《Chronicles of Zero》


 Chapter 1: Zero

    When humanity was at its best, many years ago, the world was on the verge of becoming Eden. However, through man''s folly, the planet they called home nearly broke. Lives lost without reason. Wars that ripped through both people and land. How quickly society fell under stress.


    From the ashes came the Radiance and the Blizzard. Two groups that persevered through conflict emerged from the destroyed world like a Phoenix raised from the dead. What was once known as America conquered the west in the name of the Blizzard. A moniker they came up with after enduring severe winters. What began as a small cult in Germany gave rise to the Radiance. Thanks to their faith, they now ruled the east side of the globe.


    The two factions dared not start another world-ending war in spite of their divergent ideologies.


    They have witnessed the atrocities of war and its aftermath. Yet, they desired more territories. None of them could deny that greed still drove their hearts.


    The result was a horrible blood game.


    The Reckoning War. Began more than a century ago. Now, a repulsive form of entertainment for the people of both worlds. As soldiers from Radiance and Blizzard are sent to fight for their leaders'' greed, millions of people would watch. They could not avoid being drafted, but they understood why they were sent to war. People in the system who are too impoverished are trained and deployed to combat zones. But this does not come without a prize. Anyone serving for decades would secure wealth for themselves and their loved ones.


    Many soldiers are driven by this promise. A sad truth that none could deny.


    Even then¡­


    ¡°Why the hell am I here!?¡±


    As he gripped his seat belt, a man asked himself. The Vtol he rode had a string of black clouds outside its window. He only knew it was flak from the shockwave and explosions. Despite the sickness in his stomach, John gritted his teeth and endured the ride. He only hoped the pilot kept him safe.


    It started one morning when John Delgado came to work. He was an intern for the most popular news network, the People¡¯s Redemption Project. He knew his experience from such an establishment would boost his chances to be hired by bigger companies. One of the other reasons he chose PRP specifically was because of their neutral view of the world. PRP chose to tell nothing but the truth. Their news would tell the world that this war was pointless and only served to bring profit to those in charge.


    Although they had good intentions, John discovered that the management was just as shady as the people they reported on.


    His boss especially. The man only saw money in telling the truth. John knew if the truth no longer profited, then this company would surely accept bribes from the two factions. It was only a matter of time.


    The elevator came to a stop as John reached his floor. The office was buzzing as usual. Everyone worked to push out story after story. Exhausted, yet they moved forward in the name of the truth. John even caught a glimpse of one headline. ¡°Gods are real, and how they affect you.¡±


    The absurdity of it all.


    Suddenly, just as he was about to sit down at his desk, his name was called. He let out a long sigh and headed to meet the rat in person.


    ¡°You called, Mr. Reeds?¡±


    ¡°John! Hola! Mi hombre!¡±


    This dark-skinned man attempted to greet John with warmth, but all John could do was roll his eyes. John was only made more irritated by that welcome.


    Damian Reeds. His dark skin was always the first thing that caught your eye. His stylish attire would be the second. Damian compared the way he looked to a presentation. It had to be elegant and spotless. Similar to the business they conducted.


    As he sat down, John couldn''t help but notice that there were far more stacks of paper than usual. John''s eyes narrowed as he prepared himself for whatever wild task Damian was about to throw at him.


    ¡°John, buddy! Guess what? You''re going to be one of us now!¡±


    His eyes widened rapidly. ¡°Pardon, sir?¡±


    ¡°That''s right! See, I got a project and needed someone to get on it quickly. But wouldn''t you know it, everyone already has their hands full! So it got me thinking¡­¡±


    This was a distraction. A lengthy tirade about a topic that could have been covered in a few sentences. Stretched out into a series of paragraphs. Damian was attempting to make John less vigilant, and John knew it. John''s instincts were telling him to flee because something was obviously wrong.


    However, the idea of working on projects and becoming a real journalist enticed him. No more fetching coffee. No more editing other people''s work late at night. No more putting in a lot of effort just to write about it on his resume. This was the big chance he needed. He would only need to complete a few official tasks to be considered for a position in a larger organization. With PRP behind his back, John could be accepted by any news outlet.


    ¡°That''s why I think you''re the man for the job!¡±


    ¡°I''ll do it. What exactly am I doing?¡±


    Damian shook his head with that disgusting smirk. ¡°You''ll know once you''re aboard the Vtol.¡±


    He didn''t like the idea of going in blind. ¡°Do I need to bring anything?¡±


    ¡°The drone will do most of the work. However, only a few interviews here and there will suffice. We''ve already written the questions on a notepad for you. It is all waiting in the Vtol.¡±


    Damien continued to elaborate on how John''s actions would benefit the entire business and how he would make the PRP proud. Damian personally escorted the man to the Vtol on top of the building, inflicting his lengthy tirades on John. The pilot waited patiently.


    It was a technological marvel. A testament to advancement. On the side, the Radiance insignia was painted with pride. The Vtol itself stood out too much because it was entirely red. There was a chest inside with his name on it. This must mean that the items the PRP gathered up were inside.


    He glanced at his supervisor, wondering if this was the right choice. Damian nodded reassuringly at John, as though he could sense his uncertainty.


    He climbed inside the cargo hold of the Vtol, his steps reluctant as he slowly grew cold feet.


    ¡°Good luck in the Reckoning!¡±


    The name left Damian''s lips, and John''s eyes widened in fear. Before he could even bolt out of the Vtol, the doors closed in on him. The vehicle lurched forward as it took off, carrying John as its crucial cargo. He pressed his face against the window and observed the building gradually growing farther away as it rose in height.


    The pilot was adamant about taking John to the worst place on earth, despite his attempts to persuade him otherwise.


    He scrambled to the chest in hopes of finding anything to help him. All he found was a brown coat, some purple armbands, and a bullet proof vest with ¡°PRESS¡± written on it. Additionally, they assigned him the drone.


    With its egg-like shape, the machine gazed back at him with a single eye that seemed to understand his stress.


