✽ Chapter 0 ✽

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"Prologue"

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Morning rose gently, sunlight slipping through the narrow gaps of the curtains and spilling across the room. Dust motes drifted in the golden glow as the light crept over shelves lined with assorted trinkets, each piece stepping briefly into the spotlight. The steady hum of the air conditioner faded as its timer clicked to zero.

*Knock *Knock

“Wise! Time to get up.”

*Knock *Knock

Slowly, the boy stirred. His eyes fluttered open, sunlight greeting him as it filtered through strands of his silver-gray hair.

He pushed himself upright, dragging his body away from the comfort of his bed. For someone as sleep-deprived as him, it felt brutal—like being torn from the clouds only to be dropped onto cold, unyielding stone.

 “Ugh.. yes, Dad,” Wise groaned. “Let me just make my bed.”

“Alright. Just making sure you’re up. Get yourself ready.” His father’s tone softened.

Wise stretched his arms wide, joints popping in quiet succession as blood rushed back into motion. The satisfying cracks earned a small grin.

“Ahhh~ alright, let’s get this day started.”

Downstairs, the man paused before descending the steps. He turned to the door beside him and let out a weary sigh.

*Sigh “Sunny… you go wake up Belle, waking up this girl is like moving a giant rock.” With a tired voice, he continued, “It’s borderline impossible.”

“Huh?” came the sharp reply from the kitchen. “Can’t you see I’m busy making breakfast? Go do it yourself—you’re already at her door.”

“What? You're not even cooking; it’s our bangboos who are doing the cooking.” Joyous protested.

“Nuh-uh,” she shot back. “I’m supervising EOUS and Twenty—and making sure the cooking modules I installed are working perfectly.” There was a smug pride in her voice.

“This girl and this woman.” He let out another tired sigh. “Where did they come from?”

*Knock *Knock

*Knock *Knock

“Belle! If you don’t wake up now… I am cutting your Random Play subscription!”

“NOOOO!” A girl with a messy blue bob cut pleaded.

The door burst open. “I haven’t finished The Peak season 5 yet, or Coffee Mate episode 3!”

The Phaeton family might be unorganized, but their love carried a warmth that made everything feel whole. In a household of two introverted IT nerds, an even nerdier son, and a delightfully strange daughter, scenes like this were less of an exception—and more of a daily routine.

This is a normal day for Wise, waking up and then leaving his room to be presented with a commotion.

“Well… there’s nothing quite like mornings in New Eridu,” he chuckled to himself.

Sunbringer ascends upstairs to see the commotion.

“Looks like everyone is awake.” Sunny turned her eye to his son, “Wise, did you sleep well?”

“Oh yeah, I have been sleeping better, thanks to the medications Aunt Carole sent me.”

“That’s good to hear,” she said gently, her voice lined with quiet maternal care.

“Looks who decided to show up.” Joyous intervened, “Showing up when the problem is already solved.”

“Why would I not show up? When there’s a dummy who threatens my abode.” Sunny rebutted, “You do know that Belle and I share the same Random Play account, right?”

“That’s right, Dad!” Belle interjected, “Before you go through my account, you must go through Mom first!”

“What’s the big deal? I just said that because you're hard to wake up.” Joyous sighed.

“Well… you can just wake her up normally. Is it that hard, Joyous?” Sunny followed up.

“Belle? Wake up normally? Hahaha,” he laughed sarcastically. “Monsters could spawn out of nowhere, and our daughter here will still be waking up late.”

“Alright, alright—everyone, easy.” Wise stepped in, raising a hand to mediate. “Dad just wants us enrolled early. School starts next week, right?”

“Exactly!” Joyous beamed. “That’s my son!”

“Grrr.. IT nerds…”  Belle pouted under her breath.

“Exactly, my dear daughter. Once you start dating, you should avoid boys like them.” 

Two cute little bunny-shaped robots approached the family; they seemed to have something to say.

“Watta Eh-nah.”

Wise noticed EOUS tugging his cloth, “Guys, looks like breakfast is ready, how about we continue this conversation at the table?”

“Ohh my precious babies did it!” Sunbringer patted and hugged EOUS and Twenty, like a doting parent.

“I see,” Joyous nodded, amused. “Let’s have a taste of what these little guys prepared.”

The family headed downstairs, and then they were presented with a classic easter breakfast, rice accompanied by side dishes. At first glance, the meal looks gourmet, but the family has yet to have the honor of taste testing. 

