Leaving another book, still in writing process, follows a passage:
" The lab was busier than usual that morning. Two defense drones were in static flight test, suspended by mechanical arms, while the monitoring screens exhibited real-time graphics and codes. She was standing before the central console, observing a sequence of simulations.
— Target scan is delayed in response -- she said, without taking your eyes off the data. - Someone moved the prioritization of protocol.
— It was the last update of the command core—answered a middle-aged engineer, with the tone of those who did not like to be corrected. - And it's working within acceptable.
The young scientist turned slowly, the holo-tablet still in hand.
— Acceptable is not enough for a defense drone. He needs to react before the human operator realizes the threat.
The man gave a half smile, as if he were expecting that answer.
— Interesting to hear that from someone who's only here because their father owns the company.
The silence took over the lab for a moment. Two closest technicians exchanged quick looks, but no one showed up. She kept her eye on him without altering her tone of voice.
- Funny... I thought you were here because, at the age of 16, I graduated from three entrance exams and was approved for this position by the technical board itself.
She fingered the visor and transferred a code package to the drone core.
— Let's see what's acceptable now.
The suspended drone reacted immediately: recalibrated sensors, response 0.2 seconds faster than the previous test. The graphics on the screen went up as if they had received an energy boost.
Without looking at the engineer, she concluded:
— It's ready for delivery. If you want to discuss protocols, schedule a meeting. I have work.
The man shut up, returning to the terminal itself, while the rest of the team returned to the tasks, avoiding direct looks.
She maintained her posture until the last moment, finishing passing the instructions to the team as if nothing had happened. But inside, I could feel it. Not from the prosecution itself, I've heard similar things before, but because, as much as I had an impeccable resume, doubt always found a way to infiltrate. Was he there on his own merit or because his father wanted to? "
@joaoedulima
João Eduardo Lima
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Talk, guys!
Want to see the universe of Soulless City? My fictional book in a cyberpunk world.
I prepared a sample with the first three chapters of the book, totally free, for you to dive into this Brazilian dystopia where corporations rule... and the resistance begins in the shadows.
Read, feel, resist.
Want to see the universe of Soulless City? My fictional book in a cyberpunk world.
I prepared a sample with the first three chapters of the book, totally free, for you to dive into this Brazilian dystopia where corporations rule... and the resistance begins in the shadows.
Read, feel, resist.
Marcus tightened his jaw, but he didn't have the strength to argue. He knew she was right. The physical and mental wear charged its price, and insisting on staying awake would only make everything more difficult.
He went through his neck and sighed.
— It's been a while since I stopped to really rest.
Maya took it slow, like she understood more than she was saying.
— Then stop. Even for a few hours.
Marcus finally gave in, sitting on the couch. He looked at Maya one last time, like he was looking for something in her eyes, but found only understanding. Without further words, he lay down, feeling the muscles protest with the movement.
The apartment was quiet.
Maya remained where she was, with her arms crossed, watching the signs outside, lost in thoughts. After a while, without realizing it, he ended up napping too, leaning against the chair.
Their rest was short.
Marcus was awakened by the acute tinnitus of a notification in the holoclock.
Something happened.
He went through his neck and sighed.
— It's been a while since I stopped to really rest.
Maya took it slow, like she understood more than she was saying.
— Then stop. Even for a few hours.
Marcus finally gave in, sitting on the couch. He looked at Maya one last time, like he was looking for something in her eyes, but found only understanding. Without further words, he lay down, feeling the muscles protest with the movement.
The apartment was quiet.
Maya remained where she was, with her arms crossed, watching the signs outside, lost in thoughts. After a while, without realizing it, he ended up napping too, leaning against the chair.
Their rest was short.
Marcus was awakened by the acute tinnitus of a notification in the holoclock.
Something happened.
Mega São Paulo, 2038. A city that does not sleep, does not forgive and does not breathe without permission from the corporations that control it. Biotech. Sentinel. EduTech. Three names that govern health, security, and education — but behind every holographic slogan, there is an empire built on silence, fear, and obedience.
Marcus is just another gear in this system. A Sentinel Security agent trained to follow orders, erase dissident voices and not ask questions. But how long can someone take to pull the trigger without knowing why?
As the city pulsates between concrete, neon and control, Marcus begins to see cracks in the perfect facades. Something's wrong. And the more he tries to ignore it, the more the truth screams — not just on the streets, but inside it.
City Without Soul is an urban dystopia that mixes action, psychological drama and political tension in a universe where each choice has a cost. A book about control, loss and the courage to confront the system, even when everything seems impossible.
Not every revolution starts with screaming. Some are born of the silence of those who can no longer swallow their own pain.
Marcus is just another gear in this system. A Sentinel Security agent trained to follow orders, erase dissident voices and not ask questions. But how long can someone take to pull the trigger without knowing why?
As the city pulsates between concrete, neon and control, Marcus begins to see cracks in the perfect facades. Something's wrong. And the more he tries to ignore it, the more the truth screams — not just on the streets, but inside it.
City Without Soul is an urban dystopia that mixes action, psychological drama and political tension in a universe where each choice has a cost. A book about control, loss and the courage to confront the system, even when everything seems impossible.
Not every revolution starts with screaming. Some are born of the silence of those who can no longer swallow their own pain.