    ¡°This can''t be right! This can''t be fucking happening!¡± He tried to throw the drone against the wall, but it caught itself in the air before the impact.


    Now John had a little buddy to follow him around. To watch him suffer.


    ¡°Why, why me!? Just a few more years. Few more years of fetching coffee. Now I''m gonna be surrounded by whack jobs and psychopaths!¡±


    ¡°John, you''re live.¡± Damian''s voice came out of nowhere. When John turned to look for the man who had given this death sentence, he only discovered the drone. ¡°You ain''t gonna be bringing in the cash with that attitude. Suck it up, and show these folks at home why the PRP cares about nothing but the truth!¡±


    ¡°I''ll show you the truth!¡± John marched right up to the camera.


    ¡°My finger is already on the censor button, John. Don''t think you''ll be faster than me. Plus, we got a ten second delay. Enough time for me and our beautiful AI to censor anything that doesn''t fit our¡­ preference.¡±


    ¡°You''re a rat, Damian! I hope you know that!¡±


    ¡°I always knew.¡± The Vtol was suddenly shaken violently by explosions. ¡°Oh, better get dressed. Make sure the purple armbands are on. Also, check the bottom for a phone. It has an identification chip that registers you as neutral. As long as you have it on you, that is.¡± A sick, sadistic laugh came out of the drone. ¡°If not, you''ll be swiss cheese.¡±


    John quickly tossed the items onto himself. The coat fit him perfectly. The armbands helped to make him stand out. And now the phone. It was old world by design. Didn''t seem like it could even play video considering how small the screen was. A flip phone as many called it.


    When he had it all, John rushed to the window to observe the mayhem below. They were directly in range of the flak cannons.


    Fearing death just outside the window, John hurried to a nearby seat and fastened his seatbelt. He prayed to the god worshiped by Radiance for safe passage.


    But as if mocked by them, a wing was torn off the Vtol. He held his breath while the machine gradually descended. Before long, it would crash.


    The cockpit door flew open as the pilot ran out. Before opening the cargo doors, he threw John a spare parachute. As the wind filled the room, John couldn''t help but finally scream. The pilot didn''t even give him any instructions. All he said was ¡°For the immortal light!¡± And jumped right out.


    John always knew these soldiers were crazy, but not jump-into-oncoming-fire-crazy. Unfortunately, he was aware that if he did not follow the pilot''s lead, he would die in a fiery manner. He yanked off his seatbelt and hurried out as fast as he could. The drone tailed behind. It captured every frame of him. From the moment he jumped off the Vtol, to the part where he was falling to his doom.


    The parachute leaped out of the pack as soon as he pulled the cord. Despite being safe from the fall, John was still being shot at with flak. Just count his lucky stars that they were at least still trying to shoot Vtol despite its rapid descent.


    John vowed to himself that he would never fly again the instant he set foot on the reasonably safe ground.


    ¡°On your feet!¡± The pilot shoved a pistol into his hands. ¡°We¡¯re too deep in enemy territory. So stay down and-¡± A bullet pierced the pilot''s helmet before he could even finish speaking.


    John screamed as he collapsed. He attempted to crawl away, but was stopped when Blizzard soldiers began to emerge from hiding and aimed their weapons directly at him.


    Compared to the Radiance soldiers, their armor was much older. It was a mix of old world and pre-Reckoning. A harmony between survival and tradition. They stood out among the earth because of the city camouflage.


    His life flashed before his very eyes. Every moment, every memory. Both good and bad. He recalled them all so clearly. The gun in his hands was useless to him. He wasn''t against them, but he hadn''t used one before either. Now he was going to die. Or so he thought.


    ¡°Hold your fire!¡± One soldier commanded. ¡°He''s purple!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we can all see that, captain.¡± Someone else gave such a snarky response.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°No, you idiot! You will only end up in trouble if you kill him! Say goodbye to your organs. Ugh, and look at that, he''s a journalist.¡±


    John glanced at the vest.


    ¡°Identification chips register this guy as neutral. Everyone, spread out and scan for more stragglers. Who knows what kind of filthy reds are around.¡±


    He couldn''t believe it. John was going to live. He was going to see another day.


    ¡°Thanks¡­¡± he patted himself off. ¡°I didn''t think you guys were going to spare me.¡±


    ¡°Thank the identification chips. Without em, we might have shot you outright. Unless one of us noticed those armbands first.¡± The captain said. ¡°So, what''s the point of you coming here?¡±


    ¡°I''m from the People''s Redemption Project. Supposedly to do interviews.¡± The drone floated down behind John as though summoned. Its eye stared at the soldier attentively as John interacted with him.


    Despite the creepy machine giving him a chill, the captain stared at John with a look of surprise. ¡°The PRP? No way! I''m a big fan!¡±


    ¡°I thought you didn''t like journalists?¡±


    ¡°I do. But the PRP is all about the truth. And boy. I always listen to you bunch every day! The Radiance were once Germans? Heck, doubt a guy like me would''ve known. Could you sign my gun?¡±


    ¡°Uh, sure.¡± Reluctantly, John pulled out his pen and did as requested. Then he smacked himself as he remembered an important detail. ¡°Say, I actually have a couple of questions here and I''m wondering if I can do an interview.¡± John took out the notepad and prepared himself.


    ¡°For the PRP? I''d catch a grenade for this chance! Soldiers, secure the area!¡±


    John took a moment to peruse the notepad and see what needed to be done. There were various instructions made for many encounters. Questions that he needed to ask. He flipped through the pages until he was at the one for Blizzard operatives.


    ¡°First question: Do you know what the Reckoning is? This is simply an opening question so that the viewers at home will have some level of understanding.¡±


    ¡°Wait? We''re already live? Hey mom!¡± The captain waved at the drone. ¡°Right, the question. Well, the Reckoning is a game. Not for us, but for the big wigs. We are just pieces on the board. Pawns. Nothing matters to us but survival. So we play this game.¡± He sighed. ¡°Honestly, this is all fucked up. We fight. We kill. They get the victory. If the reward wasn''t as good, then this war would''ve been fought with ghosts.¡±


    ¡°Aren''t you worried that the big wigs you''re talking about could see this?¡±


    He scoffed. ¡°Like they''d care at all! Bastards will just roll their eyes and move on. Probably trying to make more weapons to sell to the soldiers.¡±


    ¡°They sell to the soldiers?¡± This question wasn''t even in the notepad, John was genuinely curious.


