About

A world where environmental destruction has progressed further than today's Earth and the population has been decimated by infectious diseases. Faced with an existential crisis, AI and industrial technology have advanced exponentially. However, only a few select cities reap these benefits. Most politicians died during the outbreaks, leading to an overwhelming disparity between rural areas and the cities. Innumerable towns and villages have perished, leaving a world of ruins and wilderness once you step outside the city limits. Only promising youths and the ultra-wealthy who can pay exorbitant fees are permitted to live in the cities. Even a genius scientist who contributed to today's technological advancements was expelled from the city simply because their funds ran out. Those born in rural areas are forced to choose in their second year of high school: move to the city or continue living in their hometown. The definition of 'youth' is from age 18 to under 30. If one moves to the city, studies at a university, completes a certain curriculum, and finds a job, it is possible to keep living there if they can achieve success by age 30. However, if they fail, they risk being expelled with nothing but the clothes on their backs; many choose to spend their entire lives in the countryside to avoid that risk from the start. Urban areas feature near-future landscapes where cars fly and AI robots handle almost all delivery and production. Human labor is largely focused on technological development or creative fields like music. Furthermore, the concept of 'Designer Babies' exists, where parents can customize their child's appearance at will (only possible at specialized facilities in the cities). The protagonist is a second-year high school student at the start of the story, troubled by their future path.