《Path of the Forsaken》


 Chapter 1

    Broad amber lights pierced through the shadows at immeasurable speeds as the sunken and dim chamber was lit up. Centered near the back of this barren and dusty chamber was positioned a large metal cylindrical pod. Beneath it a platform as it continued to release steam that escaped from the seams of the door. Seconds passed before the faint sounds of the door opening pervaded the chamber. It was soon followed by the sound of a lone figure gasping for breath as it fell to the ground.


    It took deep exasperated breaths as it looked up in what seemed to be concern. On its body it adorned an obsidian coloured suit lined with engravings. Outlining it¡¯s male and muscular figure as he knelt upon the platforms cold and coarse floor.


    ¡®Where am I¡­?¡¯, thought the bewildered figure as he admired his surroundings in curiosity. He looked to his sides with a slow tilt of his head as the sight of railings and machinery entered his view. Computers placed on desks flashed indiscriminately with code and lights as they covered his vision; Instinctively causing him to place his palms over his eyes in disarray. He rubbed them as his eyes adjusted to the simultaneous lights that blazed as if they were a great amber like flame. He directed his gaze from the lights to his behind as he was met with a pod, dismissing it shortly after from view.


    ¡®What is happening..?¡¯


    In the background, he heard the continued sound of cogs turning at their cold robotic like pace as they flooded into his ears. It was as if it were the aftermath of a broken dam as he was pressured into grasping the sides of his head. He grunted sporadically in annoyance as his thoughts continued to produce the sensations of pain. But luckily after some time had passed it had began to subside. Minutes went by as the pain became more tolerable, easing him into a more calm and recollected state.


    Now with more than enough strength he lifted himself from the ground. His hands gripped themselves to the railings as it supported his feeble and fragile figure. He proceeded to stumble along the platform down the metal stairs before realising something he felt to be crucial to his being was gone. Something essential.


    ¡®Wait¡­ who am I? What am I?¡¯, he grabbed his head once more as he tried to reminisce over who, what, and where he was, but the result was nothing. Not even the tiniest sliver of a memory retaining to any of that surfaced to mind. But instead of what he wished for, he got something entirely different, something unprecedented. He remembered the sensations of fear. Fear of not knowing how he came to be, of pertaining no knowledge to who or what he was! It was the fear of the unknown and unexplained. He feared himself.


    Grasping at what threads of sanity he had left he proceeded to unknowingly release tears from the rims of his eyes. He cried needlessly before finally feeling the sweet touch of tears upon his cheeks. He wiped them away as if cleansing himself from the fear that inhabited his mind as a wave of calm abruptly overtook his mind. He took deep breaths as a new clarity and resolve spread throughout his eyes.


    ¡®Let¡¯s think about this later¡­¡¯, he thought, ¡®Let¡¯s get out of here first.¡¯, he turned from the pod as the view of the aged and filthy desks housing computers took his attention. Urging him to leave as he moved forward in the hope of seeing the outside. He sailed past both rows of computers and desks as he proceeded to follow the path into the next room. The door itself had been stationed near the corner of the room, cracked open as if it were solely inviting him as he set it as his goal. He walked on unperturbed until moments later a sole desk caught his attention. On its surface was a small photo concealed by the years of dust that had piled upon it. He plucked it from place before blowing the residue from its surface.


    The next thing he knew was the sudden emergence of a headache that assaulted his very being. The sight of a family was plastered on the photo, two children, a father, and a mother as he held his head. They all wore clean modern clothes that embellished their characteristics like their pearly white skin and neat hair. Adorned by their faces of joy and love, it was a scene from a fairytale. He turned to the opposite side of the photo as he was greeted by 2 words and a date that lined its surface.


    ¡®Dmitry Sokolov - 2108¡¯


    ¡®This picture, this name¡­ it feels... familiar¡­ who are they again?¡¯, he delved deep into his mind as he tried to understand who they were. But once more nothing came to mind but the feelings of irritation and discomfort. These feelings being trailed by the common sensation of his head throbbing as it processed his thoughts.


    ¡®I can remember them¡­ but they aren¡¯t there. It¡¯s as if there¡¯s a wall pushing me back¡­ keeping me from seeing my own memories¡­¡¯, he groaned as he laid his thoughts to rest. It was a pointless use of effort he thought. Nothing but a vain act of desperation. He looked back to the picture before deciding to leave it in hand. It could be useful after all, something assumedly of his past that was. He moved forward intent on leaving the chamber once more before he had heard the sound of bones shattering against the concrete floor. He peered down to be met with white aged bone fragments scattered into numerous directions at his feet.


    ¡®What the¡­!¡¯, he jumped back in vigilance before realising a skeleton covered in both cobwebs and dust splayed along the ground was the source. It earned his curiosity as he leaned in to have a better view of its figure. Questions numbering from what it had been to what it was now popped up one by one in great numbers. Covering the expanse of his mind before they had been simultaneously shot down by one sole word.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    ¡®It¡¯s... human¡­?¡¯,he speculated, ¡®What is human?¡¯


    He fell into deeper thought as he stressed over the sole meaning of the term. But the only response he had incited was the repeated blank slate that acted as his mind to surface. Having failed to receive any type of answer he strenuously shook his head back and forth.


    ¡®Questions are for later¡­ for later...¡¯, he looked up from the inactive and lifeless corpse before gradually resolving himself to move. Striding towards the door that lay cracked open opposite of him as he came to a halt at its entrance. He pushed it open with a small deal of force as he took a step in the next rooms domain. Looking around in complete awe as the sight of multiple shelves housing firearms of various kinds greeted him.


