The Laconic Student's Dilemma is set in an alternate world where most of civilization was destroyed around the dawn of the 22nd century due to decades of nuclear war, disease, starvation, and human stupidity. Humanity was forced to repeat itself, going from pre-historic times to the bronze age, then the medieval period, the Renaissance, and beyond. No one understands why, and the knowledge of the "twin past" is hidden to all but the truly enlightened (and also conspiracy theorists).
Currently, it is sometime in the 1990s. For Hong to be 19 and Anton to be 24 years of age in book one, the year would have to have been 1990 even. Despite that fact, this isn't exactly possible due to several anachronisms. Ignore them, and if it brings your mind peace to have a concrete and true answer, then the year this story begins in is 1990. (So yes, this means that Hong and Anton are Gen Xers and pretty exemplary examples of the "independent and free-spirited" Gen X stereotype one often sees in films from that time period.)
Thank you for understanding. If you are from that time period please do not get mad at me for any anachronisms or inaccuracies and assume most of them are purposeful and in good faith.
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