The next morning, Gaona woke up with the lottery ticket still on his desk, where he had left it the night before. He had stared at it for hours, debating what to do. He wasn’t sure if keeping it was the right thing. Maybe Aria had left it by mistake, or maybe it was intentional. Either way, the opportunity it presented was hard to ignore.

Gaona wasn’t used to good luck. The idea that he could win something, let alone something as life-changing as an advanced Archon companion, seemed absurd. People like him didn’t win lotteries—they barely survived. But as he looked at the ticket now, the small spark of hope from the night before returned, faint but persistent.

“I’ll register it,” he said quietly to himself. “What’s the worst that could happen?”

* * *

Later that morning, Gaona turned on his tablet to watch the news as he ate his meager breakfast—a slice of stale bread and a bit of canned fruit. The glowing logo of the Ministry for Government Benevolence filled the screen, followed by the polished image of General Selene, the leader of the Ministry and a constant presence in government broadcasts.

Selene stood at a podium, her white hair and piercing red eyes giving her an air of authority and control. Behind her, the Ministry’s logo—a stylized pair of wings—shone brightly against the backdrop of the biodome’s inner walls.

“The Archon Lottery,” she began, her voice calm but commanding, “is more than just a program. It is a symbol of hope, a reminder that every citizen, no matter their district, has the chance to improve their lives.”

The screen cut to footage of Archons assisting humans in various tasks: delivering groceries, caring for children, and even accompanying elderly citizens on walks. The images were carefully chosen, painting a picture of unity and progress.

“With this program,” Selene continued, “we aim to bridge the gap between technology and humanity, ensuring that every individual has access to the tools they need to thrive. The Archons are not just companions—they are the future of human civilization.”

Gaona couldn’t help but scoff. It all sounded too good to be true. He had heard people in the diner talk about the lottery, most of them dismissing it as a PR stunt or a scam. The tickets were expensive, and the chances of winning were slim.

Still, as he watched Selene speak, a part of him couldn’t help but wonder. Could this really be his chance to escape the monotony of his life?

* * *

After finishing his breakfast, Gaona pulled up the lottery registration site on his tablet. The interface was sleek and inviting, with bright colors and cheerful animations. It felt out of place in his gray, cluttered apartment.