    Adjacent to them a suit of armour based on a platform glistened with a darkened blue finish as machinery akin to metal arms were scattered along its sides. Behind them the dimmed and ashen coloured wall were left to dust as he was drawn in by the armours allure. Maybe it was the contrast between it¡¯s vibrant figure and the dull wall. Maybe it was the sensation of intimacy he felt from it. But all he could do was stare at it with a great warmth that had began to well up inside his chest. He took step by step before realising he was now standing before it¡¯s elegant figure as he touched upon its dusty and smooth surface. The act of his fingers touching upon it brought forth a chilling sensation as he took in its every detail, imprinting it into his mind as he wiped off the excess dust.


    But then hesitation overcame him as the appearance of a vague outline of a face looked back at him. He went silent as he continued to look over the face that stared back at him. Cerulean eyes, a sharp jawline, ragged hair, and a small amount of stubble that protruded from it¡¯s chin took his attention. He brought his hand to meet his chin as it grazed over the stubble that covered his face, the reflection mimicking his movements as he did so.


    ¡®Is this¡­ me? But wait, haven¡¯t I seen this before¡­?¡¯, he brought up the photo at his side into view as it lay next to the reflection. His eyes continuously going back and forth as he pieced the parts together.


    ¡®I¡¯m¡­ Dmitry¡­ Dmitry Sokolov... I have a family?¡¯, he traced the pictures surface as he began to swell with emotions and the vague sensation of memories resurfacing within his mind. He once again grasped his head in annoyance as the memories were suppressed and taken deeper behind the wall that stood centered in his mind. Shortly followed by the release of a sigh as he caressed the side of his head.


    ¡®Let¡¯s think about this later¡­ Dmitry¡­ Let¡¯s get out of here first¡­¡¯, he glanced back to the armour as he was immersed in its beauty. Completely and utterly compelled to put it on. But before he could react a flood of information bombarded his mind. Coming in as waves as the raging waters came to together to form a large tide. A scream escaped through the space between his lips as he dropped the photo to the ground. Continuously bashing his fists against his head to direct his attention elsewhere. It was too much for him to handle and something he couldn¡¯t process at the rate it was coming at him. Instead it came off as pure agony.


    Blood forced its way from his palms as a shockwave of pain propelled from his fists spread throughout his mind. Ironically lessening the amount of pain he felt from his mind as it continued on for what seemed to Dmitry as years. But finally it had began to subside as the flood of information had begun to die down. His chest heaved up and down as he inhaled heavy breaths of air into his lungs.


    ¡®Haa. Haa. What in the fuck was tha-¡¯, he paused as something unbelievable came along the rim of his eyes and edges of his mind as they flowed simultaneously in sync.


    ¡®What the¡­ What is this?¡¯, he stared stunned as the set of armour before him began to glow with a small crimson red on varying pieces of it¡¯s figure. Machinery around it pulling it apart in tune with the streams of words that lined the edges of both his mind and eyes.


    ¡®Authorization to utilize suit Anubis Variant a.... Confirmed¡¯


    ¡®Operation of Anubis Variant a¡­ Optimal¡¯


    ¡®Proceed to equip¡¯


    The sounds of it proceeding to split apart in a variety of different angles amazed him as it invited him to stand at the epicenter of the platform where the armour was set. Above him the helmet¡¯s split cobalt visor peered at Dmitry as he instinctively walked into the depths of the amassed machinery. Placing his feet into the pair of metal boots that split apart for him. It was followed by the sound of him coming to a halt as the roaring of machinery coming back to life pervaded the area. Enveloping him in the sounds and parts of armour that connected to his figure. Strangely¡­ he felt at home... Why was that?


    ¡®Pilot status; Healthy¡¯


    ¡®Code number: 001. Understood¡¯


    ¡®Activation of Anubis Variant a commencing¡­¡¯


    Before he could get an answer the suit had finally covered him head to toe with it¡¯s great metal like figure. Leaving him stagnant and dazed as he finally understood what he had done.


    ¡®Wait, what am I fucking doin-¡¯, he was shortly interrupted by the humming of the suit as the interior lightened up. Piece by piece his sight came back as what seemed to be a heads up display, or HUD for short took place at the corners of his vision. Producing a light blue luminescence as the logo ¡®Automated Tech¡¯ appeared before him. Parting from the visor moments later.


    Dmitry was utterly speechless as the suit of armour finally bent to his will, allowing him to move as if it were his skin. It was both comfortable and natural. He looked into the palms of his hands as he repeatedly opened and closed them. Getting a feel for this new sensation that spread along his body.


    He mumbled a small woah under the release of his breath as it parted from his lips. Forming his hand into a fist as he swung it through the air. Eliciting a sound similar to that of a whip as it came to an abrupt halt midair. The action itself was the embodiment of speed, strength, and control as he elicited another wry smile.


    But rather expectantly before anything else could come about he was abruptly smashed head on with a truckload of information. It incited a reaction of; ¡®Shit, not again.¡¯ as he preemptively braced for the pain that would come. But it instead had left him dumbfounded as he came to realise that it was not as expected... There was no pain nor agony, or any mental strain in its place. But there was instead a great clarity and profound understanding of the informations contents. He now understood what the rifles in the room were individually from piece to piece. Information about their ammo type, condition, and even how to handle them surfaced as he willed it.


    It was similar to how it was when a bird had learnt to fly or how a fish had learnt to swim. It came off as basic instinct to them. As if it were all programmed within their heads. As if it were a bunch of code. He even came to understand the usage of the suit he was within as of now. He was unparalleled in terms of knowledge that no one could compete with in this respect. A supercomputer housing records of weapons both long gone and new. But of course, he hadn¡¯t known that. Just that he now came to understand the weapons at hand more clearly. Just as if they were part of his own body. Like they were just another one of his many numerous limbs.


    He welcomed the new sensation with open arms as he basked in it¡¯s afterglow. Minutes passing by before he finally mustered the strength and resolve to continue on. He proceeded to complete a few stretches and movements within the confined space of the armour before deciding to find some equipment on the shelves to his right. Maybe then he would feel satisfied to leave and to enter the outside world.

