5th–12th January, Space Era Years 103.
Planet Earth, The World Republic.
Winter on Earth that year was colder than any in recent memory. Snow fell ceaselessly across the vast metropolis of New Washington D.C., the capital of the World Republic. The glow of its towers shimmered against the frozen rivers, as though the stars themselves had descended to the surface of the planet.
It was the annual grand excursion organized by Wenter Academy, taking students across the galaxy to Earth — the cradle of civilization — to engage in academic study and interstellar athletic exchange.
"Earth… looks so ancient," James remarked, tightening his scarf. "There's not a single plasma reactor anywhere. Only primitive thermal generators."
Aerys walked beside him in silence. His crimson eyes studied the square, smoke-chimneyed buildings with quiet fascination.
"And yet, it still stands," he murmured. "It's survived three world wars — and still endures. That alone makes it remarkable."
His voice was calm and cold, yet there was something reverent beneath it. James laughed softly. "You sound like a philosopher again, Aerys."
Academic Learning Program.
For the first three days, students were divided into research teams under the World Institute of Academic Union, tasked with designing a sustainable clean-energy system operable in zero gravity.
Aerys led the theoretical planning, while James handled experimental execution and presentation. Together, they devised a miniature quantum-fusion system stabilized by a self-rotating magnetic field — compact, efficient, and revolutionary.
The world's most distinguished scientists were left speechless before the work of two ten-year-olds from Wenter Academy.
"These two… they've designed something at a military level." "Especially the silver-haired one — he's solving equations in his head without a single instrument."
James nearly jumped for joy. Aerys merely nodded once and left the room.
"Aerys, aren't you happy? We took first place!" "Happiness doesn't make the system any more stable." "Still, it's amazing!" "Then that's enough."
James laughed. "You really are a walking machine, Aerys."
The Inter-Academy Games.
On 6th January , the planetary stadium of New Washington D.C. roared with energy. Students from across the Solar System competed in numerous events — energy marksmanship, magnetic skating, and low-gravity jumping among them.
James represented Wenter Academy in magnetic skating, with Aerys serving as his remote-field controller, adjusting magnetic balance from afar using advanced telekinetic synchronization.
"Aerys! The left field's too slippery!" "Copy. Adjusting induction by +0.4%... You can run it now." "Perfect! You're a genius!"
James crossed the finish line first in the final round, raising the Wenter Academy flag high as the crowd erupted in cheers.
When he looked back, Aerys was standing at the edge of the field. The boy raised his hand slightly — a silent well done. For James, that gesture alone was worth more than any medal.
The Day Everything Changed
7th January , Space Era Years103 —
Everything shifted when a galactic broadcast broke across the Galactic Net.
"Breaking news from the Centory Imperial Court — Margaret von Thors, Democratic Parliamentarian of New Hope and elder sister of Lord Aelyzabeth Thors, has publicly revealed that the Lord has suffered from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) since the age of twelve, and is at risk of developing advanced schizophrenia…"
The hotel dining hall fell silent. Every gaze fixed on the colossal holographic screen, where the image of Lord Aelyzabeth Thors appeared — the legendary commander of the Centory Empire, supreme leader of millions — her private afflictions now exposed before the entire galaxy.
James turned instantly toward Aerys. The boy said nothing. His expression did not move — yet his eyes wavered, faintly, for a single second.
"Aerys… that can't be true, right?""…""Aerys…""If we speak strictly by record — it's true. But my mother remains who she has always been. That has never changed."
His tone was composed, but beneath that composure something fragile cracked.
Then came the whispers — sharp and cruel:
"The son of a lunatic…""That explains why he's so strange…""He must've inherited it…"
Aerys said nothing. He simply rose from his seat, turned his back on them all, and left the room in silence.
James rushed after him.
"Aerys! Don't listen to them! I know you're not like that — you're different, yes, but… you're my friend."
Aerys halted. His breath trembled faintly in the cold corridor.
"James… you don't need to defend me. This world has no mercy for people like me. I'm just another damaged child — like my mother."
"Then I'll be the one to show mercy."
Aerys went still — then, after a long pause, whispered:
"…Thank you."
Rumors spread. Suspicion grew. Judgment hung in every glance.Yet through it all, James remained beside him — unshaken, unwavering.
That night, as snow drifted beyond the frosted glass, Aerys sat alone by the window. In his silver-gray eyes, the reflection of the Earth shimmered faintly — and within it, the silhouette of the woman he loved most in the universe: Lord Aelyzabeth Thors.
"Mother… I won't let anyone hurt you again."
The words escaped his lips like a vow in the dark —a silent oath from a child born to bear the weight of the cosmos upon his shoulders.
Thus ends Chapter B-VIII.