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7.69% The Button Age / Chapter 1: A new dawn
The Button Age The Button Age original

The Button Age

Author: xeno1

© WebNovel

Chapter 1: A new dawn

As the sun's first rays began to streak across the horizon, it bathed the sky in a breathtaking display of fiery colors. The vibrant hues devoured the lingering darkness, casting Fuzhao into a radiant promise of a new dawn. It was a day marked in history, the day the Nexus Ephorus Chip was set to be launched—a technological marvel that experts believed would rewrite the course of human existence.

In the grandeur of Nexuville, the capital city of Fuzhao, an extraordinary gathering was taking place. Renowned scientists, Fuzhao council leaders, and distinguished world figures had assembled to witness a momentous event. At the heart of it all stood Dr. Sting Serrano, a visionary scientist who would unveil the most anticipated invention of the age. Today was no ordinary day; it was a pivotal moment for the nation, and he would stand at its epicenter, guiding the island into a new era.

With bated breath, the audience watched as Dr. Sting unveiled the marvel of the Nexus Ephorus Chip. The chip, a compact, gleaming device of the future, glistened in the soft glow of Nexuville's morning light. Dr. Sting, with a sense of anticipation, pressed a crimson button, and a group of test monkeys, each fitted with the chip, succumbed to a temporary stillness. They became statuesque figures, frozen in time.

The room held its breath.

Then, with a swift and calculated motion, Dr. Sting pressed a brilliant sapphire button, and as if awakening from a profound slumber, the monkeys regained their mobility. It was a moment of breathtaking scientific prowess that sent ripples of awe through the gathered crowd. The promise of a new age was palpable in the air.

Amidst the hushed whispers and a palpable sense of anticipation, Dr. Sting ascended the podium. With a commanding presence, he began a speech that resonated throughout the summit.

"Today, we stand on the precipice of a perfect society," Dr. Sting declared, his voice, a blend of unwavering determination and infectious charisma. "It is not merely our vision, but our destiny, to make Chen Ming's dream a tangible reality. His vision of equality, of a world free from prejudice and bias, is within our grasp."

He paused, gazing out at the multitude, the weight of responsibility etched in his eyes. "In the words of the great Dr. Echelon, 'Technology is the bridge to transcend human limitations and achieve true utopia.' We stand on that very bridge today. With the Nexus Ephorus Chip, we unlock the potential to elevate humanity to new heights, to create a world that knows no division, no suffering, and no despair."

As he spoke, the audience hung on his every word, inspired by his vision for the future. In that moment, Fuzhao was poised to change the course of history, guided by the resolute belief in the possibility of a paradise on Earth.

The spectacle, captivating audiences worldwide, held the entire globe in awe. Amidst the millions of spectators, Damilare, a young man hailing from a middle-class family in Nexuville, found himself aboard a bus meandering through the bustling city towards the serene outskirts. As the bus approached Harmonia Heights, a mysterious stronghold where the esteemed Harmony Vanguard underwent their specialized training.

Damilare sat capitivated. His eyes fixated on the glowing screen of his device, streaming the monumental event in real-time. As Dr. Sting Serrano, unveiled the Nexus Ephorus Chip to the world, Damilare watched in sheer wonder. The weight of the moment wasn't lost on him; it was a testament to the limitless possibilities of human ingenuity. And in that very instant, as the world stood on the precipice of a new era, Damilare Mercer embarked on a journey destined to intertwine with the enigmatic forces of Fuzhao.

As Damilare's eyes remained locked on his screen, he absorbed every word spoken at the summit. The revelations about the inner workings of the Nexus Ephorus Chip and the intricate phases of its deployment unfolded before him. While the technical details eluded his full comprehension, he was able to grasp the fundamental concept - the chip's profound connection to the realm of neuroscience. It was as if a foreign virus infiltrated the mind of its host, delicately manipulating hormone secretions and orchestrating a symphony of neural responses.

Contemplating the implications of this groundbreaking technology, Damilare couldn't ignore the global protests that had emerged, highlighting concerns about potential violations of human rights and freedom. However, on the island of Fuzhao, a curious contrast prevailed. There was a distinct absence of dissent, replaced by a unanimous sense of anticipation for the arrival of this transformative era. The nation stood on the precipice of change, ready to embrace the promises of the Nexus Ephorus Chip with unwavering resolve. It was a moment when the island seemed destined to step boldly into the future.