“Whoa, look at those tuna!” Belle beamed with joy. “Are they from Waifei Peninsula?”

“Mmhmm,” Sunny affirmed with a proud tone. “I properly source the ingredients from my good friend at Yunkui Summit martial arts school; she’s a native there.”

“Oh? It’s from that Shifu.” Joyous rubbed his chin. “Well, it’s true that she knows how to secure a solid deal.”

“It’s been a while since our last trip there,” Wise added, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. “I wonder how much has changed.”

EOUS and Twenty are brimming with enticement, excited to see their family’s reaction.

“Alright, everyone, let’s eat.” Sunny initiated, “My babies worked hard on these, so let’s enjoy.”

The family digs in on the blessings on their table, light chatters, blended with the clinks of the utensils, creating a soft symphony. Despite the dining, something was off about the food.

“I guess… Is it good?” Belle hesitated.

“It’s a bit bland…” Sunbringer paused, “But still edible nonetheless hehe..”

“The food itself wasn’t bad; there were no problems with the ingredients.“ Wise tried to be objective. “But I think it's a little bit too short on spices and flavoring.”

“Ehnah…” EOUS and Twenty let out a mechanical whimper.

“Ohh, don’t be sad, my little boys, it’s not your fault.” Joyous looked at Sunny, “Someone must have forgotten to code in something in the algorithm of your cooking module…”

“Oh, so we are playing the blaming now, huh?” Sunny shot back, “This wouldn’t have happened if someone had decided to help me with the program last night!”

“Hey! You said you didn’t need any help. And now you are blaming me.” Joyous protested.

“Aha! Then you just believed that? Did my hints not get through your dense skull that I needed help?” She argued.

“Wait—what hints? What are you talking about?” he blinked, genuinely confused.

“Ohh, they're having this session again?” Belle whispered to Wise’s ear.

“Yup, I was starting to notice that it was that time of the month. Evident from the atmosphere earlier.” Wise murmured.

“Well, it’s been almost three weeks since their last ‘logical discussion,’” Belle added with a nervous chuckle. “It was bound to happen sooner or later.”

What followed was an uninterrupted storm of nerdy debate. Logic, algorithms, emotional variables—everything was thrown onto the table. Sunbringer argued that she was too embarrassed to disturb him directly, while Joyous insisted that asking for help was the most logical solution.

Wise let out a small sigh as he began gathering the dishes, stacking them neatly before loading them into the dishwasher. Beside him, Belle wiped the table clean, humming softly as if this were second nature.

While Joyous and Sunbringer are still debating, Wise went for the bathroom downstairs, and Belle went for the one on the second floor. A routine. Refined through repetition.

By the time the volume downstairs had softened, the siblings had already finished preparing themselves. They stood by, waiting.

“I see, I’m at fault here, for letting a trial test product serve as breakfast,” Sunbringer admitted solemnly.

“No, no—don’t say that,” Joyous quickly replied. “I should’ve been more perceptive. I should’ve realized you wanted that coding session to be… bonding time.”

“Oh, don’t be. I should have been clearer.” She replied.

“Fine, let’s settle this. We have now found the ‘bug’, let’s reconstruct our algorithm, and work on these flaws together.” Sincerity in his tone.

“Mmhmm, we completed the ‘debate program’ now.” She smiled at him.

They held each other’s hands and gaze, letting the moment sink in until—

“Whoa, you guys are done now?” Belle grinned, “You're like an old rowdy couple, but neither of you guys is even 40 yet.”

“It’s like watching a soap opera, we could have finished a popcorn just now.” Wise teased.

“EH-nah” EOUS followed.

“Whoa, you kids–” Sunny looked around. “Where are the dishes? And the table is…”

“Done and dusted in the dishwasher, the table shiny and clear.” Belle boasted of their efforts.

“Hoo boy, you look sharp, kids, have you washed yourselves already?” Joyous, impressed.

“Yup, while you guys have your love symphony or configuration.” Wise gleaned, “We wash after ourselves and prepare. Properly optimizing the time.”

“Wow, you kids really got used to us arguing most of the time, haha.” Sunny chuckled. “I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”

“Speaking of the time… oh boy, we are running late!” Joyous panic, “Quickly hand me the keys! EOUS and Twenty, we’ll fix you up later.”

“Here!” Sunny tossed them over. “Everyone, to the car!”

