Eranon a city known as the tech hub of Aetheria. It wasn't the capital of the nation but many considered it the heart of innovation. With some of the oldest space agencies countless private research labs and sprawling university campuses Eranon was where the brightest minds of Aetheria came to explore science engineering and the edge of possibility. From space elevators to underwater breathing suits nearly every great invention of the past few decades could trace its roots back to this city.
In the skies above this bustling metropolis a shuttle glided smoothly at 270 kilometers per hour. Its exterior shimmered in a polished green coat that reflected the sunlight giving it an almost regal presence. The shuttle was cube shaped but with a few modifications. The front sloped gently inward while the back curved out slightly adding a dynamic edge to its otherwise square frame.One side of the shuttle featured a large digital display. It projected real time information viewable from nearly any angle. The display showed a moving map of Eranon the shuttle's route estimated arrival time and important data like passenger count and available seating. At the moment it readSeats 12 Passengers 5 Private Bookings 1
Inside the shuttle felt more like a quiet lounge than public transport. There were three children onboard two under the age of ten and one slightly older maybe twelve. They sat quietly absorbed in their devices. Opposite them sat a woman and a man both appearing to be in their early forties.
The man wore a dark black coat over a grey t shirt. A muffler was wrapped loosely around his neck and over his head. Black trousers and polished leather shoes completed his simple yet formal appearance. No jewelry no watch just a plain look that somehow made him appear more serious.
The woman's outfit matched his in tone. She wore a deep olive green coat that stopped at her knees tight black pants and matching boots with metal buckles. Her earrings were small blue orbs that flickered subtly in sync with the shuttle's lighting and a silver smartband blinked on her wrist. She was scrolling through her phone when she suddenly stopped.
I still don't get it
she said her voice low but sharp.
Are you telling me we won't even get a look at the property I mean it's just an eleven year old boy.
The man tilted his head slightly keeping his eyes on the window.
You know his name
Yes. Kael.
You think he's only eleven
She raised an eyebrow.
His mind matured long before most children learn to tie their shoes the man said. You've never met him so you can't imagine it. But I've seen him once just once. That was enough.
But even if he's smart she said sitting up straighter there are still laws. No guardians. No adults to handle that level of wealth. It's highly unlikely he's legally allowed to control the property. I don't even remember his family having anyone else.
The man turned to face her. Do you remember his grandparentsShe blinked.
Not really. I heard something about his grandfather being from outside the city a villager.
Exactly
So That makes it easier right The man chuckled quietly. There's an old saying where I come from don't teach a fish how to swim.
She frowned. Meaning you think you can outsmart someone from Kael's family he said leaning slightly closer you might be able to outmatch his parents. Maybe even win in a legal argument. But Kael and his grandfather You'd lose before you even knew the game started he said
You're sounding like appreciating theme
Yeh I am appreciating you know
Even their servant Ryann has an IQ of 167 the man added shaking his head. I'm just praying he doesn't know what we're planning. Because if he does we're done.
Meanwhile far from the skies of Eranon a black car moved swiftly through one of the outer city districts its engine humming with quiet efficiency. Inside sat three figures Kael Liza and Ryann.
It had been seven days since Kael's parents had passed away. Yet not a single tear had escaped him. His face remained composed his eyes alert. He knew better than anyone what kind of sea he was now swimming in. Full of sharks. Full of predators who wanted a piece of what his parents left behind.But Kael wasn't afraid.Because what if the biggest predator the one others feared was on his side
His first step had been to hire a top lawyer. One of the best in neo helli. He wanted to confirm if the property and assets were already transferred to him.The news wasn't comforting.
By Aetherian inheritance law the lawyer had said a child cannot legally control the full estate until they're eighteen unless a formal guardian is appointed by a family vote or city court approval. If there's no guardian then control remains frozen.Kael had nodded. Quietly.
He understood. That didn't mean he accepted it.
