《Solar Replay: A World of Roma Novel》


 Prologue – Rome’s Unbroken Empire in the 21st Century

    Imperial Historical Bureau ¨C State-Approved Lecture


    Professor Marcus Valens, University of Roma


    Imperial Year 2085 (Julian System)


    ¡°Fifty years ago today marked the defining moment that truly tested the foundations of our great Empire¡ªand proved, beyond all doubt, that Rome endures.


    But let us go further back, to a time when Rome was not strong. A time when we stood on the edge of oblivion¡ªnot by the hands of our enemies, but by our own failures. The vast empire of antiquity, stretching from Britannia to Egypt, crumbled under the weight of its own excess. Senators squabbled among themselves, the provinces drifted apart, and Rome¡­shrank.


    The map of the known world changed, and Rome became a shadow of its former self. After our ancient conquests faded into memory, we fell behind as new powers rose: the French, British, Ottomans, and the Americans on the far continent. All left Rome clinging to its heritage, yet lacking true power. For centuries, Rome remained¡ªtoo proud to fall but too weak to rule as it once did. And yet, history moves in cycles, does it not? Other great empires, like the Sericans and Mongolians, crumbled as we once did, but Rome¡­Rome endured.¡±


    (He pauses a moment, letting his gaze sweep across the lecture hall. Young students watch him intently, his eyes still sharp despite his years.)This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°And from the ashes, the Romans found a newly lit spark. Spurred by generations desperate to reclaim dignity, Rome began to modernize. Our industries rose like a phoenix, forging steel, machinery, and eventually the advanced technologies that underpin today¡¯s world. Yet industry alone was not enough. We needed a catalyst to unite us¡ªsomething that would reignite the flame of the legions.¡±


    ¡°That catalyst came in the mid-20th century: the War of Restoration. While many other European powers fractured, we formed alliances. Sometimes we fought alongside these allies, and other times alone, marching across volatile regions. In that crucible, the Empire found its moment. Victories abroad spurred much-needed confidence at home. The Senate reasserted control over lost territories and proclaimed a New Era. For the first time in centuries, people again looked to Rome as their guiding star.¡±


    ¡°Over the next half-century, Rome consolidated its position. With Europe firmly under our rule and Russia entangled in conflict with the Mongolians, our gaze turned west¡ªacross the vast ocean to the fractured lands of North America, a continent weakened by civil war, unrest, and economic collapse. It fell swiftly to our legions. By the 21st century, Rome stood as the world¡¯s sole superpower, with only the Sericans and the Mongolians posing any real challenge. The Sericans control much of the Pacific and Asia, while the Mongolians¡ªthough a shadow of their ancient empire¡ªhold sway over the deserts of the Middle East and the Ural Mountains.¡±


    ¡°Yet even after our triumphant 20th-century campaigns, a far greater storm gathered on our horizon¡ªone that reached beyond our borders and even beyond this planet. A war not of nations, nor of politics, but survival itself. The first half of the 21st century became our greatest test, a trial that would define the fate of the Empire. This was a war that tested not only our might, but our very identity. A war that changed everything.¡±

 Chapter 1: Shattered Reflections

    The old mirror was spotless¡ªfree of watermarks, scratches, rust, or dust. Ampelius stared at his reflection, taking in his freshly cut black hair and piercing green eyes. The image felt hauntingly familiar, stirring a faint yet piercing ache in his chest, a memory that danced just beyond reach. His heart began to pound as fragmented memories flickered through his mind: a flash of a worn photograph, a child¡¯s laughter, then a crowd¡¯s faceless stares. Each image was fleeting, but each carried its own weight, a half-buried reminder of something he could never fully reclaim.


    The sensation gnawed at him, escalating into a white-hot tension. Suddenly, he clenched his fist and struck the mirror, shattering it with a surge of raw fury. Blood from his knuckles dripped into the sink, staining the shards of broken glass. The pain was sharp, grounding, and pulling him momentarily back from the tempest within.


    He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm his racing heart. He closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, the quiet whispers of old voices still echoing in his mind. You¡¯re better than this, one of them seemed to say. Don¡¯t let them get to you. Slowly, he turned on the cold water and let it flow over his hands, watching the blood swirl away, vanishing into nothingness.


    Once the water ran clear, he turned off the faucet and looked back at the broken mirror. His reflection, now fragmented, stared back at him in pieces. He managed a hollow smile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have done that,¡± he murmured, the apology aimed more at his fractured self than the shattered glass.


    Grabbing a paper towel, he dried his hands and face, letting his gaze wander. A poster on the bathroom stall caught his eye. It depicted a Roman soldier in an ancient gray uniform and galea helmet, with the words: ¡°Terrorism does not discriminate; trust in the empire to serve you!¡±


    Ampelius smiled faintly, shaking his head in disapproval. The boldness of the propaganda was almost laughable¡ªa stark reminder of the Empire''s iron grip on every aspect of life, even in the most mundane of places.


    "Terrorism?" Ampelius muttered under his breath. "Those people are freedom fighters; you''re an occupying force! No one wants the Roman Empire meddling in their affairs, especially here. Gotta love the propaganda."


    His words were laced with bitterness, a quiet rebellion in a world where speaking out loud could mean risking everything. He glanced around, ensuring he was still alone, the silence amplifying the weight of his words lingering in the empty bathroom.


    After tossing the used paper towel, he took one last look at the shattered mirror. His reflection stared back, fragmented and distorted, yet oddly familiar, as if mocking him with an image he couldn¡¯t quite piece together.


    Stepping into the bustling restaurant, the smell of greasy food hit him like a wall, making his stomach growl. He glanced at the menu, briefly tempted by the thought of a warm meal, but he decided against it, his mind still preoccupied with the confrontation in the restroom. As he headed for the door, two Roman soldiers walked in. Their presence instantly silenced the room, the lively chatter turning into a tense, uneasy hush.


    Conversations stopped, and work came to a halt as they entered. All eyes turned toward them, each person staring as if they were outsiders who didn''t belong. The tension in the room thickened, and everybody froze in their tasks.


    The soldiers, with their golden eagle insignias on their right shoulders and military police patches on the other, stood out starkly. Their presence was imposing, their authority unmistakable, heightened by the assault rifles slung across their chests and the sidearms at their hips. The cold, metallic clink of their boots on the tile floor echoed in the now-silent room, amplifying the sense of dread that hung in the air.


    Ampelius felt a pang of resentment sharpen into anger, though he tried to swallow it down. He¡¯d grown up in these streets, back when his neighbors openly laughed and shared drinks in public spaces, unburdened by the uniforms patrolling their city. The stories his grandfather told him about Vetera¡¯s resistance against Roman occupation almost seemed distant now, but they remained a core part of him, fueling his quiet defiance. The Empire''s grip on Vetera had grown tighter over the recent years, and with it, the people¡¯s fear and distrust. He couldn''t help but recall his childhood¡ªthe distant memories of a simpler time and the stories his grandfather told him about when Vetera was free before the Empire''s reach extended into every corner of their lives.


    In his mind¡¯s eye, he could still see the streets filled with laughter, music, and defiant voices. Yet, now the only sounds were whispers and the click of boots. A big difference between then and now which only deepened his bitterness.


    They glared menacingly at everyone, their eyes scanning the room with a predatory intensity. Ampelius could feel the collective unease, the air heavy with unspoken questions and fears. Every breath seemed to catch in the throats of those around him, the tension almost tangible. He couldn''t shake the impression that these soldiers were either hunting for someone specific or itching for a confrontation. Their rigid postures and sharp gazes radiated a readiness for violence, as if they were wolves among sheep, waiting for the slightest provocation to pounce.


    Someone eating in a booth caught their attention. In broken English, the soldiers demanded his name. The man looked up defiantly and refused to answer. His silence was a challenge¡ªa refusal to submit to their authority. They moved closer, their voices rising as they repeated the question, their tone growing sharper and more insistent. The tension in the room thickened with each passing second, each heartbeat echoing louder in the oppressive silence.


    This time, the individual responded by hurling his sandwich at the nearest soldier and bolting from the booth. The sudden action startled everyone, the room erupting in gasps and murmurs. Ampelius watched as the man sprinted toward the rear exit, his movements frantic with fear. Ampelius¡¯ fists clenched instinctively, his knuckles aching as he gritted his teeth. He wanted to look away but couldn¡¯t tear his eyes from the brutal display unfolding before him. But just as the man reached the door, a third soldier entered, blocking his escape. The man skidded to a halt, trapped with nowhere to run. His eyes darted around, searching for any possible way out, but the reality of his predicament quickly sank in.


    He suddenly turned toward the kitchen, shoving an employee aside as he sprinted. The soldier he had thrown the sandwich at anticipated the move and executed a perfect tackle, bringing the fleeing man down hard. They both hit the floor in a chaotic tangle of limbs, struggling for dominance. The man''s breaths came in ragged gasps, his desperate attempts to break free growing weaker with each passing second.


    More soldiers quickly piled on, their heavy boots thudding against the tiles and echoing through the room. They pinned him down, each move calculated as they tried to apprehend him.


    Ampelius stepped back, a tightness building in his chest as helplessness settled over him like a weight. His fingers itched to intervene, to pull them off, but he knew better. One wrong move, and he¡¯d end up right there on the floor beside the man, a helpless victim of the Empire¡¯s wrath. The soldiers began beating and kicking the man relentlessly, their faces showing no mercy.


    Each blow landed with a sickening thud¡ªthe sounds of fists connecting with flesh and the man''s muffled cries filled the room, echoing off the walls in a brutal display of power and control. Each strike seemed to crush the man''s spirit, reducing him to little more than a helpless victim of the Empire''s wrath.


    After a minute, the man finally ceased struggling and went limp. The soldiers cuffed his hands and feet, then carried him away, leaving a puddle of blood for the employees to clean up. As they passed, Ampelius got a clear view of the man''s face¡ªswollen and bloodied beyond recognition. A wave of nausea twisted in Ampelius¡¯ stomach, the acidic bite of anger and horror churning as he looked away.


    Note to self: don''t piss off the soldiers, Ampelius thought, the dark humor barely masking the unease that churned in his gut.


    The employees immediately fetched a mop and bucket, moving with practiced efficiency as they cleaned the floor before resuming their duties. With a wet floor sign in place, it was business as usual. Their faces remained expressionless, as if such scenes were just another part of their day. One employee grabbed a remote, turned on the TV, and flipped through the channels until settling on the news, seeking distraction in the familiar broadcast drone.


    Ampelius walked toward the door, but a breaking news announcement on the TV caught his attention. He stepped aside to avoid blocking the exit and watched the screen. The headline reported that a military installation overseas had been devastated. Despite the grim subject, it made his face smile; the thought of the Empire''s might being challenged, even from afar, felt like a small victory.


    However, when the video clip showed numerous fires raging on the base, the chaos and destruction reflected in the flames gave him pause. He decided to leave.


    As he opened the door and stepped outside, the footage shifted to an erupting volcano spewing a glowing green ash cloud into the sky¡ªan unsettling reminder of his volatile world.


    The sounds of traffic and distant chatter greeted him as the warm sunlight cast long shadows on the bustling streets of Vetera. Ampelius noted how the sunlight seemed almost ironic, bathing the Empire¡¯s city in warmth while oppression lurked in every corner. It was a sunny afternoon, the bright blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. The familiar buildings looked unchanged, but to him, each street held a sense of loss¡ªa place filled with the shadows of a city he once knew.


    The air was alive with the hum of traffic, the chatter of pedestrians, and the distant melody of a street musician¡ªnotes weaving through the noise like a soothing counterpoint to the city''s relentless energy. The scent of street food wafted through the streets, blending with the faint aroma of blooming flowers from nearby planters, creating a sensory tapestry that captured the city''s essence. Yet, as he walked, the Empire¡¯s symbols were inescapable. Every flag and banner hung as a silent reminder that Vetera no longer belonged to the people but to the iron fist of Rome. The city¡¯s energy felt trapped, straining under the weight of imperial control.


    As he reached the sidewalk, his gaze drifted instinctively to Mount Nerva''s distant, snow-covered peak to the southeast. The sight brought a wave of nostalgia, stirring memories of childhood hikes and his grandfather¡¯s stories. Back then, the mountain symbolized freedom and adventure. Now, it loomed like a silent witness to the Empire¡¯s encroachment on his life. The serenity he once felt on those trails was worlds away from the Empire¡¯s shadow that now stretched over every corner of Vetera.  The sight brought a sense of tranquility and nostalgia¡ªa reminder of simpler times when the world seemed less complicated and more serene. Memories of childhood hikes and his grandfather''s stories about the mountain flooded his mind, each tale woven with the magic of youthful wonder.


    He paused to admire its beauty, recalling an educational hike from his youth. The memory was sharp as if no time had passed at all. The thrill of the climb, the camaraderie, and the awe-inspiring view from the summit rushed back to him, filling him with a warm, nostalgic glow.


    He took a deep breath, recalling the cool mountain air, the scent of pine, and the sense of accomplishment, which were vivid in his memory, each detail as clear as the day he experienced it. He could almost feel the breeze against his skin, the rough texture of the rocks under his hands as he climbed, and the quiet joy of reaching the top with friends who felt like family.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    The city''s noise faded away for a moment, replaced by the echo of his footsteps on the mountain trail and the rustling wind through the trees. The memories were so vivid that he could almost feel the cool mountain breeze and hear the distant calls of birds overhead. He remembered the tour guide explaining that the mountain was named in honor of Roman Emperor Nerva, discovered by explorer Ireneus Falco centuries ago.


    The guide''s voice echoed in his mind, recounting how the mountain symbolized Roman endurance and the natural forces that shaped the land. Mount Nerva, a proud centerpiece of Vetera, was also one of the region''s most dangerous volcanoes due to its potential for future eruptions. The dormant giant loomed as a constant reminder of the city''s precarious existence, its calm exterior hiding the potential for sudden, catastrophic change.


    The city of Vetera teemed with millions of residents going about their daily lives. To Ampelius, the crowd was more than a bustling mass; it was his past and present, filled with faces that reflected the hardships the Empire had imposed. The streets buzzed with activity as vehicles crawled bumper to bumper, inching through each block toward their destinations. Pedestrians passed by, hurrying as if the Empire¡¯s symbols weren¡¯t glaring down at them from every corner, demanding respect, obedience, and quiet submission. Street vendors called out their wares, their voices rising above the din as they competed to be heard.


    The smell of freshly cooked food mingled with the scent of exhaust fumes, creating a sensory overload that was as much a part of Vetera as its towering buildings and ancient monuments. Above it all, the distant rumble of trains and the occasional blare of sirens added to the city''s symphony of sound¡ªa reminder of the ceaseless motion that defined life in Vetera.


    The official SPQR flag of the Roman Empire adorned every street corner and federal building, a symbol Ampelius loathed. It was no longer a proud emblem of resilience but a constant reminder of the Empire¡¯s control over every aspect of his life and the lives of everyone in the city. Its vivid colors and regal emblem were a constant reminder of imperial authority. Each flag was a bold declaration, a symbol of power that demanded respect and obedience. Banners hung from lampposts, fluttering in the gentle breeze, proclaiming the empire''s presence and dominance over the city. Their messages were clear: Rome''s reach was absolute, its grip unyielding.


    The grand architecture of government buildings stood tall, their facades reflecting the power and order of Roman rule. Imposing columns and ornate carvings spoke of a legacy that stretched back centuries¡ªa visual testament to the Empire''s enduring strength.


    In the midst of this bustling metropolis, the omnipresent symbols of the Empire stood in stark contrast to the vibrant, chaotic energy of the city''s inhabitants. The flags and banners were not just decorations but declarations¡ªbold statements of authority that overshadowed the lively streets below. They made it unmistakably clear who held power in Vetera, a constant reminder that every aspect of life remained under the Empire''s watchful eye, no matter how energetic or diverse the city¡¯s populace.


    Ampelius lived in an apartment complex with his cousin Emmett, situated in a poverty-stricken area of the city. He took in the graffiti, seeing each mark as a quiet protest, a voice for the neighborhood¡¯s struggles. Signs of hardship were everywhere. Graffiti covered the walls of almost every building¡ªa colorful yet somber testament to the area''s struggles, each tag telling a story of resistance or despair. Homeless people had set up tents wherever they could find shelter¡ªunder bridges, in alleyways, or in any place that offered protection from the elements.


    The makeshift encampments were a clear sign of the city''s unseen underbelly, a world far removed from the glittering facades of the Empire''s monuments. Individuals held cardboard signs at every intersection and building entrance, pleading for money, food, or anything to help them survive. Their eyes, hollow with desperation, reflected the harsh reality of life on the margins¡ªa sharp contrast to the wealth and power concentrated elsewhere in Vetera.


    Despite being unemployed and without an income source, Ampelius was not homeless. He was grateful to Emmett for the shelter but often felt like the weight of the Empire¡¯s influence followed him even here. Emmett allowed him to stay on the condition that he actively searched for work. This arrangement gave Ampelius a sense of stability, though he often wondered why Emmett chose to live in such a dire part of the city.


    Emmett''s mysterious occupation was a topic rarely discussed between them, adding to the enigma of his cousin''s life. Ampelius couldn''t help but speculate, his thoughts drifting to possibilities that ranged from mundane to dangerous. The secrecy around Emmett''s work only deepened the mystery, making Ampelius wonder what kind of life his cousin truly led outside their shared apartment.


    The apartment itself was modest and worn, reflecting the economic realities of the neighborhood. The walls were scuffed, the furniture threadbare, and the once-bright paint had faded. Yet, it was a sanctuary compared to the harshness outside. Ampelius was grateful for the roof over his head, even if the view from his window reminded him daily of the city''s struggles.


    Each day, as he walked through the streets in search of employment, Ampelius was confronted with the harsh realities of poverty and resilience, which shaped his understanding of the world around him. The faces he passed were etched with determination, their expressions telling stories of survival in a city that seemed to offer little hope. These daily encounters deepened his awareness of the challenges so many faced, reinforcing his desire to find a way out of his own predicament.


    As he approached the main door to the apartment building, an old woman stood nearby holding a cardboard sign. He assumed she was another homeless person, given her dirty, ragged clothing and greasy white hair. She noticed him and raised the sign as if the message were meant specifically for him. He glanced at it and read, "The reality you know is not your own." A chill ran down his spine as he reread the cryptic words. Bewildered, he took a few steps inside the building, then stopped and looked back. To his surprise, the woman was gone, and the door shut behind him with a soft click as if sealing him into a different world.


    He shook his head, wondering if he had just imagined her; he couldn¡¯t be certain. The encounter left him unsettled, the strange message lingering in his thoughts. Ampelius continued toward the stairwell, knowing his apartment was on the fourth floor of the five-story building. Just before the staircase, he noticed the elevator to his right, an out-of-order sign prominently displayed. He glanced at the sign with a sigh before turning back to the stairs. Taking one last look at the entrance, he searched for any sign of the old woman. Seeing no trace of her, he began his ascent, his mind still replaying the odd encounter.


    Upon reaching the fourth floor, he entered a hallway lined with apartments on both sides. Apartment 404 was just a few doors to his left. As he reached into his pocket to grab his key, he noticed a young woman in her mid-twenties exiting her apartment with a dog. They¡¯d crossed paths a few times before, her friendly demeanor always standing out in contrast to the tension-filled city. He glanced at her as she locked the door, his attention drawn to her wavy brunette hair flowing over her shoulders. The way the light caught her hair made it appear almost golden, adding to her striking presence. She turned to face him and flashed a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with a warmth that momentarily eased the tension in his mind.


    ¡°Hey, how are you, Ampelius? I heard you had another interview. How did it go?¡± she asked, her tone warm and genuinely curious.


    ¡°Hi, I¡¯m as good as I can be, I suppose. The interview went smoothly, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯m what they¡¯re looking for, unfortunately,¡± he replied, his voice tinged with resignation.


    ¡°Oh, well, there are plenty of opportunities in this city; you¡¯ll find one sooner or later. What exactly was it you interviewed for?¡±


    ¡°I applied to a carpet-making company,¡± he said, a small smile playing on his lips at the mundanity of it. ¡°Anyway, how are you doing today?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m great, actually! I¡¯m enjoying the beautiful weather we¡¯re having, so I figured I¡¯d take advantage and go for a run with my dog, Ciro.¡±


    Ampelius nodded, noticing her attire¡ªblue track shorts, a white tank top, and red running shoes¡ªa runner''s outfit.


    ¡°Well, it is most certainly a beautiful day for a run! Don¡¯t let me stop you. Have fun!¡± he said, his tone lightening as he returned her smile.


    As she jogged away with her dog, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a slight lift in his mood. In a place like Vetera, even small exchanges like this seemed to mean something. She nodded at him and slowly jogged down the hallway with her dog toward the stairwell. He watched until she disappeared down the stairs, the sound of her footsteps fading into the distance. He stood there for a few more seconds, trying to recall her name. Clelia? Maybe Claudia? The names danced on the edge of his memory, just out of reach. I don¡¯t know; I¡¯ll ask her later, he whispered to himself, deciding it wasn¡¯t worth dwelling on for now.


    He recalled a conversation they¡¯d had before, where she mentioned that she worked at the local hospital as a dispatcher. Her dog, Ciro, was a former drug dog for the police until his handler was killed in the line of duty. The handler had been her boyfriend, and the police department decided to retire Ciro to her in honor of his service. The memory of her quiet pride when she spoke about Ciro''s past stood out to him, a testament to their bond. Ampelius had sensed the weight of loss behind her words, a pain she carried with grace.


    Ampelius unlocked the door to his apartment and quietly entered. To his surprise, Emmett and Bella were kissing on the couch. He cleared his throat, startling them with his ninja-like entrance. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as they jumped apart, their faces flushed with embarrassment.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me. I¡¯m just minding my own business. And don¡¯t mind the hidden camera on the wall, either,¡± Ampelius said with a grin, his tone teasing as he gestured toward the imaginary camera.


    ¡°Yeah, go to hell,¡± Bella shot back, her voice laced with playful irritation as she rolled her eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m already there,¡± Ampelius replied, his grin fading slightly as he delivered the line with a hint of dry humor.


    Bella was a tall blonde with a gentle, apple-shaped figure. In her late twenties, she frequently visited her boyfriend, Emmett, at his apartment. Ampelius liked to tease her, saying she spent more time there than at her own place. Despite his teasing, Bella always responded with a smile, knowing it was all good fun. Her easygoing nature made her a welcome presence in the apartment, bringing a lightness to the often-tense atmosphere. She stood up and walked to the bathroom, closing the door behind her with a soft click.


    Ampelius noticed that Emmett had gotten a new haircut. His light blonde hair was now so short it was almost shaved, giving him a more rugged, no-nonsense look. Emmett was tall and athletic, often going for runs and swimming¡ªat least, that''s what he claimed. His physique suggested he stayed active, though Ampelius occasionally wondered if Emmett''s fitness regimen was as rigorous as he let on.


    Ampelius walked to the kitchen and opened the fridge for a snack. He settled on an apple and sat on the couch beside Emmett.


    "So, what''s up with the weird clothing you two are wearing and the suitcase? Are you going somewhere?" Ampelius asked, chewing on the apple, his eyebrow raised in curiosity.


    ¡°Yeah, we are going on a weekend trip to Capsai,¡± Emmett replied casually.


    ¡°Capsai? That city is garbage. Why not go into the mountains or something? What¡¯s so interesting about that city?¡±


    ¡°Well, her boss has organized a special event to celebrate some achievements for the company. I was invited to attend, and this is what they wanted us to wear.¡±


    ¡°Why not the wilderness, though? You can play with the bears and get mauled,¡± Ampelius said with a smirk, relishing his usual sarcastic banter.


    ¡°You never cease to amaze me with your dumb humor. Besides, if I did get mauled by a bear, you would be homeless unless you could find an income. Anyway, I stocked up on food for you; everything is yours this weekend,¡± Emmett retorted, rolling his eyes but smiling slightly.


    ¡°Thanks. And my interview went well, thanks for asking,¡± Ampelius shot back, a hint of mock annoyance in his voice.


    ¡°Oh, did it? When do you start?¡±


    ¡°I said it went well; I didn¡¯t say I got the job,¡± Ampelius responded, his tone dropping slightly as the humor faded from his voice.


    Bella walked out of the bathroom, looking refreshed and relieved. She entered the bedroom, grabbed her purse, and headed toward the door.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to run some errands really quick. Meet you at my place?¡± Bella said to Emmett, her tone light and casual.


    ¡°Only if you pick up some of that fancy wine I keep hearing about,¡± he replied with a teasing smile.


    ¡°That import stuff from Rome itself. You really want to drink their wine?¡± she asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve heard it¡¯s good, and I don¡¯t care where it¡¯s from.¡±


    She grabbed her keys from the kitchen bowl and smiled at Ampelius as she left. Her smile lingered for a moment, a silent goodbye. He glanced back at Emmett, and they exchanged a look.


    ¡°So, what are your plans for this weekend?¡± Emmett asked, glancing at Ampelius.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet. I might spend the weekend thinking of you two kissing, then running to the toilet to puke. He grinned, and they both chuckled, but as the laughter faded, Ampelius felt a flicker of uncertainty. Emmett always seemed so sure of himself, while Ampelius often struggled to picture his own future beyond the next job application.


    They both chuckled and sat in silence for a moment, but as Emmett glanced away, Ampelius felt a familiar pang of doubt. He wondered, not for the first time, what Emmett did when he wasn¡¯t around. The cryptic job, the sudden and month-long trips, and there was more to Emmett¡¯s life than he let on. Emmett grinned, breaking the silence. ¡°Well, make sure to clean up after yourself. I don¡¯t want the place smelling like a rotting corpse when we return,¡± Emmett said, grinning as he delivered the jab.


    Ampelius forced a grin, but his thoughts drifted. Emmett was his anchor in Vetera, the one steady presence in his life. Yet, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were heading in different directions, Emmett with his hidden life and Ampelius¡­well, just trying to survive.


    ¡°Yeah, no promises,¡± Ampelius replied, leaning back on the couch with a mock-serious expression.


    Emmett stood up and tossed Ampelius a plastic bag with fresh clothes, including a hoodie, before walking to his bedroom. Ampelius let out a long yawn, debating whether to take a nap. The day''s weight seemed to press down on him, urging him to rest. He decided to change out of his suit and into the fresh clothes Emmett had given him. He cast the suit aside, feeling a sense of relief as he slipped into the comfortable hoodie and sweatpants, the soft fabric a welcome contrast to the stiffness of his formal attire.


    Shifting his position on the couch until he was lying down, Ampelius stared at the ceiling and reflected on the day. His mind wandered over the events, replaying each moment in vivid detail: the interview, the strange encounter with the old woman, and the brief but pleasant chat with Bella and Emmett. The interview left a lingering sense of uncertainty while the encounter with the old woman gnawed at him with its unsettling mystery. The conversation with Bella and Emmett, though light-hearted, brought a small measure of comfort amidst the day¡¯s strangeness.


    The longer he lay there, the more desirable the idea of a nap became. His eyelids grew heavy, and before long, he closed his eyes and drifted into a light sleep, his breathing slowing as the day''s tension melted away. He was lulled by the quiet of the apartment, the distant hum of the city outside providing a gentle, soothing backdrop to his rest.


    He was awakened when Emmett opened the bedroom door, now wearing fresh clothes. Emmett had changed into a casual outfit¡ªa plain t-shirt and jeans¡ªlooking ready for a relaxed weekend. He walked into the kitchen and grabbed his keys from the bowl. The clinking of the keys and the soft footsteps brought Ampelius back to reality. He rubbed his eyes and slowly sat up, still groggy from his brief rest, the remnants of sleep clinging to him as he tried to shake off the drowsiness.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you in a few days. Don¡¯t get too lonely in here,¡± Emmett said with a grin as he opened the door and left the apartment.


    Ampelius let out a soft grunt in acknowledgment and drifted back to sleep. The quiet of the apartment quickly enveloped him again, pulling him back into the embrace of slumber. About four hours later, the home phone on the nightstand next to him began to ring. The sudden noise jolted him awake, but he was too groggy and slow to get up and answer. By the time he reached the phone, the ringing had stopped. Still drowsy, he considered staying awake but decided against it. The lingering drowsiness was too strong to resist. With a sigh, he lay back on the couch and quickly fell back asleep, the silence lulling him into a deep slumber.