“Okie dokey! Bye, EOUS! Bye, Twenty!” Belle waved enthusiastically. “We’ll check on you later!”

“Alright, little buddies, time for us to leave. Look after the house for us, okay?” Wise advised.

The bangboos chirped in response as the family hurried out.

Together, they stepped into the day—leaving behind a quiet home, still warm from the chaos.

The city greeted them long before they arrived. Lights shimmered even in daylight, towering displays casting color across steel and glass. The streets swelled with motion—people crossing, voices rising, engines humming—a quiet kind of chaos that never truly rested.

New Eridu was a place where everything moved at once, yet somehow never collided. A living mosaic of noise, light, and life.

“Alright, our list for today's agenda is get Wise and Belle enrolled in the academy, and get Sunny to Lumina Square.” Joyous enumerated.

“Seems about right, I’ll be the first to get off, Lumina Square is approximately 2.5 km from here.” Sunny assessed.

“Cool, Belle and Wise, can you guys handle the enrollment procedures?. I’m kinda running late.” Joyous asked.

“It’s okay, Dad, we are just going to be handling papers and answering some questions, we have already aced the exam, right, big bro?” Belle looked at Wise.

“Mm,” Wise nodded, eyes drifting to the window as the cityscape unfolded before him. “Should be smooth sailing from here.”

The car hummed along as the family chatted, pointing out towering ad screens, bustling intersections, and restaurants they promised to try “someday.” Their vehicle slipped onto an overpass, gliding above the dense traffic below.

Sunny took the opportunity to give last-minute advice—watch your belongings, avoid suspicious strangers, stand your ground if someone tries to bully you, and choose your friends wisely.

It came naturally to her. Maternal instinct, woven into every word. Joyous simply smiled, listening to the familiar rhythm of his family’s voices.

“Here is my stop, take care, everyone.” Sunny packed her things and unbuckled her seat.

“Take care, I will come pick you up after work.” Joyous assisted Sunbringer, “Make sure you enjoy your day off with friends. Handling Marcel Group’s affairs is no easy task.”

“Yup, this is a good time to catch up with them. I will make sure to leave a good word for you.” She says as she steps out of the vehicle.

half-amused.

“Oh! And Mom,” Wise added, “tell Aunt Hoshimi thanks. Those matcha teas have been a lifesaver for my sleep.”

“Of course,” Sunny said warmly. “I’ll ask her to send more.”

She stepped out of the car, giving them one last smile before closing the door.

“Alright, Sunny—take care. Have fun,” Joyous called as he rolled the window down slightly.

Sunbringer waved as the car pulled away, the vehicle blending into the flow of the city—leaving her standing in the vibrant heart of Lumina Square, with a rare pocket of time all to herself.

Not long after, at Coff Cafe, two women sat on the second-floor balcony, overlooking the lively streets below. One had bright pink hair, elegant white wings, and elf-like ears. There was a playful glint in her eyes—mischief practically radiated from her smile.

Across from her sat a more refined, well-composed lady of noble bearing. Her silky black hair was adorned with an ornate oriental hairpin, and atop her head rested a pair of soft, well-groomed fox ears, their pristine fur catching the light.

Sunbringer made her way upstairs, glancing at them before a knowing smile crossed her face.

“It’s been a while, Remielle, and Hoshimi. How are you two lately?” She greeted her two friends.

“Heyy~ Sunny, perfect timing! We were just talking about you.” Remielle cheered.

“Good day, Mrs. Marcel… or should I say, Mrs. Phaeton?” Hoshimi nodded politely. “I trust life has been treating you well.”

“Have a sit, won’t you?” The pink-haired woman insisted, “We're no strangers after all.”

Sunny let out a small, amused laugh at Remielle’s usual energy and took the seat between them. Once settled, the conversation picked up naturally.

“Oh, so where were we? Oh, right!” Remielle clasped her hands. “How has Wise been recently~ is he growing up well?”

“Quit eying my son, harlot. So that you know, the PUBSEC police department is just across the street.” She warned her rather playful friend.

“Oh, please, I’m just teasing~,” Remielle waved it off with a grin. “Besides, I’m too old for your son. Desperate, maybe—but not that desperate.”

“Speaking of Wise, how are the matcha leaves I've been sending?” Hoshimi interjected, “Is it serving its medical purpose?”

“Thanks for mentioning, and yes, it’s doing its job perfectly, my son has been getting his much-needed sleep,” Sunny explained.