    ¡°Yeah! One of the benefactors of this game is United Arms.¡±


    ¡°Right, I remember their reading about their open support for the Reckoning.¡±


    ¡°Yup, a-holes invest into the game so they can be the most known and most popular gun company on the planet.¡±


    ¡°You are well informed,¡± John noted.


    The captain chuckled. ¡°That''s because I listen to the one and only PRP, baby!¡±


    John couldn''t help but roll his eyes. He then moved on to the next question. It seemed that the questions were an attempt to make these soldiers seen more as crazed gunmen.


    ¡°Do you think the Radiance is relatable?¡±


    ¡°Religiously motivated. They think they''re on some big crusade to unite the world. Hardly anyone to relate to. Sure every now and then there''s one Radiance soldier who is only in the Reckoning for money. But that''s rare. Radiance soldiers will always fight for the undying light or whatever. I fight to make sure my descendants don''t have to.¡±


    ¡°I see, where do you come from?¡±


    ¡°A place used to be called Canada. Somewhere in the outskirts to be correct. It isn''t bad out there. A little cold at times. But hey, it was home.¡±


    ¡°Did you ever think you''d be here, in¡­ Old France?¡±


    The captain paused as he scanned the surroundings. ¡°This is France? I''m supposed to be in Egypt.¡±


    ¡°I assure you, captain. We are in France right now. Say so in my GPS.¡± John confirmed it by showing his phone to the soldier.


    ¡°Well, when in Rome I guess.¡±


    ¡°As for my question, sir?¡±


    ¡°To end up in France is honestly better than Egypt. Nicer climate. Warm. Heard deserts are blazing hot. Especially in the summer. Hey Pete! Didn''t you know a guy who got sent to Egypt!?¡±


    ¡°Sir, he was eaten by a sandworm, sir!¡± Pete answered.


    ¡°Right, let''s not forget the mutants. Honestly, all I''ve seen here in France are war hounds and the occasional griffons.¡±


    ¡°Griffons?¡±


    ¡°Nasty mutant, used to be an eagle I think. Big as a bus, has a taste for human flesh.¡±


    Another thing to fear in this accursed place. John took note to watch out for this monster. He could feel the chances of his survival growing thin.


    The intern turned journalist then glanced at the next question. ¡°What do you know about Zero?¡±


    The captain was quick to clamp his mouth shut. ¡°Shush! Don''t say his damn name!¡±


    John pulled away. ¡°Why not? Is Zero a taboo subject for you soldiers?¡±


    ¡°Come on man, don''t jinx us. Saying his name over and over is like bad luck.¡±


    ¡°I thought you soldiers wanted to hunt him down, considering the reward.¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°I''m not a fool. I know I can''t take him on. Bastard is a walking tank. A mountain in armor. He may be slow, but once he has you in his hands, it''s over.¡±


    ¡°You''ll be happy to know Zero was last seen on Madagascar. Too far from France.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that''s actually good then! Well, all I know about the guy is that he likes to kill us for no apparent reason. Monster like him isn''t aligned to any faction. If I were you, drop this Zero business and focus on something more on anything your speed.¡±


    A shot rang out. The echoing of an empty shell against the ground was heard. Then the heavy footsteps. Slow and methodical. As though each step was calculated and exact. Something heavy was getting closer.


    Pete''s screams filled the air as he was gunned down. It resembled a string of thunderclaps. Then Pete''s body dropped like a sack. What replaced him was something that the entire team feared. Towering over the corpse was a monster of a man. Outfitted in bulky ballistic armor. The harrowing mask underneath was further protected by the helmet''s face shield. But through the face shield''s slit, his mask''s red eyes showed through.


    Heavy breathing filled the air as this beast scanned them as if they were mere prey.


    ¡°Bad fucking luck.¡± The captain hissed.


    Even John was frozen. Fear took control of his body. Right in front of him was the legend himself. Zero. Rumored to be a renegade Blizzard soldier who is now searching for and killing anyone who stands in his way¡­.


    A small shield for his forearm provided heavy protection for his left arm. The shotgun was custom made. The stock cut down to a pistol grip, and a top handle for easy movement. What should''ve been a simple weapon given a mag well for more ammunition. Enough 12 gauge was fed into the gun by the drum mag to rip apart an unarmored man. He had enough magazines to kill everyone he saw, and he carried extras.


    A tape with a word that John could not read from a distance was placed on his chest.


    This was wrong. He was supposed to be down south. When did he even arrive in the country!?


    ¡°Open fire!¡± The captain commanded.


    As soon as every weapon came to life, John sprinted.


    Zero just watched as the bullets ricocheted off him. A few bounced off his armor. It was clear that he wore something far stronger than most soldiers were equipped with. It made sense; prior to turning against everyone, he must have been a breacher unit. He was like a titan to them.


    The juggernaut angled himself with his left arm faced toward them. Now, most of the shots bounced off the metal plate on his forearm and were diverted to the side. The red-lettered word "SMILE" with an arrow aimed down at the shotgun was enough to make everyone shudder.


    Although he stammered in his attack, the captain kept shooting at the beast.


    Zero then took his first step toward them. As he got closer, the ground seemed to tremble. He was like an unstoppable boulder. Slowly, he descended upon them. He fired back a shot every few paces.


    One by one, the soldiers fell. As he took them down, there was no trace of regret in his luminous red eyes.


    ¡°Grenade!¡±


    Despite his heavy armor, Zero was quick to swat the grenade from its trajectory. It detonated right behind him and a rain of dirt pelted his armor.