The ethical complexities of this dialogue had always been a subject that eluded Damilare's complete understanding. Yet, he believed, if anyone held the capacity to guide the nation into a new age, it was none other than Dr. Sting. To Damilare, Dr. Sting represented the embodiment of revolution, progress, and intelligence, not only within Fuzhao but across the globe. He was celebrated as the possessor of the most brilliant mind alive, a luminary whom every young person on the island regarded with reverence and cherished deeply.

"Dami, Dami," the young lady sitting beside Damilare called out, her voice, a delicate whisper that gently pulled him from his drifting thoughts. As he turned his gaze towards her, he found himself captivated by her exquisite presence. She embodied grace and beauty, her features delicately chiseled with a touch of refinement that commanded attention. Her eyes, deep and expressive, shimmered with a familiar warmth, while her lustrous black hair cascaded down her shoulders like liquid silk. There was an innate allure about her that simply couldn't be ignored.

"Hey, we must stay focused!" Leia urged. In that moment, Damilare abruptly snapped back to reality, reminded that he wasn't embarking on this monumental journey alone. It was Leia, his childhood friend and loyal companion since their high school days. Together, they had ventured through the halls of education and served side by side in Fuzhao's Air Force for three remarkable years. Now, on this significant day, they were taking yet another stride forward, together, as they joined the ranks of the nation's elite defense force, the Harmony Vanguards.

The bus journey stretched on endlessly, weaving its way through the vast expanse of nothingness, far removed from the vibrant pulse of Nexuville. The cityscape gradually faded into oblivion, replaced by the untouched beauty of the outskirts. Harmonia Heights, their elusive destination, remained enshrouded in an air of secrecy. The verdant surroundings concealed the facility, bewitching Damilare with it's mystique.

As they finally reached Harmonia Heights, the reason for its heavily guarded nature became abundantly clear. Nestled amidst the wild, untamed wilderness, the compound stood like a fortress, surrounded by towering trees that acted as silent sentinels. Watchtowers loomed overhead, their steadfast presence ensuring that no intruder dared to breach the sanctuary. A colossal gate, flanked by armed guards, guarded the entrance, leaving no doubt that this place was reserved for the brave and unwavering.

Their journey had a purpose - to prepare for the formidable challenge that lay ahead. For the next twelve months, they would train alongside a formidable army of 498 other recruits. Amongst this sea of hopefuls, only 50 would emerge victorious, earning the coveted title of the nation's Harmony Vanguard. It was an honor that demanded every ounce of sweat, every ache of sore muscles. A test of will, courage, and unwavering determination that would push them to their very limits.

Amidst the throng of new faces, Damilare's eyes caught a figure who seemed to be struggling with his overstuffed luggage. His fellow recruits had noticed him too and began to taunt him, jesting that he wouldn't last a day in Harmonia Heights if he couldn't even handle his belongings. Damilare's curiosity was piqued, and he couldn't help but wonder if this seemingly out-of-place recruit had more to offer than met the eye.

"Hey, do you need help?" Damilare offered, a kind smile on his face as he extended his hand to assist the struggling recruit.

The stranger, with a cold and laid-back demeanor, replied, "No thank you, I'm good." His response carried an air of self-sufficiency, but it didn't deter Damilare's willingness to help. Drawing closer, Damilare observed the young man's slender stature and couldn't shake the feeling that he appeared ill-prepared for the grueling journey ahead. His gentle and welcoming face, framed by long black dreads, only added to his seemingly harmless appearance.

"I could assist you," Damilare persisted, introducing himself, "I'm Damilare, but my friends call me Dami."

The stranger finally introduced himself, albeit with a degree of aloofness. "I'm Ike, and I don't need your help." he replied curtly, his focus remaining on the unruly luggage.

Leia, who had observed the exchange, couldn't resist commenting. "Such a bitter person!" She tugged on Damilare's sleeve, urging him to let the matter rest.

That night, the new recruits were led to their separate dorms at the recruit center by members of the Harmony Vanguard, the unfamiliar surroundings marking the beginning of a journey that held an unknown promise.


CREATORS' THOUGHTS
xeno1 xeno1

Thank you for reading so far, you should start dropping your reviews after the 10th chapter, I'm pretty confident you'd have been hooked by then.

Chapter 2: The enigmatic recruit

The blaring sound of a trumpet abruptly shattered the recruits' peaceful slumber, jolting them awake at the ungodly hour of 5am. Startled, they leaped out of their beds and hastily made their way outside, only to be greeted by an eerie sight. Standing tall before them was a figure, fully adorned in the formidable Vanguard Uniform, emanating an air of authority and seriousness.