“That is great to hear. I’m glad I could help.” 

“Now that we are on the topic of the kids.” Remielle joined the conversation again. “How is Belle liking my film recommendations? Does she love it?”

Sunbringer sighed, “Yeah, my girl is watching those films, so quit sending them, okay!”

“She’s right, Remielle,” Hoshimi backed Sunny up, taking a sip of her drink. “You mustn’t lump Belle with you.”

A grin of mischief formed in Vike’s face. “Oh yeah, let’s not forget who got pregnant early because Joyous confessed to them, and couldn’t contain their excitement.”

Sunny nearly choked, turning away as she coughed into her hand. Beside her, Hoshimi froze mid-sip, struggling not to spill her drink.

“Ehem... way to ruin the mood, Remielle Dan.” With a disappointed look, Hoshimi criticized her.

“Well, you girls were ganging up on me.” Remielle smugged, “So poor lil ol me had to pull the card.”

“Ugh, let’s change the topic.” Sunny intervened, wanting to get away from the awkward situation. “So… Hoshimi, how is Miyabi doing?”

“Thanks for asking, but my niece is doing amazing.” A proud smile formed on her face, “She may not be the best at academics, but she excels in kendo and other martial training.”

“Aww, she is just like you when we were younger.” Remielle is nostalgic about the past. “If I’m not wrong, she and Wise are about the same age, no?”

“Yes, Miyabi is also starting her second year next week.” Hoshimi sips her tea, “I’m sure if they were to meet, they would get along just well.”

“Ohh~ do I hear that you can feel it?” Remielle looked at Sunny and Hoshimi. “Looks like there’s a potential for our friends to become one family~.”

Sunbringer rolled her eyes, *Sigh, “Can you quit it, Remielle? We shouldn’t intervene with youth romance.”

“Well… I am not against it.” Hoshimi sips her tea, deep in thought. “Our clan should start looking for heirs soon. I’d rather it be Wise than some random guy I don’t know.”

“Come on, Hoshimi, don’t ride her ideas or we will never hear the end of it.” Sunny cut the thought. 

Remielle simply smiled—far too pleased with herself.

Before Sunny could respond, a sudden chime cut through the air. The billboards across Lumina Square flickered in unison, advertisements vanishing as bold red text replaced them.

Breaking News.

The largest screen lit up, revealing a familiar figure—Astra Yao, the rising idol who had taken New Eridu by storm.

“In an unexpected move, Astra Yao has announced she will be returning to school to complete her education…”

“Wait… seriously?” Remielle leaned forward, eyes sparkling. “That’s huge.”

Even Hoshimi glanced up, interest piqued.

“Miss Yao, is it true that you will be returning to school?” The reporter on the screen is eager for answers.

“Well, of course, lately I have found myself wanting to continue experiencing youth.” She answered with elegance, her black hair glistening in the camera.

“Does this mean you're stepping down?” The reporter quickly followed up.

“Nope, I’m not. I just don’t want to waste my youth!” She smiled, “ And once I return to the big stage… I will surprise the world with a song that will capture everyone's heart! That’s all.”

“Miss Yao, wait!”

The paparazzi frenzied, clearly unsatisfied with her answer, guards had to intervene.

“As for her privacy, we will not disclose her school’s identity, and anyone who tries to pry will receive serious charges.” The calm, blonde bodyguard with a cool demeanor cut the broadcast there.

“The world just got crazy.” Remielle reflected, “Hey, if I’m not mistaken, this will put Astra Yao in second year, right?”

“Quit with the delusions, Remielle.” Sunny intervened.

While Lumina Square buzzed with spectacle, another corner of New Eridu thrived on precision. San-Z Studio stood tall among glass and steel, its interior a controlled symphony of motion. Employees moved with purpose—keyboards clacking in a steady rhythm, holographic screens flickering with lines of code and design drafts. Conversations were brief, efficient, and laced with technical jargon.

This was a place where ideas were engineered. At the heart of it all, behind a frosted glass office, sat Joyous.

“Next applicant, please.”

The door slid open, and another hopeful stepped in—resume in hand, nerves barely concealed.

“For starters,” Arche began, voice crisp and professional, “state your name, age, and why you chose this company.”

“Good morning. My name is Ye Shiyuan,” he said, adjusting his glasses. “I’m 21 years old, and I chose to apply here because your company’s mission aligns closely with my personal passion.”

