his view, an unexplainable mixture of happiness and shock coursed through him.

Over a hundred and fifty years had passed since he last completed the Cycle of Evolution process. More than a century had gone by since he was forcibly withdrawn and made to forget the people and things he loved.

Every day, since recovering his memory, that particular scene of his last time here replayed in his head countless times.

They had just defeated Y-204, known by the alias Morphine, after an intense battle. Stare, caught in a fierce struggle with Morphine, had somehow gained the upper hand at the very last moment and emerged victorious.

It should have been a joyous conclusion after Morphine's demise. Earth should have been safe, and the processes of rebuilding and evolution should have taken a few months, or perhaps a few years at most.

But Morphine had one last hidden trump card.

He had created a machine capable of accelerating global warming, which was set to activate upon his death. Unfortunately, no one had anticipated or even conceived such a drastic step. By the time they realized it, it was too late.

Morphine was dead, and the machine was activated.

The planet's global warming situation had been dire from the start. With a slight nudge, everything spiraled into chaos and destruction.

Earth's survival was bleak.

Meteor-like objects plummeted from the sky, setting cities and settlements ablaze. Countries were drowned by floods, others frozen, and some scorched by the intense rays of the sun.

In Earth's critical moment, the Oracle had chosen to take him away, disregarding humanity's plight—mostly caused by the Oracle's flawed method of creating evolution.

Stare could still hear her last words before he faded completely.

"Don't worry, Snow Top. It'll be fine… Just promise you won't forget me." Stare muttered under his breath.

Ultimately, everything did turn out fine. Even without the enigmatic Oracle's or Dyyx's intervention.

When his memories returned, Stare had expected Earth to be lost to chaos, or at best, a dystopian world teetering on the edge of destruction.

He hadn't expected that 'she' would somehow restore the balance, turning the unfavorable situation in humanity's favor.

Though Earth suffered tremendous losses during the chaos, people managed to recover and rebuild, saving the planet and evolving on their own.

At this critical moment, humanity put aside differences. Race, wealth, and position no longer mattered. They united to fight for a single cause: saving their planet.

A global cleanup and relief mission was launched. Technology surged forward without the barriers of division, driving progress.

Pollutants and fossil fuels were replaced by the new eco-friendly 'Lullaby' energy source.

With time, the planet recovered from the effects of global warming. Surviving countries and continents were joined together by a machine they called 'Henosis', giving birth to 'New Earth.'

"It all worked out in the end," Stare whispered almost inaudibly, but his thoughts were interrupted as Doush playfully nudged his shoulder.

"Looks like I'm not the only one to blame for our lateness." Doush's mischievous grin returned. "I guess you also get to share the responsibility."

Stare was about to retort when a deafening explosion rocked the air behind them.