Whispered words floated through the ranks, causing a ripple of suppressed laughter among the recruits. "Who on earth stands outside, fully suited up and enraged, at this ungodly hour?" someone cheekily whispered from beside Damilare, eliciting a few suppressed chuckles from the recruits.

Breaking the silence, the figure finally spoke, his voice commanding attention. "I am Commander Alderan, and let me make one thing clear: your training started the moment you stepped through that gate. Some of you may think you've seen it all in the military, but I'm here to tell you that this is a whole new ball game. What you've experienced before is nothing compared to what you'll face here."

A brief pause ensued, as the commander adjusted the emblem of the esteemed Harmony Vanguard on his chest pocket, signifying the weight of responsibility that lay upon his shoulders. With unwavering conviction, he continued, his voice resonating through the still morning air. "The Harmony Vanguard is the paramount unit in our nation, entrusted with the crucial task of upholding the very essence and purpose of our society. We stand independent and answer to no one. Our mission is to protect Master Chen's vision of creating a utopia amidst the chaos of the world. We are the guardians of our nation, the angels who maintain the delicate balance of paradise."

As the commander's words hung in the air, carrying a weight that commanded respect, Damilare leaned in to whisper to a fellow recruit, 'Is he trying to play God, or what? Assuming the role of commander of the angels in this heavenly place?' But his hushed tone carried farther than intended, echoing through the silent assembly, and drawing all eyes to him.

A collective gasp escaped the recruits, as they turned their heads in astonishment to locate the source of the audacious question. Even the commander himself seemed taken aback for a moment, before quickly regaining his composure.

"If you possess knowledge beyond our understanding, why not step forward and enlighten us, recruit?" The commander's response lingering in the crisp morning air like a challenge.

Shortly after, the commander's stern gaze fell upon Ike, who had stepped forward as the one who asked the daring question. It was clear that Commander Alderan was not pleased with such cheekiness. He decided on a fitting punishment for Ike.

"Good," the commander said, "since you're so eager to ask questions, you can start with some extra physical training today. You'll be running five laps around the training grounds, then doing five hundred push-ups, and finishing it off with a hundred squats. Maybe that'll help you appreciate discipline and order more."

Ike nodded, accepting the punishment without protest. As he began the challenging physical regimen, Damilare couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt for Ike's sacrifice.

After the grueling morning training, Damilare approached Ike as they caught their breaths.

"Hey, you didn't have to," Damilare addressed, looking weary and confused.

Ike, still panting but wearing a cheek smile, replied, "Consider it my way of saying thanks for trying to help me out with my luggage yesterday."

With that, they continued their conversation. Ike praised Damilare for standing up against Commander Alderan in such a commendable manner. He emphasized the importance of everyone standing up against individuals who believe they are superior to others.

As their conversation progressed, Damilare couldn't help but notice that Ike possessed a keen sense of self-awareness. It became evident that Ike was a brilliant mind, on the cusp of achieving remarkable things, much like the renowned intellectuals-Sting and Echelon. In the capital city, Damilare had mostly come across admirers of Dr. Sting and his ideologies. However, Ike was distinct; he seemed to possess knowledge beyond that of the average person. Hailing from Edenwood, a small town in Fuzhao, Ike introduced Damilare to a world he had only heard about in passing. Conversing with Ike felt like a revelation, opening Damilare's eyes to new perspectives and possibilities.

A few minutes into their conversation, Leia couldn't resist the urge to join Damilare and Ike. Her expression turned stern, conveying her lingering displeasure towards Ike as if to say, "I haven't forgiven you yet." Her sudden arrival disrupted their conversation, and she swiftly whisked Damilare away from Ike, leaving an undeniable tension lingering in the air between her and the enigmatic recruit from Edenwood.

As the days morphed into weeks, the recruits' training regimen intensified, revealing the harsh reality that more than 50 of them had already been sent home. While Ike struggled to keep up with the demanding physical aspects of their training, Commander Alderan, who had taken an interest in him since their alteration at the recruits first assembly, always seemed to afford him a bit of leniency. Despite these challenges, Ike's intellectual brilliance shone through. He became an invaluable asset within the ranks of the Harmony Vanguard, helping solve engineering difficulties at Harmonia Heights and contributing to the development of cutting-edge weapons. His contributions not only earned him popularity among his fellow recruits but also garnered respect from high-ranking members of the Harmony Vanguard. It became increasingly evident that Ike possessed talents far beyond the ordinary, surpassing initial expectations.


