*Hummm…*
The low hum of a machine echoed through the vast chamber as it powered on. There was no mistaking the source, a capsule-shaped device standing at the center of the room.
Only two people were present.
A middle-aged man in a white lab coat, just like any other scientist.
And a young man dressed in stark contrast — Nova, the protagonist of this story. He wore dark-gray tactical armor, sleek and form-fitting, designed to match his posture perfectly. The older man focused intently on the control panel, typing commands and adjusting settings with steady hands. Nova, meanwhile, stood nearby, visibly anxious.
"Father… Am I really… going to the future?" Nova asked.
Fear and unease flickered across his handsome face. His striking blue eyes were fixed on the man before him — the one he called father. His dark hair was messy, uncared for. He hadn't bothered to fix it.
His father finally responded.
"Yes. You are going."
His voice was calm, almost flat. "Earth is no longer safe. Sooner or later, the nuclear winter will worsen. The facility's remaining power reserves will run out. We will both freeze to death."
He continued typing, never turning around.
"So it's better that we use what little energy remains… to ensure one of us survives. And you, Nova… are the only one who deserves to live."
Nick... that was his father's name — didn't look at his son. His eyes remained locked on the machine.
"But… isn't this time machine still experimental? What if—"
Nick raised his right hand, cutting him off.
"There is no time for hesitation, Nova. You must survive, no matter what. Two years ago, when we tested this machine by sending a humanoid robot two years into the future, it reappeared a few months ago. Exactly two years after departure."
His tone remained steady, even optimistic.
"So I am certain… this will work."
Nova still looked unconvinced.
"But you've never tested it on a human. And this time… it's thousands of years into the future. What about you? I can't just leave you here alone!"
Nick sighed softly.
At last, he turned.
His gaze met Nova's — filled with conviction… and a faint trace of affection he rarely showed.
"Nova… this machine is built for one person. Only one of us can enter. And the remaining energy in this facility is enough for a single jump."
Nova's face darkened. He clenched his fists tightly, frustration manifesting physically.
"Get inside the machine now. The system is active. I've already set the coordinates."
The time capsule hummed louder, emitting a pale glow, waiting.
"…Alright, Father."
Nova exhaled slowly and stepped forward.
The capsule door slid open automatically, revealing a hollow interior devoid of light.
"Do not hesitate, Nova. We don't have much time."
Nova turned to look at his father one last time, seeing expectation and tension written clearly across his face. Then he faced forward again and stepped inside the capsule, standing upright.
He adopted a ready stance... appearing prepared, though in truth it was merely a shield to conceal his doubt and fear.
"I'm ready, Father."
Nick smiled.
This time, sincerely.
"Good. You've grown."
He let out a quiet chuckle before pressing the red button.
The capsule door closed slowly, revealing Nova in brief internal conflict before he disappeared from sight. Alarms blared throughout the chamber, signaling the initiation of the time transfer.
"Live on… and show me the future of Earth through your eyes… Nova."
It was Nick's final farewell — words Nova would never hear.
The machine roared louder, its sound briefly resembling the distant screams of dozens of women. White particles of light materialized, swirling violently around the capsule.
The facility's AI system began the countdown.
[Warning. Time transfer sequence initiated.
Synchronizing coordinates… Successful.
Linking subatomic particles of individual designated Nova to four-dimensional space… Successful.
Time displacement commencing in… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1…]
The capsule trembled violently. The white particles accelerated in spirals. The machine's roar intensified. The temperature in the chamber spiked dramatically, like an enormous oven blazing at full heat.
Nick stood unmoving.
Watching.
Pride and hope reflected in his eyes. A faint smile curved across his lips.
One minute passed.
The capsule powered down, drained of energy. The white particles dissipated into thick smoke that spread across the chamber. The facility's remaining power reserves were completely exhausted, plunging everything into darkness.
The capsule door slowly opened on its own.
Inside…
It was empty.
Which meant—
"It worked… I did it… Nova… live … in the future…"
Nick let out a weak laugh.
Then his knees gave out.
His body collapsed onto the cold floor of the darkened chamber.