Chapter 2: A Childhood Friend

Only ten years remain. Scientists have warned that Earth's magnetic field is failing. Solar radiation, cosmic rays, and atmospheric decay are all slowly turning the planet into a wasteland.

Humanity has fled to a new world—Neura-7, an artificial biosphere replicating 93% of Earth's environment. Ninety-five percent of Earth's population has already migrated.

But some were left behind… My mission is to find those people and bring them home.

Arav explained all this to the girl as they walked along the deserted road. Pointing ahead, he said, "Look, that house looks untouched. Let's go there. You should rest until your leg feels better."

The girl managed a weak smile. "Okay."

Inside, the house was silent and dark. Arav gently helped her sit on the floor by the doorway. "Stay here. I'll find a light," he said quietly.

He explored the house: three rooms, with the kitchen on the right, a bathroom to the left, and a bedroom facing the entrance. He switched on the bedroom light and returned. Bending down, he lifted the girl carefully in his arms.

She looked at him, half serious, half teasing. "What are you doing? Put me down."

Arav blushed, smiling awkwardly. "Don't worry, I'm just helping you to the bed, nothing else."

The girl whispered into his ear, "You're not planning anything suspicious, are you?"

Arav nearly stumbled in embarrassment. "Of course not! I'm not that kind of guy," he stammered.

He placed her gently on the bed and stepped back. "If you need something, let me know."

She said, softly, "Where are you going?"

"I'll be right here," Arav replied, setting his bag next to the bed. "There are some fruits inside, help yourself. As soon as you're stronger, we'll keep moving."

The girl hesitated, then smiled, "I never told you my name… It's Nia."

Arav froze. The name hit him like a wave—a memory of a childhood friend long lost.

"I once had a best friend named Nia," he said quietly, emotion in his voice. "When I was eight, her family moved away. Even now, I never forgot her."

Nia's eyes widened. "Was your childhood name Nikul?"

Arav nodded, surprised. They both realized the truth—it was really her.

"I could never forget my closest friend," Nia said, her voice trembling. "I want to stay with you. I'll help you with your mission, wherever it takes us."

Arav nodded, warmth in his eyes. "First, you need to heal. We still have a lot to do."

"I'm alright now," Nia replied, determined. "We don't have much time. Tomorrow, we need to head south and find the others."

Arav opened his bag and pulled out a laptop. "I've sent small drones into the skies. If they spot any people, they'll signal me here."

He glanced over. Nia had already drifted to sleep. Arav smiled softly, lying down on the floor beside the bed. Outside, the world was silent, but for the first time in years, he didn't feel alone.