    The captain watched as his own men and women were killed. Despite his weapon clicking empty, the captain quickly switched to his sidearm. He continued shooting until the ammunition ran out as well. Now he stared at his would-be killer. He was dwarfed by Zero. His labored breathing became more audible. As though he were looking directly into the captain''s soul, his eyes glared at him.


    ¡°Fuck you.¡± The captain''s final words before his warm blood began to run out of his mouth. As though it were paper, Zero''s arm shield spikes pierced the captain''s kevlar.


    Watching the captain fall to the ground, Zero cocked his head.


    Silence.


    He stood there, waiting.


    John watched it all happen. It was like an unstoppable storm. Everything was torn apart as it rolled in.


    He was lucky to find a good spot to hide.


    Unfortunately, as though the gods were pulling a cruel prank, his hand slipped off the dirt mound, sending some rocks flying. It alerted Zero to his spot. John, however, quickly ducked down. He only hoped that the monster would leave him alone.


    His face was glowing a gentle shade of red. When he looked up, the man himself was staring down at him.


    Before John could even scream, Zero grabbed him by the collar of his coat and pulled John out of hiding. He was now looking directly into this beast''s eyes. Zero was gigantic. A Goliath of a man. Towering him by 8 feet tall. Bad enough that John was 5 feet and 7 inches. If anything, he was a pebble compared to Zero.


    As if to add insult to injury, the drone was streaming his own execution to all. He won''t let them have the satisfaction of seeing him beg for his life. John was going to take note of the captain''s bravery until death. If only he could summon the strength to say his last words.


    Suddenly, he felt pressure on his chest. Zero was pushing his finger right at the word ¡°PRESS¡± on his vest.


    Confused, John could only watch as Zero pressed his finger at John once more.


    ¡°How does this work?¡± She asked him. Through her mask came her voice.


    She.


    She?


    SHE!?


    This mountain of a man¡­ is a woman!? This 8 feet tall titan. This discovery seemed to shock even the drone.


    John couldn''t even say a word as Zero dropped him. Zero started to scavenge the battlefield without hesitation. Looting the corpses. The woman rummaged through the deceased''s possessions while the man, still in his daze, looked on.


    ¡°Wait¡­ Zero?¡± He finally spoke. It felt as if he was trapped in silence for decades. His own voice, so alien to him. ¡°Ma''am?¡±


    Zero continued to scavenge, not listening to his words.


    With newfound courage, the man approached the monster in human clothing. His steps were reluctant. He felt his core still shaking from fear.


    ¡°Excuse me?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± She finally answered.


    ¡°You''re¡­ what are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Is it not clear?¡± Like a bewildered puppy, her head cocked to one side.


    ¡°No, I can see that you''re looting. But, why spare me?¡±


    ¡°You don''t look like you belong here. Don''t think you deserve to die.¡± She spoke so casually. As if she hadn''t just slaughtered some soldiers.


    ¡°You''re supposed to be in Madagascar.¡±


    ¡°I walked.¡± Zero returned to her business.


    Swallowing down the lump in his throat, John proceeded to approach her. Gone was his trepidation. Replaced with purpose.


    ¡°Why, why do you fight?¡±


    ¡°No idea.¡± She was blunt yet quick. ¡°Just natural instincts.¡±


    John glanced at the drone hoping it was catching all of this. Finally, an up close interview with the legend.


    ¡°Could you¡­ could you tell me why you''re here?¡±


    ¡°Looking for something.¡± She was being vague on purpose.


    ¡°Why did you kill them?¡± He asked as he glanced at the body of the captain. Despite knowing him only for a short moment, John felt a hint of remorse from his death.


    ¡°Ammo. Food. The thrill.¡±


    That last one, John couldn''t help but scoff. ¡°Is this just a game to you?¡±


    ¡°It is a game.¡± She stood up to her full height. Her frame towered over him. John felt so tiny compared to this monster. ¡°Let me ask you a question: What does the button on your chest do?¡±


    John glanced at the word at his vest. ¡°It''s not a button?¡± He started to question her intelligence. Made some sense since she seemed more of a killer than a thinker. ¡°I''m a journalist. Here to make a story about the Reckoning and the soldiers fighting.¡±


    ¡°Oh! So it''s not a button?¡± She sounded so disappointed.


    ¡°No, it isn''t.¡±


    Silence. Complete utter silence. For five whole minutes.


    ¡°So¡­ I''m John Delgado.¡±


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    He waited for a response, but the giant simply stared at him.


    ¡°Bye.¡±


    Before he could even say a word, Zero started to walk away.


    John watched as she vanished over the hill. She vanished as quickly as a whisper.


    He couldn''t believe it. He spoke with Zero. The Zero. And lived to tell the tale. If this doesn''t earn him a place among the elites, then nothing will.


    His celebration was cut short as he heard someone coughing.


    ¡°God, it hurts.¡± The captain groaned in pain as his eyes opened.


    John took care of the man who ought to have been dead right away.


    ¡°You''re alive!?¡±


    ¡°I won''t go down easy¡­¡± He chuckled dryly. Then he gestured toward a corpse nearby. ¡°Private Slim is a medic. Grab his kit¡­¡±


    As soon as John got the medical kit, he ripped the captain''s armor off and started tending to his injuries. Two puncture holes on his right side. It looked bad. John would not know any better, though, because he was not a doctor.


    ¡°Don''t think you''ll last long¡­¡± John said grimly.


    ¡°No, it''ll be fine. This will keep me alive for a few hours. Enough for back up to get me. Just give me some morphine.¡±


    Once the captain was tended to, John took a step back. He watched as he called for help. The captain would be saved in no time by reinforcements.


    For now, John was going to get back to work. Walk the opposite way of where Zero went. That was his plan.


    But the drone stopped him in his tracks.


    ¡°John, you magnificent bastard!¡± His boss, Damian, spoke through the drone once more.