 Chapter 2

    Dmitry glanced over the variety of weapons as he moved a pair of jet black pistols to his hips. They locked into place as some type of magnetic force fixed them to their holsters. His eyes simultaneously setting themselves on the shelves as he proceeded to look over the many numerous rifles. On the floor leaning against his feet were a backpack fitted to carry equipment. Inside being an arrangement of ammunition ranging from armor piercing bullets to 12 gauge cartridges.


    In addition to that there was the photo resting amongst them as it lined the interior of his bag. On its exterior a rifle was seen strapped to it by a leather strip that hung tightly around it¡¯s figure. The rifle was similar to that of a Remington ACR, although in comparison it was easily generations apart in terms of firepower and quality. The energy weapons however in comparison... Well, from Dmitry¡¯s memories, they seemed to have packed quite the punch. But unfortunately life wasn¡¯t as kind to give them to him for free...


    ¡®Shit¡­ all the energy weapons are just scraps now.¡¯, he determined as he began to glance over the shelves. His eyes soon coming to a stop as a certain gun caught his attention. ¡®Looks like this will have to do¡­¡¯, thought Dmitry as he grasped onto the grips of a semi automatic shotgun. He looked it over as he went over a small maintenance routine with the weapon. Checking it¡¯s barrel and using the bolt to cock the weapon being a few of the many procedures.


    ¡®Hmmm¡­ Seems all right¡­¡¯, assessed Dmitry as he picked up the beige coloured backpack, slinging it across his back. Simultaneously he cocked the shotgun resting between his arms with a slip of the hand as he proceeded to depart from the dimmed and barren chamber. He exited through a corridor that lay opposite of where the firearms and suit had been as amber lights that lined the ceiling flashed wildly in a rhythmic pattern. Illuminating the corridor as Dmitry proceeded past countless doors and pipelines that lay affixed to the walls. On his way he came across many creatures that ran in and out of the tunnel systems which jutted out from the walls. He stared at them inquisitively as he stepped back in caution, raising his shotgun in alarm.


    They had large and elongated claws which protruded from their feet, sharp fangs akin to that of a small knife, and two yellow slit like eyes that seemed to drill into him. It stared at Dmitry with a hint of animosity as it snarled malevolently. Retreating back into the darkened spaces of the tunnels as it left without a trace. Well, except for the trail of dirt and splotches of blood which came from its feet that is. It left Dmitry bewildered and curious as he took his time through the tunnels. Stopping at the faintest sounds of movement before he continued on. Minutes passed as he came to a sudden stop before a pair of metal blast doors. Their cold steel like frames covered in dust towered over him as he stared up at them.


    ¡®Seems like this is it¡­¡¯, thought Dmitry as he glanced to the panel adjacent to it¡¯s right. It had a three by three display of buttons ranging from 1 to 9. Seemingly unaffected by the effects of time as he wiped away at the dust coating it. It blinked continuously as it awaited for him to input a code.


    ¡®Shit.¡¯, he thought, ¡®This things needs a code? Where am I supposed to find that¡­¡¯, he stood there motionless as he contemplated on what to do.


    ¡®Should I go find one of the codes on one of the corpses here? Or on the desks of the many numerous rooms? Are there really any codes left behind¡­?¡¯, thoughts raced from one side to the other as he proceeded to accumulate ideas on his escape. However, it only took him a second before coming to the conclusion of using one of the oldest but truest methods in order to progress. Brute force.


    ¡®Hmmm¡­ How about trying to breach the door? It¡¯d be good to understand the limits of this suit afterall¡­¡¯, he glanced from the panel to the blast doors as he strided to them. He pulled back his hand as it was clenched into a fist. Throwing it forth at the blast doors as the metal was left with a deep imprint on its surface. His face twisted into a pure untainted grin of satisfaction as he followed up with another fist into its metal surface. It flew into the door as the right side reverberated from the large amount of blunt force. Dropping to the ground as it was left to the dust.


    ¡®Well that was better than expected¡­¡¯, evaluated Dmitry as he stepped towards the fallen door. He walked through the shroud of dust that was spread around it as his eyes came into contact with the view of another corridor. This one however was overshadowed by the darkened and dull like walls. Conceived from the dirt and grit that made up the foundation of the earth¡¯s surface. He let out an exasperated sigh as he trudged along the corridor. Touching the side of his visor as everything was suddenly coated in a light fluorescent green.


    He looked to the end of the corridor as it began to change. What was once empty, obscured by the dark that plagued his view. There was now the discernable view of a ladder. Rusted and covered in grime as it kindly beckoned for his touch.


    ¡®Finally¡­¡¯, Dmitry thought with glee as a smile spread amongst his lips. It curved into a slight crescent as he soon moved into a jog, advancing on the ladders position. Upon having arrived at its base he came to a sudden halt as dust drifted into the air. Coating his feet as he proceeded to lean in next to the ladders structure. He tilted his head upwards as the view of a small lid became barely discernible. It elicited a type of delight and comfort for Dmitry as he moved the shotgun. Strapping it opposite of the rifle before he began to move up the ladder with a great fervor. It was trailed by a great curiosity that grew as he moved closer and closer to the exit.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Thoughts and expectations of what it would be up there, what he would meet¡­ it was exhilarating to say the least. Time passed twice as slow in his mind as he had expectation over expectation pile upon one another. They proceeded to change and form a depiction of the outside world as it was imprinted into his mind. It was a depiction of a world filled with vast viridian fields, light blue skies, and forests rich with animals and vegetation. Life thrived in great abandon as both people, animals, and vegetation grew across the surface of the earth. Painting it in a large variety of colours as they spread. It was what he believed to be true. What he believed to be his world.


