2224.exe

# The Last Night of Earth Stopping in 2224

In the year 2224, the world has shrunk to just 800 million people,
with a city emerging as the heart of a new era.
After two centuries of underground research,
humanity finally steps into a transformed existence.
Earth, now a dark star floating in the void,
has become a place far removed from the life we once knew.

The wealthy have long since migrated to Mars,
where urbanization thrives and the "Mimetic Earth Plan" is complete.
Meanwhile, the last civilians gather in major cities,
preparing for the apocalypse drill that marks the end of an age.

Amidst this backdrop, two old friends find themselves reunited.
Once mere acquaintances in a virtual realm,
they now stand face to face for the first time in five years,
assigned to Green Zone 29E, a new housing complex.

In this advanced age of 2224, the concept of love has evolved.
Do we still need human partners to fulfill our desires,
or is it easier to opt for AI companions,
able to simulate affection in mere minutes?

Is that truly more convenient?
What about the slight heartbeat we feel during our conversations?
Is it fluttering, longing, or just plain annoyance?

“Let me scan your appearance tonight,” one says,
“so we won’t forget this moment.”
“Isn’t it boring to replay memories like this?”
“Not really. I even simulate conversations with my first love every month.
Is that wrong?”
“Maybe a little. You’re still caught up in replays after all these years.
Longing is really disgusting, don’t you think?”
“It’s your nature that’s disgusting!
If you liked me, why not just be honest about it?”
“I’ve altered your appearance in VR,
adding a new dragon-like skin.
Those shiny scales are quite captivating.”
“I can’t believe you’d do that.”

“To love someone means to embrace all of them,
waiting for them, changing them, influencing their thoughts.
Only those from our grandmothers’ generation would indulge in such foolishness.”
“Alright, I hope my voice and thoughts can bring you some satisfaction.”

“Let’s hurry, we need to get assigned to housing.”
“After all, we’re the poor souls who can’t live on Mars!”
“Once we move in, I have so many personalized settings to configure.
If there’s mold on the walls, I’ll need to remove it.
And don’t forget to order some synthetic meat.
The allocated food never seems enough.”

“When will we see each other in real life again?”
“Stop bothering me, we can meet in chat instead.”

As they prepare for the unknown,
the echoes of their past linger,
reminding them that even in a transformed world,
the essence of human connection remains vital.