    ¡°The view count is skyrocketing! That encounter with Zero? Bueno! But finding out the monster of the Reckoning is a woman? Absolute twist! Now everyone is tuning in wanting to see her live!¡±


    ¡°How is this live? There''s a ten second delay.¡±


    ¡°That doesn''t matter. What matters is¡­ I got a job for you.¡±


    ¡°I already have a job.¡±


    ¡°New job! Go after Zero and get us an interview! Maybe even catch more of the violence! People loved watching her kill those Blizzard soldiers!¡±


    John couldn''t help but feel disgusted. He was wise enough not to lash out at the drone, though. Rather, he approached the discussion with as much composure as possible. His pistol aimed at the drone. ¡°I won''t follow that monster around.¡±


    ¡°You don''t have a choice, John.¡± Damian chuckled. ¡°You can either do as you are told. Or we shut off that identification chip in the phone.¡±


    His eyes widened. The implication of this threat. Without the chip, he''d be considered hostile by all forces. This world he found himself in wasn''t a safe one.


    ¡°You can''t kill me. People will know.¡± He tried to argue.


    ¡°We can claim that a shell landed on you. There is a war going on, if you forgot.¡± Damian sighed. ¡°I don''t want that, John. I like you, and you just brought us some big bucks.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Reeds, please, I don''t want to follow that monster.¡±


    ¡°John¡­¡±


    Perhaps Damian was as human as anyone else.


    ¡°Listen, John. Just do your job and maybe. Maybe we can get you out of there as soon as possible.¡± The drone hovered there. ¡°This is your big break, buddy. I know you''re only in the PRP because it''ll score you a good seat with other media companies. I''ll even put in a good word for you. Just do this for us. Show the world the truth of Zero.¡±


    He pulled over his words for a moment. This was indeed what he needed. A chance.


    John looked around. Corpses of Zero''s victims scattered around. The captain gave him a thumbs up, as if encouraging John to take the offer. The distant cannon fire is visible in the gray skies. The chaos of war continued to rage. In the distance, weapons of destruction painted the skies.


    ¡°Fine, I''ll follow her.¡±


    ¡°Good luck!¡± It was evident to John that Damian was grinning.


    ¡°You''re going to be fine here on your own?¡± He asked the last soldier. A while ago, they shot and killed the pilot in charge of John. But here he was, chatting with the captain as if they were good friends.


    ¡°I''ll be fine. Best get started on your job now. Once I get back to base, I''ll be watching the stream!¡± He chuckled. ¡°Must be my luckiest day: I survived the wrath of Zero, and I met an actual upcoming celebrity! I''ll keep this gun safe!¡± The captain waved his weapon, the same one John signed earlier.


    ¡°Never did get your name.¡± John moved the drone so it would be pointed at the soldier.


    ¡°Captain Theodore Campbell.¡± He saluted at the camera.


    ¡°Hope to see you out of this, captain.¡± With that said, John started to follow the trail Zero left behind.


    As he made his way to track down the monster, he couldn''t help but remember what was written on that tape on her chest. Luna. Was it her name? Her squad? Mysteries upon mysteries.


    He flipped the notepad open and started to write down his own questions for Zero. He recalled the way she answered, as if she was disinterested. Or simply not all there.


    The intensity of her eyes- or, more accurately, the lenses of her mask. It showed emotions. Something raw. Was it hate? Regret? Or simply a sign of humanity? Only time could tell. For now, John had to track her down. All he needed to do was follow the destruction.

 Chapter 2: Luna

    ¡°With the thief now awaiting his public execution, the people of Old York will sleep better knowing this degenerate will face justice. And that''s how the cookie crumbles.¡±


    ¡°You got that right, Jimmy. Our next story: Zero, Beast of the Reckoning War; a woman?¡±


    ¡°Bet you were as shocked as I am, Janice! Heck, what have they been feeding that gal? Bricks?¡±


    ¡°A representative from the People''s Redemption Project entered the Reckoning War to shed some light on the soldiers fighting for your rights. John Delgado. In the East Branch Manager¡¯s words: John is a hard working individual who is selfless and caring. Traits that helped Damian Reeds decide on who to send into the sad world of the war.¡±


    ¡°A man braver than most. Bringing not only the truth, but love and peace as well, into chaos.¡±


    ¡°His recent interviews with our own Blizzard infantry Captain Theodore Campbell; hundreds of thousands tuned in just to find the biggest twist in the world yet. John encountered the elusive Zero and discovered more than anyone before. Now this man is determined to pursue this monster bravely, risking his life in order to bring out the truth.¡±


    ¡°Let''s not forget his heroic deeds. Saving the life of Captain Campbell. My, what an amazing guy!¡±


    ¡°A real Superman if you will. Guess this is why the PRP is the most beloved news outlet in the world.¡±


    ¡°This is Jimmy and Janice of J&J News! Goodnight folks!¡±


    The sun was slowly meeting the horizon. What should''ve been simple work hours at the PRP office turned into a nightmare. He trudged through the ruined country of France. Formally now known as Old France.


    The name didn''t matter much to him. Only his need to survive.


    The drone followed John as it recorded the hellish landscape of what was once beautiful. Decomposed and withered, a large portion of this land''s vegetation had long since rotted away. Replaced by blood and mud. Weeds overtook the soil, yet their sole purpose was to eat the dead like vultures. There were some trees, but rarely any of them had shade anymore. Every animal or creature that inhabited this wasteland had evolved to withstand such hostile conditions. Of course, many of them developed a taste for human flesh.


    John could even feel the gazes of rabid squirrels and rats. If he was not careful, he''d end up below the food chain.


    Today, his objective to outlast this challenge relied entirely on the monster of the Reckoning War: Zero.


    It was easy to track her down. Simply follow the bloodshed and devastation. If there was gunfire and explosions, she was most likely responsible. Still, the fact that Zero was a woman came as a complete shock. Her bulky appearance was thanks to all the armor she wore. Gave her the silhouette of a man. With that in mind, he was greatly curious about her origins. Of course he was curious before, but now he was far more intrigued.


    John nearly tripped over a carcass. Zero wasn''t clean with this one. It appeared she took her time with the poor guy.