    But he was soon bluntly interrupted in the middle of his thoughts as the end of the ladder¡¯s reach came to view. By this time he was screaming internally in anticipation as the fact he was finally going to see the surface dawned on him. But, it was then that he began to think, why am I so curious as to what the outside world would be like? Why am I holding such views of the world? Are they my long lost memories? Will it be as beautiful as I envision it? He lamented over the thoughts before being disrupted by the approaching sight of a metal lid that covered his view.


    ¡®Well,¡¯ Dmitry thought, ¡®I guess I will find out¡­¡¯


    He pressed his right hand against the metal surface of the lid as a metal like screech entered his ears. The sound of it resisting against something of an even greater force caught him by surprise as he responded in kind. It was followed by the sound of metal colliding onto the ground as the piece of metal impeding Dmitry¡¯s path was taken out of sight.


    It was soon replaced with a sudden array of light which blinded him as he scrambled to close his eyes. He followed up by touching the right side of his visor as it cleared the light green fluorescence that covered his view.


    ¡®Shit¡­Ugh, my eyes are as if they¡¯re on fire!¡¯, he proceeded to blink subsequently as the pain subsided in a matter of seconds. He grasped back onto the ladder as he peered open through the slits of his visor. His mouth opened agape as a view so different from his own took place.


    ¡®Wh-what? What is this? What¡­. What happened here?¡¯, Dmitry clambered out of the hole as he looked around in utter confusion and dismay. Surrounding him was debris and skewed pieces of rubble which lay along the dirtied floor. The sky a murky light blue as small tints of grey were smudged along it¡¯s surface. Beyond the rubble and debris was what he assumed to be a city as it too was laid to ruins. Dmitry stood there speechless as he came to terms with this new world.


    ¡®Wasn¡¯t there supposed to be beautiful grassy fields? Animals and people spreading far and wide? What is this¡­?¡¯, he looked around once more as the dull and lifeless surroundings bore deep into his being.


    ¡®Those thoughts¡­ they were too good to be true¡­¡¯, he assessed, ¡®But still¡­ there is a chance¡­ A chance that something like what I saw is out there¡­ there has to be...¡¯


    Dmitry studied his surroundings once more before finding a small asphalt path centered in between the desolate ruins. He strode over the debris hindering his way as he began to crush concrete under the pressure of his feet.


    ¡®What am I supposed to do now¡­ maybe find some people woul-¡¯, his thoughts were cut off by the piercing wails that echoed throughout the air as they came to meet his ears. Startled, he grabbed for his shotgun as it was firmly raised in his hands. He stood on a mound of rubble as he looked from atop it¡¯s structure for the source of the noise.


    ¡®The hell was that? Hopefully it¡¯s something small...¡¯, he paused as the sight of what seemed to be a large mutated bear came to view but a kilometre away. It roared as it awoke in a sluggish type of fashion, shaking the sleep away as it came to view its surroundings. Dmitry gazed on stupefied as the monstrosity that awoke before him turned his way. Panic spread across his mind as the instinctual sensation to flee overtook that to fight.


    ¡®Are you messing with me? That doesn¡¯t look small at all!¡¯, he thought.


    His mind yelled at him to run as he stepped back in compliance. But what followed was something unexpected.... As he was about to turn tail and flee something in his head just flicked on. What followed was a calm wave of abrupt serenity which managed to cleanse his mind. Thoughts to flee were sent to dust as thoughts anew were rebirthed from them. Thoughts to fight the one before it and stand his ground occupied his mind as his eyes were glazed over with the will to fight. The conviction to kill.


    The bear roared as it¡¯s eyes were set on him. A type of killing intent could be seen from its eyes as an aura of fear shrouded it. It charged at him head on as it mowed through the debris and rubble in its way. Dmitry in response stood still as he watched it¡¯s every move, scanning it¡¯s body up and down in search for a weakness. The moment the distance between them was no more than a few metres he looked up and retaliated in reply. He moved to the side as his shotgun had it¡¯s sights aimed on the bear¡¯s eyes. It fired two quick bursts as it¡¯s eyes were eviscerated into nothing more than two lumps of flesh.


    Blood splattered over the remainder of the bear¡¯s body as it cried out in agony. Crashing down behind Dmitry in a heap. It pawed at the ground nearby as it struggled to stand on its feet. Seconds later it¡¯s screaming cries were followed by a flurry of shots that came into contact with the bear¡¯s coat as they rebounded into the ground. In a frenzied panic it swiped in desperation towards where the shots came from in hopes of finding someone as Dmitry scrunched up his face in irritation. The sight of the bullets being hurled into the ground had caused him to lose his focus as he began to think of what to do. But this lack of focus came with a consequence as the view of him being swiped by the bears paw came at a moments notice.


    He was sent airborne as he came crashing down into a nearby aged wall. It slowed him down as he proceeded to smash through countless pieces of rubble before the momentum carrying him died down. Aching all over he reached for his head as he opened his eyes. Beneath his helmet he adorned a pained expression as he scowled in distaste. Over his darkened blue armour there was now a slash that went diagonally down his torso.


    Dmitry swore under his breath as emotions once again began to swell within him. But be it fortunate or not they were all chained down by an unknown force as he instead stood up through the support of his bare arms. The shotgun he had held was now misplaced among the rubble as he went to reach for his rifle. But his hands futilely came against air as he realised but that too was gone. He once again swore as he went to reach for the pistols at his sides, raising them to meet the bear that advanced on him.


    It lifted its snout into the air as it smelled for his scent. Facing him in a rage of anger as it charged on all fours, fueled by the raging flames of emotions that engulfed it. It was soon followed by a choir of shots that sounded out from Dmitry as it closed once more on his position. Plowing him down as they smashed through countless pieces of rubble behind them. In the aftermath there laid the bear, just barely discernible through the clouds of dust and rubble that covered it. It stayed motionless as it seemed to sound out the last of it¡¯s moments into the encompassing air. Trailed by the silence that pervaded the area as no sign of Dmitry came to surface. Minutes passed as nothing proceeded to happen¡­.