Arche scanned the resume. The eldest son of the Ye family. Fresh graduate from Olympus Academy. One year of work experience—impressive.

“Joyous,” Arche murmured, “isn’t this the same academy your kids are enrolling in?”

“Yeah… you’re right,” Joyous replied under his breath. “And he already has a year of experience. That’s rare.”

“Ahem. Mr. Ye,” Joyous continued, now fully engaged, “tell us more about yourself.”

“I graduated from Olympus Academy, majoring in Technology,” Shiyuan said. “I’m currently seeking employment to help support my younger sister’s education.”

“Ye Shunguang, correct?” Arche confirmed, glancing at the document.

“Yes,” Shiyuan nodded. “Our parents run a small store in Waifei Peninsula. I want to ease their burden by helping fund my sister’s schooling.”

“Family-oriented,” Joyous noted, leaning back slightly. “So, where did you enroll her?”

“At Olympus Academy as well, sir,” Shiyuan answered earnestly. “The quality of education there is… exceptional.”

“I agree,” Arche added. “Sir Joyous himself graduated from Helios University—the main branch of Olympus Academy.”

“I see,” Joyous continued. “Waifei Peninsula is quite far. Where are you staying now?”

“We’ve rented a place in Janus Quarter, Sixth Street, sir.”

There was a brief pause. Then realization hit.

“Wait—you mean my area?” Joyous blinked, surprised.

“Ah… yes, sir. We’ll be moving in today,” Shiyuan confirmed. “After this trial interview, I’ll be heading there.”

“Well now,” Arche leaned back, amused. “Living near your potential boss—talk about convenient.”

“You’re in luck,” Joyous said with a grin. “After your trial run, ride with me. Saves you time—and money.”

“Sir, I couldn’t possibly—”

“No ‘buts’,” Arche cut in. “Refusing his goodwill is a losing battle.”

“Heh, exactly,” Joyous chuckled. “Now then—let’s get back to business. We can continue this later.”

Shiyuan straightened. “Yes, sir.”

Across the city, far from the structured calm of San-Z Studio, another milestone was quietly unfolding. Towering gates stood before a sprawling campus of polished stone and modern architecture—where tradition and innovation met in perfect balance.

Olympus Academy.

Students flowed through its entrance in steady streams, uniforms crisp, voices buzzing with anticipation. Some carried confidence. Others, nerves. Among them stood two familiar figures.

Wise adjusted his bag slightly, eyes scanning the campus with quiet curiosity.

Belle, on the other hand, leaned forward with bright excitement. “Whoa… this place is huge.”

A new chapter was about to begin, and unlike the controlled systems of code and logic—

This one was far less predictable.

After completing their campus tour, Wise and Belle made way to the registration office, and sitting beside them in the line was a man with black hair and an orange accent.

With nothing better to do, he struck up a conversation.

“Transferee students, I presume? Haven’t seen you guys around here.” He asked curiously.

“Ahh, yes, we will be transferring here.” Wise looked at Belle and tugged her. “Belle greeted this gentleman here.”

“Where!?” She panicked,  “Oh, there you are, sir, greetings!” 

“Hahaha, no need to be on edge.” He let out a hearty laugh, “I’m just a parent, much like your parents.”

“Still, sir, it’s a custom to respect those who are older than us.” He explained.

“What a good kid.”

The office door swung open, and a woman with orange hair and black accents emerged; she must be the man’s wife.

“Honey, little Zhu is now re-enrolled in the academy; another amazing year awaits her.”

“Oh, I guess it’s these youngins’ turn, you folks may proceed.”

“Thank you, sir, and thanks for your wisdom.” Wise bowed.

“Oh, it’s nothing. What year will you be in?” He asked.

“Big bro will be in second year high school,” Bell chipped in, “While I will be in first year!”

“Oh really?” The mother interjected. “So this boy could become classmates with our Zhu Yuan, then?”

“Hahaha, what a coincidence,” The man chuckled. “Boy, just take this as a request from an old man, you are kind and respectful, if ever you meet my daughter, I hope you will be good friends with her, and you too, of course, his sister.”

“Noted, I’m good at making friends.” Belle boasted.

“Understood, sir, we will surely talk to her, given the chance.”

The couple bid farewell to the sibling, going down the hallway.

Now it’s Wise and Belle’s turn to make themselves part of this school.

Now what kind of journey awaits them?

It’s all forward from here.