    He was lucky to catch himself in time or else he''d be considered a Radiance soldier. With that in mind, John took a wide angle around the ruined corpse just for the sake of his boots. And hygiene.


    Since he was still in Blizzard territory, he rarely saw any Radiance soldiers amongst the trail of gore.


    ¡°John, you''re boring the crowd.¡± Damian whispered through the drone. ¡°We''ve been watching you walk for hours without saying a word. Not even stepping on any of these poor bastards.¡±


    ¡°Well I''m sorry that I''d rather keep myself clean.¡± John scoffed.


    ¡°Come on, people are watching not just to see why humanity is bad, but also for you! A legend among journalists!¡±


    ¡°I''m an unpaid intern.¡±


    ¡°That''s besides the point!¡±


    John gave in with a growl, his shoulders hunching. ¡°Fine, I''ll do some commentary.¡±


    He raised a hand to the bodies before him. ¡°Good evening to all. My name is John Delgado and currently live in the Reckoning War. A war that lasted for far too long. Ruining the lives of those who cannot afford the comforts of our pitiful world.¡±


    ¡°A little down¡­ I love it!¡± Damian laughed. ¡°The truth is sad, but that''s good! It''ll fuel the hearts of many to change this world!¡±


    ¡°The PRP has been doing this for years. How come no one is doing anything at all?¡±


    ¡°Revolutions take time, John. One day, someone will finally rise up to the challenge and liberate us all! By then, I''ll definitely have enough to retire in the countryside.¡±


    For the rest of the walk, John tried to entertain the audience as much as he could. Some observations here and there. A bit of comments of his own. But it seemed like he was slowly losing the viewers.


    But lucky for him, he could see the unmistakable frame of Zero.


    Swiftly, John ran up to the giant.


    Had he been a soldier, this would have been a mistake. His rapid footsteps didn''t go unnoticed as Zero bolted up to her feet, gun pointed at John''s general direction. As quick as she was in her reaction, Zero lowered her weapon as she watched him close the distance.


    Since he posed no threat, Zero went back to rifling through the body under her.


    John approached much more cautiously after that short moment of fright.


    There was no point in being scared of her, she made her intentions clear about him. So with free reign, John examined her closely. Her armor had seen better days. The bag on her back rustled with her loot. He took a closer look at the damage of her equipment. The scars that told stories of which he had never heard of. However, he intended to change that.


    ¡°Excuse me, ma''am?¡± John walked over. ¡°My name is John Delgado from the People''s Redemption Project, and I would love it if I could have an interview with you.¡±


    She glanced at him for a second. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Please? I''m sure it won''t be a problem for someone like you.¡±


    ¡°It might be.¡±


    ¡°You''re a woman of few words I see.¡± And low intelligence. He remembered how she had mistakenly believed he had a button on his chest when they had first met.


    She gave him another glance. Her eyes sent shivers through him. ¡°I don''t really talk often. But when I do I usually don''t stop because I kinda like talking with people which is kinda sad since I mostly only ever meet soldiers.¡± She then went back to the corpse.


    ¡°Interesting.¡± John hummed. ¡°So you''re quite the chatter mouth but¡­ rarely have the chance to speak?¡±


    ¡°Kill. Kill. Kill.¡± She rose to her feet, satisfied with her scavenging. ¡°That''s all we do. This is just a game and I''m playing my part.¡±


    She began walking in a random direction.


    ¡°Weren''t you in Madagascar? Why show up here?¡±


    ¡°I''m looking for someone. Big bounty.¡±


    John''s eyes shot open. ¡°Really?¡±


    This was good, he was getting some good info from her.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    ¡°Maybe, I could help out? I am from the news network, PRP. So we might have some information about this bounty you''re looking for.¡±


    This seemed to pique her interest. ¡°Is that so? Very well, you seem useful enough. But. I will only let you tag along if you do something for me?¡±


    ¡°Anything!¡±


    She stopped and tossed her bag at him. He caught it, but the momentum threw John off balance and he crashed onto the ground.


    ¡°You will carry my loot and ammo.¡± She demanded.


    ¡°Sure.¡± He answered through gritted teeth as he attempted to get back up. But the bag was heavy, and he was just a man, not a machine.


    Even though John was able to wear it on his back, walking was a different matter. Quite a miracle the impact didn''t kill him, much more that he didn''t break any bones. Struggling with every step, John followed Zero which wasn''t a problem as she walked at a snail¡¯s pace. Yet, her footsteps were harrowing. Like the pounding of a dying heart. Her eyes fixed ahead, as if she knew that no one would dare cross her. Or simply that she knew the results would be the same.


    Still, he was amazed by her size alone. A giant among men.


    John realized that the bag was lighter than before. And the reason for this was the drone, which assisted him in carrying the bulky bag with its robotic arm. With a silent thanks to Damian, John continued following behind Zero.


    ¡°Couple of questions.¡±


    ¡°Shoot.¡±


    ¡°What''s your name?¡± A simple question indeed.


    ¡°Luna.¡±


    ¡°Cool name.¡± He cleared his throat.


    So that''s what the tape on her chest was about. Her name. Now John was curious if there was a deeper meaning to it. Was her memories failing and she needed a way to remember?


    ¡°Why do you want to claim this bounty?¡±


    ¡°I''m curious of what the reward means. Sounded vague.¡±


    ¡°Huh, that''s interesting. Can you tell me more about yourself? Where are you from?¡±


    She shrugged. ¡°No idea. Don''t really know where I came from. I just woke up and knew I needed to kill. I do recall my squad. I haven''t killed them yet.¡±


    ¡°Your squad?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Red Wolves. I suppose you know of them?¡±


    John paused to think. The name was familiar and he knew he read about them.


    ¡°Psst!¡± John looked up at the drone. It was a silent watcher for this whole time that John forgot about it. ¡°Your phone will have some info if you need it. Just look them up.¡±


    John did as instructed.