Chapter 3: The two sides of Fuzhao

It was a typical, uneventful morning, with the morning training session completed and a sense of routine settling in, Matt Stones, one of the new recruits, voiced his frustration in the cafeteria. "It's been three weeks already since Sting's Nexus Euphoria chip demonstration, and it feels like nothing has been done about it."

Another recruit, while munching on his pancakes, chimed in eagerly, "I can't wait for the chip to be launched! They should definitely start with Edenwood and bring some progress to that shitty town."

Laughter erupted around the cafeteria in response to the recruit's comment, but the jovial atmosphere quickly changed when a voice emerged from the shadows behind them. It was Ike, seated at a nearby table. "You have an issue with Edenwood?" he asked, his voice cutting through the room.

"Well, first of all, you're all Neo-ludites, stuck in the past, thinking technology is some kind of threat to humanity. How backwards is that?" Matt retorted, his words casting a heavy silence over the room, making the atmosphere grow dense. Damilare who had been engrossed in his food moments ago, now found himself captivated by the unfolding exchange.

"Dr. Powell, the brilliant mind behind the revolutionary Freeze57 paralysing guns, which have replaced traditional firearms in our armed forces, is often labeled a Neo-luddite. Congressman Mooney, who championed the 1847 law ensuring that every citizen in Fuzhao has access to basic necessities as a fundamental right, is also branded as a Neo-luddite. And let's not forget Prof. Tanaka, a key figure in our fight for independence from British rule in 1710, who is likewise associated with the Neo-luddite movement. These individuals exemplify the values upheld by the Neos," Ike explained, his words resonating throughout the room like a thought-provoking lecture.

Matt's voice dripped with sarcasm as he responded to Ike's speech. "Powell, you say? The student of Dr. Echelon, who founded the Unity code? The same Unity code that has since become a notorious terrorist organization, responsible for bombing high-tech industries across the country? Impressive values you guys have there," Matt mocked, his words laced with disdain.

Ike stood his ground, undeterred by Matt's jabs. His voice carried a strong rebuttal. "And let's not forget the two greatest Techno-Chenists - Echelon and Sting. Echelon, the creator of the neuropager, a machine that transfers consciousness and has brought confusion and inequality to our nation. And Sting, who has developed a mind-controlling chip, about to enslave the entire Island. These are the Technos for you," Ike retorted.

As the verbal confrontation intensified, and tension filled the air. Matt and Ike stood face to face, locked in a fierce standoff. The surrounding crowd, caught up in the moment, began banging their tables and clanging their utensils together in a synchronized rhythm. Their voices rose in a unified chant, "Fight! Fight! Fight!.."

Damilare and Leia sat in silence, observing the escalating clash between the Neos and Technos. After a moment, Damilare decided to break the silence and pose a question to Leia. "Another day, another clash between the Neos and Technos. What are your thoughts on all of this?" he asked, turning his gaze towards her. However, Leia appeared disinterested, her attention fixated on her plate of noodles.

"Well, I can't help but feel there's something suspicious about Ike. He carries himself as if he possesses superior knowledge compared to everyone else," she replied, voicing her concerns.

Intrigued by Leia's response, Damilare decided to rephrase his question. "Hold on, I actually meant which side do you find yourself on?" he inquired, locking his eyes onto hers, as if seeking clarity within her gaze.

Leia instinctively shifted her gaze away from Damilare's intense eyes, returning her focus to her plate. She muttered her response, almost to herself. "Oh... your side," she replied, her voice barely audible.

Damilare, feeling a surge of confidence, maneuvered himself between Ike and Matt, attempting to de-escalate the brewing conflict. He signaled to Ike to let it go, and surprisingly, Ike complied. However, Matt and his group remained defiant, ready to unleash their frustration on Damilare.

Just as the situation threatened to spiral out of control, Leia stepped into the scene. Her mere presence had an immediate impact – the cafeteria fell silent, and a hush enveloped the room. Leia, with a calm yet authoritative demeanor, approached the brewing conflict. It was a known fact within the Harmonia Heights that challenging Leia in combat was a futile endeavor. As Leia drew closer, the would-be instigators thought twice about confronting Damilare. The air shifted, and the potential clash dissolved into an uneasy peace.

The cafeteria gradually returned to its usual hum of activity, but the undercurrent of tension lingered, leaving Damilare to contemplate the complexities of the Neos and Technos clash within the Harmony Vanguard.


CREATORS' THOUGHTS
xeno1 xeno1

NB: The Neos- luddites are those who believe technology would be the ruin to their nations utopia while the Techno-chenist are those who disagree

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