Absolute Zero: History

In order for the homeless to return to the modern city and be able to lead a normal life, they needed to possess at least a minimal level of neon.

However, there were those who survived without them in this harsh environment. The return tax was introduced to stabilize the economy of the country, for the costs were considerable for everyone. Management and control was handled by SON (Security Organization Neons), the main force and top brass on planet Earth FX12.

Alina woke up later than usual. The soft bed, the coziness and peace she hadn't experienced in a long time helped her get a good night's rest for the first time in a long time. Taking a shower in the evening, she felt her body relax and was able to get a full night's sleep. Looking around the room, she noticed the modern white and blue interior, panoramic windows, and high-tech equipment. Zero was sitting on a couch with his eyes closed in front of a virtual screen that was projected on the wall showing the latest news. One would think he was asleep, but Alina knew he was practicing the Hypermemory Technique. The hotel room they were staying in had everything they needed: living room, two bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen. Stepping into the kitchen, Alina saw breakfast already prepared on the table - it looked like the hotel had brought the food from the morning, and Zero had obviously picked it up. She paused for a moment, thought, and decided to cook something herself. She had once loved to cook, but hadn't had the opportunity to do so in a long time. The kitchen had everything she needed, and for the first time in a long time she felt joy and peace of mind, cooking for herself and her son like a normal mother.

Zero smelled a pleasant odor that caught his attention. It was the aroma of home-cooked food, reminding him of something warm and cozy. Smiling and opening his eyes, he looked out the panoramic window. There was a view of flying cars, ships, virtual screens and people who were traveling on neo-skateboards - skateboards that levitated at low altitudes using neon energy. It was an exciting sight that might have interested the average child, but to Zero, who was TON618, it was all familiar. He had seen things that these people had no idea about.

- Good morning son ! - Alina said affectionately, smiling and coming out of the kitchen.

- Good morning, mom - replied Zero, smiling as well.

- Let's go for a homemade breakfast - invited Alina, returning to the kitchen.

The food prepared by her mom had an unbeatable taste. Zero felt for the first time this love, motherly warmth and emotions that were not available to him before. Although he was TON618 and had seen the endless horizons of the universe, this experience - his mother's warmth and care - was something completely new and precious to him.

After breakfast, a few minutes later, the doorbell rang. 

On a small screen, Alina saw the people who had tested her ability to interact with neons the day before, but this time it was a young girl, about twenty-five years old, dressed in a stylish suit.

- Hello ! I'm Agent Valeria from the local organization, sent from SON. May I come in?

- Yes, of course, come in - answered Alina, letting her into the room.

- Thank you. This will only take a few minutes. We will confirm your identity and discuss your future plans - continued Valeria.

As she entered, Valeria briefly glanced at Zero, who sat staring at the panoramic view outside the window. It seemed to her that he, like most children, was keenly observing the world.

- I hope this world stays this beautiful forever - she thought.

Valeria pulled out a nano-bracelet that confirmed the wearer's identity and helped interact with the city's systems.

- This is your personalized bracelet. You can use it to freely use Kiev city services, confirm your identity, pay for services, or make calls," Valeria explained. - You have already made a contribution, so you, as a homeless person, have been provided with funds for the first month of your stay, as well as a small house as for those who own neons.

- Thank you ! - Alina looked pleased.

- I also have about ten business cards from different guilds that are going to invite you to join their ranks, - Valeria added.

- Is it compulsory?

- No, you have the right not to become a phantom. SON understands the risks, so it is obliged to pay you ten times more, this amount will increase if your rank is higher than F. You will also get a large modern house and status, as well as help if needed.

Alina had already considered becoming a phantom many times. The skills she had learned from Zero would allow her to reach at least C-rank, which would allow her to protect humans from mutants. She often thought of the suffering homeless and her husband. Zero supported her in this decision because he was sure that her powers would be sufficient and with the guild, she wouldn't be alone.

- Yes, I plan to become a phantom. I want to fight and help people," Alina said, clasping her hands together.

- Thank you very much, SON will support you," Valeria looked pleased. She had been given the task to recruit Alina, and she was glad that she agreed. - Then we will sign a contract with SON, which confirms your participation in the fight against mutants. After the main test today, where your strength and rank will be determined, you will receive funds, a house and even a nanosuit. The guild you can choose yourself or create your own.

After a short checkout, the data has been approved.

- I look forward to seeing you in three hours at the test center. And congratulations again on your return !

- Thank you, all the best - replied Alina, seeing the guests off.

- Do you think I did the right thing? - she asked Zero.

- I know you can do it.

A few hours later, Alina left the hotel and went to the test center, feeling slightly anxious, but at the same time confident.

On the street there were voices of different guild representatives showing their business cards and talking about the benefits of joining their organization. The hotel guards tried not to let them get close, because Alina had to be tested first, and their goal was obvious - to attract new members to their guilds.

As Alina approached the car that was already waiting at the entrance, Valeria, the SON agent, smiled and nodded:

- Ready ? The test is not scary, just show everything you know how to do.

- Yes, I'm ready," Alina replied, gathering her thoughts.

They got into the car and Valeria pressed a button on the control panel. The car gently moved forward, passing the streets of a modern city, where the panoramic windows of buildings glistened in the sun, and the air was filled with the sounds of life. Alina looked at it all with awe, feeling that soon her life would change forever.

Arriving at the testing center, Alina walked through the metal doors where she was greeted by two specialists who were ready to begin the testing.

- Good afternoon ! Today we will be testing your interaction with neons, physical strength and aura control," one of them announced, typing something into a tablet.

The first step was the neon interaction test. Alina took her place in the room, where there was a large sphere that needed the maximum number of neons to be launched into. She concentrated, visualizing the energy flowing through her body, and began to channel them into the sphere. Her control was very good, she managed it the first time. As she filled the sphere with neons, a number appeared on the screen.

- You have passed the first test ! - reported the second specialist.

Then it was time for the physical strength test. Alina stood in front of the device that measured the force of the blow. She gathered all her energy, hit the target with all her might, and when the device displayed the result, she was surprised: her strength was higher than she expected.

- Impressive ! You are really strong ! - said one of the specialists, surprised by her results.

The last step was to control the aura. Alina closed her eyes, concentrated, and tried to hide her aura. It was difficult, because her emotions were off the charts, but she again remembered everything she had experienced and managed to contain her aura. When she opened her eyes, the experts nodded to each other.

- You have been given a C-rank. Congratulations! - After a few minutes, the specialist announced.

Alina felt her heart racing with joy. This was the moment when she was finally recognized. Her dreams were beginning to come true.

Later, they were taken to their new home, a space that had a fully automated system. The two-story house had a modern style, with large panoramic windows that overlooked the city. The outside of the house looked luxurious, with modern landscaping and a small garden. The interior was decorated in white and blue colors, with abstract paintings decorating the walls. Each room was equipped with the latest technology. When Alina and Zero stepped inside, they were greeted by security guards and several automated assistants. The house also had its own pool, lit by soft lights, which created a cozy atmosphere. Zero looked at his mother, her eyes filled with tears. She finally felt at home, safe and secure, feeling her heart overflowing with happiness.

There are three days left until the neon storm...'

[Dictionary Zero]

SON (Security Organization Neons) is the main force and organization that controls security and order on planet Earth FX12. It is responsible for ensuring stability in society and maintaining order.

Guilds are associations of people that are formed to fight mutants. Guild members cooperate and support each other in protecting the population from the dangers of mutants and other threats. Guilds may have different specializations, methods of operation, and philosophies, but the main goal is to protect people and keep them safe.