Right now they were traveling toward the outer edges of the city toward the villages where his grandfather lived. The road was surrounded by tall trees on either side. Some were experimental species created in Eranon labs designed to absorb more carbon. Others were native wild twisted and centuries old.The car slowed suddenly.Why are we stopping Kael asked glancing up from his tablet.Traffic the driver replied..Kael leaned slightly to look out the window. There is so much traffic he can't see why.he searched the area and saw a restrunt.Can you park the car there
He asked
Yes young sir
There's someplace I want to check. I'm a little hungry. What about you two Kael asked glancing at Liza and Ryann.I could eat Liza said smiling softly.I don't mind Ryann replied scanning the area.The car turned and pulled into the lot of the restaurant. It was surprisingly large a mansion style structure that had been converted into a hospitality venue. The exterior looked like something out of a history book. Columns balconies and brickwork gave it an old world charm.Inside the restaurant carried the same style. Wooden floors creaked softly. Portraits of long dead scientists and old inventors lined the walls. The waiters wore formal attire almost like butlers from a royal estate. In this timeline robots were cheaper than humans. Human waitstaff were rare expensive and seen as luxurious.The trio stepped out of the car. A uniformed guard by the parking entrance approached with a respectful bow.
Welcome sir. Parking is handled.
The guard guided them forward as the driver stayed behind. Kael glanced up at the giant double doors of the mansion restaurant.They opened without a sound ushered inward by two attendants in dark green suits with gold threaded lapels. The attendants moved with the precision of clockwork each motion measured silent almost theatrical.Inside the restaurant felt like walking into a preserved fragment of the past fused with luxury from the future. The lighting was soft almost twilight like crafted by golden sconces that lined the walls and chandeliers dripping with crystalline vines hanging from the vaulted ceiling. The air was faintly perfumed with sandalwood and rose barely noticeable yet oddly calming.A slow haunting piece of classical music played in the background a cello and piano duet that made every step feel like part of a quiet performance. Laughter and conversation buzzed at low volumes around the corners each table spaced so carefully apart that privacy was assumed even in public.As the trio entered subtle glances found them. Not the crude stares of curiosity but the polite measured interest of the elite. Judgments were made in microseconds.
A child in fitted black formalwear walking ahead like he owned the place. A graceful woman beside him in a white and gold coat with heels that clicked like metronomes. And behind them Ryann muscular alert his eyes sweeping the room like a sentinel's radar.Ryann leaned forward slightly. They're watching.They're always watching Kael murmured his gaze steady. Let them.
A maître d' appeared from the side hallway bowing with refined grace. His uniform was midnight black with silver buttons and a discreet tablet in his left hand.Reservation sir ?he asked voice perfectly neutral.Kael didn't pause. No. But I believe you'll make space.There was a brief silence. The maître d' blinked once checked his tablet and smiled without showing teeth.But of course. Right this way little master
Call me kael
A lovely name sir.He turned and guided them through the dining hall. Ornate chairs with curved legs crystal glasses that caught the light like prisms and candles that somehow flickered without real flames it was artistry disguised as dinner service.They were led toward a private alcove in the rear corner slightly elevated framed by velvet curtains that could be drawn closed for seclusion. The alcove had its own fireplace with soft orange embers and a single polished sculpture of an eagle mid flight mounted above it.
Should I draw the curtains the maître d' asked.Kael shook his head. I prefer a view.As you wish.Once seated three staff members appeared as if on cue placing down cloth napkins adjusting their silverware and setting fresh glasses of sparkling lemonwater without a single clink. Then came the menus actual paper thick and creamy with handwritten calligraphy so beautiful it could pass for art.Ryann squinted at his. Wait this isn't digital
No sir the waiter standing nearby said smiling. This is the traditional style. Each menu is updated by hand daily.Ryann raised an eyebrow. Uh uh ryyan try to say than he asked what I can call you.
Sir you can call me by my name or you can call me saying waiter oh what's your name sir it's
Kevin.