 Chapter 2: The Omen Above

    Ampelius awoke to the dull light of dusk, his muscles stiff from an uneasy sleep. Shadows stretched across the apartment, the last remnants of daylight fading like distant memories. He blinked, his eyes adjusting to the dimness, and listened to the quiet hum of the city, a symphony of distant traffic, faint voices, and the occasional clatter from a nearby alley.


    Slowly, he sat up, his body aching from the uncomfortable position he''d slept in. Grogginess clung to him like a heavy blanket, making it difficult to fully awaken. He rubbed his eyes and ran a hand through his disheveled hair, trying to shake off the last remnants of sleep, blinking away the lingering haze clouding his thoughts.


    The usual noises of the city were subdued, the stillness unsettling. Just as his mind began to clear, the sudden ringing of the phone shattered the evening''s tranquility. The sharp sound startled him, his heart racing momentarily. He stood up, feeling the cool floor beneath his bare feet, and made his way to the small table where the phone sat, each step hesitant, as if anticipating more unwelcome news.


    He picked up the receiver on the third ring, bringing it to his ear with unease. "Hello?" he answered, his voice still thick from sleep but edged with caution.


    ¡°Ampelius, is Emmett still there?¡± Bella''s voice crackled through the line, filled with concern.


    ¡°No, he left the apartment a few hours ago. I haven¡¯t seen or heard from him since. I thought he was meeting you?¡± Ampelius replied, his voice tightening as his mind began running through possibilities.


    ¡°Yeah, he was. I tried to call earlier to see where he was, but nobody answered. I¡¯m just a little worried, that''s all. I thought he¡¯d be here by now,¡± she said, her words faltering slightly, revealing her growing anxiety.


    ¡°Well, give him a few more hours. He has a lot of friends around here; maybe he got caught up in a conversation with one of them. Or better yet, he''s at the bar. You know how he is with those friends. Try not to worry too much,¡± Ampelius said, forcing a light tone though a knot of unease was forming in his stomach.


    ¡°If that¡¯s what he¡¯s doing, I wish he would have told me first. He¡¯s usually good about letting me know, at least when he''s off work. Plus, we agreed to meet at my place tonight,¡± she said, her voice rising with concern, the worry now clear.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to tell you, Bella. It¡¯s not like we can carry handhelds around. If he returns here, I¡¯ll have him call you,¡± Ampelius replied, trying to sound reassuring, even as his own worry deepened.


    Ampelius knew Emmett wasn¡¯t the type to go anywhere without consulting her or someone he trusted. His time in the military had molded him into a security-first mindset, and he always weighed the risks before making a move.


    ¡°Thank you. But tell him I¡¯ll kill him myself if he pulls this stunt again. I¡¯ll drag us both to hell,¡± Bella said, her frustration clear, though a hint of humor undercut her anger.


    ¡°Of course! I¡¯ll pass along the message that if you end up in hell, he¡¯ll be tagging along for the ride," Ampelius replied with a chuckle. "Now relax, get ready for the trip, watch something on TV, or do whatever you need to do to keep busy, okay?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, okay, you¡¯re right. I¡¯ll watch TV to keep myself preoccupied. Thank you,¡± Bella said, her tone softening though the worry still lingered beneath.


    She hung up the phone, leaving Ampelius to ponder his cousin''s whereabouts. He tried to push the worry aside, convincing himself that Emmett was fine. He¡¯s resourceful and capable of navigating the city''s complexities better than most. Yet, a nagging doubt lingered, making it hard to completely dismiss his concern.


    Now thirsty, Ampelius walked to the kitchen, grabbed a glass from the cabinet, and filled it with cold water. He drank the entire glass, savoring the coolness that helped calm his nerves. He refilled it three more times before he was satisfied, each gulp soothing his dry throat. He set the glass down by the sink and let out a deep, exaggerated breath before sitting back down on the couch. The weight of uncertainty settled back in as the quiet apartment seemed to close in around him.


    As he sank into the cushions, Ampelius tried to distract himself from his worries. He flicked through the TV channels, searching for something to occupy his mind, but nothing seemed to hold his attention. Still, the nagging feeling that something was off wouldn''t leave.


    Forty-five minutes later, just as he was beginning to relax, the phone rang again. Startled, Ampelius glanced at the clock. Who could be calling at this hour? He¡¯d been in the bathroom, relieving himself of all that water, and missed the call. The phone stopped ringing, but a moment later, it started again, the insistent sound echoing through the apartment.


    This time, he felt a sense of urgency. He quickly finished up in the bathroom, hastily washed his hands, and rushed to answer it, his heart pounding as the phone''s ringing seemed to grow louder with each passing second.


    ¡°I swear to the goddess, if it¡¯s you, Bella,¡± he thought angrily as he picked up the receiver.


    ¡°Hello?¡± he answered, his voice edged with irritation and concern.


    It was Bella; she was sobbing and hyperventilating, barely able to muster the courage to speak.


    ¡°Something terrible has happened to Capsai! The city has been destroyed!¡± she cried out, her voice breaking, each word laced with panic.


    Ampelius took a moment to process her words, disbelief and confusion swirling in his mind. Destroyed? The word echoed in his thoughts, refusing to make sense.


    ¡°Destroyed? What are you talking about? What happened?¡± he asked, his voice tense, his grip tightening on the receiver as dread seeped in.


    Bella continued to cry, her words muffled by distress. In the background, Ampelius could barely make out a news anchor on her TV, speaking about some sort of devastation in the city, but the details were lost in the noise. The garbled sounds of panic and urgency on the broadcast only added to the chaos. He tried to calm her, speaking gently but firmly, his voice a steady anchor against her rising fear.


    ¡°Bella, take a few deep breaths and explain what¡¯s happening,¡± Ampelius said, his tone steady, trying to ground her amidst the panic.


    ¡°Apparently, all communication to and from the city was suddenly cut off. Nobody has seen or heard from anyone there since. Oh, now the news is talking about a hiker who was on a nearby mountain and claimed to have witnessed the devastation as it happened. Allegedly, he recorded it and handed his camera over to the authorities,¡± she managed to say between sobs, her breath hitching as she fought to stay calm.


    Ampelius paused, his thoughts racing as he tried to make sense of the situation, his heartbeat quickening, with a mix of fear and frustration bubbling inside him.


    ¡°So, was the city attacked, or was there a natural disaster? Have they released the footage?¡± he asked, trying to piece together the fragments of information, his voice tense with the need for clarity.


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    ¡°No, not yet. They have no idea what¡¯s happening. They¡¯re trying to gather information and get a view of the city from the air, but the military has sealed off the airspace and set up roadblocks on all routes to the city. I¡¯ve even heard fighters flying overhead,¡± Bella said, her voice trembling, each word steeped in fear.


    ¡°There must be something serious going on if the military has sealed off all routes. I know the Iron Vandals have a presence there; maybe they made a move against the Romans?¡± Ampelius suggested, though he knew it sounded far-fetched. He couldn''t shake the feeling that something bigger was at play.


    ¡°To this scale? I doubt it. They wouldn¡¯t destroy an entire city like that. They want independence, not full-on destruction. The hiker explained that the whole city was on fire and that some sort of glowing blue light was scattered across the sky. Those lights must be our military; they said they sealed the airspace, right?¡± Bella countered, her skepticism clear.


    ¡°I mean, it could be flares," Ampelius said, though the words felt hollow. He had no real answer, just a gnawing sense of unease.


    ¡°I¡¯m unsure of everything right now,¡± Bella admitted, her voice wavering, a fragile note of desperation breaking through.


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t heard from Emmett, have you?¡± Ampelius asked, his concern for his cousin growing, the question hanging heavy between them.


    ¡°No, and I¡¯m becoming extremely worried now,¡± she said, her voice barely a whisper.


    A military fighter roared past, shaking the apartment in a low-altitude flyby. Ampelius moved to the window, searching for it, but the sky was empty. The sound of jet engines lingered, amplifying the already suffocating tension.


    ¡°I just heard one of the fighters. It must be flying between the buildings. I didn¡¯t see it, though; it was moving too fast," he said, his voice tight. "Okay, pack the essentials and get here as soon as you can. We need to find Emmett before the military shuts down the city,¡± Ampelius instructed, urgency creeping into his voice, his mind already racing with possibilities.


    Bella acknowledged his words, and they hung up. Ampelius stood by the window, staring into the darkening sky, his mind racing with worry and unanswered questions. He still had no idea what was happening, but it seemed unusual for those fighters to fly around Vetera like that. The city felt suffocated by a thick sense of dread.


    For a minute, he debated whether there had been a massive terrorist attack or an armed uprising against the local Roman government. The Empire spanned most of the planet, so separatists, rebellions, civil unrest, and terrorist attacks frequently occurred where stability was low. He knew the signs of chaos, as he''d seen them before during his time in the military. And yet, this felt different.


    Realizing the apartment was getting darker with the sun now gone, Ampelius turned on a couple of lamps to light up the room while he waited for Bella¡¯s arrival. He flipped through channels on the TV, curious about what the news was discussing. He found the news broadcast with a bold, breaking headline flashing across the screen.


    The audio was spotty and sporadic at best, and the video itself was distorted. Ampelius frowned, suspecting a signal issue. Listening closely, he could make out a few scattered words: "green," "rocky," "connection," and "blackout." Suddenly, the video switched to what appeared to be a glowing green tephra ash cloud billowing from Mount Blackrock, the volcano near the city of Capsai. The eerie green hue cast an unnatural light across the screen, amplifying the sense of dread creeping over him.


    ¡°Mount Blackrock erupted? Why is it glowing green?¡± he said aloud, his voice tinged with confusion.


    His mind spun with questions. Suddenly, he recalled the news from earlier that day, which had a clip showing a volcano spewing green tephra into the atmosphere. The headlines mentioned a military installation being attacked. Could there be a connection? he wondered, his thoughts racing. But he couldn¡¯t remember where or when the military installation was destroyed; the details were frustratingly out of reach.


    The audio remained spotty, and he could no longer make out the garbled words of the news anchor. Eventually, the sound went silent altogether, leaving only the distorted video on the screen. It continued to show the green cloud swirling ominously for a moment, but then the video abruptly switched to an eyewitness recording that wasn¡¯t distorted. The clarity of this new footage was jarring against the previous static and distortion.


    ¡°This must be the recording she talked about,¡± he muttered to himself, leaning forward, his eyes narrowing in concentration.


    He could barely comprehend what he was watching. Capsai was ablaze! Black smoke rose past the camera''s view high into the sky, choking the horizon with a thick, unbroken column. His eyes were glued to the TV, completely absorbed in the chaotic scene. He didn¡¯t even notice Bella enter the apartment. She walked over and sat next to him, her expression mirroring his disbelief, her face pale, and her hands trembling slightly.


    ¡°What the hell is happening?¡± she asked, her voice trembling, her eyes still glued to the screen.


    ¡°I have no idea. The audio was spotty at best, and I couldn¡¯t make out any words. I suspect this has something to do with Mount Blackrock next to the city, some sort of eruption, I think,¡± Ampelius replied, brow furrowed in confusion, trying to piece together the fragmented clues.


    ¡°This must have been recorded right before the sun went down. I wonder if this is the recording they mentioned,¡± she said, leaning closer, her mind racing to connect the dots.


    Suddenly, the video showed a glowing blue light hovering above a tall building in the distance. The building was bathed in an eerie blue glow, the light pulsating as it hung in the air, casting strange shadows that danced across the surrounding structures.


    ¡°Is that a flare? I¡¯ve never seen a...¡± Ampelius started to say, his voice trailing off in confusion as the blue light suddenly shot toward the cameraman, moving with unnatural speed.


    The speed at which it moved startled them both. The light shot toward the cameraman, illuminating everything in an intense blue glow. The camera panned up toward the source, capturing the blinding brightness, and then abruptly ceased recording. A moment later, the video switched back to the news anchor, who appeared equally stunned, his expression mirroring their disbelief.


    ¡°What did I just watch? What was that?¡± he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got no idea,¡± Bella replied, her eyes wide, her mind still reeling from the footage.


    ¡°Damn audio; they need subtitles for these broadcasts. From what I understand, Mount Blackrock erupted, but it spewed out green ash smoke or whatever. Then, they tried to show a live video of the city burning, but the connection was extremely weak, so I didn¡¯t see much. After that, they played the recording. But what happened after it shut off? Something must have happened. I almost wonder if someone found this camera and turned it in,¡± Ampelius said, shivering as he pieced the fragments together, his mind struggling to find a logical explanation.


    They sat in silence for a few minutes, watching the replay, both lost in their thoughts, before deciding to look for Emmett. They quickly gathered basic items: a flashlight, food, and a few water bottles. Ampelius tested the flashlight to ensure it worked, then grabbed extra batteries and stuffed them into the bag. As he zipped it up, a sudden bright blue flash from the window caught his attention, flooding the room with an eerie, unnatural glow.


    Suddenly, all the lamps and Ampelius''s flashlight shut off, plunging the apartment into near-total darkness. The room seemed to contract around them, swallowed by the void.


    ¡°What just happened? A power outage?¡± Bella asked, her voice edged with panic, her silhouette barely visible in the dim light from the window.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but it affected my flashlight. I saw a bright flash from the window just before,¡± Ampelius replied, his voice steady but strained, trying to stay calm despite the unsettling blackout.


    An eerie silence overtook the apartment as Ampelius cautiously walked toward the window. Meanwhile, Bella tried to turn on other electronics, but nothing responded, everything remained lifeless.


    ¡°Nothing is working; everything is dead,¡± Bella said, panic rising as she fumbled with the dead devices.


    When Ampelius reached the window, he peered out into the city, now enveloped in total darkness. ¡°Whatever that flash was, it affected the whole city. I can only see the dark outlines of the buildings and not much else,¡± he said, his breath fogging the cold glass as he stared into the void.


    He opened the window and stuck his head outside, looking up at the night sky. A glowing blue explosion in the sky, splitting outward like fractured glass. Shockwaves rippled across the city, expanding in perfect rings, their eerie light casting shifting shadows over the lifeless skyline.


    ¡°Bella, come look at this!¡± he called, pointing to the sky toward the glowing explosion. She walked to the window and looked up, her eyes widening as she took in the sight.


    ¡°Is that what caused this blackout?¡± she asked, her voice hushed with awe and fear, the weight of the unknown pressing down on her.


    Ampelius noticed a fading, dust-like smoke trail connecting the explosion to the direction of Mount Nerva. ¡°It almost looks like it originated from Mount Nerva. You see that trail leading up to the center?¡± he said, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and dread, his gaze following the smoky path.


    ¡°Did someone fire a missile at us? What kind of missile knocks out electricity like that?¡± Bella asked, her voice trembling.


    Ampelius remained silent, observing the sky and the trail leading to Mount Nerva. Whatever had caused the explosion, it had plunged the entire city into complete darkness. The silence outside only amplified the isolation and fear surrounding them.

 Chapter 3: The Night Breaks

    Ampelius finished lighting the final candle and scavenged whatever supplies he could find. The flames danced along the walls, stretching shadows into strange, shifting figures. Ampelius¡¯ mind drifted to Mount Nerva. The mountain had once symbolized everything the city no longer was¡ªopen, unrestrained¡ªa place where he could breathe without feeling the weight of the Empire. He missed the cool mountain air, free from the heavy scent of Vetera''s fear and violence. That feeling of freedom was something the city could never offer him.


    Bella paced back and forth, her movements jerky and frantic as she struggled to remain calm. Her worry for Emmett was growing by the minute; she chewed on her lip, her eyes darting to the window with every sound outside. She was clearly eager to venture out into the city to find her boyfriend, her desperation barely contained beneath the surface.


    ¡°We really need to find him! Why are we still here? What if he is hurt? What if he needs our help? I don¡¯t...¡± Bella''s voice rose in hysteria, her eyes wide with fear.


    Ampelius stepped forward and placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. ¡°Listen, you need to calm yourself down,¡± he said firmly, meeting her gaze. ¡°First, we need to formulate a plan. We can¡¯t just venture into the city without at least knowing the situation. Anything could be going on out there. We can¡¯t help him if we need help ourselves. So, sit down, take some deep breaths, and let me think.¡±


    Bella hesitated, her eyes searching his face for reassurance. Finally, she nodded and sank onto the couch, her hands trembling. She took several deep breaths, trying to steady her racing heart.


    Ampelius moved to the window and peered out into the darkness. The oppressive city felt more foreign to him than ever, its buildings towering over him like the Empire¡¯s ever-present watch. The silence was suffocating, a stark reminder that Vetera was nothing like the wild freedom of Mount Nerva¡¯s open trails. Here, even the air felt thick with the Empire¡¯s iron grip, making it hard to breathe without feeling controlled. Occasionally, the sound of distant screams pierced the stillness, sending a chill down his spine. The blue explosion had thrown everything into chaos, and he knew they needed to be prepared for anything.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening out there,¡± he said, but in truth, he felt like he¡¯d been lost long before tonight. The memories of his youth, of the mountains, clashed with the oppressive reality he was forced to navigate now. He was a stranger in his own life, caught between the freedom he once knew and the Empire¡¯s stranglehold over everything he cherished. ¡°The city is in complete darkness, and I can see a few fires burning. We need to be cautious. We¡¯ll gather supplies and make sure we¡¯re ready for whatever we might encounter. Then we¡¯ll head out and look for Emmett. But we have to do this smartly, or we¡¯ll end up in trouble ourselves.¡±


    Bella nodded again, her breathing starting to slow. ¡°Okay,¡± she said quietly. ¡°What do we need to do?¡±


    Ampelius began to list the supplies they would need: water, food, flashlights, extra batteries, a first aid kit, and anything else useful in an emergency. As they gathered what they could find, Ampelius kept a close eye on Bella, making sure she stayed focused and calm.


    They couldn¡¯t afford to panic now; they needed to be clear-headed and prepared.


    Once they had everything packed, Ampelius checked the door, pressing his ear against it and listening for any sounds from the hallway. The building was eerily silent, but he knew that could change at any moment. He turned back to Bella, who was now standing by the door, a determined look on her face.


    ¡°I want you to stay here; let me see what¡¯s going on first,¡± Ampelius said firmly.


    Bella nodded reluctantly, gripping the strap of her bag tightly. ¡°Alright, but be careful.¡±


    With a final deep breath, Ampelius opened the door and stepped out into the darkened hallway. He glanced back at Bella, giving her a reassuring nod before closing the door behind him. The silence of the building was almost oppressive, broken only by the distant sounds of sirens and the faint crackle of far-off fires.


    Ampelius moved cautiously down the hallway, his senses on high alert for any signs of danger. He reached the stairwell and began his descent, the flickering candlelight from the apartment dimming behind him, swallowed by the deepening shadows as he moved further away.


    Upon reaching the ground floor, he approached the front entrance and carefully peered outside.


    The situation on the street was dire. Complete darkness enveloped the area; the streetlights were out, and no artificial light spilled from the buildings. The only illumination came from the occasional flicker of distant fires, their flames casting an eerie, wavering glow over the chaotic scene. Shadows danced wildly, and the smoke hung heavy in the air, giving the surroundings an unsettling, almost otherworldly feel.


    Motor vehicles of all kinds were scattered haphazardly on the streets and sidewalks as if they had all simultaneously lost control. Many were piled up in collisions, their metal frames twisted and contorted from the impacts. Some still had their headlights on, dimming and flickering like dying embers in the darkness. The sight was reminiscent of a disaster movie, the once orderly traffic now a jumbled mess of abandoned cars, some doors left ajar, while others were eerily still, the silence broken only by the occasional creak of metal.


    Ampelius couldn''t help but notice the distinctive look of the modern cars. Their sleek designs were a curious blend of futuristic and retro aesthetics. Many vehicles sported tailfins and an abundance of chrome, echoing the look of mid-20th century rockets. The influence of the Roman Empire''s cultural tastes was evident in these stylistic choices, an odd blend of ancient grandeur and modern innovation, as if the past and future collided on every street corner.


    As he scanned the scene, Ampelius noticed a few people moving cautiously among the wreckage, their figures barely visible in the dim, flickering light of nearby fires. The air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke and fuel, stinging his nostrils and throat. The distant sounds of screams and glass shattering punctuated the silence, each noise a stark reminder of the danger lurking in the shadows, adding to the sense of impending doom.


    He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. The streets of Vetera had become a perilous landscape, and he knew they would need to navigate carefully to find Emmett and stay safe.


    Hundreds of people were beginning to scatter across the streets and sidewalks. Some clustered around the injured near the vehicle pileups, attempting to provide aid. Others futilely tried to start their disabled cars, while some stood frozen in confusion, their eyes fixed on the night sky, searching for answers.


    Ampelius slowly opened the main doors of the apartment building and stepped outside into the chaos. As he ventured further, the loud crash of breaking glass across the street startled him. With telephone communications down and no light beyond the moon, people seized the opportunity to loot. Windows shattered as they broke into stores and businesses, fueling the growing sense of desperation that was rapidly taking hold of the city.


    Ampelius flinched as another window shattered nearby, the high-pitched sound piercing the night air. A group of looters rushed past him, their heavy boots thudding against the pavement, the smell of sweat and fear lingering in their wake. He could hear labored breathing and the desperate gasps of people driven by both hunger and greed. His instincts screamed at him to move, to get away from the danger, but his feet felt rooted to the ground, his mind overwhelmed by the sheer force of the anarchy unfolding around him.


    Ampelius noticed several people looking up at the night sky, so in his own curiosity, he looked up to see what people were staring at. The blue explosion that had loomed over the city was now barely visible, fading away. What kind of weapon can cause this kind of mayhem? He wondered. Another window shattered across the street, jolting him back to the chaos below. The crash of glass breaking echoed down the streets, sharp and relentless as if the city itself were shattering.


    People darted in every direction, their footsteps a frantic, uneven rhythm on the pavement. Ampelius¡¯ heartbeat quickened, matching the frenzied pulse of the crowd. Panicked shouts filled the air, overlapping in a discordant chorus that made it impossible to distinguish words, only raw fear and desperation. Somewhere nearby, metal clanged as if a store gate had been ripped open, followed by the scraping sound of goods being dragged across concrete. He felt a cold sweat prickling his skin, each sound a reminder of the precariousness of his situation, the thin line between safety and chaos.


    He noticed that people around him were getting creative with their light sources. Some had crafted torches from whatever they could find, while others fashioned makeshift lanterns. The glow from these improvised lights cast eerie, shifting shadows that twisted along the walls, turning the street into a distorted landscape of flickering light and darkness.


    Ampelius felt a chill as he watched the flames dance erratically, casting jagged shadows along the crumbling buildings. There was something deeply unsettling about these makeshift torches, a reminder of how far the city had fallen. He couldn¡¯t decide if the flickering lights were symbols of resilience or signs of desperation. In another time, these streets would have been well-lit, orderly, but now, each torch was a small act of defiance against the darkness that had claimed their lives.


    With each flicker of torchlight, Ampelius was reminded of just how fragile order had become. These improvised lights felt like the last stand against a city teetering on the edge. In the past, he had never questioned the stability of Vetera; now, he was watching it unravel with every shadow cast against the walls. This wasn¡¯t just about survival, it was about holding onto the scraps of a life he wasn¡¯t sure could ever return.


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    The occasional gunshot echoed through the night, sending a chill down his spine. Despite the fear gnawing at him, he pushed forward, determined to find Emmett and make sense of the chaos.


    Two shirtless men across the street suddenly broke into a shouting match that escalated into a brutal fistfight. Ampelius watched as they collided with raw, desperate energy, fists flying. The brawl didn¡¯t last long; one man went limp after a hard punch to the head. The victor quickly knelt, grabbed something dark from the fallen opponent''s body, and disappeared into the shadows.


    Ampelius¡¯ gaze lingered on the limp figure left behind, a bitter sense of familiarity twisting within him. It was almost routine now, seeing people resort to fists, teeth, and raw survival instincts. This city had transformed into a place where violence wasn¡¯t just an act, it was the only means of asserting control. Part of him wanted to turn away, but something deeper held him there, confronting the reality. He knew that in times like these, desperation unraveled people, exposing what lay beneath their forced civility. But as much as he despised it, he couldn¡¯t deny the dark understanding he felt a grim respect for the lengths to which people would go when there was nothing left to lose. He only hoped he wouldn¡¯t be forced to that edge himself.


    A burst of fire flared up in an alley to his left, splashing yellow and orange light against the walls. Almost on cue, a ball of flames and smoke erupted above the building next to the alley, casting an ominous glow over the scene. Unable to resist his curiosity, he took a daring step toward the rising smoke, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination.


    Something about the sight compelled him to step closer. Part of him was driven by a strange sense of duty to understand what was happening in his city, as if making sense of the chaos might restore some sense of order within himself. The flames flickered like a taunt, and he felt a rising need to confront the reality that Vetera had become. He didn¡¯t want to be a passive witness to his city¡¯s downfall. Or maybe, he thought, he was simply curious drawn to the fire like a moth despite the danger it spelled.


    When he reached the alley''s entrance, Ampelius carefully leaned around the edge of the building and took a cautious peek. A group of masked thugs had gathered around a roaring fire in the center of the alley. Two of them were tossing wooden chairs and crates into the flames, making it surge even higher. Ampelius spotted the charred remains of what looked like a desk and a mattress among the burning debris. What are you guys doing? he thought, bewildered.


    He studied each individual, noting they all wore black hoodies, beanies, and bandannas covering their faces. Unsure who they were or what they were capable of, he didn¡¯t want to risk a direct confrontation. Instead, he spotted a large dumpster nearby that could provide adequate cover while he observed.


    Ampelius darted over to the dumpster, adrenaline coursing through him as he ducked behind it. Feeling safely concealed, he cautiously peeked over the edge. Another thug approached the fire, tossing in a draped chair. The chair must have been soaked in something flammable because it triggered an explosion of flames that shot high into the air, flooding the alleyway with an intense glow.


    The sharp smell of burnt fabric filled the air, stinging Ampelius¡¯ nostrils and making his eyes water. He could hear the low murmur of the thugs¡¯ voices, punctuated by the occasional snicker, each sound laced with a threat just out of reach. Every muscle in his body was tense, his senses heightened, scanning for any sign that they might spot him. The crackling of the fire seemed almost deafening in the confined alley, and he found himself holding his breath, afraid even a quiet exhale might betray his position. In the flickering glow, he could make out their features, a scuffed boot here, the glint of a knife tucked into a waistband there. Every detail hammered home the danger lurking in every corner of this city, pushing him further into the shadows.


    The thugs cheered as the flames roared higher, their faces lit by the flickering light. Ampelius could feel the heat from the fire, even from his hidden spot. He watched their movements closely, trying to discern their intentions and figure out how best to avoid any potential danger.


    Who are these people, and what are they trying to accomplish? he wondered. The scene was chaotic, the air thick with the acrid smell of burning wood and fabric. As he watched, he mentally noted their behavior and any distinguishing features despite their efforts to remain anonymous.


    Ampelius knew he had to stay hidden and quiet, but he also needed to gather more information without getting caught. The alley was dangerous, but it might hold the clues he needed to make sense of the chaos gripping the city.


    He strained to hear their conversation over the crackling fire, and snippets of dialogue began to reach his ears.


    "Have you heard about the Empire''s latest tech?" one thug asked, his voice muffled by his bandanna. "It''s wild how much they''ve advanced since the old days."


    "Yeah," another thug replied. "There was a time they were almost wiped out. Now, they¡¯re ruling half the world with that new energy tech and their military might."


    A third thug chuckled darkly. "Makes you wonder if they can really hold onto all that territory, though."


    Ampelius took note of their words, realizing even the thugs were skeptical about the Empire''s ability to maintain its grip on such a vast domain. This was crucial information; he needed to stay alert and gather as much as he could.


    Five minutes later, two more thugs emerged from the shadows into the firelight. Ampelius''s heart raced as he saw them dragging a body. His throat tightened, and he swallowed hard, forcing down his nervousness. They pulled the body past the fire and set it down beside a utility pole, which was alarmingly close to his hiding spot.


    His anxiety spiked, and a wave of dread washed over him. The fear of being spotted and suffering the same fate paralyzed him momentarily. The flickering firelight cast eerie shadows on the thugs'' faces, amplifying their sinister intentions. His pulse pounded in his ears, but whether it was curiosity or madness, his need to understand what was happening outweighed the urge to flee.


    The constant popping and crackling of the large fire muffled the voices. Still, Ampelius distinctly heard one of them say, "Iron Vandal." The name struck a chord in his memory, but its significance eluded him until it all came rushing back.