    But quite suddenly and abruptly the sight of a hand adorned in the darkened crimson blood of the bear popped out from beneath it¡¯s corpse. In hand it held a jet black pistol as it scraped along the dusty floor.

 Chapter 3

    Screams coated in fear and terror rode the wind as the sight of wolves indulging themselves on the bodies of the fallen took place. They ripped and tore through the throats and flesh of many as expressions of agony and despair were plastered over their faces. Their last moments overshadowed by the gaping jaws of the mutated wolves as they cried in needless abandon. They were left for dead as the sole survivors of the group ran in an act of desperation. Their chests heaved up and down as they ran relentlessly, fueled by the fear that drove them. Minutes flew by as they proceeded to gradually slow down. Coming to a stop near one of the many aged buildings of a ruined city that were left neglected by both the people and the wastelands.


    They entered the building as people collapsed against the aged walls. Sweat and darkened crimson blood adorned their bodies as they released sighs of relief. Relief from how they could out maneuver the wolves, and relief for surviving another day in the wastelands. Their clothes were similar to rags as they were torn to but tatters of cloth. Covered in the viscous crimson liquid of both their comrades and the wolves. Over that was their armour, maimed with the scars of war and battle. In their hands an assortment of weapons ranging from wooden staffs to small knives as they were laid to rest next to them. They each held pained expressions as the darkened blood and guilt that adorned their souls began to take its toll...


    ¡°Fuck, Fuck! Fucking Stalkers were everywhere! I thought this area was clear of them!?¡±


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know Scorch bu-¡±


    The man¡¯s words fell upon deaf ears as Scorch mercilessly split is head into two. Blood squirted forth as an axe was buried knee deep into his head. Seemingly absorbing the life apparent in his eyes as they too began to dim into a lifeless and empty ornament. They adorned his slowly paling body as the axe was tugged forth, a mess of gray matter accompanying it.


    ¡°Does anyone else have something to say!?! Well?!¡±, Scorch, the leader of the raiders yelled. Maybe it was because of his blood stained body or his intimidating figure but what followed was only silence. They turned their heads or looked to the ground in terror as Scorch proceeded to channel his anger towards them. His insatiable rage.


    ¡°Damn right no one does!¡±, he glared with a writhing hatred as his animosity for the group swept over them.


    ¡®Fucking pushovers...¡¯, he knelt down as he proceeded to wipe away his blood stained axe on the fallen man¡¯s clothes. Wiping the darkened blood on his hands as he did so. During this time a slender young man walked next to him staff by his side as he spoke with a great clarity and charm.


    ¡°Scorch, I think what¡¯s best is to scout the area before making any type of encampment. What are your thoughts?¡±, the one who had proposed this was Joel, one of the most talented mages in the group. He provided Scorch with the plans and tactical maneuvers whilst he himself stood in the backlines, firing spell after spell. He was the brains so to speak. Joel stepped closer to the stubby and short figure of Scorch as he watched him wipe his axe.


    ¡°We took heavy losses so I think it would be best to find a place recover for now.¡± he continued.


    Scorch sighed as he pushed himself from the ground. He looked to Joel who held a calm and collected face as he glared into his eyes. Contradictory to his appearance he was deceitful, treacherous, and cunning, a puppetmaster of sorts.


    ¡®Fucking elven bastard¡­¡¯, Scorch thought as he looked into his calming brown eyes. He hated the guy but it was at times like these that the mages intelligence took the spotlight. He groaned as he decided to comply with his demands.


    ¡°Alright¡­ Everyone! Move out! You know what to do!¡±, they groaned and turned in response as they lifted their weapons from the floor. Some limped out the doorway as they proceeded to scout the remnants of this long forgotten city. Leaving but Scorch and Joel in the remnants of the building as they conversed about the loss of their raiders.


    ¡°Joel¡­ ah shit, I know we aren¡¯t exactly friends but... how are we going to explain¡­ this?!¡±, Scorch gestured to the remainder of the raiders in the city as he cried out in irritation.


    ¡°You do realise he is gonna kill us! That bloody Demon! He¡¯s going to rip us limb from fucking limb!¡±, Joel looked to him as his long pale ears twitched upon referral to this ¡®Demon¡¯.


    ¡°We¡¯ll¡­ we¡¯ll think of something later¡­ just leave it to me Dwarf.¡±, Joel looked at Scorch with eyes of resolve and determination as he seemingly sported a face of friendship. But if it were all a facade, a mask fabricated and made all for his demise? Who knew. Instead Scorch glanced to the city of ruins as he couldn¡¯t bother to think much more. He let out an exasperated sigh once more before gesturing for the elf to follow as they trailed the fellow raiders.


    The sight of countless barren buildings wasted by the nuclear fallout was a common sight for the group as they continued to stride through the debris and vague patches of vegetation that littered it. It was all silent before the piercing shout of someone in the distance caught their attention. Scorch looked to Joel as they both began to run in a great fervor. Jumping over boulders and walls of the like as they moved in on the man¡¯s position. The scene of a sole person standing atop of a mound of rubble took his sight.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°What happened here?¡± inquired Scorch. He stepped towards the mound of rubble before climbing up with his short and stumpy limbs. Struggling before he finally grasped the top of the mound. Having finally made it, he placed his hands on his knees as he turned to look at the base of the mound.


    ¡°Better not be somethi-¡±, his words fell short as the sight of a fallen Dreadbear took his sight. It had a darkened matted coat covered in a viscous crimson liquid. It¡¯s eyes nothing more than tendrils of meat as they danced to the winds will¡­ and it¡¯s life, well, that was no more. It surprised Scorch as he stood there dazed by the emergence of such a monstrous beast.


