Bab 2: Neon Dreams & Pixelated Memories
Chapter 2: Neon Dreams & Pixelated Memories
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The towering skyscrapers of Bytehaven sparkled, their digital exteriors pulsing with vibrant advertisements and virtual displays. The tech gala was the city's most anticipated event, drawing the best minds, the most influential tech tycoons, and anyone looking to get a sneak peek at tomorrow's innovations.
Amidst the sea of floating holograms and VR stalls, the main ballroom gleamed in shifting hues. Servers, some human and others AI-driven robots, wove through the crowd, offering sparkling drinks and bytes of virtual hors d'oeuvres (which you taste with AR glasses – calorie-free indulgence!)
Dr. Aaron Locke, in a sharp black suit with subtle neon trims, stepped into the ballroom. Around him, people were engrossed in AR games, deep discussions, or simply awing at the spectacle. The murmurs of "Have you tried the neural nano-pizza?" or "Check out my digital peacock pet!" filled the air.
His attention, however, was quickly captured by Lyn Vortex. Dressed in a shimmering digital gown that changed patterns with her mood, she was surrounded by a group hanging onto her every word. Their playful interaction was interrupted by her AI assistant whispering a coded message into her ear. She looked up, catching Aaron's gaze, and offered a challenging smirk.
The evening's highlight arrived unannounced. The lights dimmed slightly as a nostalgic 20th-century track began to play. A pathway illuminated, leading to the entrance. And there, framed in pixelated roses, stood Elara Cipher. Dressed in a blend of retro and futuristic fashion, her presence was magnetic.
Time seemed to fragment for Aaron. Memories of shared hacks, secret rendezvous, and whispered promises from a life once lived flashed in his mind. Drawn to her like code to a programmer, he approached, a storm of emotions brewing inside.
"Elara," he greeted, his voice a mix of surprise and longing.
She tilted her head, her playful smirk belying the depth of their shared history. "Missed me, Locke? Or should I say... Echo?"
A torrent of whispers erupted around them. Was this THE Elara Cipher? And what did she mean by 'Echo'? The atmosphere thickened with intrigue.
They exchanged cryptic words, each sentence layered with multiple meanings. But before they could dive deeper, a digital disturbance rippled across the gala. A system glitch? Or something more?
Feeling overwhelmed, Aaron excused himself abruptly. But as he left, Elara's voice reached him, soft yet piercing, "This isn't the end, Echo. It's a reboot."
The night's digital wonders continued, but for Dr. Aaron Locke, the lines between his present and past had started to blur, hinting at a binary storm on the horizon.
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Author: This chapter intensifies the intrigue around Aaron's identity as Echo, reintroduces Elara Cipher into his life, and sows seeds for the upcoming challenges. I really appreciate the time taken to read this novel, stay safe and have a great day :D
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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