Apocalypse I have a system to raise children

Igor

## Homeward Bound: A Glimpse into the Lancer Family

Vivek, formerly of the Margani Kingdom, stood before the imposing gates of his original body's manor in the Copper Kingdom's capital. It was a sight that would have filled the original body with pride. Located in the prestigious Royal district, the Lancer family manor stood as a testament to their wealth and influence, nestled amidst the grand estates of other prominent families. While not among the top four, their proximity to the King's palace spoke volumes about their standing.

The journey here had been a stark contrast to the grandeur that awaited him. Boarding a yellow double-decker bus at the Margani Kingdom's Zen station, a futuristic transportation system pioneered by his original body's father, Ivanov Lancer, a renowned engineer. The pride the original body held for his father's invention was palpable. Though not widely adopted yet, the Lancer Group's stock soared due to the potential of this revolutionary technology.

After a thirty-minute wait and security checks at the entrance of the magnificent, glass-domed Zen station, Vivek boarded a white helicopter with his children. The journey was a marvel of engineering - a spherical structure with a rotating ring housing the drives, ensuring a smooth and swift ride through the sky, much to the children's delight.

Upon arrival at the Copper Kingdom's Kun station, Vivek cleared security and boarded another blue double-decker bus, finally reaching the familiar yet alien Lancer family manor. It was nearly 7 pm, and the sight of the house, pristine and untouched by the ravages of time, filled him with a strange mix of emotions. In the original body's past life, this house lay in ruins by the time he returned, a stark reminder of the devastation the apocalypse had brought.

A warm smile spread across Jack Lancer's face, the family's old butler, as he greeted Vivek, "Welcome back home, young master Vivek." This loyal and capable man had served the original body's grandparents during the initial stages of the apocalypse, protecting them and ensuring their survival during those perilous first weeks.

Vivek, recognizing the significance of this faithful servant, responded with a genuine smile, "Thank you, Uncle Jack." He knew of Jack's tragic demise three years into the apocalypse, a victim of an assassination orchestrated by the Wu family. He vowed silently to prevent this from happening in this new timeline, ensuring peace for the original body's soul.

As they conversed, the children's innocent chatter filled the air, bringing a warmth and joy that had been absent from the manor in the original timeline. Jack, his face beaming with delight, engaged with the children, the sound of their laughter echoing through the halls.

With a polite nod, Vivek excused himself, heading upstairs to his room. He informed Jack, "Please notify me when dinner is ready." As he settled into his room, a sense of purpose solidified within him. He was here, not just to survive the coming apocalypse, but to protect this family, to prevent the tragedies that befell them in the past, and to rewrite their future.

The Lancer manor rose ten stories high, a testament to the family's wealth and standing. The ground floor buzzed with activity. The sprawling living and dining rooms served as the heart of the house, where family gatherings and formal occasions unfolded. A sun-drenched patio offered a delightful space for outdoor meals, while two cozy sitting areas provided havens for relaxation and conversation. Several rooms housed loyal retainers who ensured the smooth running of the household.

The upper floors held a sense of serene privacy. Family members resided in spacious bedrooms, each reflecting their individual personalities. Guest rooms, impeccably furnished, awaited visitors from afar. Dedicated workspaces provided settings for contemplation and productivity, while a well-stocked library offered a haven for the intellectually curious. Vivek, however, found solace in his second-floor bedroom, a space that now held a stranger's memories but would soon become a sanctuary for his own.

Curiosity tugged at Vivek as he ascended the grand staircase towards the original body's room. However, his steps faltered just before reaching the door. A faint murmur of voices, muffled yet distinct, drifted from within. Startled, he hesitated for a moment, the weight of the unknown hanging heavy in the air. With a deep breath, he reached for the doorknob, his hand trembling slightly as he turned the key and flung the door open, the word "surprise!" dying on his lips before it could be formed.

"Stop, little thief!" The unexpected bellow startled the young boy rummaging through his older brother's study desk. He whipped around, his initial shock quickly melting into a wide grin as he recognized the intruder. "Big bro!"

he exclaimed, the playful glint in his eyes betraying his frequent forays into these forbidden grounds. Of course, it was Igor Lancer, the youngest sibling notorious for pilfering his brother's prized (and often quite expensive) secret snacks. He knew, with an almost uncanny certainty, that any reprimand would be half-hearted at best, given his brother's soft spot for him.

A wave of relief washed over me as Igor, my little brother, launched himself into a hug. His small arms squeezed me tight, and I reciprocated the embrace, overwhelmed with a surge of emotions I hadn't anticipated. The original body's longing for this mischievous little guy had been stronger than I realized.

During the initial chaos of the apocalypse, both Igor and my sister, Maria, had vanished. Weeks of searching yielded only the return of Maria, leaving a gaping hole in the family and a constant ache in the original body's heart. Months turned into years, and although they never stopped searching, hope had begun to dwindle. Countless resources had been poured into the search effort, a testament to the family's unwavering love.

Now, here he stood, the lost brother returned. The original body's memories and emotions intertwined with my own, creating a bittersweet cocktail of relief, joy, and a tinge of sorrow for the time lost. But most importantly, a renewed sense of purpose ignited within me. This unexpected reunion fueled my determination to not only protect my family but also rebuild their shattered lives in the face of the impending cataclysm.

I studied Igor closely, his features a perfect match for the memories I held of him. The same mop of unruly brown hair, the same mischievous glint in his eyes, and the same endearingly crooked grin that could melt even the sternest heart. Yet, within this seemingly innocent facade resided a cunning streak a mile wide. He was notorious for pulling pranks at the most unexpected moments, even resorting to blackmail on one occasion when the original body snuck out to a party.

Despite his mischievous tendencies, Igor possessed a deep well of kindness and compassion. When he took the blame for the second time he'd totaled our parents' sports car, his sole concern was shielding me from the consequences. The memory of his tearful plea, "I don't want them to send you to military school, big bro... I will only be grounded in the house for a week," echoed poignantly in my mind. It was a stark reminder of the unbreakable bond we shared, a bond I was determined to protect in the face of the coming storm.

The original body's love for his younger brother intertwined with my own protectiveness, forging a fierce resolve within me. I wouldn't just ensure my family's survival; I would ensure they thrived, their laughter and love a beacon of hope in the midst of the impending darkness.