    ¡°Shit! These things are at least level 40 or higher!¡±, Scorch exclaimed. He stepped towards the crater before he dropped next to where the Dreadbear lay. He stumbled as he picked himself up from the ground, limping as he went to touch upon its fur. In turn he began to smile in satisfaction and greed as it¡¯s coarse and dense coat met his fingers. It was a great material to use for the production of armour, and with such a large amount, well, that just made it better.


    ¡°Yes this would do¡­ this would do nicely¡­ maybe with this he could forgive us!¡±, Scorch laughed in complete joy and delight as it echoed throughout the desolate ruins. The people around him distanced themselves from him as his piercing laughter entered their ears. After his little outburst, he looked to the other seven or so people as he questioned them with his gaze.


    ¡°Well? What are you guys doing?!? Get to work!¡±


    His face suddenly changed to one of great contempt as they all slid down into the crater of where the bear lay, driven by the fuel of fear.


    ¡®Lazy shits¡­¡¯, thought Scorch as he turned to watch over the dreadbear¡¯s corpse. His mouth arched into a smile as he once more laid his eyes on it.


    ¡®Am I blessed by the goddess or what?¡¯, he gazed on before hearing the entrance of Joel¡¯s voice moments later. It¡¯s soft and honeyed tune entering one ear and out the other.


    ¡°I recommend we be wary¡­ Scorch, I think someone is still here, the one who killed this thing that is¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh really now? Well, it should be fine¡­ after all, we have seven level twenties and two high twenties. I think we¡¯d do jus-¡±, Scorch was cut off as once more a scream escaped the mouth of someone nearby. Reverberating throughout the air as it shrouded the group in a great silence that followed afterwards.


    ¡°The fuck is it no-¡±, the appearance of a darkened blue figure contrasted by the crimson blood that adorned it¡¯s body came to view. It knelt upon the ground as it straightened it¡¯s posture upon releasing it self from the bear¡¯s reach. It staggered before gradually keeping itself upright through using the bear¡¯s carcass as a support. Upon closer inspection it held a split cobalt visor that befitted the rest of it¡¯s armour. On the majority of it¡¯s figure were lines engraved into the armour, perhaps due to the way it was manufactured. It proceeded to scan it¡¯s surroundings pistol in hand as it¡¯s eyes came upon a dwarvish like man. It looked him over from head to toe before finally the sound of a hoarse voice came through.


    ¡°Thank you¡­ now, who are you again?¡±


    *Dmitry Sokolov*


    Dmitry stood there perplexed and thrilled by the view before him. He glimpsed over the people opposite of him as a newfound joy within him surfaced to mind. They were all seemingly of different races as they sported different appearances and builds. A few were lean and tall, others short and stubby, and a small few had scales that adorned their bodies. But nevertheless they were similar to him, and that was enough he thought.


    He then laid his eyes upon the one closest to him. He had a short build accompanied by stubby limbs, an orange beard that protruded from his chin, and an expression of confusion and fear painted onto his face. He inched away as he tripped over a piece of rubble positioned behind him. Falling next to the group with him as he lifted himself from the ground with the help of some stray debris. Dmitry awaited their response before gradually realising something was wrong. It was the mood and atmosphere, it just wasn¡¯t right¡­ But his thoughts were disrupted by a sole word that pierced through the ruins.


    ¡°SENTINEL!!!¡±


    ¡®What¡­?¡¯, thought Dmitry as he watched them raise their weapons in quick succession. Their faces expressed anger and terror as they went into offensive stances.


    ¡°Why the fuck is a Sentinel all the way out here?¡±


    ¡°Who knows! But if we don¡¯t kill it now it¡¯ll kill us all! Quickly!¡±


    Having heard the man¡¯s words they charged at him as they encroached on his position with hatred and contempt present in their eyes. In the background mages prepared magic as they supported the frontlines. Bathing them in a  great luminescent light as they became faster and stronger. Their eyes were later glossed over with a crimson red as they bared their teeth in anger and rage. No fear was present in their eyes as they pressed on with even greater resolve. Dmitry however stood there speechless as he became panicked and confused.


    ¡®Wha¡­ What did I do wrong? Why?¡¯, the sight of them approaching taunted him as time slowed down. The constant thoughts of ¡®Why?¡¯ and ¡®What did I do wrong?¡¯ replayed in his head like a broken cassette tape as they came closer.


    ¡®We¡¯re.. Practically the same aren¡¯t we?¡¯, he watched them as the weapons were inches from his armour as the sounds of them parting the air with their speed and power entered his ears.


    ¡®What did I do wrong...?¡¯, they slashed and pierced against his torso as he flew back into a pile of rubble. An outburst of sound similar to that of a whip being slashed through the air entered the groups ears as Dmitry¡¯s cries of pain and gasps for breath were muffled by it. He proceeded to cough from the strength of such an attack as the start of tears began to accumulate at the rims of his eyes.


    ¡®Am I¡­ what¡¯s wrong¡­?¡¯, he looked to his right hand as he clenched it. Tears unconditionally trickling down his cheeks as he thought on.


    ¡®I¡¯m so confused¡­Is it what I am? Do they hate me for what I am? Because i¡¯m¡­ different?¡¯, his emotions boiled as what was left of his sorrow and confusion became rage. Trailing it a wave of calm and tranquility as he was cleansed and soon brought forth into reality. The harsh, harsh reality of the world.


    ¡°Is it dead? Did we actually take it dow-¡±


    The man¡¯s words were suppressed by the sound of debris and rubble crashing into the ground as Dmitry surfaced from underneath.


    ¡®No¡­ I¡¯m not in the wrong¡­¡¯, he thought.