    To the Roman Empire, the Iron Vandals were a notorious and ruthless organization operating within the land of Constantina, where the city of Vetera was located. Classified as terrorists, they were blamed for countless acts of violence and disruption. Yet, the Iron Vandals saw themselves differently: a partisan movement fiercely dedicated to resisting what they viewed as an oppressive Roman occupation.


    Their origins were steeped in the ashes of earlier resistance movements that had fought against Roman expansion. Rooted in a deep resentment toward the Empire''s encroachment on their homeland territory they believed was sovereign and free. The Iron Vandals'' defiance only intensified under Roman rule, but over time, their methods grew more extreme, driven by the desire to reclaim their lost autonomy.


    The organization operated in the shadows, using guerrilla tactics that made them a formidable foe. They were known for strategic strikes against Roman infrastructure, sabotage operations, and hit-and-run attacks on military convoys. Their intimate knowledge of the local terrain gave them a significant advantage, allowing them to evade capture and strike with precision.


    Ampelius had heard stories of the Iron Vandals'' exploits tales of daring raids and explosive ambushes that had become legends among those who opposed Roman rule. Despite the Empire''s efforts to crush them, the Iron Vandals remained a persistent thorn in their side, their resolve unbroken by years of brutal crackdowns.


    The Empire''s portrayal of the Iron Vandals as ruthless terrorists was not without merit. Their attacks often resulted in collateral damage, with innocent lives caught in the crossfire. Yet, to the Iron Vandals and their supporters, these actions were the price of liberation. They saw themselves as freedom fighters, willing to make any sacrifice to reclaim their homeland.


    As Ampelius crouched behind the dumpster, the realization that these thugs were affiliated with the Iron Vandals sent a shiver down his spine. Their presence in the city hinted at larger unrest and a potential escalation of violence. The looting, the body they had dragged into the alley. It was all likely part of a broader strategy to destabilize Roman control and incite chaos.


    Knowing who he was dealing with added a new layer of danger. Ampelius understood that any encounter with the Iron Vandals could be deadly. Their unwavering commitment to their cause made them unpredictable and ruthless.


    When Ampelius glanced back at the body on the ground, noting the flex cuffs binding the person¡¯s hands and the potato sack over their head. Initially, he assumed they were dead. This might be a good time to get lost," he thought, feeling a familiar surge of survival instinct. But as the body twitched, revealing faint signs of life, Ampelius was taken aback, a part of him stirring with an instinct to intervene. Damn it. He¡¯s still alive.


    One of the thugs noticed the movement and walked over. Bending down on one knee, they pulled off the potato sack, revealing the face of a bald, middle-aged Black man. Ampelius¡¯ fists clenched involuntarily as he watched the captive¡¯s pain-filled eyes meet his captors. He knew the risk of staying¡ªof being seen¡ªbut a flicker of outrage ignited within him, challenging his instinct to stay hidden. Pragmatism prevailed as he weighed his options, but the quiet conflict lingered, adding a subtle edge of turmoil as he crouched in the shadows.


    The thug began to speak, their voice rising in anger, but the roaring fire drowned out most of their words. Ampelius caught fragments¡ª''traitor¡¯... ''Roman dog¡¯¡ªbefore the voices blurred into shouting. The captive tried to respond, his voice strained and desperate, but the crackling fire and surrounding chaos swallowed his words.


    Another thug approached, their face partially hidden by a bandanna. They pointed a finger at the captive and joined in the yelling, their voices harsh and accusatory. The two thugs now circled him, their gestures becoming more animated and hostile with each passing moment. Ampelius strained to catch any part of the conversation that might reveal what was happening, but the noise was overwhelming.


    After a tense moment, the yelling ceased. One of the thugs reached behind their back and pulled out a concealed revolver, the metal gleaming ominously in the firelight. They aimed the weapon at the man, the barrel steady and menacing. With a sharp gesture, the thug ordered him to stand. Ampelius felt a visceral wave of nausea as he watched, his heart racing as he struggled to look away to avoid becoming a silent witness to what he instinctively knew would happen next.


    The thug''s frustration was evident. They flailed their arms, faces twisted with rage, shouting words lost in the crackle of the fire and the distant chaos. The captive''s eyes darted around, desperate and fearful, but he stood firm, unable to do anything but comply.


    Suddenly, there was a chilling pause in the thug''s tirade. The alley fell into a tense silence, broken only by the distant sounds of the city in turmoil. The thug pressed the cold barrel of the revolver against the man''s forehead, their finger hovering near the trigger. Ampelius held his breath, the gravity of the situation sinking in as he watched the terrifying scene unfold.


    A gunshot rang out, and a bullet struck the man between the eyes. Blood and brain matter splattered against the wall, painting it dark red as he collapsed to the floor. The shot''s echo cut through the alley, starkly contrasting the earlier chaos. The killer laughed¡ªa chilling, hollow sound that filled the air as the lifeless body slumped against the wall and then crumpled to the ground.


    Ampelius felt frozen, watching the lifeless body slump to the ground, horrified by the callous laughter that followed. His fists clenched involuntarily. He could feel the outrage simmering under his skin, but what was he going to do? Five armed men, and he had nothing but his own damn hands. He hated it. He hated the powerlessness clawing at him, forcing him to back down like a coward. But getting himself killed wouldn¡¯t change a thing.

 Chapter 4: Between Life and Death

    As Ampelius turned to leave, he found himself staring directly into the barrel of a handgun aimed at his head. His breath caught in his throat as the gravity of the situation sank in. Slowly, he raised his hands above his head, silently cursing himself for lingering too long.


    The gunman wore a red beanie and a black bandanna, their face half-hidden. Dressed in a mismatched T-shirt and dark sweatpants, they looked distinctly different from the group Ampelius had been observing. Are they even related to that group? He wondered.


    ¡°You just witnessed something you weren¡¯t meant to see,¡± the gunman said, their voice steady and cold. ¡°The boss will want to speak with you. Move!¡±


    Ampelius''s heart pounded as the gunman gestured sharply with the weapon, forcing him to move. He swallowed hard, struggling to maintain his composure as he took a hesitant step forward. The situation had taken a dangerous turn, and he knew he had to comply. As he walked, he scanned his surroundings, searching for any possible escape routes or a way to turn the situation to his advantage.


    He stepped out from behind the dumpster, his hands still raised. The gunman struck him hard on the back of the head, shoving him toward the fire and the group of thugs. His heart hammered in his chest as he fought to stay calm.


    ¡°Look what I found! He was hiding and watching you from that dumpster over there,¡± the gunman announced.


    How did I not notice him sneaking up on me? Ampelius thought, his mind racing. He was kicked down onto his knees, the rough pavement scraping his skin, and then forced to the ground. Someone grabbed his hands and quickly tied them behind his back. They searched him thoroughly, looting whatever they could find. Their efforts yielded little more than a few coins and the medical tape he had used for his knuckles earlier that day.


    ¡°What did you do to your knuckles? Are you some kind of tough guy? Did you rob an old grandmother and then punch her?¡± one of the thugs taunted, drawing laughter from the group.


    ¡°Actually, I punched a mirror and shattered it. The shards cut them. Funny thing is, it didn¡¯t really bother me until you mentioned it. So, thanks for the reminder! Now it hurts like hell!¡± Ampelius retorted with a forced grin, struggling to keep a semblance of control.


    ¡°Alright, stand him up,¡± someone ordered.


    Two of the thugs grabbed Ampelius and hauled him to his feet. The man with the revolver stepped forward, his expression dark and menacing. ¡°Care to tell me why you were watching us? We don¡¯t take kindly to spies.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t¡ª¡± Ampelius started, but before he could finish, the thug struck him across the face with the butt of the gun. Pain exploded through his jaw, and he staggered, barely managing to stay upright.


    The revolver-wielding man cracked his neck, preparing for another round. ¡°Let¡¯s try this again,¡± he said, his voice dripping with menace. ¡°Do you know who we are? I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard of us.¡±


    Ampelius shook his head, forcing himself to breathe evenly. The thug¡¯s eyes narrowed, clearly displeased. Ampelius felt the weight of their stares, the fire''s oppressive heat, and the restraints'' cold metal digging into his wrists. The situation was spiraling out of control, and he knew he had to tread carefully.


    ¡°Alright, then. I¡¯m going to let you in on a little secret. We call ourselves the Iron Vandals. Ever heard of us? No?¡± The thug¡¯s smile was cold and cruel. ¡°Let me give you a history lesson. Our legacy goes back thousands of years, rooted in Germanic origins. In ancient times, countless wars were fought between the Germanic tribes and the Romans.


    Eventually, after centuries of conflict, the Romans broke the stalemate and subjugated all the German tribes. Many of our ancestors fled their homeland, seeking refuge across the ocean, hoping the vast waters would finally separate us from the Romans for good.


    The Germanic refugees, or what was left of their warriors, slaughtered the indigenous people already here and claimed this continent as their new home. They rebuilt with what they had, raising and training a new generation of warriors with the hope of reclaiming their ancestral lands someday. However, several hundred years later, the Romans began to industrialize and expand their empire again, setting their sights on this continent.


    This time, though, the Germanic people were ready, and a long, drawn-out war began. It turned into several hundred more years of back-and-forth battles, with countless lives lost. In the end, the Romans emerged victorious. Many of our grandfathers and grandmothers fought in those final, bloody battles. For us, those events are still fresh in our minds.


    Now, what¡¯s left of our culture fights as partisans against Roman rule, still hoping to gain independence and reclaim our ancestral land. But it¡¯s been over thirty years since the Romans settled these lands. An entire generation has been born under their rule, raised by their culture and norms, knowing nothing of their true heritage. And here we are, fighting a losing battle, yet your government calls us terrorists.¡±


    ¡°So, what do you want with me? I have nothing to do with what the Romans did to your people. I moved here as an infant, and I don¡¯t even know where I was born or my own heritage, but I can tell you it isn¡¯t Roman,¡± Ampelius replied, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at him.


    ¡°What do we want with you? What do we want with you?¡± the thug mocked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.


    ¡°Well, for starters, we found you hiding behind that dumpster. You watched me kill that piece of shit traitor, which means you¡¯re either a spy for the Romans, or maybe you want to join us. Or perhaps you¡¯re just a grunt in the Roman army gathering intelligence for an assault against us, but I doubt that. So, my guess? You¡¯re a spy!¡±


    The thug stepped closer, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. ¡°Do you know what we do to the spies we capture? Do you know how many we catch on any given day?¡± He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. ¡°We deal with them swiftly and brutally. They don¡¯t last long, and they don¡¯t get to tell tales. So, if you¡¯re hoping for a quick death, you might want to reconsider your options.¡±


    A cold dread crept down Ampelius'' spine as the thug''s words lingered. The situation was growing more dire by the second, and he could sense the imminent danger closing in on him.


    ¡°My friend here loves to skin animals¡ªand he¡¯s got experience with humans, too. It¡¯s a natural-born skill of his. The flesh he takes off you will be fed to the hungry dogs we¡¯ve got caged up. The best part? You¡¯ll be alive for the entire process, at least until you bleed out. But don¡¯t worry, he¡¯ll keep you alive long enough to enjoy it. Maybe we¡¯ll even place bets on how long you¡¯ll last.¡±


    Ampelius felt an overwhelming urge to piss himself as his heart dropped and a cold wave of fear swept over him. His breaths came in short, frantic gasps as he unknowingly began to hyperventilate, desperation clawing at his throat. He was on the verge of pleading for his life when, suddenly, the thugs started giggling like schoolchildren, the sound jarringly out of place in the grim setting.


    ¡°Oh man, well, unfortunately, we don¡¯t have time for that kind of fun. We¡¯ve got business to attend to, especially with this blackout. I suspect the Romans are up to something, and any moment now, the military will be entering the city, putting us at the top of their shitlist. Lucky for us, this blackout happened when it did. I almost found myself in a foot chase at the train station; some guy ran past me, almost costing me my freedom. The authorities knew my face, but they were too focused on him. Makes me laugh just thinking about it. Anyhow, I¡¯ve talked enough. I hereby offer you this gift: a goodnight bullet for your forever sleep.¡±


    His pupils dilated as he stared down the barrel of the revolver raised to his head. Sweat trickled down his face, soaking into his shirt. His life flashed before his eyes in a rapid, chaotic montage. He took a deep, final breath and closed his eyes, bracing for the end. Time stretched into an eternity, but the expected bullet never came. After what felt like an interminable wait, he cautiously opened his eyes¡ªand realized why.


    The ground beneath him trembled violently, the force of the quake making it nearly impossible to stand. His senses were overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the shaking. The thugs around him were equally caught off guard, struggling to maintain their balance.


    Seizing his only chance to escape, Ampelius attempted to run despite his hands being tied behind his back. The earthquake was so severe that the thugs could barely stand, let alone give chase.


    He stumbled and fell as he made a desperate dash for the street. The ground buckled beneath him, sending him crashing onto his stomach. Each time he tried to get back up, the tremors knocked him down again. He gritted his teeth, fighting through fear and pain, determined to seize this fleeting opportunity. The quake drowned out everything¡ªcrumbling buildings, panicked shouts. The thugs barely noticed as Ampelius staggered away.


    Every step was a battle against the quaking earth, but Ampelius pushed on, his heart pounding with a mix of terror and hope. He knew his survival depended on his ability to keep moving, no matter how many times he fell.


    One of the thugs spotted him trying to escape. They drew a handgun from a holster and aimed. Two shots rang out, but the bullets zipped past Ampelius and struck a car in front of him. One shattered the window, spraying glass everywhere. Loose debris from the buildings rained down around him as he struggled toward the street. Almost there! he thought.


    A third shot narrowly missed, hitting the car''s rear tire and causing it to violently deflate. Ampelius tripped and landed hard on his stomach next to the vehicle. Quickly, he maneuvered himself upright and locked eyes with the gunman, who was still struggling to stand and aim. Another shot rang out, missing Ampelius but hitting a bystander across the street.


    The bystanders collapsed, a pool of blood forming around them. Ampelius saw the thug frantically trying to reload. Meanwhile, the other thug¡ªthe one who had almost executed him, began firing his revolver, taking potshots at him. Ampelius scrambled, using his feet to push himself behind the car for cover. The earthquake continued to shake the ground violently, causing nearby structures to weaken and crack, on the verge of collapse.


    The ground continued to tremble violently, making it difficult for anyone to stay on their feet. The creaking and groaning of the buildings grew louder as they began to give way, dust and debris filling the air in a chaotic cloud. Despite the turmoil, Ampelius focused on his escape, knowing his survival depended on reaching safety.


    Buildings connected to the alleyway crumbled, sending large chunks crashing to the ground. Ampelius peeked out from behind the car to see what the masked thugs were doing. The one with the handgun was struck in the head by a piece of falling debris. It wasn¡¯t large enough to kill them, but it delivered a strong enough blow to knock them out cold, promising a nasty headache upon waking.


    The thug with the revolver wasn¡¯t as lucky. As they struggled to reload their weapon, a massive piece of the building broke free and plummeted down, crushing them beneath its weight. The impact was instantaneous, leaving no chance for survival. Ampelius watched in a mix of horror and relief as the scene unfolded, the earthquake continuing to shake the city¡¯s foundations.


    Debris rained down from above as the ground shook violently. Dust and rubble choked the air, making it difficult to see and breathe. Ampelius knew he had to stay alert and seize this chance to escape. The collapsing buildings and incapacitated thugs provided a narrow window, and he intended to take full advantage of it.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Smoke and dust filled the alleyway as more chunks of debris rained down from the sky. The massive fire had been extinguished, and the remaining thugs vanished into the thick, choking haze. All Ampelius could see now was a landscape of destruction and chaos. He breathed a sigh of relief as another large chunk of building crashed down nearby, narrowly missing him.


    He wondered if any of the thugs had survived but ultimately hoped they hadn¡¯t. He remained crouched, waiting as the earthquake continued to shake the ground beneath him. The tremors felt endless, each one threatening more destruction. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the shaking stopped. Yet the sounds of crumbling buildings and distant cries continued to echo through the air.


    Looking around, Ampelius saw people slowly emerging from their hiding places, cautiously stepping into the devastation that had befallen their city. The streets were choked with dust and debris, making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead. The once bustling city was now eerily silent, save for the occasional sound of collapsing structures. Ampelius took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves as he surveyed the damage. The scene was surreal, a stark reminder of the fragile nature of their existence in this tumultuous world.


    He searched the ground for anything sharp to cut through the binds, holding his hands. It didn¡¯t take long to find a jagged piece of metal. He used it to see through the restraints, feeling a surge of relief as they finally fell away.


    The earthquake had caused massive damage to everything within sight. Some buildings were partially collapsed, while others were completely destroyed. Shattered glass and debris littered the street and sidewalk. Bodies of the dead and wounded lay scattered, with survivors tending to themselves or helping those around them. His apartment building appeared relatively intact, but he knew better than to assume it was safe.


    Suddenly, he remembered that Bella was still inside. "BELLA!" he screamed, panic rising in his chest. He sprinted across the street, narrowly avoiding an injured person. His heart pounded as he dodged debris and maneuvered through the chaos, desperate to reach the apartment building and ensure Bella¡¯s safety.


    As he approached the main doors, he reached out to open them, but the weakened hinges gave way, causing the entire frame to collapse the moment he touched the handle. With the doors now lying on the floor, he carefully stepped inside, his eyes scanning the area for any potential hazards. Cracks marred the walls and ceiling, clear signs that the building was unstable and could collapse at any moment.


    Treading carefully, Ampelius made his way to the stairs, each step echoing ominously in the silence. The staircase was littered with debris, and the banister wobbled dangerously under his grip. Despite the treacherous ascent, he pressed on, his heart pounding with fear and determination. The creaking of the structure and the occasional sound of falling debris kept him on edge, but the thought of Bella drove him forward.


    Every step felt like an eternity. The air was thick with dust, making it difficult to see and breathe, but he pushed through and focused on his goal. The building groaned under the strain of the earthquake, a constant reminder of the danger he was in.


    The fourth floor appeared relatively untouched, only missing a few wall paintings that had fallen during the tremors. Ampelius sprinted toward the apartment, shouting for Bella as he went. His voice echoed through the hallway, but there was no reply. Frantically, he searched his pockets for the keys, only to realize they had been taken when he was searched.


    Desperation fueled his actions as he positioned himself in front of the door. He delivered a powerful kick with all his might, splintering the door and sending it flying open. He rushed inside, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of Bella.


    ¡°Bella! Where are you? Are you here?¡± Ampelius screamed, his voice filled with fear and urgency. The silence that followed was deafening, amplifying his anxiety. He moved further into the apartment, his heart pounding as he continued to call out for her, hoping desperately for a response.


    The apartment was a complete mess, as if a tornado had ripped through, turning everything upside down. Darkness enveloped the space as Ampelius cautiously moved further in. His eyes struggled to adjust to the gloom, but a fire outside offered just enough light to reveal the faint gray outlines of the couch and nearby shelves.


    The once familiar surroundings now felt eerie and disorienting, shadows dancing ominously on the walls. He carefully navigated through the debris, his heart racing with every step. Just as he began to lose hope, he heard a faint voice calling from the direction of the bathroom.


    Ampelius froze, straining to hear it again. ¡°Bella?¡± he called out, his voice barely above a whisper. The faint voice responded, confirming his hopes. He hurried toward the bathroom, urgency renewed, but he remained cautious, aware of the unstable surroundings. The voice grew clearer as he approached, guiding him through the wreckage.


    ¡°Bella?¡± he called again, his voice filled with concern.


    He listened intently but was met with silence. Undeterred, he called out again as he reached the bathroom door.


    ¡°I¡¯m in here! I¡¯m stuck! The roof collapsed, and I can¡¯t move!¡± she replied, her voice strained.


    ¡°Okay, hold on! I¡¯ll get you out!¡± Ampelius shouted back, his determination growing as he closed the distance to the bathroom.


    Ampelius searched frantically for any light source. Rummaging through jackets and pants, he eventually found a lighter. After a quick, successful test, he scanned the room for something strong enough to break down the door. He tried opening it first, but as expected, it was jammed and wouldn¡¯t budge. He then attempted to kick it open, but his efforts were in vain. He thought I probably shouldn¡¯t try kicking it, realizing it might cause more harm than good.


    ¡°There¡¯s debris blocking the door. You won¡¯t get through that way; you¡¯ll have to tear it down,¡± Bella''s voice came from the other side, strained but clear.


    ¡°Okay, give me a minute; I have an idea,¡± he replied, his mind racing for a solution. He knew he needed to act quickly but carefully, as the unstable building could collapse further with any sudden movements. Holding the lighter in one hand, he began searching the apartment for something to help him tear down the door.


    He remembered his cousin had stored a hatchet in his bedroom. Navigating through the chaos, he pushed open the bedroom door. The bed, dressers, and nightstands were all shuffled around, making it difficult to move. He had no idea where the hatchet was but decided to start with the closet. Carefully, he made his way through the mess and opened the closet door. To his relief, the first thing he saw was the hatchet. Good guess, Ampelius, he muttered to himself.


    He rushed back to the bathroom door and started hacking away at it with the hatchet. Each swing sent splinters flying, but he pressed on, his determination unwavering. It didn¡¯t take long to dismantle the door and remove the debris blocking his entry. The sound of the hatchet striking wood echoed through the apartment, but he paid no mind to the noise, focused solely on freeing Bella.


    Once he cleared the way, Ampelius saw Bella lying in the bathtub, trapped by fallen debris. Her face was pale and covered in dust, but her eyes were open and alert. "Bella, I''m here," he said, his voice filled with relief and urgency. He quickly assessed the situation, trying to figure out the best way to free her without causing further injury.


    ¡°Hang on, I¡¯m going to get you out,¡± he reassured her, his mind racing with possible strategies. The sight of her trapped and vulnerable fueled his determination even more. He knew he had to act fast but carefully to ensure her safety.


    ¡°Are you okay? Are you hurt?¡± he asked, his voice tight with concern.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. I got lucky; I just can¡¯t lift this off myself,¡± Bella replied, her voice steady but strained.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get you out. Just hang on,¡± Ampelius repeated, his resolve unwavering.


    He carefully removed the last bits of debris, clearing the way to help Bella out of the tub. As she stood, he glanced up and noticed the night sky visible through a hole in the ceiling, stars twinkling in the dark expanse. Bella appeared shaken but miraculously unharmed.


    As they left the bathroom, Ampelius spotted a blanket draped over a chair. He grabbed it and gently wrapped it around her shoulders. ¡°Here, this should help keep you warm,¡± he said softly, offering her what little comfort he could.


    Bella nodded; her eyes filled with gratitude. Together, they navigated through the wreckage of the apartment, the weight of the night¡¯s events pressing down on them. The apartment, now a testament to the earthquake''s destruction, stood in stark contrast to its previous state. But despite the devastation, they had each other, and that was all that mattered at that moment.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡± he asked, his eyes scanning her for any hidden injuries.


    ¡°Yes, and I don¡¯t need this damn blanket. I¡¯m shaking from the experience, not from being cold,¡± Bella replied, tossing the blanket aside. ¡°Anyway, what happened? That was a violent earthquake. What a time for it to strike!¡±


    ¡°Well, we do live on a fault line that runs up the entire west coast, but this area hasn¡¯t experienced an earthquake in years,¡± Ampelius explained, trying to make sense of the situation. ¡°And you¡¯re right about the timing. I went outside and nearly got murdered when the earthquake hit¡ªironically, it saved my life.¡±


    Bella¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°What? What do you mean you were almost murdered?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Ampelius said, taking a deep breath. ¡°I got caught up in serious trouble with a group of thugs. They had a gun to my head, ready to pull the trigger, when the earthquake hit. It threw everything into chaos, and I managed to escape. I don¡¯t even know if they survived.¡±


    Bella shook her head, trying to process what she was hearing. ¡°That¡¯s unbelievable. We need to get out of here. This place isn¡¯t safe.¡±


    Ampelius nodded, glancing around the damaged apartment. ¡°You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s grab what we can and find a safer place. We can¡¯t stay here with the building this unstable.¡±


    Together, they quickly gathered essentials, preparing to leave and face whatever challenges awaited them outside.


    Suddenly, the apartment began to shake again. Ampelius and Bella braced themselves against the walls as loose debris rained down. A glass fell from the kitchen counter, shattering on the floor. The aftershock was intense but brief, lasting no more than twenty seconds.


    ¡°This building could collapse at any moment. We need to leave while we still can. You were supposed to meet Emmett at your place, right? Maybe we should start there,¡± Ampelius suggested, his voice urgent.


    ¡°Yeah, he was supposed to be there hours ago. I don¡¯t even know what time it is now, except that it¡¯s night,¡± Bella replied, worry etched on her face.


    ¡°The people on the streets are starting to lose their minds. I don¡¯t know how violent it will get, but if I¡¯ve learned anything, fear often leads to chaos,¡± Ampelius said grimly.


    Bella nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. ¡°You¡¯re right. We need to move quickly and stay together. Let¡¯s take what we can and get out of here.¡±


    They swiftly gathered essential items, their movements deliberate and cautious. The apartment continued to groan under the stress of the aftershocks, the walls seeming to close in on them as they worked. Each creak and crack of the building heightened their sense of urgency.


    Ampelius glanced at Bella, his expression resolute. ¡°Stay close to me, and if anything happens, don¡¯t stop. We have to make it to your place and find Emmett. He¡¯s our priority now.¡±


    Bella nodded, determination replacing the fear in her eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she said, and together, they moved toward the exit, ready to face the chaos outside and find Emmett.


    As they gathered the last of their belongings, the shattered glass from the windows littered the floor, letting in the chaotic sounds from outside. The noise made Ampelius uneasy; it sounded like a riot was unfolding, a cacophony of screams and explosions. He avoided the window, resisting the urge to look outside as curiosity tugged at him.


    Suddenly, another aftershock struck, causing the building to tremble. This one was brief but intense, ending as abruptly as it began. This isn¡¯t normal, he thought, unease creeping into his mind. Then, the outside noise abruptly stopped. Not a single sound came from beyond the walls.


    His curiosity finally got the better of him, and he walked cautiously toward the window. As he approached, his heart pounded in his chest, a mix of fear and anticipation driving him forward. Each step toward the window felt like a descent into something he could no longer control. The chaos below was more than a scene¡ªit was a reminder of how powerless he¡¯d become, watching his city torn apart, knowing there was nothing he could do to stop it. The weight of that realization settled on him, heavy and cold.


    The street below, filled with chaos moments ago, was now deserted. The riotous crowd had vanished, leaving behind a scene of desolation. Fires still burned in the distance, casting an eerie glow over the wreckage, but no movement could be seen. Cars were abandoned, and debris was scattered everywhere, but the people were gone. It was as if the earth had swallowed them.


    Ampelius felt a pang of loss, realizing how drastically his home had transformed. This was the city he¡¯d once walked through daily, each corner familiar, each street carrying memories. Now, it felt foreign¡ªan alien landscape of destruction and emptiness. This wasn¡¯t just a city under attack; it was his world unraveling before him.


    Ampelius scanned the area, his mind racing with questions. What had caused this sudden disappearance? Where had everyone gone? The silence was unnerving, a stark contrast to the turmoil that had reigned just moments before. He turned back to Bella, who was watching him with wide eyes, sensing the gravity of the situation. The memories of simpler days flooded back, of a Vetera that felt stable, even under the Empire¡¯s watch. Now, that stability was a distant dream, buried beneath smoke and ruin. Ampelius clenched his fists, feeling the ache of nostalgia mixed with the bitterness of loss. How had things fallen apart so quickly? The city he knew, the life he¡¯d built¡ªit was all slipping away, piece by piece.


    ¡°We need to move, now,¡± he said, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at him. ¡°Something¡¯s not right out there, and we can¡¯t stay here.¡±


    Bella nodded, and together, they steeled themselves for whatever awaited them outside the fragile safety of the apartment.


    As they prepared to leave, a strange, eerie light began to filter through the windows. Ampelius and Bella looked out to see glowing green volcanic ash clouds rising from Mount Nerva, spewing high into the sky. The mountain had begun to violently erupt, sending shock waves through the city. Ampelius recalled the video of Mount Blackrock releasing the same glowing green volcanic ash into the atmosphere. Why is it green? he wondered, a sense of dread creeping over him.


    ¡°I think whatever happened in Capsai is happening here,¡± Ampelius said nervously.


    They exchanged a worried glance, the gravity of their situation sinking in. The eerie green glow illuminated the sky, casting an otherworldly light over the desolate streets below. The once familiar city now looked alien and foreboding, heightening the urgency of their escape.


    ¡°We need to find Emmett and get out of here,¡± Ampelius said, his voice firm with resolve.

