Chapter 2: The Deceptive Sky

Chapter 2: The Deceptive Sky

"Tonight, we are once again faced with the big question about the future of humanity. The ambitious project named Eos Ark is back in the spotlight. This giant ship, designed to carry humans away from Earth, is claimed to be our last hope."

"Initially, Eos Ark was introduced as a solution to the unstoppable global crisis. Environmental disasters, resource scarcity, and the collapse of ecosystems have made Earth seem uninhabitable."

"Earth is on the brink of destruction. But the next question is: who is responsible? Is this purely due to natural disasters... or is it the result of human greed? Massive deforestation, unlimited industrial pollution, resource exploitation... all of this didn't happen overnight. And now, we are faced with a choice…"

"Let's take a deeper look. The Eos Ark project consumes trillions in budget, involves the most advanced technology, and continually depletes natural resources. However, ironically, similar investments were never allocated to restore Earth's condition."

"On the ground, the facts show that the majority of the world's population lives in extreme poverty. They struggle to get clean water, food, even air that's safe to breathe. Meanwhile, behind high walls, a small elite group lives comfortably in protective domes, enjoying advanced technology and artificial air."

"Does justice still exist? Or has the world been completely taken over by those who control information and technology? Eos Ark is packaged as 'humanity's hope,' which—"

The broadcast voice continued to resonate, watched by thousands of eyes glued to the screen.

Earth's condition can no longer be denied—the destruction is only a matter of time. Natural disasters, pollution from factories and vehicles, waste generated by robots and artificial intelligence, and the actions of humans themselves, all combine to accelerate the planet's downfall. The rulers, the powerful elite, and the general public, without exception, all contribute to the destruction that is now inevitable.

The same question continues to haunt everyone's mind, "Do we deserve a second chance?"

In an apartment, the atmosphere feels quiet and suffocating.

Andin appears flawless before the camera.

Her smile is warm, her voice firm, and her demeanor full of confidence. Every word that comes out of her mouth on the news broadcast seems flawless, reflecting the professionalism she has honed for years. The studio lights are blinding, the camera records relentlessly, and millions of eyes hope for answers in her voice. On this stage, Andin plays her role perfectly—unwavering, flawless.

But when the studio lights dim and the camera stops rolling, everything changes.

Andin returns to her quiet apartment. The gray walls remain silent, the dim light casts long shadows on the floor. The air in the room feels cold and empty, as if swallowing up the remnants of warmth from her life. Every corner of the apartment holds traces of the past—dusty books on the shelf, a cup of cold coffee left to grow stale on the table, and an old jacket still hanging behind the door. All of these are remnants of Kaivan's presence.

Kaivan.

That name echoes in her mind, filling every empty space in her heart. The lover who disappeared without a trace, leaving a large hole that no one else can fill. The longing that gnaws at Andin's heart mixes with anger and anxiety. She is angry because Kaivan left without a word. But beneath that anger lies fear—the fear that something bad has happened.

Endless nights feel like they never end.

Andin often sits lost in thought on the couch, her gaze blank as it pierces through the darkness of the window. The soft sound of rain outside only deepens the silence. Sometimes, she covers her face with her hands, stifling sobs that no one will ever hear. Her tears break in silence. No cameras, no audience—only herself, slowly crumbling, consumed by loss.

Yet, morning still comes.

And Andin must stand before the camera again, wearing her best smile. Bringing the news with a loud voice, hiding all the invisible wounds.

The world relies on her to be the voice of truth, while she herself is still lost in the uncertainty of her relationship.

The next day, the morning sun spills warm colors into the sky, as if trying to erase the dark traces that always blanket the night. Andin steps out of her apartment, her steps seeming lighter than in previous days. It seems as if she has forgotten the sadness, loneliness, and tears that have always been her constant companions in every quiet night.

That day, she resumes her usual activities. Walking down the familiar street, Andin tries to focus on the routine. The office where she works is already in front of her, standing tall like a refuge for her mind that keeps trying to escape the shadows of anxiety.

However, before she could enter the building, her steps stop. Someone greets her, a man with a serious expression and a soft yet firm voice.

Andin turns, slightly surprised to see the stranger standing there. The man introduces himself briefly, then delivers news that makes time seem to stop.

"Andin Navarro," he says, "I've come with bad news. Your mother, Lila Navarro... has passed away."

Andin's world seems to collapse. The words swirl in her mind, striking her heart, which has already been filled with wounds. For a moment, she stands frozen, staring at the man with empty eyes. Her breath catches, and her body feels unbalanced. Everything that seemed so ordinary that morning now no longer matters.

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