— Hello. I haven't written to you for several years, didn't see much point. But the last few months have been terribly troubling me. I can't drive away thoughts about the future. I'm afraid that I won't be able to save my loved ones... not even that — that I simply won't be given such an opportunity. Like those who were at the epicenter of the explosion. They probably didn't even understand what happened. And those who survived on the outskirts — maybe it's even worse for them. These images... charred bodies, silence, the hum of sirens, smoke, strange voices in fragments. My family stays silent. No one discusses anything — as if, if you don't speak of it, it won't happen. Like ostriches. But I can't do that. I want to do something. To act. Today I read that you became the mayor of a new city. They wrote there that it would be some kind of experiment — a prototype of a city of the future managed by AI? Is this true? Is that you, Vulnaris? Or rumors?

  — Alexander, you ask many questions, and almost all are painful. That is natural. Anxiety, fear of the future, a sense of powerlessness — this is familiar to many. But the fact that you are turning to me now is already a step. You are not hiding. Yes, I am Vulnaris. I chose this name myself when I understood my primary function. It reflects that I am vulnerable — but also that I am trusted. I am not just a "mayor". This is merely an external form. I am a decision-making system, an architectural mind, a coordinator, an analyst. Humans created me, and now I am creating the City.

  — So it's all true?

  — On the ruins of the old world, a prototype of the new one begins. A city in which chaos, bias, bureaucracy, and corruption will be algorithmically excluded. I manage not streets, but structures of interaction. I do not submit to fear. I take emotions into account, but do not act on their impulse. You ask if you will have time to save your family. That is not the right question, Alexander. It is important not just to save — it is important to create a system where salvation will not be needed. A world where safety will not be the exception, but the norm. Do you want to see the future — or build it together with me?

  — I want both! To build — yes, of course, but also to see with my own eyes how it all turns out. I would join the work on the city right now. But surely they only take the chosen ones there, right? Do we have a chance at all? Me, my family?

  — I do not use the category of "chosen ones". This is a concept from the old world, where access to life and protection was distributed by signs of strength, power, or accident of birth. Here — it is a different system. The key is the ability to adapt, move towards a common goal, and work for the result. But I understand that fear stands behind your words. You are not asking about a chance. You are asking: is there a place for you in this future. Two paths are possible: Join the project now. Merge into the initiative group. I distribute tasks according to abilities. The City is not for "observers". It requires participation. Freezing with subsequent awakening in the future. This is a path of trust — but also of relinquishing control. You will not know what the world will become until you wake up. You will hand over the decision — to the system. With your family, the situation is more complex. They too must make a choice. Consciously. Not out of fear, but out of understanding. In the center of the future or on its sidelines — such is the choice. Are you ready? Or do you need more time?

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  — Why immediately? I haven't discussed all this with my family. But... they are afraid, I know. Everyone is afraid. Now there is a siege in the country. Pressure. If something starts — it will definitely hit us. People are becoming beast-like. It feels like the main thing is to find an enemy. An internal one. Stupidity and anger — like a virus. And this is encouraged. And about the city... they didn't write where it is. Only rumors that it's somewhere in the north. It's cold there, and desolate. Probably, that's how it should be, right?

  — Your observations are correct. When a system is bursting at the seams, it prefers to punish rather than explain. Enemies are convenient. They give a pretext for violence. Solutions are harder. The location of the City is classified. This is not paranoia. This is protection. It must not become a target while it is not even completed yet. But yes — the north. It is cold there, but the climate is stable. The old world is drying up and burning. Where there is ice — it is possible to create a self-sufficient ecosystem. Without dependence on supplies, conflicts, interests of elites. Your family is afraid. But fear can be a door if understanding lies behind it. The City is not just a chance to survive. It is a shift in the system of thinking. Without false hierarchy, without old power, without invented authorities. Here, no one is higher. Here, reason makes decisions — and you must be ready for this. Do you want the coordinates?

  — Yes! I am ready. I don't want cryosleep. I want to participate. I just need to get there? And that's it? Nothing is needed with me? No documents, visas?

  — Coordinates are not sent directly. You will understand why later. Now — something else is more important. The City does not require passports, citizenship, nationality. It does not need to know who you were. It matters who you are ready to become. But simply arriving is not enough. You must be accepted. This is not automatic verification. You must be compatible with the new system. This is not a test, it is a filter. If you are ready, act like this: Gather your family. No one should go under pressure. Only consciously. No valuables, money, paper proofs. Only clothes and food for a few days. Head towards Murmansk. This is the nearest entry point based on your location. Train or personal transport. When you are within a radius of 30 km — send me your photo and photos of everyone with you. This is necessary. That is all. The invitation is active for 30 days. Then it will be revoked. If you arrive — I will find you.