 Chapter 5: The Sky Burns Green

    For years, Mount Nerva had been a dormant stratovolcano, a sleeping giant nestled in the landscape. But now, it unleashed an eerie green cloud of ash into the atmosphere. The phenomenon, small at first, grew by the minute, turning the sky an unnatural hue. Ampelius and Bella stood in awe, their eyes fixed on the extraordinary yet terrifying sight.


    Bella''s initial shock quickly turned to panic. She rushed away from the window, her voice trembling as she began to ramble about Emmett and the imminent threat of death. Her words became a frantic stream of fears and concerns, but Ampelius couldn¡¯t bring himself to listen. His gaze remained locked on the bizarre scene outside, each billow of green ash captivating him further.


    The cloud swelled, almost hypnotic, pulling Ampelius into a dazed fascination. But beneath his awe, fear gnawed at him, warring him with a need to stay calm and take charge for Bella''s sake. Should we run? Stay and see? Questions flooded his mind, each one feeding his uncertainty. Yet, he knew that now there was no time for hesitation. His body tensed with an instinct to act, even as his mind struggled to keep up.


    Suddenly, a glowing green fireball emerged from the rising ash, hurtling toward the ground and striking the base of Mount Nerva with a blinding flash. A wave of heat blasted over Ampelius, searing his skin despite the distance. The roar of the impact rang in his ears, disorienting him as he instinctively stepped back, his balance momentarily faltering. His eyes were wide with astonishment. ¡°What was that?¡± he muttered, more to himself than to Bella. She ignored his question, her panic driving her to frantically stuff random items into a backpack.


    Before he could process what he had just seen, another green fireball shot out from the roiling clouds, this time flying farther from the mountain. Its eerie glow illuminated the entire apartment, casting an unsettling green light over everything before disappearing behind a smaller hill in a fiery explosion. The thunderous echo reached them seconds later, vibrating through the floor and sending a shudder up Ampelius¡¯ spine. He gripped the edge of the window to steady himself, feeling the cold glass beneath his fingertips. Bella froze in her tracks. ¡°What was that that just shot out of the clouds?¡± she asked, her voice trembling.


    ¡°Some sort of lava bomb, but with green flames,¡± Ampelius replied, still fixated on the mountain, his mind a whirlwind of fear and grim fascination. This can''t be real, can it? His courage wavered, yet he forced himself to speak steadily, trying to mask the fear eating away at him.


    Bella¡¯s panic faded as the mountain¡¯s eerie glow pulled her back in. Suddenly, a thunderous explosion shook the air, startling them both.The second fireball¡¯s impact finally roared through the air, acting as a brutal reminder of the chaos unfolding in front of them.


    ¡°Well, that was loud. I see why it¡¯s called a lava bomb,¡± Bella remarked, trying to maintain a semblance of composure.


    ¡°Lava bombs are common during Strombolian eruptions,¡± Ampelius explained, his tone cautious. ¡°But this... this is different. I¡¯ve never seen anything like it.¡± As he spoke, a memory flickered in his mind, a time when he¡¯d overheard a group of engineers from Rome discussing experimental weapons that could turn natural forces into something far deadlier. The conversations had been vague, full of whispers, but they¡¯d planted a lingering curiosity in him. Standing here, watching Mount Nerva pulse with that eerie green glow, he felt the old questions resurface. Was this an evolution of those technologies? Had the Empire gone even further than he¡¯d imagined? For a brief moment, the mountain¡¯s fury felt like a warning, or an omen of how far they might go.


    The green ash continued to rise, and the mountain seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy. Ampelius and Bella stood there, torn between the urge to flee and the compulsion to witness the spectacle, their hearts pounding in unison with the distant explosions. Another green fireball erupted, streaking past Mount Nerva, closer to the city. It struck a lone farmhouse on the outskirts, resulting in a brilliant, fiery explosion followed by a deafening clap of thunder. ¡°Another lava bomb?¡± Bella asked, her voice tinged with growing panic.


    Suddenly, a massive explosion erupted from the green ash cloud, expanding it and launching green fireballs in all directions. Ampelius and Bella instinctively stepped back as one of the fireballs hurtled straight toward the city. It quickly became clear that it was destined to strike a skyscraper. They watched in horror as the fireball breached the opposite side of the building, exploding violently out the other side. The impact left a gaping hole, with debris shooting outward and the fireball continuing its destructive path toward the ground.


    It struck in front of a cluster of smaller buildings, resulting in a massive explosion that sent flames and smoke billowing into the sky. Dust and shattered glass rained down, covering the area in a chaotic shroud. The gaping hole in the skyscraper spewed flames and smoke, a grim testament to the fireball¡¯s destructive power.


    Dozens more green fireballs began to rain over the city, each impact marked by blinding flashes and earth-shaking explosions, creating the impression of a bombing raid. Bella bolted, tearing through the apartment, shoving whatever she could into her backpack. Her movements were erratic, driven by a desperate need to escape the unfolding nightmare.


    Ampelius froze, his mind reeling at the nightmare unfolding before him. The relentless assault of green fireballs turned the cityscape into a war zone. The constant explosions and flashes of light created a nightmarish tableau, the once-familiar city now unrecognizable under the onslaught.


    Bella¡¯s voice shattered his daze, raw with fear. ¡°Ampelius, we have to go! Now!¡± The urgency in her tone snapped him out of his stupor. He turned away from the window, his heart pounding, and joined her in the desperate scramble to gather their belongings and flee the apartment.


    The room shook with each distant explosion, the green glow from the fireballs casting eerie, shifting shadows on the walls.The apartment, once safe, now felt paper-thin against the chaos outside. Ampelius and Bella moved in a frantic, silent synchronization, their movements almost mechanical as they packed the backpack with whatever essentials they could grab. Their minds were singularly focused on the need to survive, their shared fear unspoken.


    With the backpack hastily packed, they exchanged a final, grim look. A silent understanding passed between them¡ªthere was no turning back now. They made their way to the door, steeling themselves for whatever horrors awaited them beyond the thin barrier of the apartment walls. The distant roar of explosions and the relentless green glow from outside only served to heighten their sense of impending doom.


    Ampelius decided they¡¯d overstayed their welcome. The thought of what lay beyond the door terrified him, but staying was no longer an option. ¡°Bella, we have to go. Now,¡± he urged his voice tight with urgency, his eyes darting around the apartment as if expecting the walls to collapse at any moment.


    But Bella, her movements frantic and desperate, seemed oblivious to his pleas. She rummaged through a drawer, her hands shaking as she pulled out a piece of paper and a pen. Ampelius¡¯s frustration mounted as he watched her begin scribbling furiously, the pen scratching loudly against the paper in the tense silence.


    ¡°Bella! This is no time for poetry! We need to leave now!¡± he shouted, his voice rising in desperation. The walls seemed to close in around him, the suffocating fear clawing at his chest as another distant explosion rattled the room.


    She looked up, her eyes wide and brimming with tears, filled with a mixture of fear and determination that took Ampelius by surprise. ¡°This is just in case Emmett returns! I want him to know we left!¡± she cried out, her voice breaking as she forced the words out. The paper trembled in her hands, her fear and worry for Emmett almost tangible in the charged air between them.


    Ampelius clenched his jaw, feeling a surge of frustration, and, beneath it, an unsettling tenderness. He knew she was clinging to the hope that Emmett would find them, but to him, the risk felt overwhelming. Still, he couldn¡¯t ignore the way she held onto the note, as if it was her last lifeline to Emmett. For just a moment, he softened, letting her have this small comfort despite the urgency gnawing at him. He understood the weight of her attachment, even if it added to his own sense of responsibility for her safety.


    Ampelius¡¯s heart clenched at the sight of her desperation, but the urgency of their situation pressed down on him like a weight. ¡°Okay, okay, just hurry,¡± he muttered, casting a wary glance at the door. The explosions outside seemed to be getting closer, the green fireballs now visible through the windows, streaking through the sky like vengeful comets.


    Bella finished the note, her hands trembling as she placed it carefully on the kitchen counter. She took a deep breath, her eyes lingering on the paper for a moment longer before turning back to Ampelius. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she said, her voice barely a whisper, but the resolve in her eyes unmistakable.


    Ampelius nodded, a mixture of relief and dread churning in his stomach. He still had no idea if the note would reach Emmett, but he could see that it had steadied Bella, if only a little. This wasn¡¯t just survival anymore; for Bella, it was leaving behind a sign of hope, even if the world around them seemed ready to collapse.


    Ampelius sighed in disapproval, recognizing the futility of arguing with her. He grabbed the backpack, slinging it over his shoulder, when a green reflection from the broken glass caught his attention. The glow brightened, casting an eerie light illuminating the window frames. Curious and apprehensive, he moved closer to the window.


    As he peered outside, the green glow intensified, morphing into a bright fireball hurtling straight toward them. "OH SHIT!" Ampelius shouted as he bolted away from the window. The fireball punched through the upper wall above the window, tearing a section of the ceiling with it as it smashed into the floor. It continued its descent through the building, leaving burning, splintered embers in its wake.


    Ampelius hit the floor hard, landing on his stomach. He lay there, stunned and breathless, narrowly avoiding death. After a moment, he checked himself over, ensuring he was unharmed, and then stood up, his eyes locking with Bella¡¯s. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.


    ¡°Excuse me, I should be asking you that!¡± she mumbled, her voice a mix of relief and irritation.


    ¡°Well, you watched me stand up and said nothing,¡± he retorted, shaking off the shock.


    He glanced at the massive hole left by the impact, a gaping wound in the building¡¯s structure. Cautiously, he approached it, peering down into the destruction below. The remnants of the fireball¡¯s path were a stark reminder of the danger they were in. The floor around the hole was scorched, with embers still glowing faintly in the debris. The air was thick with the acrid smell of burning materials, mingling with the pervasive green glow from outside.


    Ampelius took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. The urgency of their situation was clearer than ever. He turned back to Bella, his expression grim. ¡°We can¡¯t stay here any longer. We need to leave now, before another one hits.¡±


    Bella nodded, the fear in her eyes reflecting his own. Together, they gathered their belongings, bracing themselves for whatever awaited them outside. The green fireballs continued their relentless assault on the city, each explosion a stark reminder of the peril they faced.


    Beyond the ring of burning embers painting each floor below them, visibility was severely limited. Smoke filled the exposed floors, gradually rising until it dissipated outside. Ampelius strained his ears, listening to the crackling and popping of wood within the smoking embers. Suddenly, a machine-like noise erupted from the depths of the crater, a harsh, metallic screech that sent chills down their spines.


    They froze, ears straining to catch any further sound. But the noise stopped as abruptly as it had begun. Bella looked over at Ampelius, her eyes wide with apprehension, meeting his equally alarmed gaze.


    ¡°That sounded like metal-on-metal screeching. Is there a generator or something down in the basement? I¡¯ve never heard a mechanical noise like that before,¡± she asked, her voice trembling.


    ¡°There is no basement,¡± he replied, his mind racing. The unsettling sound sparked another old memory, a time when he¡¯d heard soldiers whispering about unnatural noises from deep in the wastelands, tales of machines that shouldn¡¯t exist, or creatures armed with strange weapons. He¡¯d never believed the stories fully, chalking them up to campfire horror tales. But now, hearing that very sound here, he felt a growing dread. Maybe those old rumors weren¡¯t so far off, he thought, wondering if they were about to face a threat from those shadowed rumors in the flesh.


    Ampelius took a cautious step closer to the edge of the crater, squinting through the thick smoke and darkness. The remnants of the fireball''s impact had left a chaotic and dangerous environment, with the acrid smell of burning materials stinging their noses. The strange noise added a new layer of mystery and fear to their already precarious situation.


    He turned to Bella, grim. ''We need to move¡ªnow. Whatever made that noise, it¡¯s not something we want to stick around to find out.¡±


    A deafening explosion shattered a brief silence, like a bowling ball smashing into metal pins. A powerful shock wave erupted from the abyss, sending Ampelius sprawling backward. He landed hard on the ground, watching in horror as the blast forced smoke and burning embers up and out into the night sky.


    Immediately following the shock wave, an ominous green smoke began to rise through the floors, its eerie hue stark against the darkness. Ampelius¡¯s eyes widened as he saw it, his instincts screaming that this was something far more dangerous than anything they had encountered. Without hesitation, he grabbed Bella by the arm.


    ¡°We have to go, now!¡± he urged, his voice laced with urgency.


    Bella didn¡¯t resist as Ampelius pulled her toward the door. The green smoke slithered through the apartment, spreading in all directions like a living thing. Ampelius noticed how the smoke seemed to move with purpose, creeping along the walls, curling around obstacles as if it were searching for them. It filled every crevice and corner in strange, deliberate patterns, an insidious presence almost aware of their escape, as though it were following their every move. It filled every crevice and corner, an insidious presence threatening to consume everything in its path.


    Ampelius grabbed a towel lying on the floor and hastily stuffed it under the door in a futile attempt to contain the smoke. He glanced at the pathetic barrier, realizing it wouldn''t hold, before turning to follow Bella toward the stairwell. Suddenly, a piercing scream echoed down the hallway.


    He spun around and saw the girl he had briefly spoken to earlier sprinting toward them, her arms flailing wildly. The hallway floor beneath her swelled like a pufferfish as she ran into the green smoke seeping through the towel. She stumbled, falling onto her stomach as the green smoke coiled around her like a snake. Ampelius froze, a wave of horror washing over him as he watched, helpless to intervene. He felt a pang of guilt, remembering their brief exchange and the spark of life in her eyes¡ªnow swallowed by the merciless smoke. The green tendrils wrapped tightly around her, just as if the smoke itself were claiming her. The floor began to crumble beneath her, and her screams faded into the void as she disappeared into the swirling dust and smoke.Ampelius clenched his fists, anger and helplessness roiling in his chest as debris shot toward him, forcing him to duck. Not wanting to meet the same fate, he bolted down the stairs, spotting Bella waiting at the landing below.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    "Don¡¯t wait around for me, go!" he shouted, his voice filled with urgency.


    "Nowhere to go!" she replied, panic edging her voice.


    Ampelius caught up to her, his mind racing. ¡°We have to find another way out. This place is coming apart!¡±


    Bella nodded, her fear evident but her determination intact. Together, they continued down the stairwell, their footsteps echoing in the confined space. The walls trembled around them, groaning as if they, too, were ready to give way. The acrid smell of smoke and burning materials filled the air, thick and suffocating, coating his throat with a bitter tang.


    Ampelius rounded the corner to the next landing, only to be confronted by a pile of rubble and thick, choking dust where the stairwell had once been. ¡°Well, shit,¡± he muttered, his heart sinking. Bella was on the verge of hysteria, her eyes wide with fear as the building continued to groan and shudder.


    ¡°How are we getting out of here? This building is collapsing around us! We¡¯ll be crushed! We¡¯re going to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Bella, breathe and calm down!¡± Ampelius interrupted, forcing himself to stay steady despite his own rising panic. Years of therapy and training flickered through his mind¡ªmoments when life had depended on keeping control of his own emotions. He pushed his fear aside, knowing that if he faltered, they both would. He could feel the pressure bearing down on him, the mental toll of staying calm mounting with each tremor of the walls around them. Each rumble of the building pressed in on him, tightening the walls around them. The stairwell felt like a narrowing tomb; its exits cut off one by one. ¡°I¡¯ll think of something to get us out of here.¡±


    A violent explosion rocked the building, sending dust and debris cascading from the ceiling. The noise jarred him to his core, reminding him of just how little time they had left, but he clenched his fists, steadying his breath. This isn¡¯t the first death trap I¡¯ve faced. Focus. The walls shook violently, cracks splintering across the surfaces like jagged scars. Moments later, another blast rattled the structure, and cracks began spider-webbing across the floor and walls where they stood.


    ¡°Think of something now, or we¡¯re dead!¡± Bella screamed, her voice rising in sheer terror.


    Ampelius took a deep breath, struggling to keep his panic at bay. He quickly scanned their surroundings, desperate for any means of escape. He¡¯d trained for chaos, for moments when the mind wanted to freeze, but he couldn¡¯t deny the toll each second took. Forcing calm was draining, but he needed his focus now more than ever.


    He glanced up and saw a window above them, but it was too high to reach and far too risky to attempt, given their altitude. He could feel the air tightening with the weight of the collapsing floors above, pressing down as if ready to bury them alive. Looking down, he assessed the ruined stairwell leading to the third floor, but the gaping void and jagged debris ruled that out as an option. The narrow passage around him seemed to close in with every tremor, the walls groaning louder, a relentless reminder of their entrapment. They were trapped, and the fear threatened to overwhelm him as the building shuddered again, the sound of crumbling wood and plaster filling the air.


    Just as hope began to fade, he noticed something¡ªthe dust and smoke from the stairwell were clearing as if being drawn away by an invisible force. With better visibility, he could make out the floor below.


    ¡°This is manageable,¡± he muttered to himself, a glimmer of hope igniting within him.


    ¡°What is?¡± Bella asked, her voice tight with anxiety.


    ¡°The next floor,¡± Ampelius said, nodding toward the now-visible landing below. ¡°It¡¯s not too far down. We could jump down onto it and escape from there.¡±


    Bella hesitated, edging closer to the gap. She peered down, her eyes wide as she judged the distance. ¡°Are you serious? We¡¯d break our legs! A broken leg might as well mean death,¡± she protested, her voice trembling.


    ¡°What other choice do we have? This building is coming apart. If we stay here, we¡¯re dead!¡± Ampelius shot back, his tone urgent. ¡°We have to try. If we hang off the edge first, it¡¯ll shorten the drop. We can do this, Bella.¡±


    ¡°There has to be another way. I don¡¯t want to break my leg and end up trapped anyway. The pain would only slow us down,¡± she argued, shaking her head.


    ¡°Damn it, Bella,¡± Ampelius growled, his frustration mounting. ¡°If your stubbornness could get us out of here, we¡¯d already be safe! I¡¯m jumping, even if it means breaking my legs. Once I¡¯m down, I can help you. But we can¡¯t stay here any longer.¡± He fought to keep his voice steady, knowing that any hint of doubt would only feed her fear.


    He looked at her, his eyes pleading. ¡°Please, trust me. It¡¯s our only chance.¡±


    ¡°Oh, how noble of you. What if I refuse to jump?¡± Bella challenged, her voice edged with defiance.


    ¡°Then your death is guaranteed,¡± Ampelius replied sharply. ¡°And Emmett will have to live knowing that you died in this stairwell like a coward, crying and complaining the entire time. You¡¯ll have had the chance to survive, but you chose death instead. And when he hears that, he¡¯ll kill me, and I¡¯ll join your little death party.¡±


    Bella¡¯s eyes narrowed, but she couldn¡¯t suppress a wry smile. ¡°Fine. But if you die, I¡¯m telling him you sacrificed yourself because you felt bad for the vultures circling this building.¡±


    Ampelius chuckled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯d love to feed those vultures,¡± he whispered, his grin widening.


    Bella sighed, bracing herself for the jump. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do this. Just don¡¯t go dying before me, okay?¡±


    ¡°Deal. We¡¯ll make it through this. Trust me,¡± Ampelius said, offering her a reassuring smile.


    Ampelius positioned himself at the edge, his heart pounding as he steeled himself for the leap. He counted down, three, two, one¡ªjust as he was about to jump, a deafening explosion rocked the building, sending him sprawling backward onto the floor. Dust and debris rained down, and the structure groaned ominously under the strain.


    The ground beneath them began to split open, cracks snaking through the floor and walls. Panic surged through Ampelius as the floor gave way, crumbling beneath their feet. He barely had time to register what was happening before they both plunged into the dark, collapsing void below.


    They hit a solid surface hard, the impact jarring their bodies and knocking the breath from their lungs. The thunderous sound of crumbling wood and concrete echoed around them, a deafening roar that filled the space. Dust and smoke choked the air, making breathing hard, and they coughed violently as they struggled to catch their breath.


    After what felt like an eternity, the relentless noise of collapsing debris began to subside, and the dust slowly settled. Ampelius blinked through the haze, his eyes stinging as he took in their surroundings. They had landed on the stair landing below, miraculously intact amidst the chaos.


    Ampelius¡¯ heart slowed, a fleeting sense of safety creeping in as the dust settled around them. The relief was temporary but potent¡ªhis body yearning for rest even as his mind reminded him it wasn¡¯t safe. For just a second, he let his guard down, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle over him.


    Gritting his teeth against the pain radiating through his body, Ampelius forced himself to sit up. He brushed off the smaller chunks of debris and scanned the wreckage. The stairwell leading to the next floor below was still there, a narrow escape route in the midst of the destruction.


    Bella lay nearby, groaning softly, her face twisted in pain as she tried to move. Ampelius crawled over to her, his own body protesting with every movement.


    ¡°Bella, are you okay?¡± he asked, his voice hoarse with concern.


    She nodded weakly, her breath ragged. ¡°I¡¯m alive, I think. That was... something else.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Ampelius agreed, his tone grim. ¡°But we¡¯re not out of this yet. We need to keep moving.¡±


    Ampelius crawled over to Bella, carefully removing the chunks of debris covering her. ¡°Are you okay? It looks like the stairwell to the floor below is still intact. We need to move before this building comes down around us. We don¡¯t have time to sit on our asses!¡± he urged, his voice strained with urgency.


    He stood up, wincing as pain shot through his back, and reached out to help Bella. She hesitated, clearly in pain.


    ¡°Come on, you don¡¯t really want me telling him you died like a coward, do you? Get up, now!¡± he insisted, his tone edged with mock sternness, trying to mask his own fear.


    ¡°Oh, shut up, you vulture lover,¡± she muttered, managing a weak smile as she took his hand.


    Bella gritted her teeth, stifling a groan as he pulled her to her feet. She leaned heavily against him, her body trembling with effort, but together, they managed to make their way down the stairwell. As they reached the landing, they were met with a shocking sight. The third floor was gone, collapsed into a gaping, sinkhole-like crater, taking all the apartments with it.


    ¡°Holy mother of Minerva,¡± Ampelius breathed, staring down at the devastation. ¡°The whole floor is gone!¡±


    Bella, still leaning on him for support, took in the scene with wide eyes. ¡°It looks like the outer walls are still standing,¡± she said, her voice filled with disbelief.


    Smoke hung thick in the air, rising from the depths of the rubble. Small fires flickered occasionally, casting an eerie light over the wreckage. The sight was both surreal and terrifying, a stark reminder of the destruction they had narrowly escaped. The realization of how close they had come to being buried alive hit them both like a punch in the gut.


    As they made their way down the next flight of stairs, Ampelius caught a glimpse of something large moving below the smoke. He blinked a few times, unsure if his eyes were deceiving him, before dismissing it as a trick of the light and continuing to help Bella down to the next floor.


    Once they reached the second floor, Ampelius suddenly released Bella from his hold, and she dropped to the ground with a gasp, her face contorting in pain.


    ¡°What the hell, Ampelius? Why did you drop me?¡± she cursed, wincing as she tried to push herself up.


    But Ampelius didn¡¯t respond. He stood frozen, his eyes locked on something in the distance, his face pale. Bella¡¯s anger quickly turned to concern as she followed his gaze. There, deep in the pit of the collapsed building, lay a massive, silent machine that looked like a giant turtle shell, its form strange and alien against the ruins.


    ¡°What in the hell is that?¡± Ampelius whispered, his voice barely audible over the ringing silence.


    The machine suddenly lit up, its surface flickering with bright, multicolored lights that pierced through the dust and smoke like a beacon. A shock wave rippled outward from its base, clearing the air around it. As they watched in stunned silence, the machine began to hover, defying gravity as it slowly rose into the air.


    Bella, still leaning against the wall for support, stared in disbelief, her breath catching in her throat. The machine¡¯s pulsating lights illuminated the devastation around them, casting long, distorted shadows that danced across the rubble. The surreal scene felt like something out of a nightmare, adding another layer of dread to their already dire situation.


    As the machine ascended higher, its purpose and origin remained a terrifying mystery. The realization that they were facing something far beyond their understanding filled them with a mix of awe and terror. Ampelius and Bella exchanged a look, knowing that whatever hope they had of escape had become infinitely more complicated.


    As it hovered above the wreckage, Ampelius noticed thick, web-like ropes hanging from its underbelly. His eyes widened in shock as he saw people clinging to those ropes, their bodies limp and swaying in the air. Among them, he recognized the girl from apartment 407, the one they¡¯d seen fall through the floor earlier.


    ¡°That¡¯s... that¡¯s the girl from apartment 407. It must have picked her up after she fell,¡± Ampelius said, his voice shaking.


    ¡°Is it... collecting bodies? Are any of them alive?¡± Bella whispered, her voice filled with horror as she clutched his arm.


    They watched in stunned silence as the machine rose, its eerie glow casting a greenish tint over the lifeless forms hanging beneath it. The sight was almost too much to comprehend, their minds struggling to grasp the reality of what they were witnessing. The terrifying thought that this machine might be harvesting bodies, whether dead or alive, made their blood run cold.


    ¡°None of them are moving from what I can see, but I can¡¯t be sure,¡± Ampelius replied, his eyes still locked on the grotesque scene above.


    They continued to watch in stunned silence as the machine ascended higher until it hovered directly overhead, disappearing from view beyond the roofline. Small pieces of debris tumbled down in its wake, clattering against the ruined structure. ¡°It¡¯s making a bigger exit,¡± Ampelius thought, a grim realization settling in. They exchanged a bewildered look, the enormity of what they had just witnessed weighing heavily on their minds. Questions swirled in their thoughts, but no answers were found.


    With a shared sense of urgency, they turned their focus back to survival. Without another word, they hurried down the final flight of stairs, the tension between them palpable. Their minds raced with a chaotic mix of confusion and fear as they reached the ground floor.


    To their relief, the ground floor appeared relatively untouched compared to the devastation above. The broken glass and the collapsed main doors were the only signs of the chaos they had just escaped. They paused to catch their breath, leaning against the wall as they tried to steady their nerves. The eerie silence of the ground floor felt almost surreal after the turmoil they had endured.


    As they gathered themselves, Ampelius noticed a small group of people gathered outside in the street, their attention fixed on something above the building. He glanced at Bella, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten as curiosity and apprehension gripped them once more. They edged closer to the shattered entrance, peering out into the night.


    Suddenly, a wave of terror rippled through the crowd. One by one, the onlookers began to burst into thick, shimmering blue liquid as if they were grotesque water balloons filled with some alien substance. Each eruption sent arcs of the iridescent fluid splattering across the pavement, painting the scene in a surreal, otherworldly glow. The air was filled with the sickening sound of wet, muffled pops, mingled with the desperate, cut-off screams of those who hadn¡¯t yet succumbed to the horrifying phenomenon.


    Ampelius and Bella froze, their eyes wide with disbelief and horror as they watched the gruesome spectacle unfold. The street outside transformed into a nightmarish landscape, the once-solid forms of people reduced to glistening pools of blue liquid that shimmered in the pale light. The reality of what they were witnessing was almost too much to comprehend, their minds struggling to grasp the sheer impossibility of it.


    Bella¡¯s hand shot to her mouth, stifling a sob as she turned away from the gruesome scene. Ampelius¡¯s breath came in ragged gasps, his heart pounding. They had to get out of here¡ªwhatever this was, it was beyond anything they could have imagined, and they were dangerously close to becoming its next victims.


    ¡°We need to move, now!¡± Ampelius whispered urgently, grabbing Bella¡¯s arm and pulling her away from the entrance. His voice was barely steady, but the need to escape overpowered the terror gripping his heart.


    Without waiting for a response, they turned and bolted through the lobby; the horrific images burned into their minds. The sickly blue glow from outside flickered against the walls, a haunting reminder of the fate they had narrowly avoided. They didn¡¯t know where they were going, but anywhere had to be safer than here.


    It all happened so fast that the last person on the street had no time to react before they burst, splattering the pavement with a vivid blue spray. Ampelius thought he saw a small blue orb hit each victim, seemingly firing from the rooftop. It must be that turtle shell! He realized, a cold dread settling in his stomach.


    He gently helped Bella to the ground, then edged closer to the door to get a better view. Peering out, he noticed the reflection of the machine hovering above their building on a large TV screen mounted on the structure across the street. The screen''s distorted image confirmed his fears: the turtle-shell-like machine was indeed responsible for the horrific scene unfolding around them.


    The machine pulsed with neon blue and green lights along its sides and front. Ampelius watched, mesmerized and horrified, as it floated menacingly above the city. Then, without warning, it vanished, warping away as if it had never been there. His mind reeled, struggling to grasp what he had just witnessed. Turning back to Bella, he noticed her hand pressed tightly against her side. Panic flared as he rushed over to her.