Oh so kevin in that place everything's so good but let me ask why is there no screen Who the hell wants that much luxury when we could just stand and grab our own food kevin chuckled politely. You'd be surprised sir. Many of our guests prefer to be served with full grace.Oho Ryann leaned in. So I can ask you a question of quality
rightCertainly sir
Don't tell me the food is also made by actual people
Yes sir the food was not made by machines and any other using technology it's made in pots the pot heated by traditional fire not electric fire.
Ryann looked scandalized. So let me get this straight. I came here to pay for food that people made by hand Like with fire and pots and pans
Liza smirked. You eat handmade food all the time Ryann.But i did not pay for that and see the price in that price no
he said flipping the menu over like he expected a secret USB port. Where's the button to customize spice level To swap sauces
The waiter responded calmly Sir our chefs are the ones who taught the culinary algorithms your household robots now follow.
Ryann blinked. Wait what
Kael leaned back slightly amused. He's saying their chefs are your robot's teachers.
Ryann turned to the waiter. That's just rude.I assure you sir it is meant as a compliment.Before Ryann could speak again Liza said.Silence please.
She turned to the waiter. Could you show us our sweat dishes list
Right away ma'am.
Outside the Restaurant Parking Lot Surveillance
The black car sat idle under the glow of a pale streetlamp windows tinted engine silent yet warmth still pulsing through the hood. Inside two figures in obsidian suits observed the grand restaurant through a discreet visual uplink displayed on the windshield.
Agent Nivar tapped the dashboard lightly projecting a silent holographic feed of Kael and his companions seated in the private alcove.Protecting him I understand Nivar said his voice calm but clipped. But us I mean we Isn't this a little excessive This is High Level top clearance security work. Why not just send a fleet of Nullborn Soldiers and be done with it
The other agent older broader turned his head slightly.. His name tag glinted in the faint light Senior Warden Zarik.
Nivar frowned. Still it's just a kid.
Zarik looked out the window watching the entrance of the restaurant. Kid or not do you know how much their off ledger assets were worth before liquidation
No Nivar admitted.
Over one billion credits. Liquid. And that's not counting the empire tied up in hidden shares offshore vaults and AI managed shadow trusts. If you strip them down erase their official footprint they still control at least one trillion in hard value. And you think that family wouldn't have enemies Wouldn't be hunted even in death
But they were legends Nivar said quietly. The architects of our economy. Because of them we have floating cities. Cheap food. Climate neutrality.
And yet Zarik said eyes narrowing they never had time for their child.
Silence stretched between them.Nivar broke it voice soft. Did they really die
Zarik's expression didn't change. I doubt it. Not a body not a trace. Just vapor.
For a moment only the hum of ambient city noise filled the car.
Then Nivar muttered We can protect him on the road. Through the city. But once he reaches that damn village how can we guarantee safety That place is exposed.
Zarik nodded. Our mission ends at the village gates. What happens after that isn't our jurisdiction. But still His voice trailed off thoughtful.
Nivar leaned back. If they really want him dead why not wait until he's alone in the fields Why risk ambushing him on the road where we and the military can retaliate
Zarik gave him a sideways glance. You don't know who his grandfather is do you
Nivar shrugged. Some farmer right Raises cows and goats. Runs a school.
Zarik stared at him for a long second then suddenly burst out laughing. Ha ha ha stop stop I need air He wheezed clutching his ribs. A farmer he says You know what I needed that.
Nivar blinked.
WhatKid Zarik said between laughs. If we both fought his grandpa we'd be dead in one second.
One second?
. And that's generous. You know what a second means in combat Zarik leaned in. Even Grandmasters of the Arclight Order men who've leveled cities don't want to duel him.Nivar stared stunned.Zarik shook his head. You think he's teaching sheep and cows I bet those damn sheep are doing push ups at dawn. Squats at noon. Deadlifts with logs.Nivar muttered Sheep doing push ups. Great. Next you'll say his chickens meditate.Zarik leaned back serious now. His rank was Warden Tier Eclipsebreaker. There are only seven living. Officially. Unofficially He may be the last of the First Generation.