    The Red Wolves squad was a popular team of Blizzard soldiers. Celebrities among the infantry. Known for their bravery and many successful missions. But¡­ There were only six of them and no sign of Zero. There wasn''t even a mention of anyone named Luna. This only opened up more questions for John.


    ¡°No one in the Red Wolves had the name Luna.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Zero didn''t ask any further. She continued to walk instead. Patiently waiting for John''s next question. She was an anomaly.


    ¡°Right. Who were in the Red Wolves?¡±


    ¡°You''re asking the wrong questions.¡±


    There was a hint of hostility in her voice. The team seemed to be an off limits topic for Zero. Now he was deeply curious. Sadly, John valued his safety so he didn''t push further.


    ¡°What kind of gun is that?¡±


    ¡°No idea. I''m not much of a gun gal, bought this shotgun then took it to a workshop to redesign it to my preference.¡±


    A soft yet frightening chuckle escaped her.


    ¡°I like to tinker from time to time. So I made this gun to help me suppress the enemy with waves and waves of lead, making them cower behind cover as I slowly stomp my way over to them, then the fun happens, they''re all so small, so fragile, unlike me, and I like tossing them around like toys, but I don''t like their screams, it hurts my ears, so I always make it quick, don''t like that, don''t like that, such a dilemma, I can''t pull them apart because they''ll scream, and I hate it when they do, so I just gun them down¡­¡±


    She noticed too late that John had stopped in his tracks. He was staring at her strangely. Eyes full of fear. John had almost forgotten who she was. Zero was a monster, no doubt about it. Her blood lust was clear. The lack of empathy even more so. She believed this was all a game and tossed her humanity aside. This was why she was deemed a beast. Nothing human about her as she others as merely prey.


    ¡°I¡­ I asked you about the gun.¡± He shuddered.


    ¡°Sorry. As I was saying, I like to tinker. Most of my equipment gets a little personal touch.¡± Other than the horrific detail about her, she seemed to enjoy making things. Almost an hour went by as she described to him the things she made in clear detail.


    He made sure to take some notes, the previous conversation still fresh in his mind. Her enjoyment of creating things was equal to her pleasure in breaking people. Two conflicting things about her, yet one truth was clear. She''s a sadist. John felt sick to his stomach.


    Being around her made him far more uncomfortable. But the way she talked about her little hobby of crafting random tools was almost adorable. A side of her that was at least human.


    ¡°Oh! I also like to make shotgun shells!¡± She shows him one of the shells on her chest. A white one. ¡°This is my favorite. It''s a custom slug round with a small bit of explosive in it. Designed to only arm when it rapidly spins in the air and detonates when it stops.¡±


    ¡°That''s very creative.¡±


    ¡°Thanks! I''m really proud of it because it can punch through common Blizzard infantry armor, and make them pop.¡±


    ¡°I hope the camera is seeing this because I would rather not have another take of this moment.¡±


    ¡°Let''s keep walking.¡±


    Her mood suddenly shifted as she began to stray off the road. Something caught her attention.


    He followed closely, but her pace grew. Then she went into a full blown sprint toward the forest.


    ¡°Woah, she''s fast!¡± Damian said. ¡°John, hurry! Don''t lose her!¡±


    As fast as he could, John attempted to follow Zero. She was surprisingly fast despite the gear she was wearing. He was a little behind, however, John could hear her heavy breathing. He concluded that running in such heavy armor was physically taxing even for her.


    ¡°Hey, where are you going!?¡±


    She didn''t answer.


    The two ran through the forest, her heavy footsteps matched his beating heart. As if they were in perfect sync.


    When the giant skidded to a halt, John could finally see what caught her interest. Just past her, were Radiance soldiers. It was clear with their red highlights on their armor. All unaware of the upcoming danger as it looked on the edge of the forest.


    A camp by the looks of it.


    They were just sitting there, a fire burned in the middle. Seemed so peaceful. Their armor was far more modern than the Blizzard¡¯s. Unlike Captain Campbell and his team, these Radiance soldiers were up to date with their gear. The Radiance have made sure to fund research into their infantry armor so they''d survive small arms fire. It was smoother and sleek, much cleaner too. Though, he doubted it would help against someone like Zero.


    As John watched silently, something inside him wanted to scream out and warn them. But, as he stood behind the monster, he couldn''t find the courage to even speak.


    He noticed one soldier was busy on his phone, he seemed to be watching something. Then his body language changed as if he just discovered the cure to cancer. John wished the soldier did, because his head slowly swiveled to face him and Zero directly. The fear was clear despite his face hidden behind the mask. This soldier was watching the PRP stream and now he was about to have front row seats.


    ¡°RUN!¡± John managed to shout out finally.


    Instead of heeding his words, the whole camp aimed their weapons desperately.


    John froze as they all let loose a barrage of lead. Zero immediately braced herself and covered John from the bullets. She knew he was behind her, but instead of letting him die, Zero actually shielded him.


    With that done, Zero unloaded a shell from her gun and swapped it with a black shell with white stripes. She fired it directly at their feet and a burst of smoke erupted.


    Despite being concealed, the Radiance troops continued firing all they had.


    Zero shot at random, this silenced them completely as her shots took one of them down. ¡°Take cover.¡± She told John as she burst out of hiding.


    ¡°John, follow her!¡±


    He couldn''t argue as the drone dragged him out of the smoke cover. With it attached to the bag, he was practically tied to it.


    Every soldier focused on Zero as she dashed to one of them. She caught one by the throat and slammed them into the ground as she stopped in her tracks. The soldier was a broken mess but his death was quick.


    She fired more shots at them. Then began her slow and horrific steps. The ground beneath her crunched as she imprinted her footsteps into the earth. John made his own mark as the drone dragged him around; his feet drew lines across the ground.


    Even though they were in a panic, the soldiers did their best not to shoot at John as the drone followed Zero.


    ¡°Didn''t I tell you to take cover!?¡± Zero said as she threw a man over her shoulder.