    ¡°Oh shit, you¡¯re bleeding! Move your hand and let me see,¡± he urged, his voice tight with concern.


    She hesitated but eventually removed her hand, wincing as he gently lifted her shirt. A deep gash stretched from her stomach to her right side, the dark red blood oozing slowly from the wound.


    ¡°Do you know how this happened? What cut you?¡± he asked urgently, his eyes wide with worry.


    ¡°I think it happened when the floor collapsed. I must have landed on something sharp. I didn¡¯t even notice I was bleeding until you sat me down,¡± she replied, her voice strained and shaky.


    Ampelius cursed under his breath. ¡°I should have noticed sooner, but I was distracted by that damn machine. Alright, keep pressing on the wound. We need to stop the bleeding. I¡¯ll find something to help.¡±


    The distant rumble of explosions grew louder and more frequent, each blast a reminder of the danger closing in around them. Ampelius¡¯s anxiety spiked. He knew they couldn¡¯t stay there much longer. ¡°Stay here,¡± he said, his voice tense. ¡°I¡¯m going to check if it¡¯s safe outside. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    Stepping cautiously out into the open, he was assaulted by the deafening cacophony of explosions. He spun around, scanning the horizon, his heart sinking at the sight. Turtle-shell machines swarmed the city, some floating ominously above buildings, others weaving between skyscrapers. One of them launched a glowing green orb at a structure, and with a deafening roar, the building crumbled to the ground. None of the machines were near their location, but Ampelius knew that could change instantly.


    Determined to move while they still had a chance, he hurried back inside and helped Bella to her feet. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s time to go. We need to be quick but quiet. That turtle shell we saw¡ªit¡¯s not the only one. They¡¯re everywhere. I think those fireballs were those machines. It¡¯s not going to be easy getting out of the city.¡±


    ¡°What about Emmett? We can¡¯t leave him!¡± Bella cried, her voice breaking.


    ¡°Shh! Keep your voice down,¡± Ampelius hissed, glancing nervously at the door. ¡°If he turns up, we¡¯ll find him. But right now, we need to focus on getting out of here alive. We can¡¯t help him if we¡¯re dead. And I don¡¯t know how to safely move through the city with those things patrolling.¡±


    Bella took a deep breath, her eyes wide with fear but resolute. ¡°The metro systems! We can use them to escape the city. I used to work at the Great Lepidus Library, which is only a few blocks from here. There¡¯s a maintenance entrance in the basement that leads to the metro. I think it¡¯s our best chance.¡±


    Ampelius nodded, the plan forming in his mind. ¡°Alright. I know a shortcut through the alleyways that should give us some cover. We¡¯ll need a light source once we¡¯re in the tunnels, and I know just the place to grab some. It¡¯s on the way to the library. But we have to move quickly and keep a low profile. Those things move faster than anything I¡¯ve ever seen.¡±


    Bella nodded, determination hardening her features despite the pain. Together, they gathered what little they could, steeling themselves for the dangers outside. With one last look at their ruined apartment, they entered the chaotic night, ready to face whatever horrors lay ahead.

 Chapter 6: Shadows of the Lost

    As they exited the apartment building, they were met with a disconcerting sight: dozens of blue, gel-like puddles scattered across the street and sidewalks. Carefully navigating around them, they crossed the street. Just as they reached the other side, one of the turtle-shell crafts suddenly appeared over the apartment building, hovering menacingly above.


    Startled, they scrambled through a broken window and took cover inside. The craft hovered for several tense minutes before it started to vibrate. In an instant, it shot in the direction of Mount Nerva, leaving behind a rolling cloud of smoke.


    With the immediate threat gone, Ampelius and Bella cautiously climbed back over the window and onto the sidewalk.


    ¡°Those things are fast. Did you see it vibrate and disappear?¡± Ampelius asked, his voice shaking slightly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, and I don¡¯t care. Let¡¯s get out of here before another one shows up,¡± Bella replied urgently, her eyes darting around.


    They followed the sidewalk until they reached the entrance of the alleyway where Ampelius had nearly lost his life. Broken bodies and collapsed debris filled the narrow passage. The memory of the revolver pointed at his face flashed through his mind, sending a shiver down his spine.


    The entire alleyway was littered with broken bricks, splintered wood, chunks of concrete, and scattered furniture. Some areas were piled high with rubble, remnants of the collapsing buildings. Ampelius decided to search the bodies for anything useful before moving on. He helped Bella sit down next to a cracked brick wall, using it as a solid surface for her to lean against. She didn¡¯t argue but urged him to be quick.


    He started with the body closest to him, rolling it over until it faced skyward. It was the thug who had found him behind the dumpster. Ampelius searched the body thoroughly but found nothing of use except for a few old denarii coins.


    "Ancient coins?" Ampelius muttered, puzzled. He tossed them aside and moved on to the next body, hoping for something more useful.


    The next body had a revolver in its hand, the same one that had been aimed at his head. Ampelius picked it up, inspecting it carefully. Three out of six rounds had been fired. He removed the spent casings and found six unused bullets in one of the pockets. Loading three rounds, he concealed the revolver within his shirt and waistband before returning to Bella.


    Bella suddenly pointed frantically behind him. He spun around to see the first body stirring.


    Drawing the revolver, Ampelius cautiously approached. ¡°Still alive, I see,¡± Ampelius said coldly, his grip tightening around the gun.


    The thug raised his hands weakly. ¡°Please don¡¯t shoot me! It wasn¡¯t personal! I was just following orders,¡± he gasped.


    Ampelius¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡°Wasn¡¯t personal? Maybe it wasn¡¯t for you, but for me, it was very personal.¡± His finger hovered near the trigger, but instead, he stepped forward and slammed his boot onto the thug¡¯s knee, a sickening snap echoing through the alley.


    The thug screamed in agony as Ampelius turned back to Bella.


    ¡°What is wrong with you? Why did you do that?¡± Bella demanded, her eyes wide with shock.


    ¡°He was the reason I was nearly executed. He deserved to feel it,¡± Ampelius replied, his tone hard.


    ¡°Well, that doesn¡¯t make it right,¡± Bella snapped but then glanced around nervously.


    ¡°I saw you take that gun. Do you really think that revolver is going to do any good against those things flying around?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t plan on using it against them. It¡¯s for protection from people,¡± Ampelius said, his voice steady. ¡°When people get desperate, they become dangerous.¡±


    Before she could respond, another turtle-shell craft appeared, its light beam scanning the puddles of blue liquid. The glow cast an eerie light over the destroyed street, making them freeze. Ampelius grabbed Bella, dragging her into the alley.


    They found a tarp draped over a small space beneath the rubble and hid under it. Ampelius peeked through a small hole and watched as the craft¡¯s beam locked onto the wounded thug. A rod extended from the craft, piercing the man¡¯s chest and lifting him into the air. His body dissolved into blue liquid and was sucked into the machine.


    ¡°Maybe I should have shot him,¡± Ampelius whispered, his stomach twisting in guilt.


    Bella, her face pale, nodded silently as the turtle shell craft repeated the process with the other bodies.


    When the last body disappeared, the craft hovered for a moment, scanning the area. Ampelius and Bella barely breathed, waiting for it to leave. Finally, it drifted away, its lights fading into the distance.


    Ampelius exhaled shakily. ¡°We need to keep moving,¡± he whispered, helping Bella to her feet.


    ¡°I should have just shot him. It would have been a mercy,¡± Ampelius muttered.


    Bella glanced at him, her eyes hard. ¡°Next time, if you want to kill someone, just do it quickly.¡±


    Ampelius frowned, shaking his head. ¡°I don¡¯t want to kill people.¡±


    Bella scoffed. ¡°Like your friend Marius? The one who ¡®accidentally¡¯ shot himself?¡±


    Ampelius clenched his jaw. ¡°You know that¡¯s not what happened.¡±


    ¡°The autopsy says otherwise,¡± Bella muttered, shaking her head.


    Ampelius exhaled sharply. ¡°Believe whatever you want, but we need to survive right now. Unless you¡¯d rather be on your own?¡±


    Bella opened her mouth to argue but then closed it again, choosing silence.


    Ampelius crawled out from under the rubble, scanning the street for danger. Bella followed, her face set in grim determination.


    Suddenly, a glowing blue orb shot silently over the rooftops, leaving a shimmering contrail behind. Ampelius¡¯s breath caught in his throat as he watched it vanish into the distance.


    ¡°We¡¯ve overstayed our welcome,¡± Ampelius said. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Bella nodded, reaching for his arm for support as they moved deeper into the alley. Distant explosions echoed in the background as they pressed forward.


    After twenty minutes of walking, the faint glow of fire lit up the alley ahead of them. Shadows danced against a building¡¯s wall, the flickering silhouettes of figures visible in the distance.


    With little choice, they moved forward, hoping for help.


    As they reached the T-intersection and turned the corner to the right, they were met with a shotgun aimed directly at their faces.


    "And who might you two be, and how did you get past our checkpoint?" demanded the stranger, his grip on the shotgun unwavering.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t encounter a checkpoint,¡± Ampelius replied cautiously, his hands raised slightly in a gesture of peace.


    "No? Well, I don¡¯t believe you. So I¡¯m going to ask you again, how did you get past our checkpoint?" the stranger repeated, his grip tightening on the weapon.


    "If the dead bodies we saw when we first entered the alley were your checkpoint, then I assume the earthquake killed them. They were buried under rubble," Bella interjected, her voice steady despite the tension.


    The stranger lowered the shotgun slightly, his expression softening. "Well, that explains why we didn¡¯t receive a runner after the quake. Okay, what are your names?"


    ¡°I¡¯m Bella, and this is Ampelius,¡± she introduced them.


    The stranger glanced at Bella, his eyes narrowing as he noticed her injury. ¡°What happened to you?¡±


    "We were in our apartment building when the earthquake struck. Part of it collapsed, and I happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ampelius was outside and ran back in to dig me out," Bella explained.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll have the doctor take a look at you and see what we can do. You two can stay the night, but you¡¯ll have to leave in the morning. And my name¡¯s Saul, by the way,¡± the stranger said.


    Saul appeared to be in his late 50s, his gray hair and ragged clothing making him look homeless, but then again, everyone looked worn in these desperate times. He was a few inches taller than Ampelius and noticeably bulkier, a man that Ampelius wouldn¡¯t want to face in a fight.


    "Follow me," Saul instructed, leading them through the alley into a group of people huddled around a small fire. The group looked worn and exhausted, their faces reflecting the harsh reality of their circumstances.


    Ampelius took in the makeshift camp set up along the alley walls. Tarps and blankets hung from the buildings, forming crude shelters. People sat in silence, huddled together for warmth, their eyes hollow with fatigue and despair. The small fire provided minimal warmth, casting eerie shadows that danced on the walls.


    The air was thick with smoke from fires spreading throughout the city, the haze clinging to the buildings in the still air. The stillness added an unsettling atmosphere to the grim scene. Ampelius felt uneasy, thinking about what Saul had said regarding the checkpoints. These people could be connected to the group that had tried to kill him earlier, and he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they might be walking into a trap.


    ¡°We posted checkpoints at every entrance leading to this location. Out of five, only one sent a runner. They were supposed to filter out people like you to keep out thugs and undesirables. We¡¯re not a charity, but we do what we can if we have the resources,¡± Saul explained as they walked.


    As they followed him, several refugees huddled around barrel fires came into view. Saul mentioned that the fires were small enough to stay hidden from the sky but big enough to provide warmth and light. The eerie glow cast long, unsettling shadows on the walls, adding to the oppressive atmosphere.


    Ahead, Saul pointed to a large barricade blocking the alley. The barricade was made of debris, overturned vehicles, and makeshift fortifications, all designed to keep intruders out and provide some semblance of security.


    The area was thick with smoke from the numerous fires spreading throughout the city, the haze clinging to the buildings without wind. The stillness was eerie, amplifying the sense of unease. Ampelius glanced around, feeling more on edge with each step. He mulled over the information Saul had given them about the checkpoints. These people could be connected to the group that had tried to kill him earlier, and for all he knew, they were walking into a trap.


    As they followed him, they passed scenes of refugees huddled around flickering barrel fires. Saul mentioned the fires were small enough to stay hidden from the sky but provided enough warmth and light. The eerie glow cast long, unsettling shadows on the walls, heightening the oppressive atmosphere.


    Up ahead, Saul pointed to a large, barricaded checkpoint. The barricade was made of debris, overturned vehicles, and makeshift fortifications¡ªall designed to keep intruders out and offer some semblance of security to those inside.


    ¡°This is our final barricade leading to the shopping center. That tall building on the left collapsed during the quake, which of course acts as a natural defense. Two more buildings blocked off the other entrance. We¡¯ve got guards on top, plus a hidden MG nest.¡±Saul explained.


    Two armed and masked guards dressed in black approached Saul. ¡°Who are these two?¡± one of them asked.


    ¡°I found them outside our outer perimeter. Speaking of which, four out of five checkpoints have been compromised. Talk to the boss and figure out what he wants to do about it. I¡¯m taking these two to Mark,¡± Saul replied.


    The guard nodded and waved them through. As they entered, Ampelius noticed several armed guards patrolling the area but no sign of refugees or even barrel fires. The empty shopping center raised a red flag in his mind.


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡°I apologize for the ominous view of a dark shopping center with armed patrols,¡± Saul said, his tone attempting reassurance. ¡°I like to think of it as hiding in plain sight. With those flying around, keeping a low profile is better. Every building within this center has a purpose, like this clinic. The medic is just inside and should have some supplies to spare.¡±


    Ampelius still didn¡¯t trust him, but he knew he had no choice. If he tried to run or resist, he¡¯d be gunned down instantly¡ªor maybe not, he considered, noticing the open space surrounded by skyscrapers. Gunshots could easily attract those turtle-shell drones.


    Saul opened the metal double doors and quickly shut them behind them, calling out for the doctor. ¡°Mark, get over here! These people need medical attention!¡±


    The clinic was dimly lit by candles and lanterns, crowded with people who looked sick or injured. Bandaged limbs, pale faces¡ªone person was missing a leg. Everyone stared at them with suspicion as Mark emerged from a closed door, wearing a full medical gown and hairnet, holding a pair of bloody suture scissors.


    ¡°First of all, Saul, the whole damned city needs medical attention; just look around! Secondly, I¡¯m in the middle of surgery. And thirdly, don¡¯t speak to me like that unless you want these scissors up your¡ª¡±


    Before Mark could finish, Saul stepped forward and struck him in the stomach with the butt of his shotgun. Mark collapsed to his knees, gasping for air as the scissors clattered to the floor. He coughed uncontrollably, struggling to breathe.


    ¡°This is my shotgun,¡± Saul said, his voice low and dangerous. ¡°A shotgun my father gave me the day I was born, and it''s been with me through combat all over the world. I¡¯ve lost count of how many people I¡¯ve killed with it. Your constant disrespect ends today. You''ll be added to that list the next time you mouth off to me. Now, I know you¡¯re not performing live surgery as the woman in there has been dead for hours. So, enough with whatever you¡¯re doing to the body. Bella here is bleeding heavily from her side. Before she bleeds out and becomes another corpse for you to dissect, I suggest you help her. Otherwise, I¡¯ll ensure you¡¯re on the table.¡±


    ¡°Saul, I didn¡¯t mean¡ª¡± Mark started, but Saul cut him off with a sharp glare.


    ¡°Shut up and take care of them now. And the rest of you, mind your own business,¡± Saul barked at the onlookers. Still recovering from the blow, Mark grunted and sighed before gesturing for Ampelius and Bella to follow him. They headed down a dimly lit hallway and entered a room on the right, where a cabinet stocked with medical supplies stood next to a patient bed. Mark quickly replaced the pillow and sheet with fresh ones from the cabinet.


    ¡°Let me get this bed ready before she lies down,¡± Mark said as he arranged everything. Ampelius carefully helped Bella onto the bed, making sure she was comfortable.


    ¡°Wow, she¡¯s tall. Let me adjust this so her feet aren¡¯t hanging off the edge,¡± Mark muttered as he repositioned the bed. ¡°Are you comfortable?¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you,¡± Bella replied, her voice strained.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s take a look at your wound. Let me know if it hurts,¡± Mark said, gently lifting her shirt to reveal the blood-soaked jacket underneath. He carefully peeled it back as Bella winced in pain.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I need to see the wound. If it¡¯s too much, let me know,¡± Mark said.


    ¡°Just do it,¡± she snapped, her voice tight with discomfort.


    Mark carefully peeled the jacket away, revealing a deep, rapidly bleeding cut on her side.


    ¡°This is a laceration starting to look infected. Did this happen after the blackout? How did it occur?¡± Mark asked, his tone professional despite the urgency.


    ¡°Yeah, it happened after the blackout, right after the earthquake,¡± Bella said, taking a shaky breath. ¡°We fell through the stairs in our apartment building. I must have landed on something sharp.¡±


    ¡°Well, whatever you landed on caused this serious cut. I can¡¯t tell if anything¡¯s still embedded or if it was just from a sharp object. Either way, this needs to be treated immediately, or it could get infected and possibly fatal. First, we need to stop the bleeding.¡± He turned to Ampelius. ¡°Put your hand here; apply firm pressure while I gather the supplies.¡±


    Ampelius did as instructed, pressing down on the wound while Mark moved quickly to gather the necessary medical items. He returned with gloves, a medical gown, a face shield, a lantern-rigged procedure light, antiseptic solution, sterile gauze, local anesthetic, antibiotic ointment, and bandages.


    ¡°First, I¡¯ll clean the wound to prevent infection, then scrub to minimize tissue damage. Afterward, I¡¯ll control the bleeding and check for any foreign objects. Once that¡¯s done, I¡¯ll stitch and dress the wound. I¡¯ll give you a local anesthetic to ease the pain. Any questions?¡± Mark asked, his tone quick but thorough.


    ¡°Yeah. Can you stop talking and just start already?¡± Bella replied, her voice tense.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Without another word, Mark put on his gloves and face shield, swapped his bloody gown for a clean one, and began the procedure. He called in an assistant named Adiran and had Ampelius step aside to give them space. For what felt like hours, Mark worked meticulously. Finally, the stitches were embedded, and a non-adherent dressing was applied with adhesive tape to secure it. Mark removed his gloves, gown, and face shield, then approached Ampelius, who was half-asleep in the chair. Startled, Ampelius barely recognized Mark without his medical gear. He was a young, thin man in his mid-thirties who looked like he hadn¡¯t eaten in days.


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s just me. The wound¡¯s cleaned and stitched up. I didn¡¯t find any foreign objects, but keep the dressing dry and in place. I¡¯ll give you some extra bandages. Come see me in a few days for a follow-up. This is assuming we¡¯re all still alive. She¡¯s lucky,¡± Mark said.


    ¡°Thanks. Is there a place we can rest for the night? We¡¯ve been through a lot and could use some sleep.¡±


    ¡°You can stay here for a few hours or until we need the room,¡± Mark replied before leaving and closing the door behind him. Ampelius glanced over at Bella, who was already asleep. Given what they¡¯d been through, it was no surprise. They were both exhausted.


    Ampelius settled into the office chair, trying to get comfortable, and drifted off to sleep.


    Sometime later, a loud bang¡ªlike metal striking metal¡ªechoed through the room, followed by a female scream. Ampelius jolted awake and immediately noticed Bella was no longer in bed. The door remained closed, with no light seeping from beneath it. The only illumination came from the faint glow of candles.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Ampelius muttered, his voice echoing in the silence. He carefully approached the door and opened it. Stepping into the hallway, he found the building eerily calm. No candles lit the waiting area, and the emptiness unsettled him. An unnatural chill seeped into the air, making his skin prickle. Where is everyone?


    As he turned back toward the hallway, a high-pitched scream from outside startled him. A woman burst through the entrance, shouting, ¡°Run! They¡¯re coming!¡± Before Ampelius could react, a blinding blue flash erupted outside, freezing the woman in place. Her foot was suspended mid-step, and her arm raised behind her like a mannequin caught in motion.


    Ampelius rushed toward her but couldn¡¯t move her. She was solid as stone, frozen in place. A buzzing sensation filled the air around her, an energy that made the hairs on his neck stand on end. The cold seemed to intensify, creeping through his skin and into his bones. A shock wave erupted from her, knocking him onto his back.


    Before he could regain his footing, a blue orb appeared above her frozen body. It scanned her from head to toe, then rose toward the ceiling, glowing brighter. With a piercing flash, it struck her in the chest, transforming her into a thick blue gel. For a moment, her human form remained intact before she splashed into a puddle.The blue orb then locked onto him. A shock wave rippled through the air just as his world shattered.


    Ampelius gasped awake, lungs burning, the room still dark. His hands trembled. Bella was still asleep beside him. A dream¡­? It felt too real.


    ¡°That was some nightmare to wake up like that,¡± Saul said, startling Ampelius.


    ¡°And you scared the life out of me, you jackass,¡± Ampelius said, still catching his breath.


    ¡°Sorry. I was just checking in on you,¡± Saul replied, casually wiping down his shotgun. ¡°I get nightmares, too. Don¡¯t sleep much anymore. Every time I close my eyes, I see dead soldiers around our national banner. Then they start screaming my name, begging for help. And right before I wake up, one always pulls a gun and shoots me.¡±


    Ampelius remained silent, still calming his breath. Unexpectedly, Saul chuckled.


    ¡°My therapist says it¡¯s a flashback¡ªa common issue among combat veterans. The Emperor¡¯s even authorized a research campaign to help veterans, but as you know, warfare evolves. So does technology. What we have now is amazing, thanks to our enemies¡¯ innovations. Not all military tech serves just the military, you know.¡±


    Ampelius listened, a strange mix of empathy and disconnection surfacing. He felt haunted too, but Saul¡¯s recollection of banners, dead soldiers, and therapy felt foreign. His own nightmares felt raw and visceral but not well-worn like Saul¡¯s. He wondered if he¡¯d ever reach the point where horror simply became routine. For now, it gnawed at him, fresh and unpredictable.


    Ampelius zoned out as Saul rambled, his thoughts returning to the unsettling dream. Saul eventually noticed and paused.


    ¡°Aye, enough of my rambling,¡± Saul said, rubbing his eyes. ¡°Want to talk about your nightmare? My therapist says it helps.¡±


    Ampelius hesitated but then decided to share. He recounted the nightmare in detail¡ªthe frozen woman, the transformation. When he finished, Saul gave him a curious look but didn¡¯t comment. Instead, he pulled out a pack of cigarettes and offered one. Ampelius declined and stood up to stretch. Saul slid more slugs into his shotgun.


    As Saul prepared to leave, Ampelius felt a flicker of relief. He wasn¡¯t sure he could keep up with Saul¡¯s nonchalance about their shared horrors; he still fought to make sense of what he¡¯d seen. Even if Saul¡¯s perspective came with time, it was unsettling to imagine it, like growing numb to the darkness.


    ¡°Well, I should get back to guard duty. You¡¯ve got about two hours until sunrise, so rest up.


    Holler if you need anything,¡± Saul said, heading out.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Ampelius muttered. Bella was still sleeping, peaceful and sound.


    Ampelius heard footsteps approaching the door. Mark peered in.


    ¡°How are you two? Need anything?¡± Mark asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s still sleeping, but we¡¯re good, thanks,¡± Ampelius replied.


    ¡°No problem. Make sure she gets plenty of rest. The boss said you can stay for a few days to recuperate, but after that, you¡¯ll need to move on.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Ampelius muttered.


    Mark left as Ampelius sat back down. He realized he needed to relieve himself and, frustrated by the long line at the bathroom, decided to head outside. Once in the alleyway, he kept watch for anyone nearby. As he finished, movement between two skyscrapers caught his eye. Looking up, he saw a glowing blue orb speeding through the sky. His stomach tightened as panic surged through him; it was like seeing a ghost from his nightmare. The same blue orb, the same eerie glow. Had he really woken up, or was he still trapped in that twisted dream? Panic surged through him, and he quickly zipped up and dashed back inside.


    He moved past the reception desk and hurried down the hallway to the room where Bella was resting. Shaking her gently, he whispered, ¡°Bella, wake up! It¡¯s not safe here! I think they found us!¡±


    She groaned softly, turning her head away from him. ¡°Bella, if your snoring doesn¡¯t stop, I¡¯ll carry you out of here, and neither of us will enjoy that,¡± he said, more urgently.


    ¡°What? I¡¯m not snoring. Leave me alone before I stick my foot up your ass,¡± she mumbled, drifting back to sleep.


    Ampelius felt desperation rising. The voices outside the room grew louder as people started to panic, rushing past in both directions. ¡°Bella, those turtle shells know we¡¯re here. I saw a blue orb. We need to move now, or we¡ª¡±


    Screams sliced through his words, pulling him further into a surreal, dreamlike state. The d¨¦j¨¤ vu felt overwhelming, nearly suffocating him. Screams cut off his words from the waiting area. Ampelius ran to the door, peering out. People were running away from the entrance. Saul burst through the double doors, shouting, ¡°They found us!¡± A blinding blue flash illuminated the area behind him.


    Saul and everyone in the waiting area froze the second the flash hit. Ampelius nearly lost control when he realized Saul was caught in stasis, just like in his nightmare. He felt as if the line between reality and dream was blurring, leaving him disoriented and helpless. How was this happening again?


    Outside, several people stood frozen, facing the entrance, as if they had been trying to escape. The orb scanned them one by one until it paused over a pregnant woman, focusing its laser on her stomach before disappearing. A moment later, a wire-like tentacle emerged from above, wrapping around the woman and lifting her out of sight.


    Inside, Saul remained immobilized, his breathing the only sign of life. The stasis field didn¡¯t extend far, as people were still running past Ampelius. He knew, just like in his nightmare, that Saul¡¯s body would be as solid as stone, but he didn¡¯t dare test that theory.


    Ampelius calculated the orb¡¯s rhythm, its movements disturbingly deliberate, as if it had all the time in the world. His mind raced, thoughts fragmented: Three seconds on each person¡­ don¡¯t move¡­ don¡¯t breathe. Every delay felt like an eternity; the tension wound so tightly in his chest he thought he might snap. Looking back outside, Ampelius watched the orb strike each person, turning them into blue liquid.


    Each splash marked a tragic end as the orb moved methodically, leaving no one behind. It finally hovered over Saul, scanning him from head to toe. Ampelius stood paralyzed, watching the nightmare unfold in real life. He gritted his teeth, helpless anger creeping beneath the terror. This can¡¯t be happening¡­ but it was. The horror of his dream was real, and he felt trapped between disbelief and the harsh reality unfolding before him. As expected, the orb struck Saul¡¯s chest, transforming him into a thick blue gel that briefly held his form before splashing to the ground.


    The orb then exited through the double doors, disappearing into the sky. The once chaotic scene now felt eerily silent, and Ampelius fought to suppress his panic. He rushed back into the room to get Bella while survivors crowded into the hallway, fear etched on their faces.


    As Ampelius reentered the room, the blue orb returned, flooding the hallway with its light. His pulse quickened, counting down as it approached¡ªtwo seconds, one second¡­ wait. A sudden flash froze everyone left in the corridor. Bella, still asleep, remained oblivious to what was happening outside. Suddenly, Mark appeared from behind a cabinet, startling Ampelius. He raised a finger to his lips, signaling for silence, and gestured for Ampelius to follow him to a far corner, away from the door and Bella.


    They watched helplessly as the orb scanned the remaining people in the hallway, moving faster than before. Each person it scanned turned into blue liquid. Ampelius and Mark pressed themselves against the wall, hearts pounding as the orb moved closer. They both glanced at Bella, praying she wouldn¡¯t attract attention.


    Ampelius mouthed to Mark, ¡°Help me get her.¡± Mark sighed but nodded. They moved as slowly as possible toward Bella, their movements deliberate and cautious. Just as they were about to reach her, the blue orb appeared again. They quickly retreated to the wall, holding their breath, waiting in silence.


    The orb scanned the room methodically, its eerie blue light casting unsettling shadows. Ampelius and Mark watched in tense silence as it hovered closer. The d¨¦j¨¤ vu was disorienting, his heart pounding in his ears. The nightmare¡¯s twisted scenes flickered in his mind, but this was real. The same orb, the same terror¡ªhe felt as if reality itself was slipping away. The tension was unbearable as the orb passed over them, scanning the room. It paused over Bella when it seemed the orb might move on. Ampelius¡¯s heart raced as he watched, helpless, but then, as if by miracle, the orb moved away, continuing its scan of the building.