    ¡®It was them¡­ they are in the wrong¡­ they are¡¯, he looked to them as he too smiled with what little rage he held. His eyes glossed over with a killing intent as a need to fuel his hunger for blood called him.


    ¡®And so¡­ I will show you¡­¡¯

 Chapter 4

    ¡®There¡¯s nothing wrong with you, there¡¯s a lot wrong with the world you live in¡­¡¯, a single phrase but one so true reverberated and grew in intensity within the depths of Dmitry¡¯s mind. Engraving itself into the walls of his brain as what trailed it came in great succession. Images of conflict, famine, discrimination, corruption, and hate proceeded to flash forth in great abandon as he stood there indulged in it¡¯s contents. It was all there and all so vivid as he entered a state where time seemingly halted for him. He thought of man and there many irreconcilable conflicts. He thought of the wars produced from their long forgotten feuds. He thought of the masses of people ignorant to the world around them and those on it. And he thought of the affection he so desperately craved.


    He stood there dazed as numerous thoughts whipped past him at immeasurable speeds. Emotions of hatred, pain, suffering, and unfathomable rage coating them with their irrepressible existence as they outlined their edges. They contorted Dmitry¡¯s being as he processed the many distinct and various sensations that stemmed forth from them. Immersed in their tight and narrow grasp. But before he could even begin to comprehend the profound meanings concealed beneath their bare surface he was abruptly smashed face first into an array of lights that glared at him with a energetic glow. They flashed indiscriminately against his pupils as he flickered his eyes open in disdain. Various people gazed at him with fear as it slivered through the frail cracks of their minds. Trembling in his presence as they turned deathly pale.


    *Lone Raider*


    ¡°S-shit, they¡¯re just like the rumors!¡±


    ¡°I-I don¡¯t wanna die¡­.¡±


    Their instincts seized control as they each proceeded to act. Some, driven by the fear that fueled them ran. Reaching the outer expanses of the crater before departing from the scene. Other¡¯s stood there petrified by the fear that now coursed through their being as it ran rampant through their mind. And the small few that ignored both the instinct to flee or to fear ran at the Sentinel with a blood crazed rage. Intent on shedding blood using what little resolve and determination they had left. A sole man equipped with a sword in each hand ran at it with a small smile of desperation plastered along his face as he anticipated the blood that would come forth.


    ¡®Please just Die! Die! DIE!¡¯


    He slashed at the Sentinel¡¯s torso with a flick of his wrist as it curved towards his neck. It met air as his face turned from one of battle to one of utter confusion. He watched as it leaned to the right. Curving beneath the blades that sliced through the air with such speed as it simultaneously grabbed his wrist. It snapped against the pressure of the Sentinel¡¯s grasp as he let out a pain filled scream. Tears abruptly leaked from the rims of his eyes as he blinked subsequently. Trying to find the Sentinel¡¯s whereabouts through the translucent tears that blurred his view. But before he could even react he felt a cold metallic sensation come into contact with his chest.


    ¡°W-Wha-¡±


    Gunfire pierced throughout the area as it echoed into the ears of those nearby. The sound of the man¡¯s guttural wails came after as he choked on the crimson blood that surged into his throat. He looked up as he saw the deep blue visor of the figure before him be reflected back at him.


    ¡°Well, look¡¯s I¡¯m out of ammo. This will have to do¡­¡±


    The man on the verge of death was confused by the Sentinel¡¯s remark as he was dropped to the floor. He let out a small cry as he hit the ground. Subsequently followed by the dry sounds of the man coughing as he gasped for air. Screams cut out as he heard the deathly wails of the others enter the sky. Turning his head he glimpsed towards the sole figure of the Sentinel, one of the ¡®Angels of Death¡¯. He heard rumors¡­ they were both elegant like an angel whilst brutal like a reaper. They were calculating and robotic, similar to that of a machine. Soldiers produced for war that were never even heard of, well, until a few years ago that was...


    The raider turned from the slaughter to the blue murky skies. A relieved sigh escaping from between his lips and guttural wails.


    ¡®Well¡­¡¯, he thought, ¡®At least this living nightmare can finally be brought to an end...¡¯


    Images of his life and those he had met. The many stupid decisions he had made and the regret that built up within him drowned him as he once more gasped for breath. And as sudden as he was given life. It was taken.


    *Dmitry*


    The figure held a sword adorned in blood as it slid down the blade, dripping to the ground. He walked past the countless bodies that plagued his path as he set his sights on the four people before him. They stood backed against a wall of rubble as they held onto their weapons as they would with their lives. Each person held the expressions of fear, confusion, rage, and regret. Glaring at Dmitry as they raised their weapons high with what resolve they had. They began to waver as they awaited his inevitable onslaught.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Dmitry hesitated as he looked to the four. Thoughts of how he could spare them crossed his mind for the briefest of times before being disrupted. They were overruled by the thoughts of how they would only cause more death as he began to grow conflicted inside. He stared at them with confusion in his eyes as he contemplated on the thought. But not shortly after it was cleansed from his mind. He took a deep breath as he raised his sword in hand.


    He glared at them with an unwavering resolve to kill as he strode towards them. They in reply looked to each other as they murmured words under their breath. Looking to Dmitry with contempt and determination before rushing at him. Intent on greeting him with a barrage of strikes. They yelled battlecries filled with resolve and the faintest hints of fear as they rushed on.


    Dmitry looked to them with what could be interpreted as pity as the distance between them decreased. Spears, swords, magic, and a many more weapons sped towards him as he kept moving on towards the group. The faint sounds of the earth trembling beneath him caused alarms to be set off as earth like magic stemmed forth from where he stood. He side stepped it as he entered the path of a spear that pierced at him at undefiable speeds. He parried it with the hilt of his sword as he pivoted on his foot. Crouching towards the ground as he kicked at the heels of the spearman. Dmitry slid his sword beneath the spearman as gravity skewered him on it¡¯s sharp blade. He regurgitated blood as Dmitry grabbed for the man¡¯s spear.