    ¡°The drone! It wants to watch!¡±


    She tried to swipe the drone but it used John as an obstacle. At this point, the soldiers stopped shooting as Zero tried to crush the drone with her hands. They were reluctant as one of them could kill John by accident.


    The soldiers watched, unsure what to do at the moment.


    ¡°Stop!¡± John pleaded as Zero reached for the drone once more. ¡°This thing is expensive!¡±


    ¡°It''s ruining my fun!¡±


    ¡°I won''t be able to carry the bag without it!¡± He tried to argue.


    She grabbed him by the throat and lifted him up to her level. ¡°Then control your drone and go hide. I''m starting to reconsider keeping you alive.¡±


    ¡°Hate to be a joy kill, but they ran.¡± Damian informed them through the drone.


    The soldiers indeed ran. Unheard of from the Radiance infantry division. These soldiers are devoted to their cause and were willing to die for the Immortal Light.


    Yet, when faced with Zero, they''re merely humans.


    John felt her grip tighten, he choked as she threatened to snap his neck. No, she promised him that would snap him easily.


    The drone bumped into her helm.


    ¡°Let him go.¡±


    Zero stared at the machine. She relented and released John from her hold. He crashed onto the ground harshly with a gasp.


    ¡°I''ll take full responsibility for that. Just don''t take it out on John.¡±


    Zero stared silently. Her expression was unreadable due to her mask. ¡°Don''t get in my way ever again.¡±


    She began her usual process of looting. However, she seemed more agitated as seen from the way she rifled through the corpse. Her hands were harsher as she ripped through the dead¡¯s belongings.


    John flinched as she snapped one finger from the corpse. She still seemed to have a desire to kill.


    ¡°So begins Zero''s looting. After every slaughter, she carefully picks off the dead. Taking what she wants with no one to stop her.¡± John didn''t realize he had begun narrating her actions. ¡°Hours before, these people were just like you. They had hopes and dreams like anyone. Now they feed the soil.¡±


    Once she was done, John walked up to the corpse and took out the dog tags. ¡°Adrian Parker. Shame you ended up this way. You were the guy watching the stream earlier, probably a fan of the PRP like Captain Campbell. Maybe in another life, you two would have bonded over your shared interests. Sadly, in the eyes of Zero, you all are just numbers on the board.¡±


    The camera watched closely as he tucked the dog tags back into the man''s shirt.


    John stood back up and followed the monster. Once she gathered what she wanted, John had to hold still for her to put everything in the bag. Once she stored her loot, Zero started to walk back to where they came from. John begrudgingly followed.


    They were already back on the road. It was an awkward trip through the forest. But finally, he spoke. ¡°There''s just no lick of humanity in you, is there?¡±


    ¡°If you don''t have anything nice to say, then shut it.¡±


    ¡°Wow, is the big lady a big baby? Don''t like to hear my comments?¡±


    ¡°John, I know I told you to interact with her, but don''t provoke the monster.¡± Damian tried to warn. But it seemed that it fell on deaf ears as John continued to tease the giant.


    ¡°Maybe that''s why you kill people. You don''t like it when they criticize you. I mean, to think someone as lonely as you could only slaughter potential friends. Maybe if you slow down your roll, you can actually talk with people. Less psychotic tendency, more interactions.¡±


    Zero stopped her in her tracks. John didn''t flinch as she pressed her gun against his cheek. ¡°Is there a reason why you''re trying to antagonize me, or do you just have a death wish?¡±


    ¡°I want to understand you.¡± He confessed. ¡°You''re not exactly human. Now that I have your full attention, I want to make some ground rules.¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡± She lowered her weapon, the disdain clear in her glowing red eyes. ¡°I''ll start: Don''t get in my way when I''m having fun.¡±


    ¡°Alright. And you don''t run off without warning.¡±


    She scoffed. ¡°If you can''t keep up then just say it.¡±


    ¡°Right. I also want your promise that you will hold back with your violent tendencies.¡± He crossed his arms as this giant loomed over him like a dark shadow.


    ¡°You think you''re in charge?¡±


    ¡°Do you?¡±


    There was a pregnant pause. The two locked eyes for minutes as the drone broadcast the scene to the world. Silently, she lifted up her face shield. The mask beneath had large glowing red eyes that bore into his soul. The filter seemed to mimic the harrowing screaming face of a dying man.


    Zero leaned in close, her breathing ragged and slow.


    It felt like John was at the gates of hell as she hovered close to his face. But he stood his ground despite his knees buckling under pressure. Her mere aura was enough to tear a man down to a heaping pile of mess, yet John persisted.


    ¡°Fine. I''ll be gentle.¡± She spoke with a hush whisper. ¡°But I won''t be held accountable when I lose control.¡±


    ¡°That''s good to hear. As for this bag? I''ll carry it. And the drone will stay on it. I promise you that.¡±


    ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°That''s all for now. But I hope we don''t have to adjust the rules in the future.¡±


    ¡°If you plan to stick around, it''ll be seeing a lot of changes.¡± She chuckled grimly. It sounded so synthetic thanks to her mask. ¡°Now come on, I don''t want you lagging behind with my stuff.¡±


    ¡°What do you even carry in here?¡±


    ¡°Bombs, ammo, guns. You know, lady stuff.¡±


    ¡°Funny, I didn''t think you had a sense of humor. Almost makes you human.¡±


    As she led the way, she lowered her face shield back. ¡°I¡¯m better than human. I''m Luna.¡± He could feel her smirking proudly, as if it was an achievement to be a monster.


    Was it a mistake to try and understand her? Perhaps. She deserved nothing more than a quick end. But John wasn''t the man for the job. He was simply there to look into her life. That''s all.


    With a reluctant step, he followed Zero, the audience still watching.


    ¡°So,¡±


    Zero began to make a conversation. But it ended up being one sided as she went on and on about something John couldn''t understand. It started with talking about things she saw during her travels. And ended up about which was her favorite kill throughout her life. John felt sick to his stomach as she described the horrible fate she unleashed on a poor Radiance sniper.