    Ampelius let out a silent sigh of relief. Mark gestured for them to stay still a little longer.


    After what felt like an eternity, the orb finally exited the room, its light fading as it moved down the hallway. Ampelius and Mark waited a few more moments before cautiously approaching Bella again.


    ¡°We need to move her now,¡± Ampelius whispered urgently.


    Mark nodded, and together, they carefully lifted Bella, moving as quietly as possible, guiding her to the back of the room, away from the door and the orb¡¯s path.


    As they reached the far corner, Ampelius gently set Bella down, ensuring she was comfortable and hidden from view. Mark checked the hallway for any signs of the orb¡¯s return.


    ¡°Is it gone?¡± Ampelius asked, barely audible.


    ¡°For now,¡± Mark replied, his expression grim. ¡°But we need to be ready to move. These things don¡¯t give up easily.¡±


    Ampelius nodded, his mind racing with their next move. They had to find a way out, but for now, staying hidden was their best option. He glanced at Bella, still peacefully asleep, hoping they could keep her safe until they escaped this nightmare.

 Chapter 7: Whispers of the Vanished

    Ampelius and Mark unknowingly held their breath, their anxiety mounting as the blue liquid began creeping into the room. Ampelius¡¯ heart pounded with a mix of terror and anger; he was watching helplessly as this merciless force hunted them down, and there was nothing he could do. The frustration tightened in his chest. The orb briefly illuminated the space with its unsettling blue glow as it passed by, seemingly unaware of their presence. It continued striking down people in the hallway before fading into the darkness, leaving the room in pitch-black silence.


    They exhaled a collective sigh of relief, sitting quietly for several minutes, knowing the orb was still somewhere in the building. After what felt like an eternity, Ampelius motioned to Mark and pointed at Bella, still asleep. Ampelius crawled over to her, gesturing for Mark to follow. Slowly and as silently as possible, they approached her bed, amazed at her ability to sleep through the chaos.


    Ampelius gently tapped her on the shoulder, trying to rouse her without startling her. When she didn¡¯t respond, he tapped her again. Just then, a sudden movement at the door caught his attention. A large, bulky figure with humanoid features walked past the doorway and disappeared down the hallway. Ampelius¡¯ breath hitched, unsure if his eyes were playing tricks on him when a faint light bloomed once more in the darkness¡ªthe orb was back.


    Ampelius felt his chest tighten, the air around him growing heavy. He could barely suppress the rising panic as the light hovered closer. His mind raced, an uncontrollable swirl of thoughts: What if it doesn¡¯t leave? What if she moves? What if it takes her? His hands trembled as he gripped the revolver, every instinct screaming to act, but knowing any noise could be fatal. He closed his eyes for a fleeting second, mentally willing the orb to move away. Stay calm. Stay quiet. Please, just move on.


    As the light moved closer, Ampelius felt his blood run cold. Fear clashed violently with a surge of anger bubbling beneath the surface. He clenched his jaw, the weight of their powerlessness pressing down on him. How could this thing move so freely, so easily, while they cowered like prey? A wave of fury at his own helplessness rippled through him, fighting the terror that kept him rooted in place. His heart pounded in his chest as the oppressive silence closed in, each beat like a drum in his ears.


    ¡°Something just went by the door! I don¡¯t know what it was, but I don¡¯t think it was human!¡± Ampelius whispered urgently, his voice trembling. He felt a pang of guilt for scaring Mark, but he knew he had to be honest. Whatever that thing was, they couldn¡¯t ignore it. The orb hovered for a moment longer, its blue light lingering on the wall as though searching for something unseen. Then, without warning, it dimmed and floated silently down the hallway, leaving the room in shadow once again.


    Mark¡¯s eyes widened in alarm as the gravity of Ampelius¡¯s words sank in. They both crouched down and hid behind the bed, their bodies tense with anticipation. The room was filled with an oppressive silence, broken only by their shallow breathing. Ampelius¡¯s mind raced, and he suddenly remembered his concealed revolver. With trembling hands, he pulled it out and aimed it at the door, ready to shoot whatever might come through.


    He gripped the cold metal tightly, a rare flicker of control steadying his breath. Memories of revolver training in the wilderness resurfaced¡ªonce a routine exercise, now a lifeline. The setting was different, but the fundamentals remained the same. Stay calm. Be ready.


    "Steady your breath," his cousin had said, his voice calm and measured. "Focus on your target, and don¡¯t rush your shot."


    The memory settled over him like a brief lull in the storm. Ampelius inhaled slowly, aligning himself with the lesson. The hallway was silent, save for distant footsteps fading into the darkness.


    His grip tightened around the revolver, muscles coiled like springs. He met Mark¡¯s gaze with fear and determination mirrored in his eyes. For a brief moment, they shared an unspoken understanding: they weren¡¯t alone in this. Whatever was out there could return at any moment.


    And when it did, they would be ready.


    Ampelius¡¯s mind was sharp, his senses heightened. The memory of the wilderness trip faded, replaced by the reality of their situation. He pushed aside the fear, feeling a strange defiance rise in him, as if challenging the figure or the orb to come closer. If he was going to face this nightmare, he¡¯d do it on his feet.


    After a few tense moments, Ampelius gestured for Mark to stay put and cautiously approached the door. Taking a deep breath and holding it, he stepped into the hallway, revolver in hand and ready to shoot. He aimed down the direction where he had seen the figure, but there was nothing but darkness. Turning his head, he looked toward the reception area where Saul had met his demise. The double doors were still open, casting a faint glow from outside. The blue liquefied remains stained the floor, trailing all the way to his feet.


    He glanced down and realized he was standing in the goo. The sight made him nauseous, triggering a flashback of Saul and the woman from his nightmare being vaporized. The haunting images swirled in his mind, but he shook them off, forcing himself to focus on the present.


    Looking down at the gelled remains, he noticed footprints imprinted in the blue liquid, leading from the door past him and further into the hallway. Tracking each step with his eyes, he followed the trail deeper inside. The prints led him to look over his shoulder, and he froze.


    A tall, bulky humanoid figure stood by the doorway to the room where Bella and Mark were hiding. Ampelius¡¯s heart pounded so hard he thought it might stop from fear alone. The figure loomed ominously, like the shadow of a ghost.


    Ampelius felt a spark of defiance light within him, overriding his fear. He raised the revolver, refusing to let this creature control his fate any longer. He squeezed the trigger; each shot an act of sheer will. He fired all six bullets into the shadowy figure. The shots rang out, echoing in the silence, but the figure remained unfazed. Now visibly angry, it charged forward.


    Ampelius desperately tried to fire again, but the revolver was empty. As the figure closed in, Ampelius braced himself, but then, suddenly, the creature collapsed, falling to the ground right in front of him.


    Shocked and horrified, Ampelius unknowingly held his breath, his finger still squeezing the trigger as he let out a large exhale. He stood there, staring down at the motionless figure at his feet, trying to process what had just happened. After a moment, he called out for Mark, his eyes still fixed on the spot.


    Mark cautiously peered out from behind the bed, his face a mask of sheer terror. ¡°I think it¡¯s dead,¡± Ampelius said, looking down at the dark humanoid figure.


    Mark glanced at the area where Ampelius was staring but saw nothing but the blue gel and a footprint. He scanned the room for any sign of a body but found none. ¡°What are you talking about? What¡¯s dead?¡±


    ¡°What? What do you mean? It¡¯s right here! Directly in front of me!¡± Ampelius insisted, but when he looked back down, there was nothing, just the gel and the embedded footprints leading up to where he stood. Confused, he frantically looked around, like someone who had lost sight of a spider. His stomach churned as he tried to rationalize what had just happened. Could the stress and fear have made him hallucinate? Or was there something else at play here, something beyond his understanding?


    ¡°Ampelius?¡± Bella¡¯s feeble voice called out from the room.


    Hearing her, Ampelius sprinted back inside. Bella was slowly trying to move, struggling to get up as he entered. He rushed to her side, supporting her as she tried to sit up and then gently guiding her back down.


    ¡°Whoa, hey, be careful. Let¡¯s take it slow.¡± Ampelius gently supported Bella as she attempted to stand, nearly collapsing as mind-shattering pain shot through her wound.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think walking is a luxury I can afford right now,¡± she gasped, struggling to catch her breath.


    ¡°Hey, Mark, are there any painkillers we can give her?¡± Ampelius asked urgently, his concern evident.


    ¡°Unfortunately, deep in the tunnels, we stashed most of the medical supplies elsewhere. We ran out of what little we kept up here before you two showed up. Someone did make a run to get more, but they never returned. I¡¯m unsure if we can still access the tunnel from here, but we can try. We probably shouldn¡¯t stay here much longer,¡± Mark explained.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s just great! What are we waiting for? Let¡¯s go!¡± Ampelius said, his determination rising.


    ¡°There¡¯s only one problem,¡± Mark interjected. ¡°We need a key to access the entrance. The person who made the run has the only key, which also unlocks the storage lockers where we keep the supplies. The door itself is easy enough to break, but that would make a lot of noise. The lockers, though, are very well secured, and I don¡¯t think we can break into them quickly.¡±


    ¡°When were the medical supplies stashed?¡± Bella asked, wincing from the pain.


    ¡°They¡¯ve been stashing them gradually over the last several months. The Iron Vandals, which you might have heard of, were preparing for a major operation in the city against the Roman occupiers before... whatever this is happened,¡± Mark explained.


    ¡°Are you one of the Vandals?¡± Ampelius asked, his suspicion clear.


    ¡°I¡¯m not an official member, but I was paid well for my services as their doctor. Anyone you saw armed was an official Iron Vandal member. Saul was one of their leaders. Everyone else here was just people trying to survive who got caught up in all this,¡± Mark replied.


    Ampelius was shocked to learn that the thugs who had nearly killed him were Iron Vandals. He wasn¡¯t sure if he could trust Mark, but given their dire situation, he had little choice. ¡°Well, take us to this entrance you talked about. I only have three rounds left for this, and it¡¯s not going to do much,¡± he said, loading the remaining bullets into his revolver.


    ¡°I¡¯m actually surprised they didn¡¯t search you. I wouldn¡¯t have thought they¡¯d let you through with that. Anyway, follow me,¡± Mark said.


    He peeked his head out the door, signaling the all-clear, then stepped into the hallway, turning right into the darkness. Ampelius and Bella followed as quickly as they could manage. As they exited, Ampelius glanced back at the spot where he had sworn he saw the shadowy figure fall, but there was nothing there. His anxiety grew stronger by the second.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Bella asked, noticing his unease.


    ¡°Nothing, everything is...¡± Ampelius began, but his attention snapped back to the hallway just in time to see Mark being lifted into the air. A tall, bulky creature had grabbed him, hoisting him off the ground. Ampelius watched in horror as he let Bella slip to the floor, her body falling into the liquid remains. Mark clutched at his throat, struggling to breathe as the beast choked him.


    Ampelius stood paralyzed, unable to act, as the creature drew a blue-glowing, gold-colored spear from its back and thrust it through Mark¡¯s chest. Mark went limp, hanging like a rag doll, and in an instant, his body vaporized, splashing onto the floor. For a fleeting moment, the glow from the spear illuminated the creature, revealing a mutated Neanderthal-like outline covered in octagonal armor plates.


    The Zavon, Ampelius thought, naming the creature on the spot. It just stood there, staring at them. Enough with the stare-down. Ampelius drew his revolver like a gunslinger and fired his three remaining rounds. The Zavon didn¡¯t flinch as its armor deflected each bullet effortlessly. Oh crap, Ampelius thought.


    Expecting the same fate as Mark, Ampelius dropped to his knees and closed his eyes as the Zavon began advancing toward them. Bella lay motionless on the floor, resembling a lifeless slug. Suddenly, a loud, muffled explosion erupted from outside, followed by a fireball bursting through the ceiling, striking the Zavon, and punching through the floor.


    Ampelius opened his eyes to see light streaming through a gaping hole in the roof. The crater on the floor below glowed brightly, illuminated like a spotlight.


    ¡°I guess it¡¯s officially dawn,¡± Ampelius said, staring at the light.


    ¡°I guess you¡¯re right,¡± Bella replied weakly.


    Ampelius helped Bella to her feet, her clothes now covered in the thick blue liquid of the deceased. They limped forward toward the splintered hole in the ground and peered down. The fireball had exposed the metro tunnel directly below them. Looking up through the hole in the roof, Ampelius saw the skyscraper next to the building, a large circular fire and black smoke billowing from it.


    ¡°That fireball must have hit that tall building before crashing down here,¡± Ampelius noted.


    ¡°Talk about timing and bad luck for that thing,¡± Bella replied.


    ¡°Yeah, right, haha. I think we can get down into the tunnel through here. I just hope that fireball doesn¡¯t suddenly rise up like the one we saw in the apartment. I don¡¯t see it down there¡ªoh wait, actually, I think I do,¡± Ampelius said, peering closer.


    Upon closer examination, they saw that most of the fireball had been decimated by the multiple impacts it made on each building. The smoldering wreckage of a turtle shell craft remained on the train tracks. It took them five careful minutes to navigate down into the tunnels. At a closer look, Ampelius examined the burning turtle shell and quickly realized it had been shot down.


    ¡°Bella, I think this thing was shot down,¡± he said.


    ¡°What? How could you possibly know that?¡± Bella asked.


    ¡°See this black molding gel substance here?¡± He pointed to the damaged sections of the craft. ¡°I think it protects the shell until it lands somewhere, then it opens up, revealing the machine or whatever it is. This molding gel has a small hole here and, on the opposite side, a larger one. This side could be the exit point of whatever penetrated it and exploded. I¡¯m not sure, but I don¡¯t think the molding is supposed to have a hole like this.¡±


    ¡°Well, what shot it down then?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It could have been an accident. Maybe it collided with something, or perhaps the Romans shot it down. I could be completely wrong, but this thing is definitely destroyed.¡±


    As he continued to study the wreckage, he noticed a decapitated arm within the debris. Looking closer, he saw it was covered in a whitish-brown fluid. Is this fuel? he wondered. Upon closer inspection, he realized it might actually be blood, as it seemed to be oozing from the arm itself. Ampelius recoiled in shock.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Bella asked, concern in her voice.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve found our friend. There¡¯s an arm here; I think its blood is whitish-brown.¡±


    "What?¡± she asked, bewildered.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I just... I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m looking at,¡± Ampelius replied, struggling to comprehend what he was seeing.


    ¡°Maybe the flames are affecting its actual color? Considering how dark it is down here, it may not be what it seems,¡± Bella suggested.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but let¡¯s get a move on before more show up. I don¡¯t want to stick around to find out,¡± Ampelius replied.


    They began making their way into the dark depths of the tunnel. It was pitch black, and they used the metal tracks beneath their feet to guide them forward. Ampelius kept glancing back at the smoldering wreckage, using it as a marker of their progress, until it finally disappeared from view. As he looked back again, an uneasy feeling gripped him as if something ominous was about to happen at the wreckage. Despite moving forward, his eyes remained fixed on the spot where the turtle shell had crashed.


    After about half a minute, a bright blue and red light shone over the wreckage from above. Trusting his instincts, Ampelius grabbed Bella and moved her toward the wall. Just as they reached a cutout in the wall, several shadows appeared from above, followed by a descending figure landing on the tracks next to the wreckage.


    ¡°Damn it, I wish we could¡¯ve made it further! Didn¡¯t take them long to show up, did it?¡± Ampelius whispered.


    The shadowy figure stood by the wreckage when a bright purple orb on its back detached and hovered over the burning debris, scanning it. Two more figures descended from above, landing on the tracks and walking off in separate directions, each carrying what looked like weapons. Ampelius squinted to get a better look at the approaching figure as it walked past a burning pile¡ªit was another Zavon.


    Just like the one from before, this creature was humanoid in form. Ampelius guessed these Zavons stood about seven feet tall, towering over him by at least fourteen inches. They had the facial features of Neanderthals, or at least that was the closest comparison he could make. Each wore a mix of maroon and black octagonal armor, with patches of exposed skin that were dark brown, almost black in color.


    ¡°Who are they, and what do they want?¡± he wondered silently.


    The orb finished scanning the wreckage and began floating slowly in their direction, its beam sweeping over the tracks. Ampelius and Bella pressed themselves as close as they could to the wall, holding their breath as it passed by, narrowly avoiding detection. When the scan stopped, Ampelius peeked out and saw the Zavons. All three were now facing their direction as if they had been detected. One of them knelt down as the orb highlighted two sets of footprints leading away from the wreckage. The Zavon pointed toward them, and all three began advancing with their weapons raised, the glowing footprints marking a trail that led straight to them.


    Ampelius started hyperventilating, panic setting in. He knew they would be spotted if they moved, and if they stayed, they would be found.


    ¡°They¡¯re tracking us with that orb. I can see our footprints highlighted on the ground. I think we¡¯re done; our luck has run out,¡± Ampelius whispered to Bella, his voice trembling.


    They huddled together, bracing for the inevitable. Suddenly, a hiss and a screech echoed from the pitch-black tunnel, drawing Ampelius¡¯s attention. He looked into the darkness just as a blinding floodlight switched on, illuminating the three Zavons. The creatures staggered back, shielding their eyes from the blinding light.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Shoot those bastards!¡± a voice called out.


    A heavy machine gun roared to life, its muzzle flashes lighting up the tunnel like strobe lights. The barrage of bullets tore through the Zavons, their bodies collapsing to the ground as whitish-brown liquid oozed from each new hole. I guess their armor is no match for those guns, Ampelius thought, watching in shock.


    As the gunfire ceased, the blood of the Zavons sprayed out violently, pooling between the tracks. Ampelius turned toward the spotlight, hearing numerous voices as the light swung over to them. They raised their hands slowly, not daring to make any sudden movements for fear of being mistaken for enemies. After what felt like an eternity, the faint outline of a train emerged from the darkness, moving closer until it came to a stop with a final hiss and screech. Several armed figures moved about on the train, some jumping off.


    Two of them flanked a man wearing a beret with a wolf patch on it as he approached. The armed escorts, rifles at the ready, watched Ampelius and Bella warily.


    ¡°You two can put your hands down; we¡¯re not here to hurt you,¡± the man said, his voice calm but commanding.

 Chapter 8: A Debt of Survival

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Ampelius demanded, his voice edged with suspicion.


    ¡°Legion Legate Commander Corvinus, New Roma Territory, Third Garrison Legion,¡± the man replied in a measured tone, his eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed the pair before him.


    Bella, standing beside Ampelius, crossed her arms. ¡°About time the military shows up,¡± she remarked, her voice tinged with a mix of relief and frustration. ¡°Better late than never, I guess.¡±


    Corvinus raised an eyebrow. ¡°So, how did you two end up down here?¡±


    Ampelius took a deep breath and recounted everything from their escape from the apartment to their encounters with the mysterious creatures. Corvinus listened intently, his expression growing graver with each detail.


    ¡°Those things,¡± Corvinus said after a moment, ¡°whatever they are, are incredibly tough to kill without the right ammunition. Their armor can withstand almost everything we throw at them except armor-piercing rounds. We¡¯ve had several encounters with them since the attacks began, and that¡¯s the only thing that seems to work. Unfortunately, that type of ammo is in short supply. We¡¯ve been burning through it faster than we can resupply. It¡¯s not something garrison units typically carry, especially in the autonomous zones. You two are lucky to have survived an encounter.¡±


    ¡°I call them Zavons,¡± Ampelius said firmly. ¡°What do you know about them? Why are they attacking this city and killing everyone?¡±


    Corvinus looked thoughtful for a moment. ¡°Zavons, huh? That¡¯s a fitting name. How did you come up with it?¡±


    "It¡¯s a name from my childhood," Ampelius explained. "My friend and I used to play war games and fight imaginary monsters, that¡¯s what we called them."


    Corvinus nodded. ¡°Creative. I might borrow that name. As for what we know, it¡¯s not much. They seem to be using volcanoes to launch their attacks. Until recently, they were targeting military installations near volcanoes, whether dormant or extinct. They¡¯ve been incredibly effective, wiping out entire bases one by one. About two weeks ago, Mount Bonavern in Italia was the first to go. The eruption sent a glowing green cloud over the nearby military installation, and there were no survivors. That base was just a few hours from Roma, where the emperor was at the time.¡±


    Ampelius¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°How many bases have been destroyed?¡±


    "Since the Mount Bonavern incident, nearly a dozen bases across the planet have been wiped out," Corvinus said grimly. "As of yesterday, every major city near a volcano has come under attack by these Zavons. This is no isolated event, it¡¯s a full-scale, coordinated assault spanning the entire globe. The Roman military is mobilizing what remains of our forces to defend the territories, but we¡¯re stretched thin."


    He paused, his expression darkening. "These attacks aren¡¯t random. It feels like they¡¯re systematically dismantling our defenses and targeting us where it hurts most."


    ¡°Wait, what do you mean by that?¡± Ampelius asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.


    ¡°They¡¯re targeting our strategic points. Military bases, research facilities, and even communication hubs near volcanic sites. It¡¯s as if they know exactly where to strike to cause the most damage.¡± Corvinus¡¯s expression was grave. ¡°And we¡¯re struggling to keep up. Armor-piercing rounds are the only effective ammunition, and we¡¯re burning through them faster than we can resupply.¡±


    Ampelius felt a cold chill run down his spine. ¡°I call them Zavons,¡± he said, trying to regain some sense of control. ¡°Why are they attacking this city and killing everyone?¡±


    ¡°Zavons, huh?¡± Corvinus¡¯s lips twitched in what could almost be a smile. ¡°Fitting name. How did you come up with it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a name from my childhood,¡± Ampelius explained, his voice distant. ¡°My friend and I used to play war games and would fight imaginary monsters.¡±


    Corvinus nodded thoughtfully. ¡°Creative. I might borrow that name.¡± He glanced at the soldiers around him, their faces tense as they listened to the conversation. ¡°We don¡¯t know much about them. What we do know is that they¡¯re using volcanoes as launch sites. Until recently, they targeted military installations near both active and dormant volcanoes. The first base to fall was Mount Bonavern in Italia¡ªabout two weeks ago. The eruption sent a glowing green cloud over the installation, and there were no survivors. That base was just a few hours from Roma, where the Emperor was at the time.¡±


    A heavy silence hung in the air as Ampelius absorbed the information. Bella, standing beside him, shook her head. ¡°This is insane. How are we supposed to fight back?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re doing what we can, but we need more than just firepower,¡± Corvinus said. ¡°Right now, survival is our priority.¡±


    Before Ampelius could respond, a sudden, ear-splitting crash echoed through the tunnel. The wreckage ahead groaned under the weight of something massive, followed by the eerie glow of a bluish light seeping through the cracks. The soldiers tensed, their eyes darting toward the source of the noise. In the next heartbeat, dozens of mechanical tendrils snaked through the gaping hole in the ceiling above.


    ¡°Incoming!¡± Corvinus barked, his voice slicing through the tension like a blade.


    The mounted machine guns on the train roared to life, spitting out a hail of bullets as the soldiers scrambled to defend their position. The air filled with the deafening rattle of gunfire, the blue light flickering ominously through the chaos.


    Ampelius and Bella watched in tense silence as the bullets ricocheted off the tendrils, sparking on impact but failing to penetrate the strange, vine-like appendages. The tendrils rapidly moved, enveloping the wreckage as if harvesting its remnants. Unscathed by the barrage, the tendrils began to coalesce, their movements fluid yet mechanical. In a mesmerizing display, they transformed into a circle of interconnected barrels, each resembling the barrel of a machine gun.


    ¡°Fall back! Prepare to flank!¡± Corvinus ordered, his eyes never leaving the emerging threat. His voice carried a mix of urgency and controlled fear, a testament to his experience. The soldiers moved in a practiced formation, creating a defensive line while maintaining their focus on the tendrils.


    The screams of two soldiers abruptly shattered the eerie quiet, their bodies crumpling to the ground, lifeless. No visible projectiles, no audible discharge¡ªjust the hauntingly brief flash of blue from the rotating barrels as they fired in sync, each shot landing with deadly precision.


    Ampelius barely had time to register the scene before another soldier fell, his chest erupting in an explosion of thick, blue liquid. ¡°Smoke out!¡± a voice rang out, followed by the pop of a smoke grenade. The tunnel rapidly filled with a dense cloud, obscuring everything in its path. Unsure if the enemy was still firing, Commander Corvinus barked orders for his soldiers to deploy a defensive shield barrier. In synchronized motion, they pushed the barrier into the exposed space between the train and the wall, inching it closer with every step.


    Ampelius turned to Bella, his concern evident. ¡°Are you okay? How¡¯s the wound holding up?¡±


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    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she replied, her voice strained. ¡°But I don¡¯t know how much longer we can keep this up.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll figure something out,¡± Ampelius said, his voice firm despite the fear gnawing at him.


    ¡°We have to.¡±


    Commander Corvinus, shifting his focus from the battlefield to Bella, frowned as he inspected her injury. ¡°This looks serious. My medics will check it out when we get back to base. We¡¯ve got a medical center with functioning equipment¡ªshe¡¯ll get the care she needs. But first, we need to get out of here.¡± He turned to his men, his voice rising with urgency. ¡°What¡¯s taking so long? Move it, soldiers!¡±


    A loud screech echoed through the tunnel, followed by a thunderous crack. The ground trembled as debris rained down from above. Through the haze of smoke, a red beam sliced through the darkness, casting ominous shadows of four soldiers caught in its path. In an instant, they were gunned down, their chests exploding with the same thick blue substance.


    ¡°I don¡¯t get it,¡± Ampelius muttered, his eyes wide with confusion. ¡°That blue stuff completely obliterated everyone I¡¯ve seen die before. Why did only the impact areas get hit this time?¡±


    Commander Corvinus, visibly agitated, snapped back to attention. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen them use a weapon like this before. They¡¯re adapting. We need to seal off this tunnel before more of them come through.¡±


    ¡°Are these Zavons elsewhere in the metro system?¡± Bella asked, her voice laced with anxiety.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Corvinus replied, his tone grim. ¡°They¡¯ve breached some of the tunnels, but we¡¯ve only encountered their foot soldiers and beasts.¡±


    ¡°Beasts?¡± Ampelius and Bella echoed, the word hanging heavy in the air.


    Corvinus nodded. ¡°Terrifying creatures. They can rip a man apart in seconds, but they¡¯re easy to kill from a distance. The problem is their numbers. Where there¡¯s one, there¡¯s usually a hundred more. We¡¯re struggling to hold them off, and every encounter seems to reveal a new kind of horror.¡±


    Two soldiers helped the remaining crew onto the train as the barrier finally locked into position. The machine, relentless in its assault, struck another soldier, wounding him. Blue liquid gushed from his body as he collapsed onto the tracks. The commander, seeing no other option, ordered a retreat.


    ¡°Captain, get us out of here now!¡± he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos.


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    The train lurched forward, gaining speed as it pulled away from the machine. Through a small gap in the barrier, Ampelius watched in horror as the machine morphed into a spear-like shape and impaled the wounded soldier, converting what remained of him into the blue liquid. The surviving soldiers could do nothing but watch as their comrade was consumed, their faces etched with helplessness.


    As the machine''s blue glow faded into the distance, silence fell over the train. The only sounds were the air rushing past and the rhythmic clatter of steel wheels on the tracks. Commander Corvinus, his face set in a grim mask of determination, attempted to make contact with the base.


    ¡°Command, this is Eagle, over.¡± Static crackled in response. After a few tense moments, a voice finally broke through.


    "Eagle, we copy. Go ahead with your transmission.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve engaged the enemy. Unknown technology. Multiple fatalities. We¡¯re bringing back two civilians, one in need of medical attention. Tunnel X is red, preparing for demolition upon exit. How copy?¡±


    ¡°Good copy, Eagle. Standby.¡±


    The train began to slow as it approached an abandoned station. Ampelius, exhausted, felt himself drifting into a light sleep, only to be jolted awake by the sight of dynamite strapped to the tunnel ceiling. His heart raced as he realized the implications. Commander Corvinus explained that the explosives would seal off the tunnel, theoretically preventing any further attacks from that direction.


    As the train came to a stop, two soldiers boarded, carrying detonators. Corvinus greeted them with a curt nod before ordering the train to continue back to base. He warned everyone to brace for the impending demolition. Before they could respond, a thunderous explosion rocked the tunnel, sending a shockwave of dust and debris cascading over the train. Ampelius noticed the engineers grinning with satisfaction, clearly proud of their work, but Corvinus was livid.


