Time flew by faster than Jihu could have ever imagined. Between dodging his father's outrageous training attempts, sneaking in naps whenever possible, and indulging in the various luxuries of his new life, he had no time to even think about his past as Dr. Kang Jisoo. The memories of Earth and his mission to restore it grew hazier with each passing year, pushed to the back of his mind by the vibrant and overwhelming life he now lived.
His parents, Kang Daeho and Yoon Hayeon, were as eccentric as ever. His father continued to train like a maniac, barking out dramatic speeches about galactic conquest and heroism. His mother, ever the refined intellectual, balanced his father's chaos with grace and discipline, though not without occasional exasperation. Life aboard the starship was nothing short of extravagant, with Jihu enjoying privileges that most children could only dream of.
And just like that, his fifth-sixth birthday arrived—an occasion of utmost importance in this part of the galaxy.
The Grand Celebration
The banquet hall of the Kang family's massive spaceship was transformed into a spectacle of lights and luxury. The walls shimmered with holographic projections of nebulae, golden chandeliers hovered midair, illuminating the extravagant setup, and the long dining tables were adorned with exotic delicacies that only the wealthiest families could afford.
Jihu sat at the center of it all, dressed in an elegant yet comfortable deep blue hanbok-style robe, trimmed with intricate golden embroidery. His raven-black hair, a trait he had inherited from his past life, was neatly combed, though the slight messiness at the edges gave away his playful nature.
Guests arrived one by one, each more extravagant than the last. The party carried on with laughter, music, and an extravagant feast. His father, as usual, made a grand speech, boasting about how Jihu would one day become the greatest warrior of the galaxy, while his mother sighed and tried to steer the conversation toward more refined aspirations. Meanwhile, Jihu was thoroughly indulging himself in the mountain of gifts, marveling at the sheer wealth and influence his family wielded.
The Night that Changed Everything
After hours of festivities, the guests departed, and the extravagant hall fell silent. Servants cleared the tables, and Jihu, exhausted from the excitement, returned to his private chambers. His room was as luxurious as any royal's—a massive bed adorned with silky sheets, a panoramic window offering a breathtaking view of the cosmos, and an array of AI-controlled devices that catered to his every whim.
He laid back on his bed, a satisfied sigh escaping his lips as he stared at the twinkling stars outside. Life was good. Too good.
Just as his eyes were about to close—
A voice echoed in his head.
"You have forgotten."
Jihu's eyes snapped open. His body went rigid. The voice was deep, reverberating through his very being, carrying an unsettling familiarity that sent shivers down his spine.
"You have indulged in this new life… but do you remember who you are?"
His heart pounded violently against his chest. His hands clenched the silky sheets beneath him. He tried to move, to speak, but it felt as though an invisible force was holding him in place.
"Earth. The mission. The promise."
Then, as suddenly as it came, the voice disappeared.
Jihu shot up, gasping for breath, his body drenched in cold sweat. His wide eyes darted around the dimly lit room. Nothing. No presence. No shadows lurking in the corners.
His breathing was erratic. His hands trembled as he clutched his chest.
The memories—long buried beneath layers of childish indulgence—came rushing back in a tidal wave of realization.
Dr. Kang Jisoo. Earth's destruction. The AI Leon. The promise to restore what was lost.
A chill ran down his spine.
"Shit…" he whispered, his voice hoarse. He had spent all these years basking in luxury, completely forgetting the one mission that had defined his very existence.
As he sat there, gripping his sheets with a mix of horror and determination, a single thought rang in his mind.
He had to find Leon.
To be continued…