    He heard the sound of a person to his left as he glanced towards them. Obscuring his vision was the sight of a greatsword shrouded in yellow light. It cleaved towards Dmitry as he rolled from his crouch into a sprint. He rushed towards the man with the greatsword as he dodged the large blow. It carved into the ground as he struggled to tug it forth from the earth¡¯s grasp, looking up to see a spear speeding towards him. He scrunched up his face in fear as it drilled a hole through the left side of his face. Gray matter, blood, and viscera coated the man¡¯s body as he dropped to the ground with a thud. The sounds of blood spurting out from his corpse just barely audible as Dmitry heard the sound of something parting the air behind him.


    He pivoted on his feet as the sensation of a blade slashing against his armour caught him off guard. He staggered backwards as the sight of two people facing him head on greeted him. One had a sword in his right and dagger in his left whilst the other held a staff. The man holding both a sword and dagger harassed Dmitry with an assault of strikes as he in response proceeded to back away. The strikes met air as the mage behind the swordsman continued to chant spells. Earthen roots appeared at the base of Dmitry''s feet as he leaped away from them with vigilance. Distancing himself from the mage and swordsman.


    He came into contact with the ground that was behind him as he sunk into what seemed to be a type of quicksand conjured by the mage. Dmitry swore as he acted quickly, grasping onto a rock nearby as he used it to pull himself to safety. He glimpsed up to see a swordsman in front of him as he slashed a sword against Dmitry¡¯s torso and shoved a dagger that aimed to pierce through Dmitry¡¯s jaw. It left scratches against his armour as the blunt force travelled along his body. He shrugged it off as he began to back away. Quickly remembering the quicksand behind him. He agilely grasped onto the swordsman in front of him as he used the man as a means to support himself.


    The swordsman staggered and voiced out a scream of surprise as Dmitry fixed his posture. The man murmured faintly in fear as he smashed the hilt of his sword against Dmitry¡¯s cranium. Piercing the dagger against Dmitry¡¯s armour as it was slowly chipped away. Fear grew rampant in his eyes as a desperate need to escape surfaced to mind. Dmitry having had enough looked to the swordsman for the last time before abruptly pulling the man to himself. He sidestepped as the momentum brought the swordsman into the quicksand as he was slowly engulfed by it, as was his screams.


    Dmitry sighed in relief as he looked around his surroundings for any weapons. Sadly there seemed to be nothing as he was left disappointed inside. Instead he scanned his surroundings in search for a mage as he realised the bastard was gone. He released a breath between his lips as he looked to the aftermath of the little skirmish. Five corpses out of the six lay dead, strewn along the cold barren ground as they coated it with a darkened crimson fluid. Gore was needlessly splayed along the ground as it accompanied the bodies of the dead.


    Dmitry proceeded to walk towards them as he looted their bodies in search of anything useful. He was however left unsatisfied as he picked up only a battle worn sword and parrying dagger from the ground. He looked to them as he tried to holster them at his hips. Luckily they were pulled in by a magnetic force as they were glued to his sides. The dagger positioned next to the pistol on his left whilst the sword was on his right. Silence soon pervaded the area as he alone was left in this desolate landscape. He continued to move on as he was gradually brought back from his blood crazed self. Realising the damage he had done and the aftermath of his actions.


    He slowly began to show a face of disbelief as he remembered what had happened. What he had done. Thoughts of regret and lamenting over the dead came in from one ear and out the other as he took deep exasperated breaths. They proceeded to calm him down as he recollected the broken pieces of his psych. Repeatedly proving within his mind that he was in the right¡­.


    ¡®It wasn¡¯t my fault¡­ It was theirs¡­ I am not in the wrong¡­ I am not¡­ They were bad people¡­ bad¡­¡¯


    He went on for minutes as he slowly came to terms with the scenario. Adapting to the new experience and environment around him. He then went into thought as he began to consider what to do.


    ¡®I lost my rifle and ammo¡­ let''s find them for a start¡¯


    Dmitry scoured through the surrounding rubble and corpses in search for his belongings as he walked over them and the like. Soon discovering a bag of ammo and a rifle sheltered underneath a large piece of concrete. It had broken off from an aged building nearby due to the previous battle with the bear. He lifted up the large piece of rubble and moved it to the side as he pulled out the bag and rifle.


    ¡®Fuck¡­ the bag is practically torn to shreds and the rifle is now junk as well¡­ shit.¡¯


    He glanced up from the mess before deciding to find a replacement for the bag and instead find the shotgun that had went adrift. He strode through the ruins of buildings as he went around in an attempt of finding them. On his way for a replacement for his bag he came across his shotgun strewn along some rubble. Luckily it was in just a good condition as he had left it as he held it at the ready. Afterwards minutes passed before somewhere along the way he came across a small cellar. It was evident through the cracks of an aged buildings foundation as he could barely discern the barely lit room. He moved closer as his curiosity grew.


    ¡®Maybe there¡¯s something of use in here¡­¡¯


    He looked around at the foundation of the building before deciding to widen the opening through brute force. He speculated it should be fine afterwards as he readied his fist. He threw a punch at the wall consisting of bricks as it crumbled away to his well placed blow. The sound of the wall collapsing into the interior of the cellar was welcomed as he went through the opening. Touching the side of his helmet as his surroundings were coated in a luminescent green that spread along the walls. Outlining the many objects that were positioned there.


    Multiple shelves lined with supplies varying from food to clothes occupied his vision as the appearance of bags also took his attention. Everything else seemed to had been deteriorated of sorts due to time or radiation as he smiled in glee.


    ¡®This would do nicely for now¡­¡¯