    ¡°IDIOTS! How long did you set that timer for?¡± he roared, slapping one of the soldiers to the ground.


    The soldier, stunned, scrambled to his feet, stammering, ¡°Ten seconds, sir! We thought¡ª¡±


    ¡°Ten seconds? We could have been buried alive!¡± Corvinus bellowed, his fury undeniable. He took a deep breath, visibly trying to control his temper. ¡°From now on, you don¡¯t make a move without my orders. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± the soldier replied, his voice trembling with fear and embarrassment.


    Corvinus turned away, still seething. Ampelius exchanged a nervous glance with Bella. The reality of their situation was settling in¡ªsurviving the Zavons was only one part of the battle. Now, they had to contend with the human element, where mistakes could be just as deadly.


    Before the situation could escalate, the captain interrupted. ¡°Commander, we¡¯ve received intel on a possible Vandal headquarters in Sector 3.¡±


    Ampelius¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°Really? Are they sure?¡±


    Corvinus hesitated, then nodded. ¡°We have to rearm and resupply first, but after that, we¡¯ll deal with those Vandals once and for all.¡±


    As the train neared the main base, Corvinus turned to Ampelius and Bella, offering them water. ¡°We¡¯ll get you treated and back on your feet, but medical care isn¡¯t free. There¡¯s a debt to be paid. However, if you accept my proposition, the debt will be erased.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the proposition?¡± Ampelius asked warily.


    ¡°We¡¯re low on manpower. Join our fight, and her treatment will be covered. The debt will be cleared when the Vandal headquarters is destroyed.¡±


    Ampelius glanced at Bella, her face pale and strained as she struggled to remain conscious. He felt a knot tighten in his stomach. His mind raced¡ªhe wasn¡¯t a soldier, and the thought of fighting terrified him. But Bella needed medical attention, and he couldn¡¯t bear the thought of losing her.


    ¡°And if I die?¡±


    ¡°The debt is considered paid. But if you back out, the debt remains, and you¡¯ll be forced into community service. That¡¯s not something I¡¯d recommend.¡±


    Ampelius¡¯s throat tightened. He felt trapped, cornered by circumstances beyond his control. ¡°Do I have any other options?¡±


    ¡°You can work odd jobs to pay it off, but it¡¯ll take a long time. Food and housing would add to your debt. We¡¯re doing our best to maintain law and order, but these are uncertain times. We need everyone to contribute.¡±


    He took a deep breath, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. He had never considered himself a fighter, but Bella needed him. With a heavy sigh, Ampelius agreed. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll do it. But do I get a weapon and some training?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll arm you with whatever we can spare. As for training, if you¡¯ve shot a gun before, that¡¯s good enough. There¡¯s no time for anything more advanced.¡±


    Ampelius was led through the base, passing by soldiers preparing for the next assault. Some of them eyed him warily, their faces gaunt and haggard from exhaustion.


    ¡°New recruit, huh?¡± one of them called out, a note of skepticism in his voice. ¡°You look like you¡¯ve seen a ghost.¡±


    Ampelius forced a weak smile. ¡°Feels like I¡¯ve been living in a nightmare.¡±


    A few soldiers chuckled dryly. ¡°Yeah, welcome to the club,¡± another one muttered. ¡°Hope you can shoot straight. We need all the help we can get.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best,¡± Ampelius replied, though his heart was pounding in his chest. He felt out of place, like a child pretending to be a warrior. But the soldiers nodded, a silent acknowledgment of the shared burden they all carried.


    The captain led him to a small room lined with weapons. ¡°Take your pick,¡± he said, gesturing to the array of guns and ammunition. ¡°We¡¯ll see about getting you some proper armor, but for now, just make sure you don¡¯t shoot yourself.¡±


    Ampelius stared at the weapons, a sense of dread washing over him. He reached out, hesitating, before picking up a rifle that felt solid and balanced in his hands. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. ¡°I won¡¯t let you down.¡±


    ¡°See that you don¡¯t,¡± the captain replied, his tone gruff but not unkind. ¡°We¡¯ve all got something to fight for. Make sure you remember what yours is.¡±


    Ampelius nodded, gripping the rifle tightly. He thought of Bella lying on that stretcher, and a steely resolve settled in his chest. ¡°I will.¡±


    Ampelius nodded, his mind already spinning with anxiety. He had used a gun before, sure, but he had never aimed at anything more dangerous than a wild boar. And now they wanted him to fight monsters. His hands clenched into fists. ¡°I¡¯ll make it work.¡±


    As they reached the base, medics rushed to Bella¡¯s side, lifting her onto a stretcher and taking her away. Ampelius tried to follow but was stopped by the captain.


    ¡°You can see her in recovery. Let the medics do their job. Now, you have a debt to pay. Follow me.¡±


    Ampelius watched Bella until she was out of sight. Reluctantly, he turned to follow the captain, the weight of his decision heavy on his shoulders. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get this done.¡±


    Corvinus observed Ampelius carefully, noting the man¡¯s tense shoulders and hesitant steps. He could see the fear and uncertainty in the young man¡¯s eyes, and he sympathized¡ªmore than he cared to admit. But they were desperate for fighters. Too many good men had already been lost, and he couldn¡¯t afford to be lenient. Every able body counted.


    ¡°He¡¯s not a soldier,¡± Corvinus thought, watching Ampelius struggle to keep pace. ¡°But he¡¯s got something to fight for. That¡¯s more than I can say for some of the recruits we¡¯ve taken in.¡± He shook his head, pushing down the guilt that gnawed at him. Desperate times called for desperate measures. They needed every ounce of strength they could muster to fend off the attacks.

 Chapter 9: Between Two Wars

    Ampelius followed the captain into a large conference room packed with soldiers and a few civilian volunteers, all seated in neat rows of chairs. Commander Corvinus stood at a podium on a small stage, his sharp gaze scanning the room as he shuffled through a stack of papers. When the commander noticed Ampelius and the captain enter, he gestured toward the open seats. Ampelius scanned the room and spotted an empty chair near the back, where the volunteers appeared to be seated apart from the soldiers.


    As he walked through the room, Ampelius couldn¡¯t help but feel the weight of their stares. The soldiers¡¯ eyes, hardened by battle, held a mix of exhaustion and determination. In contrast, the volunteers, all civilians like himself, wore fear and uncertainty on their faces, a fragile veneer hiding the terror underneath. He thought about the divide between the experienced fighters and those like him, thrust into a reality they hadn¡¯t trained for.


    Ampelius took his seat near a man whose hands shook slightly, a nervous energy radiating from him. His bloodshot eyes and hollow expression betrayed sleepless nights. Ampelius inhaled the stale scent of tobacco and sweat mingling with the heavy tension that hung over the room. He felt out of place among the soldiers and uneasy among the volunteers. Why had he agreed to be here? Did he even belong in this room, with its promise of life-or-death decisions? A part of him wanted to rise and walk away, but the weight of his choice¡ªand the faces of those he had already lost¡ªkept him rooted in place.


    The commander raised his hand, and the room fell silent. He began with a roll call, each soldier responding with their rank and name, the ritualistic responses echoing off the cold walls. It was as if the names were a lifeline, grounding them in the chaos that had become their reality.


    After the final name was called, the room observed a moment of silence for those who had fallen in the last 24 hours. Ampelius bowed his head, his thoughts momentarily drifting to the faces of the people he had lost, friends, comrades, all swallowed by the relentless storm that had engulfed the city. The image of their faces weighed on him, a mixture of grief and guilt tightening his chest. He clenched his fists in his lap, willing himself to focus. He was still here, still breathing, but how much longer could he hold onto that fragile thread of survival?


    Commander Corvinus then held up the papers for everyone to see.


    ¡°Gentlemen, these are the orders from the emperor himself. We¡¯ve been tasked with striking the last stronghold of the Vandals here in Vetera. You might wonder why we¡¯re focusing on this when the invaders are our primary threat. The answer is simple: we can handle both. The Vandals are exploiting the city''s destruction to regroup and expand their influence. They remain hostile and dangerous, and we must eliminate them while we still have the chance. Any questions?¡±


    A ripple of murmurs spread through the room. Ampelius couldn¡¯t help but wonder if anyone here truly believed they could handle both enemies at once. The Vandals were ruthless, but the invaders, those terrifying forces from beyond, were something else entirely. As the murmurs circulated, Ampelius¡¯ thoughts drifted, unbidden, to the faces of those he¡¯d lost. He saw his next-door neighbor, her face etched with kindness, now burned into his memory as the beautiful girl taken by the green smoke. Saul came to mind, steady and pragmatic, even in the worst moments of panic. Then Mark, who had faced the impossible with quiet courage. Lastly, Emmett. His cousin¡¯s face lingered the longest, a mixture of confidence and hope that seemed invincible. But Emmett had disappeared without a trace, leaving behind questions Ampelius couldn¡¯t answer. Was he alive? Was he dead? He had no idea. Each memory pierced him, reopening wounds that bled invisibly beneath his calm facade. The weight of their absence pressed on him like a silent burden he couldn¡¯t put down, a constant reminder that he was still here, still breathing, when so many others weren¡¯t.


    Ampelius¡¯ thoughts were interrupted by a soldier raising his hand, the unexpected motion pulling him back to the present ¡°Commander¡±, with all due respect, if we focus on the Vandals now, aren¡¯t we spreading our resources thin? The invaders could strike at any moment. We might be playing right into their hands.¡± Corvinus¡¯s eyes locked onto him, unwavering. ¡°An excellent point, but this is not a choice between enemies. It¡¯s a matter of ensuring our own survival. The Vandals are using the chaos to destabilize our ranks. If we don¡¯t eliminate their leadership now, we¡¯ll face a two-front war, and that¡¯s something we cannot afford. We strike hard and fast, and then we return to deal with the invaders.¡±


    Ampelius nodded reflexively, though the knot in his stomach tightened further. The logic was sound uncomfortably so, but the cold calculation in Corvinus¡¯s tone sent a chill through him. Survival at all costs. That was the Empire¡¯s way, and he couldn¡¯t deny its effectiveness. Yet, it left no room for the individuals who bore the brunt of those costs, the soldiers, the civilians, the lives traded for tactical advantage. Ampelius suppressed the flicker of doubt creeping into his mind. If this was survival, what exactly were they fighting to preserve?


    The commander continued, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "Each of you will be assigned a squad. Civilians will be paired with experienced soldiers. We need every hand available if we are to succeed. You''ll be briefed in more detail after this meeting. Keep your focus, follow your orders, and we will prevail."


    Ampelius glanced at the faces around him, noting the mixture of steely determination and quiet fear. He clenched his fists in his lap, bracing himself. Whether or not he agreed with the Empire¡¯s approach, there was no turning back now.


    Ampelius turned to the man beside him again, who had lit his cigarette despite the earlier offer. He took a long drag and exhaled slowly, his gaze fixed on the floor. "Think we''ll survive this?" the man asked quietly, barely loud enough for Ampelius to hear.


    Ampelius hesitated before answering, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on him. "I don''t know," he finally said. "But we don¡¯t really have a choice, do we?" The man nodded, his face etched with a grim resignation. Ampelius felt the same heavy pull of inevitability. He glanced back toward the stage, where Commander Corvinus is still talking. "We''re being asked to fight on two fronts," Ampelius thought, his mind racing. "But how can we hope to win when we barely understand what we''re up against?"


    ¡°Volunteers, I know you''re eager to settle your debts, but don¡¯t expect this mission to be quick. This isn¡¯t a simple job where you can cash out after a few hours of work. There¡¯s no partial payment for leaving early, you either complete the task or return empty-handed. If you die, and you''re doing this for someone else, your debt will be considered paid. No half measures here; it''s all or nothing. You¡¯ll receive your weapons on the train since you¡¯re not authorized to enter the armory. If you want out, decide before we board. After that, there¡¯s no backing out. This is your last chance. Any questions?¡±


    The air in the room felt heavier after the commander¡¯s words, the finality of the mission sinking in. Ampelius scanned the faces of the other volunteers, seeing a mix of fear, resolve, and a glimmer of hope. For many, this was a gamble, not just for themselves but for the people waiting for their success. But then one of the volunteers stood up. ¡°Sir, what weapons will we be issued, and how much ammunition are we expecting?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll get either a RIAR-35 or a shotgun,¡± the commander replied bluntly. ¡°As for ammo, you''ll get enough to get the job done.¡±


    Ampelius noted the vagueness of the response. ¡°Enough to get the job done¡± wasn¡¯t exactly reassuring. It could mean just enough to survive¡ªor barely enough to scrape by. Was the ambiguity intentional? Lower their expectations so no one dared to hope for more? He clenched his jaw, feeling the unease settle deeper. Another volunteer spoke up. ¡°What exactly is our mission? Are we providing support?¡±


    ¡°Yes. You¡¯ll be rear security under the command of two of my soldiers. Rear security might not sound like much, but it¡¯s critical. Your task is critical: protect the rear and prevent any unauthorized personnel from breaching our lines. You¡¯ll set up a checkpoint and ensure no one passes without clearance. One mistake and our assault could be compromised. This allows our trained soldiers to focus on the assault. Take your role seriously. Any more questions?¡±


    Ampelius felt a knot tighten in his stomach. Rear security and keeping watch, holding the line, waiting for an attack that could come from anywhere at any moment. The role sounded deceptively simple, but he knew better. Rear security was often the first to falter under pressure, the first to feel the enemy¡¯s unexpected fury. It wasn¡¯t a role for someone who wanted to survive unnoticed, it was where the real danger often lurked.


    Silence followed. The commander nodded, reminded them of the departure time, and left the room. As the doors swung shut behind him, the tension in the room eased only slightly. Ampelius exchanged glances with the other volunteers. Some looked relieved, others on the verge of panic. Ampelius hesitated, uncertain if he had made the right choice. He had signed up, but now the reality of what lay ahead weighed heavily on him. He had been in dangerous situations before, but this felt different. There was no clear enemy only chaos, and too many things could go wrong. After a moment, he followed the others out, heading toward the station.


    The transformation of the civilian terminal into a military hub caught his attention, though the soldiers frequently reminded him to keep pace. The once bustling station was now filled with armed personnel, makeshift barricades, and stacks of supplies. Civilians, those who had volunteered or had debts to settle, moved through the terminal, trying not to look too long at the uniformed soldiers who marched past with a sense of purpose.


    As they neared the train platform, the clanging of machinery and the steady hum of engines filled the air. The train itself loomed large, armored and foreboding, a stark contrast to the civilian transports Ampelius was used to. He swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the decision he had made. At the platform, the volunteers lined up to receive their weapons. Ampelius was issued an RISAR-35, a semi-automatic rifle, cold and unfamiliar in his hands. The rifle felt off-balance, somehow lighter than it should be yet awkward to hold. It looked like a stripped-down version of the military-standard RIAR but clearly modified for civilian use, but less sophisticated, and it screamed of compromise.


    Ampelius shifted it in his grip, uneasy. It felt like a placeholder, not a weapon meant to face the horrors he¡¯d already witnessed. After a brief rundown from the armorer, he rejoined the group, where two Principales, their sharp gazes scanning for any sign of weakness, inspected the volunteers before boarding. Ampelius couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the soldiers¡¯ scrutiny cut deeper than appearance; they seemed to weigh every hesitation, every uncertain glance, as if judging their very worth.


    Commander Corvinus greeted each volunteer personally with a handshake and a water bottle as they stepped onto the train. The gesture caught Ampelius off guard. It felt oddly personal but a nice momentary break in the otherwise unrelenting harshness of their reality. The commander¡¯s grip was firm, his eyes hard, as if silently assessing who would make it through the mission and who wouldn¡¯t. Ampelius couldn¡¯t help but feel a flicker of respect for the man¡¯s gesture, it wasn¡¯t necessary, but it was meaningful. At the same time, the handshake served as an important reminder: this mission could be his last. He wondered if the commander¡¯s empathy was genuine or simply the act of a leader trying to keep morale intact. The thought left him conflicted, teetering between loyalty to the Empire and growing unease about what survival here truly meant.


    Once aboard, the rhythmic chugging and clattering of steel wheels set the journey in motion. The train itself was far from the comfortable transports of the past. It was built for function, not comfort. Designed with metal seats, dim lighting, and the faint smell of oil and sweat permeated the carriage. Ampelius shifted uncomfortably on the hard seat, the weight of the rifle in his lap a constant reminder of what lays ahead. Principale Felix introduced himself to the volunteers and began explaining their mission.


    ¡°You¡¯ll follow my orders exactly,¡± Felix instructed. ¡°Our task is simple but important. We secure the rear, we let nothing get past us. You fail, and it¡¯s not just your life at risk; it¡¯s the whole mission. Rest while you can, we¡¯ll arrive within the hour.¡±


    The atmosphere within the train was oppressively tense, thick with anticipation. Some of the volunteers leaned back, trying to rest, while others fiddled nervously with their weapons, their fingers twitching over the cold metal as if searching for reassurance. Ampelius noticed one man¡¯s hands trembling uncontrollably, his knuckles white as he gripped his rifle. Another darted quick, panicked glances around the carriage, his wide eyes betraying the fear he couldn¡¯t contain. The reality of what was coming sinking in. Ampelius scanned their faces, some pale and slick with sweat, others wearing expressions of grim determination. The silence was broken only by shallow breathing and the occasional clink of weapons as people adjusted their gear. He could feel the weight of uncertainty with each person grappling with their own demons.


    Exhausted, Ampelius laid down, quickly falling asleep, only to be jolted awake by a nightmare of a Zavon attacking him. In the dream, the creature emerged from the shadows, its grotesque, hulking form twisted and unnatural. Its vaguely humanoid features were stretched and distorted, with deep-set, glowing eyes that burned with a malevolent intensity. Thick, sinewy skin, mottled with jagged patches of dark plating, pulsed faintly as it moved, its joints bending in ways that defied anatomy. One massive hand reached for him, its elongated fingers curling unnaturally, the joints snapping as they locked around his throat. The icy grip sent a shock through him, and he felt his breath leave as the creature¡¯s cold, fetid breath rasped against his face. Its glowing eyes bore into his, unrelenting and inescapable as if they could see every fear he¡¯d ever tried to bury.


    His abrupt awakening as the creature began to devour him drew laughter from the others watching him. The sound felt misplaced, almost jarring, as if they were trying to mask their own unease with humor. ¡°Guess none of you have met a Zavon,¡± he muttered, rubbing his face and trying to shake off the lingering fear. ¡°What¡¯s a Zavon?¡± someone asked, his voice full of curiosity but laced with doubt.


    ¡°It¡¯s the name I gave those creatures destroying the city,¡± Ampelius explained, settling back down to rest. ¡°Once you see one, you¡¯ll know why. They¡¯re nothing like anything we¡¯ve faced before." He closed his eyes, but sleep didn¡¯t come as easily this time. The image of its twisted features, its glowing gaze, and the icy touch of its grasp lingered like a shadow he couldn¡¯t escape, a constant reminder of the nightmare made real. What felt like mere moments later, Felix nudged Ampelius awake with a kick to his foot. ¡°We¡¯re at our destination. Get ready to disembark.¡±


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Ampelius sat up, his body stiff from the cramped seat. He glanced out the small, grime-covered window and saw nothing but darkness, with the faint glow of distant fires barely illuminating the horizon. The train¡¯s steady rhythm had faded, replaced by the grinding screech of brakes. The train had slowed to a near-crawl, the tension in the air thickening as they approached their drop-off point. Ampelius felt his heart quicken, the adrenaline surging through his veins as his senses sharpened.


    As he grabbed his rifle, he noticed the other volunteers doing the same, their earlier bravado replaced by quiet resolve. The nervous laughter and casual jokes had evaporated, leaving only silence and the sound of boots hitting the steel floor as they stood, weighed down by the enormity of what awaited them. He was still groggy, and Ampelius felt his muscles protest as he stretched while the train came to a halt. The cold air rushed in as the doors slid open, mixing with the low hum of distant explosions. His body felt heavy and exhausted, but there was no time for rest now. Commander Corvinus approached the volunteers, reminding them of their critical role as the rearguard.


    ¡°Your task is vital,¡± Corvinus reiterated. ¡°You must remain vigilant. Civilians may try to bypass you, so do not shoot first. Use the designated passcode to verify anyone¡¯s identity. Anyone without the correct code is either arrested or turned away. We cannot afford mistakes. Felix will give you further instructions at your post. Good luck.¡±


    Ampelius followed Felix toward the engine compartment. He noticed the sharpness in Felix''s movements and the way his eyes scanned their surroundings as if danger could spring from the shadows at any moment. Felix wasn¡¯t taking any chances, neither should they. Now fully in charge, Felix decided to conduct a quick inspection of each volunteer before disembarking. Ampelius could feel the tension as Felix moved methodically, checking every piece of gear and every rifle with the precision of someone who had seen things go wrong too many times before. One by one, he meticulously checked their equipment and weapons, ensuring everyone was prepared. When Felix reached Ampelius, he gave a curt nod, his gaze lingering a little longer on Ampelius¡¯s rifle, as if measuring whether he trusted him with it.


    As Felix finished the inspection, soldiers began leaping off the train, moving toward the front. ¡°Wait here a moment; I thought they were taking the train with them,¡± Felix muttered. Ampelius nodded and watched as Felix approached the commander, exchanged a few words, and then returned to finish the inspection.


    ¡°The train¡¯s staying with us,¡± Felix explained. ¡°The soldiers are continuing on foot, so it¡¯s our job to protect it. It¡¯s our only way back to base, so keeping it secure is critical. If we lose the train, we lose everything. Alright, you¡¯re good. Gather up with the others; I¡¯ll join you shortly.¡±


    Ampelius stepped off the train and joined the other volunteers huddled around a barrel. The cold bit into his skin, and he could feel the anxiety in the air, everyone standing just a little too close to the fire, as if its warmth could ward off the fear. The soldiers were already marching into the darkness, their figures disappearing into the night like ghosts. Felix soon arrived and addressed the group.


    ¡°Alright, listen up,¡± Felix began. His voice carried authority, and all eyes turned to him. Even the faint sound of boots crunching against gravel seemed to fade as they listened. ¡°The other Principale requested a transfer to the assault unit, so you¡¯ll only be dealing with me for the duration of this mission. First, the passcode is MEGA¡ªM.E.G.A. Burn it into your memory. There¡¯s no second-guessing this in the heat of the moment. Only our military units should know this, but in case we get reinforcements, that¡¯s the code they¡¯ll use. Second, identify your target before discharging your firearm. There may be civilians down here seeking refuge. Some could be armed, but don¡¯t fire unless they¡¯re hostile. We don¡¯t need any more bloodshed on our hands. If they shoot first, then, by all means, defend yourselves. Lastly, our main responsibility is to protect the train while the soldiers complete their mission. This train is more than transport¡ªit¡¯s our lifeline. No matter what happens, it doesn¡¯t fall. Any questions?¡±


    A few of the volunteers shifted uncomfortably, but none spoke up. Ampelius could sense the weight of Felix¡¯s words hanging in the cold air, solidifying the reality of their situation. The train wasn¡¯t just a way out; it was the difference between survival and being trapped in the heart of the city¡¯s devastation. ¡°Great! See those sandbags on the train? Go unload them and pile them up here. We¡¯ll need solid cover to establish our checkpoint, and these will do just fine. Let¡¯s get to it.¡±


    Ampelius and the others began unloading the sandbags, piling them where Felix instructed. The cold weight of each bag dug into Ampelius¡¯s hands, the repetitive strain of lifting and carrying only making the tension in his chest worse. The sounds of sand shifting inside the bags and the distant echoes from the tunnel formed an unsettling symphony.


    ¡°Is that a Maximus machine gun? From two centuries ago?¡± someone asked, incredulous. The disbelief in his voice mirrored what Ampelius felt, how could something so old still be part of their defense?


    ¡°It sure is,¡± Felix replied, watching as the relic immediately grabbed everyone¡¯s attention. The gun looked like a ghost from another time; its dark metal was worn from age but was still imposing. It was a reminder of the endless cycle of violence that had plagued their world for generations. ¡°Are we actually using it? Does it still work? Can I man it?¡± another volunteer asked eagerly. There was an odd excitement in his tone, as if the ancient weapon held some forgotten power. ¡°Yes, we¡¯re setting it up at the checkpoint,¡± Felix explained. ¡°But keep in mind, it¡¯s just for show, so there is no live ammunition.¡±


    Ampelius frowned. ¡°No live ammo? Is this just for intimidation?¡± He wasn¡¯t sure how much good a gun without bullets would do against any real threat. ¡°It¡¯s a deterrent, yes, but also a fear factor. Nobody wants to be on the wrong side of a machine gun, loaded or not. No one will want to test whether it¡¯s loaded.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine with being a deterrent. I¡¯ve got my issued weapon if things get real. Where do you want it, boss?¡±


    ¡°Over there, on the right side of the tracks, facing away from the train,¡± Felix directed. He glanced around as if double-checking their defensive positioning, the faint glint of caution in his eyes. It was clear he didn¡¯t fully trust the deterrent alone to keep them safe. They carried the crate to the designated spot, and within ten minutes, the Maximus machine gun was set up. It stood like a sentinel, its presence larger than life, a silent threat that watched over the tunnel like an ancient guardian. Even without live rounds, its presence commanded respect. The eager volunteer took his post, eyes locked on the dark tunnel ahead. Ampelius couldn¡¯t help but feel a mix of relief and anxiety. The gun might scare off some, but would it be enough to hold the line if something¡ªor someone¡ªtried to push through?


    ¡°Ampelius, you and another volunteer follow me back to the train. We need more supplies,¡± Felix ordered. ¡°The rest of you, get those lanterns unpacked and ready. We¡¯ll set them up around the perimeter to extend our visual range.¡±


    Each volunteer was handed a lantern, the glass chiming softly as they were passed around. They carefully placed them where Felix directed. The dim yellow light provided just enough visibility to detect movement in the surrounding shadows, though the darkness beyond still seemed to press in, making everyone uneasy. The soft flicker of the flames cast long, shifting shadows against the tunnel walls as if the shadows themselves were alive. Once satisfied with the setup, Felix called the group together for a briefing.


    ¡°The assault begins in thirty minutes,¡± Felix said, glancing at his watch. ¡°That gives us a little time to introduce ourselves and assign posts. We need to know who¡¯s who and what we¡¯re working with, so let¡¯s start with names and previous occupations.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Gaius; I was a Shabron for a flag-making company,¡± the first volunteer said. Ampelius raised an eyebrow, murmuring under his breath. ¡°What¡¯s a Shabron?¡± His confusion was mirrored by a few others in the group, but no one spoke up.


    ¡°Sir Quintus, at your service,¡± said the next, bowing slightly. ¡°I worked as a server at the Emperor¡¯s estate here in the city.¡± His black-and-white suit made sense now, standing out awkwardly against the military gear the rest of them wore.


    Felix looked at Ampelius. ¡°I¡¯m Ampelius. I used to work in a factory making blank paper.¡± He kept his voice flat, his occupation feeling mundane compared to the grand titles of others, but there was no room for pride in a situation like this.


    ¡°You can call me Nova. I sold shoes,¡± said the next volunteer.


    ¡°Is that your real name?¡± Felix asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°My preferred name,¡± Nova replied, a small grin tugging at the corner of his lips. Felix nodded and turned to the last volunteer.


    ¡°Appius, I was a sports coach.¡±


    After a brief silence, Felix summed up, his tone lightening a bit to ease the tension: ¡°Alright, we¡¯ve got Gaius the flag-maker, Sir Quintus the server, Ampelius the paper guy, Nova the shoe salesman, and Appius the coach. Quite the eclectic mix, but it¡¯ll have to do. Quintus, you¡¯ll man the Maximus machine gun. Gaius, you¡¯ll assist him. Ampelius, you¡¯ll take the spotlight on the caboose. Appius and Nova, you¡¯ll patrol around the locomotive. I¡¯ll supervise and check in with each of you. Now, let¡¯s get to work.¡±


    Ampelius helped Felix set up the spotlight on the caboose. The cold steel of the caboose was slick with early morning dew, making it difficult to keep his footing. As they worked in silence, the distant echoes of the soldiers¡¯ march still lingered in the air, an ominous reminder of the mission ahead. Once the spotlight was connected to a battery, Felix gave him a quick rundown.


    ¡°Your job is simple: if you see any movement, switch it on and keep the light on the target until I say otherwise. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Ampelius replied, his voice steady despite the gnawing anxiety creeping up his spine.


