PS: Please support me on patreon there 125+ chapters there)
https://patreon.com/BX_XDS
The morning sun spilled gently across the city skyline, painting the Li family's tower in soft gold. The hum of traffic below blended with the distant sound of morning chatter — a rare, peaceful start to the day.
Inside the penthouse, breakfast filled the air with the comforting scent of warm bread, eggs, and freshly brewed coffee.
Atlas stood near the dining table, wearing his clean Federation uniform. His duffel bag rested by the door, ready for departure. Across from him, his family gathered — his mother, father, and two younger siblings — the same warmth that once felt distant now surrounding him like a familiar blanket.
Selena Li, his mother, poured him another cup of coffee before setting the pot down with a sigh. "Honestly, Atlas, you look like you haven't slept at all. You were in that lab until sunrise again, weren't you?"
Atlas smiled faintly. "Just some final checks, Mom. We finished calibrating the warp module last night."
"Final checks, you say…" She shook her head, exasperated but proud. "When you get to the Scientific Research Division, I want you to actually sleep. No all-nighters, no skipping meals, and for heaven's sake, don't live on coffee alone."
"I'll try," Atlas replied, raising his hands in mock surrender.
From across the table, Adrian chuckled, though his expression was tinged with regret. "It's a shame, though," he said, swirling his coffee absently. "We didn't get to start the super AI project for the ship. If only we had more time…"
Atlas placed a reassuring hand on his father's shoulder. "Don't worry, Father. I'll continue the research at the Scientific Division. Once I get access to their resources, I can push the AI project forward. We'll finish it together eventually."
Adrian looked up at him — tired eyes brightening with quiet pride. "I know you will, son. Just promise me you'll stay safe. You've done more than enough for one lifetime already."
Before Atlas could respond, a small voice cut through the air.
"Big brother!"
Mina, his ten-year-old sister, dashed across the living room and hugged him tightly around the waist. Her dark hair bounced as she looked up at him with wide eyes. "When are you coming back? You promised to take me to the amusement dome last time!"
Atlas laughed softly, patting her head. "I'll come back soon, Mina. Maybe next month, if my schedule allows."
"You said that last time!" she puffed her cheeks, crossing her arms.
Ethan, his thirteen-year-old brother, chimed in from behind her, pretending to look serious. "Yeah, big bro, don't make promises you can't keep. But… if you do come back, can you bring me a model of that spaceship you and Dad built?"
Atlas grinned. "You want the small one or the one that goes through space and accidentally crashes into mountains?"
Ethan blinked. "Wait—what?"
Selena sighed again, rubbing her temples. "Don't encourage him, Atlas. And you two—" she gave Ethan and Mina a pointed look "—your brother's leaving on important business, not a toy store run."
Adrian laughed warmly. "Let them be, dear. It's been too long since this house had this kind of noise."
Mina giggled. "That's because you and Mom always talk about boring science stuff!"
Selena gasped in mock offense. "Boring? I'll have you know our company keeps the lights on in half the Federation!"
The room erupted in gentle laughter — a rare, harmonious moment that reminded Atlas what he was fighting for.
After breakfast, the family accompanied him to the building's front entrance. The wind was crisp, the sun high above the Capital City's skyline.
Waiting by a sleek black Federation vehicle was Elliot Graves, leaning casually against the hood, sunglasses perched on his head and a smirk on his face.
"Dr. Atlas," he greeted, pushing himself off the car. "You know, I'm starting to think I've been demoted from soldier to chauffeur. Every time you need to go somewhere, it's me picking you up."
Atlas chuckled, shaking his friend's hand. "Guess the Federation doesn't trust anyone else with me. Or maybe you just enjoy the free rides."
Elliot grinned. "Please, the pay doesn't match the stress. I swear, one of these days I'm putting 'Designated Atlas Driver' on my ID."
Selena covered her mouth to hide her laughter. "I like this one," she whispered to Adrian.
"Most people do," Elliot replied playfully, overhearing her.
Atlas rolled his eyes good-naturedly and tossed his bag into the back seat. "Alright, Driver Graves, let's get going before Mom changes her mind and locks me in the penthouse."
Selena gave her son a long look, crossing her arms. "I just might, if you don't remember to eat and rest."
"I'll send you daily meal reports," Atlas promised with a grin.
"See that you do."
Adrian stepped forward and placed a firm hand on his son's shoulder. "Remember what we talked about, Atlas. The AI, the research… and keeping your head clear. The Scientific Division can be political. Don't let them bury your ideas."
Atlas nodded. "I'll handle it, Father."
Then Mina hugged him one more time, nearly tripping over Ethan in the process. "Don't forget the amusement dome!"
"I won't," he said with a smile, ruffling both their hair. "Be good for Mom and Dad, alright?"
As Atlas turned to the car, Elliot opened the door for him. "Your royal carriage awaits, my lord."
Atlas chuckled as he climbed in. "You're never going to let that go, are you?"
"Not in this lifetime," Elliot replied, settling into the driver's seat.
Two armored escort vehicles flanked them — one ahead, one behind — as the convoy began to move through the streets. The hum of the city faded into the steady rhythm of engines.
Atlas glanced out the window at the peaceful skyline. "Aren't these escorts a little much? We're in the safest city in the region."
Elliot shrugged. "Beats me. Maybe the higher-ups value your brain more than their own lives. You've made the Federation nervous — in a good way."
Atlas raised an eyebrow. "Nervous?"
Elliot grinned. "Yeah. You build exosuits, energy cores, and now rumor says you'll be leading a research team. That kind of talent makes politicians panic."
Atlas leaned back in his seat. "Everyone's contributing something, Elliot. Soldiers, engineers, medics… the research division included."
Elliot's expression darkened slightly. "About that," he said, slowing as they neared the massive gates of the Scientific Research Division — a sprawling complex of silver and glass that stretched into the horizon. "Word of advice — be careful in there. The senior scientists aren't what they used to be. Some cling to power more than progress."
Atlas frowned slightly. "You mean internal politics?"
"Worse," Elliot said flatly. "There were scandals. One professor stole his student's research and published it as his own. Got caught, of course, but it shows how bad things got. The Federation's been hoping for someone new — someone like you — to clean things up."
The convoy stopped in front of the grand entrance, the Federation flag fluttering above the gate.
Atlas looked up at the massive structure — all sharp lines and mirrored glass, reflecting the morning sun. "So that's the place."
"Welcome to the lion's den," Elliot said with a half-smile. "You sure you're ready for this?"
Atlas exhaled slowly, his eyes steady. "I've been ready for a long time."
Elliot nodded. "Then go make history, Doc. Again."
Atlas gave him a firm nod, stepped out of the car, and stood before the towering doors of the Scientific Research Division.
As the convoy pulled away, the sunlight caught the insignia on his uniform — gleaming bright against the glass facade.
Tomorrow's future began here.
And Atlas Li was ready to face it.
PS: Please support me on patreon there 125+ chapters there)
https://patreon.com/BX_XDS