Apocalypse: Transmigrated with an Overlord System

In a quiet residential floor nestled high within the most advanced towering planet, morning had only just begun to bloom. Soft ambient lighting adjusted automatically with the rising sun, casting a gentle golden hue across the smooth, carbon-glass panels of the room. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

The walls softly glowed with temperature regulation tech, and transparent digital curtains displayed a simulation of mist drifting through a forest, giving the illusion of natural peace.

Upon a small bed laid with crisp white sheets, a boy slept peacefully like a baby.

He looked no more than five years old, his tiny frame curled like a kitten beneath the covers. His skin was unusually pale, almost translucent, as though the sun had forgotten to ever kiss it. And resting atop his head was a mop of soft, snow-colored hair—so light and silky it shimmered faintly under the sun’s touch.

He looked like a painting—fragile, untouched, and serene.

Then, his eyelids fluttered like they were disturbed.

The boy blinked slowly, as if waking from a long dream. His eyelashes trembled before his blue eyes opened fully, taking in the warm, familiar surroundings. At first, his face was calm, confused even. But then—a flash of recognition.

Followed by dread.

His gaze darted to the side and froze.

Standing just beside the bed were two figures.

One was tall, broad-shouldered, and as expressionless as stone, his father, Atlas. Beside him stood an older man, silver-haired and sharp-eyed, though not a wrinkle dared to touch his skin...his grandfather, the great Lord Rohen, whose gaze could silence a room in seconds.

Eli’s breath caught in his throat.

’I’m doomed,’ he thought.

His brain whirled like a spinning wheel. He had run away—again. And judging by their faces, this time they weren’t amused. Especially not Atlas. That man always looked bored or annoyed—but now he looked extra bored. And annoyed. Dangerous combination.

’No time! Act fast!’

In the blink of an eye, Eli threw himself into performance mode.

He gasped softly, letting his lip tremble. His small hands clenched into fists. Then, tears—big, round ones—began to pool in his eyes.

Sniff.

"G-Grandpa!" he wailed suddenly, flinging his blanket aside with the drama of a falling star. His little body hurled itself at Lord Rohen with such force that the old man barely caught him in time.

"I missed you so much!" Eli cried, wrapping his arms tightly around the man’s waist. "Your baby has been suffering!"

Rohen’s eyes widened just a little, and his stern expression faltered.

Just a little.

"Baby... what happened?" The old man asked gently, crouching down to his grandson’s level. "Were you hurt? Are you okay? Let Grandpa see—come, let me check."

"I’m okay now," Eli sniffled, wiping his eyes on the man’s dark robe, "but it was so hard! I almost got eaten by a river monster! But I kept thinking of Grandpa and how much I missed you!"

Rohen’s face softened. He stroked Eli’s head gently.

"Good baby," he said with a rare smile. "Grandpa’s here now."

Eli’s eyes sparkled with pretend gratitude, even as his brain screamed, Keep going! Distract him more!

But then—

"Cut the act," Atlas said flatly. His arms were crossed, and his tone was the emotional equivalent of a bucket of cold water. "You forgot to mention something."

Eli froze.

"Like how this little brat ran away from home for the third time," Atlas continued. "And you didn’t find him until six months later."

Lord Rohen’s warm smile vanished.

With a heavy sigh, he pried Eli from his robe and set him back onto the bed.

"Eli," the old man said slowly, voice tightening, "do you have any idea what you’ve done? Half a year! Disappeared without a trace. What if something had happened to you? Do you want your poor Grandpa to have a heart attack?"

Eli lowered his head. His lower lip trembled just a little on purpose.

"I didn’t mean to worry you..." he mumbled.

"Didn’t mean to—?" Atlas scoffed from the side. "You climbed out the second-floor window with a rope made of sheets. You meant to."

Rohen turned and gave him a glare.

"Stop talking," he snapped. "You’re not helping."

Atlas held up both hands. "Fine. But if he runs off again, don’t come crying to me when he joins a circus."

Eli sniffled again, then took a chance.

"But Grandpa... this baby really did something great this time. I worked hard. All for you."

Rohen raised an eyebrow, his anger softening once more. "For me?"

"Yes!" Eli nodded seriously, leaning forward with big, earnest eyes. "I went on a long journey! I crossed planets and stars—just to bring you something very important!"

Atlas looked like he was about to vomit. "You’re not a baby," he muttered. "Stop referring to yourself like that. It’s disgusting."

Eli gave the saddest look he could muster, full of betrayal and heartbreak.

Then, in a flash, he scooted closer to Grandpa, wrapping his arms around the man’s leg.

"See? Daddy’s bullying me again!" He cried. "He always says mean things! Grandpa, punish him!"

Lord Rohen didn’t even think twice.

He grabbed the nearest object—a cushion from the chair—and hurled it at Atlas.

Atlas caught it without blinking. "Seriously?" he muttered.

"If you ever make my grandson cry again," the old man warned, "I’ll throw something heavier."

"Like what?" Atlas grumbled under his breath.

Eli sniffled again and wiped his nose with the sleeve of his nightshirt. Then, knowing exactly what would grab their attention, he looked up at Rohen and whispered:

"Grandpa... I found Aunt Aeris."

Silence.

The room went still, like even the air forgot how to move.

Rohen’s expression went completely blank. His mouth opened, but no sound came out. His sharp eyes, which had been glaring only moments ago, now stared at Eli like he had just mentioned seeing a ghost.

"You... what?" he finally breathed.

Eli nodded solemnly, but inside his brain was doing a happy dance.

Step one: cry.

Step two: blame Dad.

Step three: drop a bomb.