Extra Chapter: A Letter Home

  Nov 22, 2077, Quebec Slums | "Bright Future"

  Dear Dad,

  Hey! Hope you and Mom are doing great, healthy as horses! Miss you both so much! ?? Be sure to give Mrs. Maria a big hug for me and tell her I still crave the smell of her baked bread! And Old José at the grocery store, thank him for always giving me extra candy back then. Don't forget to say hello to the uncles and aunties at the "Spring of Hope" project and the charitable foundation for me—without them, there'd be no me today.

  Oh right! I just got a bonus (your daughter's amazing, right!), already transferred it to you guys. Use part of it for yourselves, buy some good things, don't be stingy! For the other part, Dad, please help me with a little favor—distribute it to Mrs. Maria, Old José, and Grandma Elena who used to help us so much, plus delivery man Uncle Diego who's always smiling. We received so much care from everyone when times were tough, and now being able to give back a little makes me really happy.

  Work's been pretty busy this past month, but there's good news! The major operation I participated in last time was super successful—we took down a nest of bad guys and helped many people who might have needed help like we once did. Everything after the case has been handed over, I'm fine, totally safe, and I'll always remember to be an upright police officer who makes you proud.

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  Oh oh, let me tell you something big! My application was approved, I'll be transferring to work at Neo-Chinatown Metropolis Police soon! Really wasn't easy, I went through so much effort to finally convince Mr. Tremblay!

  Well, actually it's for a teacher I especially respect, Sergeant Samuel Jones. He taught me before, super strict but also super admirable. But... he sacrificed in last month's "Stardroop" incident. I want to go to the place he protected and continue the work he didn't finish. Plus, all news related to this "Stardroop" incident has been sealed. I keep feeling there's something major inside, if I don't figure it out I'll feel uneasy, and also feel I'd be letting down him.

  Hehe, of course there's some personal motivation too—remember three years ago during my Neo-Chinatown Metropolis internship when I failed to catch that "Crimson Phantom"? This time I can't let her escape again! I need to properly settle this "score"! (Just kidding, but seriously going to catch her!) And... Dad, remember I mentioned in that operation a very strange yet warm signal came out to stop me? It seemed to know me. I want to go to Neo-Chinatown Metropolis to find this mysterious "warner" (or should I say "mediator") and get everything cleared up.

  I know, I know, you and Mom will definitely worry. But I promise to take good care of myself! I'm now a super amazing rising star in the police force! Once I get there and settle in I'll video call you guys!

  Forever loving you both,

  Little Valeria

  Nov 15th, 2077

  Stardroop: Lost in Transit (comprising the main story and all extras) draws to a close.

  Fog over Science Castle, will soon released.

  Volume 2: Fog over Science Castle

  Science Castle, founded as a salvation "ark" to combat the rampant cognitive virus, has drawn a large number of scientists who voluntarily joined this closed environment and worked tirelessly—including a genius female scientist with nightingale-like grace and brilliance. On the other hand, a hawk-like Indigenous private detective was hired to infiltrate under the disguise of a security guard, conducting secret investigations to uncover the anomalies inside. What kind of story will unfold from the encounter between the hawk and the nightingale? This is a precious specimen of how human nature, crushed under the weight of technological hegemony, is both fragile and vulnerable, yet stubbornly shines.