    ¡°Good,¡± Felix said, glancing at his watch. ¡°It¡¯s officially dawn. The assault should have started by now. Stay alert; I¡¯ll check back in periodically.¡±


    Felix walked off toward the locomotive to check on Appius and Nova. The growing light of dawn cast long, eerie shadows across the abandoned tracks, and the early morning fog seemed to distort everything it touched, making every shadow feel like a potential threat. Left alone, Ampelius found his mind wandering to thoughts of Bella. Her face flashed in his mind, pale and fragile as she lay in that clinic bed. He had taken this dangerous job to pay her medical bills, but now he questioned if it was worth the risk. The promise of payment seemed insignificant compared to the price of his life.


    His thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. His heart leaped into his throat as he instinctively reached for his weapon, his grip tightening around the handle.


    ¡°Did you hear that?¡± Felix asked, suddenly reappearing, his face shadowed with concern.


    ¡°Hear what?¡± Ampelius replied, startled. ¡°I was spacing out.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t space out on a shift like this!¡± Felix snapped. ¡°That¡¯s how you get yourself and everyone else killed. Focus up. I heard something, a thud with a high-pitched screech from the maintenance room. You sure you didn¡¯t catch it?¡±


    ¡°No. Maybe it¡¯s just rats. Does that room lead anywhere?¡± Ampelius asked, trying to shake off his drowsiness.


    ¡°Not that I know of,¡± Felix muttered. ¡°But if those were rats, they¡¯d be massive.¡±


    Before Ampelius could respond, a sharp voice called out. ¡°Felix! We heard a strange noise from the maintenance room!¡±


    ¡°I heard it too,¡± Felix said, his voice low but tense. ¡°I¡¯m going to check it out. Stay sharp. Be ready for anything.¡±


    Felix motioned for Gaius to follow him as they cautiously approached the maintenance door. The air felt thick with unease, every step echoing louder than it should. Felix counted down from three and signaled Gaius to open it. They both disappeared into the darkness of the room. Time seemed to slow for Ampelius, his nerves stretched thin, every second dragging on painfully. His grip tightened on the spotlight switch, the weight of dread pressing against his chest. Suddenly, screaming and sporadic gunfire erupted from inside, the sound deafening in the stillness.


    Felix came sprinting out of the maintenance room, his legs tangled in writhing, slick organic tentacles that yanked him back with alarming force. A strangled cry escaped his lips as he crashed into a guardrail, knocking himself unconscious before being violently dragged into the darkness. The metal door slammed shut behind him with a resounding clang, leaving an eerie silence in its wake. Sir Quintus began to hyperventilate, cursing under his breath. Nova and Appius rushed over, weapons drawn, while Ampelius stood frozen, his mind reeling, unable to process the horrific scene he had just witnessed.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? We heard gunfire! Is everyone alright?¡± Appius asked urgently, his eyes wide with panic.


    Nova grabbed Ampelius by the shoulders, shaking him to snap him back to reality. ¡°Ampelius, what happened? Where are Felix and Gaius?¡±


    Ampelius, still in shock, stammered, his voice shaking: ¡°Something¡¯s in the maintenance room¡­ Felix was pulled in by some kind of creature¡ªtentacles, I don¡¯t know what¡­¡±


    Nova¡¯s expression hardened as the situation became clear. ¡°I didn¡¯t sign up for this. I¡¯m out!¡± Quintus shouted, backing away, fear taking hold as he fumbled with his weapon, his hands trembling.


    Suddenly, a deep, guttural growl echoed from the maintenance room, followed by the violent rattling of the door. The sound reverberated through the tunnel. Something inside was trying to break free. The hinges began to buckle, metal groaning under pressure as Nova barked orders.


    ¡°Everyone to the cab of the train! We¡¯re getting out of here!¡±


    No one argued. They bolted as one, rushing toward the engine room, desperate to escape. Once inside, panic surged when they realized none of them knew how to operate the train.


    ¡°Who knows how to drive this thing?¡± Quintus demanded, panic rising in his voice.


    All eyes turned to Ampelius.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me, I¡¯m just a paperboy,¡± Ampelius said quickly, his voice shaking with disbelief at the absurdity of the situation.


    ¡°My father was a train conductor,¡± Nova admitted. ¡°I think I can get us moving.¡±


    A loud bang and the sound of metal screeching under intense strain sent everyone into a frenzy as Nova frantically tried to start the train. The tension was suffocating, and everyone was on edge. ¡°Hurry up!¡± Quintus yelled, his voice cracking with fear.


    Finally, the train lurched forward, slowly gaining momentum just as the maintenance room door exploded open with a deafening crash. A grotesque creature, a mass of corpses fused with writhing, octopus-like tentacles oozed out of the room and into the tunnel. Ampelius, Quintus, and Appius opened fire, the gunfire deafening in the enclosed space, but the bullets barely slowed it down.


    ¡°It¡¯s working! Keep firing!¡± Quintus shouted, though the doubt in his voice betrayed his fear.


    As the train picked up speed, the creature fell behind, its twisted form struggling to keep pace. It retreated back toward the checkpoint, disappearing from view as the train rounded a curve. A collective sigh of relief escaped from the group.


    ¡°What the hell was that thing?¡± Appius gasped. ¡°It looked like a pile of corpses with tentacles!¡±


    ¡°Commander Corvinus mentioned beasts in the tunnels, but he said they were easy to kill. That thing was anything but,¡± Ampelius replied, still shaken, his hands trembling as he lowered his weapon.


    As the train rumbled on, its headlights illuminated a soldier up ahead, frantically waving for them to stop. The situation shifted abruptly, and Nova tried to slow the train, but the controls were unfamiliar, and instead, the train sped up.


    ¡°We¡¯re going too fast! Stop the train, or we¡¯ll kill everyone!¡± Ampelius shouted, panic surging once again.


    Nova desperately yanked levers and pushed buttons, but nothing responded. The train barreled down the tunnel, soldiers diving out of the way as it hurtled past. Ahead, they saw the collapsed tunnel at the end of the line, looming like a death sentence.


    ¡°Brace yourselves!¡± Nova screamed.


    The train smashed into the debris, the impact sending shockwaves through the cabin. It derailed and crashed into the tunnel walls. The cars behind it crumpled, each violent collision pushing the locomotive deeper into the rubble. Sparks flew, metal groaned, and then¡ªstillness. Ampelius and Nova were alive but dazed when the dust finally settled, their vision blurred and ears ringing. Quintus and Appius lay motionless.


    Gunfire echoed from the station as the Romans and Vandals continued their battle.


    Disoriented, Nova helped Ampelius out of the wreckage, but armed figures soon surrounded them, their guns trained on them.


    ¡°Welcome, gentlemen,¡± a voice sneered from the shadows. ¡°Unless you want to end up like your comrades, let¡¯s see those hands.¡±


    Before they could react, darts struck their necks, piercing their skin with a sharp sting, and everything went black.

 Chapter 10: The Blood-Stained Pages

    "Wake up!" A distorted voice echoed in Ampelius''s ears, followed by a sharp slap across his face. He groaned, his eyes fluttering open to the blurred figure of a man standing over him. As he tried to slip back into unconsciousness, the man snapped his fingers close to Ampelius¡¯s face and struck him once more, jolting him back to reality. His hands were tightly bound to a metal pipe behind him, rendering him helpless.


    Blinking through the haze, Ampelius focused on the man looming above him. Tattered blue jeans, a black leather jacket, and a gold chain gave the man a rough appearance, but it was his scarred face and weathered features that made him look truly dangerous. A dark blue beanie clung to his head, likely hiding more disfigurements. The stench of sweat and filth invaded Ampelius''s nostrils, heightening his nausea and disorientation.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, wake up,¡± the man growled, his voice gravelly and devoid of warmth. ¡°I need you alert. Do you know where you are?¡±


    Ampelius squinted, trying to make sense of his surroundings. The room gradually came into focus¡ªa library, with row upon row of books surrounding him. Above, a colorful skylight cast strange, shifting shadows across the space.


    ¡°Well, I seem to be in a building. A pretty one, with lots of books,¡± Ampelius said, sarcasm thick in his voice. ¡°Do you like books? I can recommend a series called¡ª¡±


    A fist slammed into his face, cutting him off mid-sentence. Pain exploded across his cheek, and he spat out a mouthful of blood.


    ¡°How about you shut your mouth unless you want to end up like your buddy over there,¡± the man snarled, pointing to the corner of the room.


    Ampelius turned his head, his gaze landing on Nova. Barely recognizable, Nova was slumped against the wall, his face swollen and bloodied. He¡¯d been stripped to his underwear, his light blonde hair crudely shaved as if they had planned to scalp him. Ampelius¡¯s gut twisted with unease as he studied Nova¡¯s battered figure. Could this be the man who once walked freely among the Vandals, who knew their secrets? Ampelius didn¡¯t know what to believe anymore. Yet, here they both were¡ªbound together by circumstance and the dangerous whims of their captors.


    ¡°Who says he¡¯s my buddy? I don¡¯t know him,¡± Ampelius lied, hoping to deflect attention.


    The man¡¯s fist smashed into his stomach, knocking the wind out of him. Gasping for air, Ampelius let out a weak laugh just as the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the library.


    ¡°Are you laughing at me?¡± the man sneered.


    ¡°What are you doing? Why haven¡¯t you killed that traitor yet? And what about this one? Feed him to the dogs,¡± another voice, sharp and impatient, cut through the tension.


    Ampelius strained to see the newcomer, but a bookshelf partially blocked his view. He caught a glimpse of black clothing and the metallic glint of a rifle.


    ¡°The traitor will die soon enough,¡± the man growled dismissively. ¡°This one just woke up. The drugs are still wearing off. Give me a few minutes, and I¡¯ll get the necessary information. Then you can tell the boss they¡¯re both dead.¡±


    Confusion surged through Ampelius. What drugs? Why did they think he had derailed the train? And Nova¡ªwhat role had he played in all of this? Despite the growing distrust in his heart, Ampelius couldn¡¯t ignore the fact that, for better or worse, their fates were now linked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know anything,¡± Ampelius croaked, his voice hoarse.


    ¡°Oh, really? You don¡¯t know anything?¡± the man said, voice thick with skepticism. ¡°Then explain why you derailed a train at full speed into our defenses. Were you not expecting to survive?¡±


    ¡°We were running from a beast in the tunnels! We had nothing to do with any attack!¡± Ampelius protested.


    ¡°A beast, you say? Is that why Roman soldiers were dismantling barbed wire and trip mines? Just to get away from a beast?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about those soldiers or what they were doing. I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± the man snapped, his voice rising with anger. ¡°If you weren¡¯t involved, why does the train bear the Roman Empire¡¯s eagle insignia? You had better start talking before I decide to feed you the dogs. They¡¯re starving.¡±


    ¡°You want me to talk?¡± Ampelius replied, his voice filled with mocking defiance. ¡°You better offer me something better than being torn apart by dogs. That¡¯s not my preferred way to go.¡±


    The man chuckled a dark sound that sent a shiver down Ampelius¡¯s spine. ¡°How about this? I¡¯ll put a shiny bullet in your brain, then let the dogs devour what¡¯s left.¡±


    Ampelius smirked despite the fear gnawing at him. ¡°Can I think about that proposal?¡±


    ¡°You have until I kill your friend,¡± the man said coldly, pulling a dagger from within his jacket and advancing toward Nova.


    Ampelius¡¯s mind raced. Could he trust Nova to hold his ground, even after all this? Did it matter? Whatever doubts he had about Nova¡¯s loyalty, they didn¡¯t change the fact that survival meant working together, for now.


    Horror gripped Ampelius as he watched the man approach. But just as the dagger was about to plunge into Nova¡¯s chest, Nova¡¯s hand shot up, a sharp object in his grip, and he thrust it into the man¡¯s throat. Blood sprayed from the wound as the man choked, his eyes wide with shock. Nova stabbed him several more times before the man collapsed, lifeless.


    Nova quickly grabbed the man¡¯s dagger and rushed over to Ampelius, cutting him free. ¡°We need to move quickly; they¡¯re struggling to fight off the legion. If they call a retreat, this place will be swarming with hostiles who will kill us on sight.¡±


    ¡°Why are they calling you a traitor?¡± Ampelius asked, massaging his wrists where the ropes had cut into his skin.


    ¡°I used to be in their organization. I¡¯ll explain everything later, once we¡¯re out of here alive,¡± Nova replied curtly. He put a finger to his lips and pointed toward a nearby shelf. A guard wandered nearby, oblivious to their escape.


    ¡°Where exactly are we going? I need to get back to the station to find Bella!¡± Ampelius whispered urgently, his voice strained with desperation.


    ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous to enter the tunnels right now. Both the legion and the Vandals are hunting us. First, we need to get out of this building.¡±


    ¡°But why would the legion hunt us? We¡¯re their volunteers!¡±


    Nova shot him a look of disbelief. ¡°Are you serious? Hijacking their train when we were supposed to protect it wouldn¡¯t anger them? We got a bunch of them killed trying to cross that minefield. If I were the commander, I wouldn¡¯t welcome us back. They¡¯ll arrest us, or worse, kill us on sight. If you want to see Bella again, we need to get out of here alive.¡±


    As the guard moved away, the pair carefully navigated through the library, avoiding patrols. When they reached the other side of the room, Nova noticed the patrols increasing in frequency. Ampelius¡¯s anxiety grew with each passing moment, his throat tightening as if an unseen hand were squeezing it. He struggled to keep his breathing quiet, the fear of being caught consuming every thought.


    At a doorway, a lone figure stood with his back to them, wearing sweatpants and a dark hoodie. Nova held up a hand, signaling for Ampelius to stay put, then crept forward like a predator stalking its prey. With swift precision, he snapped the guard¡¯s neck, the body falling limp into his arms. He quickly dragged the corpse behind the bookshelves to hide it.


    Suddenly, a loud voice rang out, startling Ampelius like a gunshot. ¡°The prisoners have escaped! They killed Gerhard!¡± Fast-moving footsteps echoed through the doorway as several armed individuals rushed into the room.


    ¡°Find them and kill them!¡± another voice barked.


    Nova pulled Ampelius behind a bookshelf, holding his breath as the Vandals spread out to search for them. Ampelius¡¯s chest tightened as he fought to suppress a cough. He could hear the heavy boots of the Vandals hitting the floor, their gruff whispers slicing through the silence. His ears strained to pick up every sound¡ªthe faint shuffle of a boot, the clinking of a rifle¡ªeach noise pushing him closer to panic. He readied the dagger, but before he could act, the deafening blare of an alarm went off.


    ¡°Oh shit. I didn¡¯t realize they still had power here,¡± Nova muttered, his eyes darting to the glass roof above them. Ampelius¡¯s breath caught as a shadow passed overhead. His stomach sank as, with a sudden crash, the glass shattered, raining shards onto the floor. A massive turtle shell-like machine began descending into the library.


    Gunfire erupted, and Vandals¡¯ bodies were reduced to blue goo as the shell continued its descent. The acrid scent of burnt flesh and chemicals filled Ampelius¡¯s nostrils, making him gag. Nova and Ampelius ducked behind a desk as chaos erupted around them.


    ¡°What are we waiting for?¡± Ampelius whispered frantically.


    Ignoring him, Nova scanned the room. A Vandal attempted to leap over the desk, landing between them, only to be obliterated into a blue splatter by a projectile from the descending shell. Ampelius gasped, and Nova quickly clamped a hand over his mouth to silence him. Ampelius¡¯s skin crawled as he felt the faint vibration of approaching footsteps. He imagined the creatures, something that was hulking, inhuman, their presence radiating malice as they drew closer. Every instinct screamed at him to move, but he remained frozen, paralyzed by the primal fear of being hunted. A massive explosion shook the building, and the floor collapsed, revealing a metro tunnel below.


    ¡°Okay, now¡¯s our chance! Jump down!¡± Nova yelled.


    They dashed toward the opening and leaped into the tunnel. The rush of air whipped past Ampelius¡¯s face as they fell, debris raining down around them. He hit the ground hard, the impact jolting every bone in his body. Dust and debris engulfed them, forcing them to stumble forward.


    ¡°It looks like the collapse sealed off the tunnel,¡± Ampelius said, his voice tinged with relief. ¡°Not sure if it took out that turtle shell, though.¡±


    ¡°I think a neighboring skyscraper might¡¯ve collapsed into the library. It sounded like something outside exploded and crashed into the building,¡± Nova replied.


    They scanned their surroundings, but the darkness revealed little.


    ¡°Is this the same track we derailed on? I can¡¯t tell; it¡¯s too dark,¡± Ampelius muttered.


    ¡°If it is, then both ends of this tunnel are probably blocked. We might¡¯ve just sealed our own fate,¡± Nova said grimly.


    ¡°You¡¯re a very optimistic person,¡± Ampelius retorted.


    ¡°Optimistic and barely clothed. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve dealt with worse situations,¡± Nova replied with a smirk.


    ¡°Oh, have you now? Then maybe you¡¯re the last person I should be stuck with.¡±


    ¡°Hey, remember, everyone else is dead. You should be grateful you¡¯re even alive,¡± Nova shot back, his tone a mix of sarcasm and seriousness.


    ¡°Yeah, well, being the last one standing can sometimes be a fate worse than death,¡± Ampelius muttered, bitterness lacing his voice.


    ¡°Wow, calm down. I¡¯m just kidding. A little humor in the face of death never hurt anyone. Now, let¡¯s keep moving. We might be in the clear for now, but we can¡¯t stay here.¡±


    Their journey continued in silence, the oppressive darkness of the tunnel pressing in on them. The only sound was the soft echo of their footsteps and the occasional drip of water from the cracked ceiling. The sense of impending danger hung heavily over them, making every shadow seem alive. But after what felt like an eternity, they finally reached the derailed train and a partially collapsed section of the tunnel. The sight of the twisted metal and debris brought a grim sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu.


    ¡°Yeah, this definitely looks like our derailed train,¡± Ampelius said, his voice barely a whisper. ¡°What do we do now?¡±


    Nova put a finger to his lips. ¡°Shut up! I think the Vandals are near the train. You stay down and don¡¯t move; I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    Ampelius nodded and crouched low behind a chunk of concrete as Nova crept closer to the wreckage. Nova peered around the edge of the train, scanning for any signs of movement. After a few tense moments, he signaled Ampelius to join him.


    ¡°There are two guards on the other side, facing away from us,¡± Nova whispered when Ampelius reached him. ¡°We can bypass this small space and overtake them.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t we just avoid them? Isn¡¯t there another way?¡± Ampelius asked, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice.


    ¡°Do you see that staircase over there? That leads to the surface, and we need to get there. From there, we¡¯ll make our way to the downtown train station. Once there, you¡¯ll be back at base and can see Bella, this is assuming you¡¯re not arrested or shot by the patrols. As for me, after I get you there, I¡¯m going my own way.¡±


    ¡°The surface? That seems risky, considering what just happened.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s your choice,¡± Nova replied with a shrug. ¡°If you stay here, you¡¯re on your own, and I¡¯ll go. My offer expires in five seconds. What¡¯s it going to be? Die or possibly die?¡±


    ¡°Fine, I need your help,¡± Ampelius admitted grudgingly. ¡°Apparently, I need you more than you need me.¡±


    ¡°Glad you agree,¡± Nova said with a smirk. He handed Ampelius a glass shard. ¡°Take this; you¡¯ll need it unless you know how to snap a neck. You take the guy on the left, and I¡¯ll take the one on the right. We need to do this simultaneously. Ready?¡±


    ¡°No. Let¡¯s just get this done,¡± Ampelius replied, gripping the shard tightly.


    ¡°That¡¯s the spirit.¡±


    They quietly climbed over the wreckage, positioning themselves behind the unsuspecting guards deep in conversation. Ampelius¡¯s heart pounded as he lined up behind his target. Nova counted down from three with his fingers, and on the silent signal, they both sprang into action.


    Ampelius moved swiftly, slicing the guard¡¯s throat with the shard. The warmth of the man¡¯s blood spurted over his hands as the guard gurgled briefly, eyes wide with shock, before collapsing to the ground. Ampelius gently lowered the body, his hands trembling slightly from the adrenaline. Nova quickly dispatched his target as well. He turned to Ampelius. ¡°Alright, take the weapon and search the body. If you don¡¯t find anything useful, drag the body over here by the train. If you can''t handle the weight, I¡¯ll toss it inside to hide it.¡±


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°I think I can handle the weight,¡± Ampelius said, his voice steadier than he felt.


    ¡°Good job,¡± Nova said approvingly. ¡°Have you done this before? You¡¯re a natural.¡±


    ¡°Not with humans,¡± Ampelius admitted, wiping the shard on the dead man¡¯s clothing before stowing it in his pocket. ¡°My cousin taught me how to hunt, use firearms, and skin animals for meat. I figured the same principle applies to humans.¡±


    ¡°Well, you definitely have a talent for it,¡± Nova remarked. ¡°I felt sick after my first kill. Eventually, you become numb to it, to the point where you don¡¯t feel anything.¡±


    Ampelius frowned. ¡°I wonder how many people you¡¯ve killed, then.¡±


    Nova didn¡¯t respond, his face unreadable. ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t feel anything either,¡± Ampelius continued, more to himself. ¡°I expected to, but I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯re a sociopath,¡± Nova suggested lightly. ¡°It might serve you well in the world we live in now. But enough of that¡ªlet¡¯s move. We need to reach the surface before they realize these guys are missing. I don¡¯t see any radios on them, but you never know.¡±


    After searching the bodies and finding nothing of value, they double-checked the weapons they had taken and hurried toward the staircase. Nova led the way, weapon at the ready, with Ampelius close behind. As they ascended the steps, the faint sound of distant gunfire echoed from the tunnel, a reminder of the chaos they had narrowly escaped.


    At the top of the stairs, Nova halted and knelt down. ¡°Hold here a minute; I¡¯m going to check the entrance and make sure there¡¯s no ambush waiting for us. Keep your weapon pointed down there¡ªjust in case someone appears. If they do, shoot them. Got it?¡±


    Ampelius nodded, gripping the rifle tightly. He focused on the bottom of the stairs, his muscles coiled with tension. Suddenly, a rush of white, smoky figures surged up the stairs, passing through him like a gust of wind. Startled, he stumbled back, struggling to understand what had just happened. Was it real or just a trick of his mind? Nova reappeared at the top of the stairs, pulling Ampelius from his daze. ¡°Are you okay? Did you see something?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Ampelius lied, still shaken. ¡°Is the area clear?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, mostly. But those ¡®turtle shells¡¯ are hovering everywhere. We¡¯ll need to move fast and stay low. Oh, and it¡¯s dawn¡ªthe sun¡¯s up.¡±


    As they stepped out onto the surface, the early morning sun cast an eerie glow over the city. Thick smoke rose from burning buildings, filling the air with the stench of charred flesh. The Zavons'' destruction was everywhere as debris littered the streets, and turtle shells floated ominously overhead.


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t be in the street,¡± Ampelius said tensely.


    ¡°I agree. Let¡¯s move through the buildings for cover. Follow me,¡± Nova replied, leading them quickly across the street and into a destroyed restaurant. The interior was in chaos, with overturned tables and chairs and shell casings scattered across the floor.


    ¡°Someone made a last stand here,¡± Nova observed, noticing a small pool of blood leading to the kitchen. ¡°Stay here and stay alert. I¡¯ll check it out.¡±


    Ampelius nodded, watching as Nova disappeared through the kitchen door. Moments later, Nova came rushing back out, pale and visibly shaken. He turned to the side and vomited on the floor.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Ampelius asked, stepping closer.


    ¡°Back off! I¡¯m fine,¡± Nova snapped, wiping his mouth. ¡°Whoever did that is seriously twisted. The smell of rotting flesh, piss, and some kind of blue substance... it could be a chemical weapon. I don¡¯t know if they were killed by our own or the Zavons, but if it was our own, they should be shot on sight.¡±


    ¡°What happened in there?¡± Ampelius asked, curiosity getting the better of him despite the situation.


    ¡°My guess? The Zavons found them after the fact and started extracting something, but they were interrupted. Maybe it was an ambush, but it doesn¡¯t matter. We need to get out of here. I don¡¯t want to stick around.¡±


    Nova, still recovering, moved toward a door marked ¡°Employees Only.¡± With a strong kick, he forced it open, gun ready. The hallway beyond was surprisingly untouched, leading to a manager¡¯s office and a back door. The office itself had been ransacked, papers and a filing cabinet strewn across the floor.


    ¡°Alright, Ampelius, listen up,¡± Nova said as they approached the back door. ¡°When I open this door, I¡¯ll push left, and you go right. If you see a hostile, start shooting. If it¡¯s clear, say ¡®clear.¡¯ If I call out a hostile or start shooting, turn around and fire, unless you¡¯re already engaged. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Ampelius confirmed, steadying his nerves.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    They stacked up at the door, and at Nova¡¯s count, he flung it open, and they burst through, Ampelius moving to the right as Nova went left. Ampelius scanned the alleyway, his heart pounding. It was eerily quiet, with no threats in sight.


    ¡°Clear,¡± Ampelius whispered.


    ¡°Clear,¡± Nova echoed from the other side, and they relaxed slightly, though the distant sounds of gunfire and explosions continued, reminding them of the ongoing battle in the city.


    ¡°If I remember right, that building at the end of the alley is the Tertius Theater,¡± Nova said, nodding toward a partially collapsed structure. ¡°We should be able to cut through it, cross a two-lane street to a jewelry shop, and from there, another alleyway takes us straight to the station entrance you need.¡±


    As they moved toward the theater, Ampelius¡¯s mind buzzed with questions. He couldn¡¯t resist probing into Nova¡¯s past.


    ¡°So, you were with the Vandals?¡± Ampelius asked quietly.


    ¡°Yes and no,¡± Nova replied without turning his head. ¡°I was a mercenary, or what you could call a diversion agent. When they needed to conduct business, I¡¯d rob a store or plant fake bombs to keep the heat off. I rarely got involved with their insurgency or assassinations.¡±


    ¡°Well, that answers some questions,¡± Ampelius murmured, processing the information. He was about to ask more when the building ahead of them exploded, sending debris flying as they dove for cover.


    ¡°I think that was artillery, but I didn¡¯t hear the whistle. I¡¯m not sure,¡± Nova muttered, concern tightening his voice.


    Before they could react further, a group of Zavons appeared at the end of the alley, marching in a wedge formation. The two men pressed themselves against the wall, holding their breath. The Zavons passed by without noticing them, their heavy footsteps echoing ominously. When the last of the group disappeared around a corner, Nova exhaled slowly, the tension in his body easing.


    ¡°The streets are crawling with them. We need to stay quiet and use buildings for cover,¡± Nova whispered. ¡°Stealth is our friend. Let¡¯s get into the theater through the back door. Move quickly as I don¡¯t want them doubling back.¡±


    Nova led the way, checking the back door of the theater. It creaked open, and they slipped inside, locking it behind them. The faint glow of emergency exit lights cast ghostly shadows, dimly lighting the interior.


    ¡°How does this place still have power? I thought electronics on the surface were fried during the attack,¡± Ampelius whispered uneasily.


    ¡°Maybe a generator,¡± Nova speculated, though he didn¡¯t sound convinced.


    They found themselves in the main cinema auditorium, where dim lights outlined rows of seats and exit pathways. The eerie silence was broken only by faint creaks and distant, unidentifiable sounds that seemed to shift with every step.


    ¡°I was in my apartment when the attack happened,¡± Ampelius said quietly. He glanced around the darkened space, the weight of memory settling over him. ¡°There was a bright blue flash, the power cut out, and then I saw a massive ball of light, like a spiderweb which was engulfing the city.¡±


    ¡°They probably wanted to cripple our communications before the invasion,¡± Nova replied grimly. ¡°Whatever device they used was designed to fry electronics. I wonder if someone managed to repair things here. Let¡¯s stay cautious; there could still be people around.¡±


    They navigated through the auditorium, finding an exit leading to a hallway. Strange, unsettling noises began to echo faintly around them¡ªheavy breathing, sharp squeals, and distant, overlapping whispers.


    ¡°Tell me you hear that,¡± Ampelius whispered, his voice tight, barely above a breath..


    ¡°Hear what?¡± Nova asked, his calm demeanor unchanged.


    ¡°You don¡¯t hear it? It¡¯s like... voices... coming from the walls.¡± His eyes darted to the shadowy corners of the hallway. His breathing quickened, his mind racing. Were the walls alive? Or was his exhaustion finally getting to him?


    Nova shook his head. ¡°Nope. Just keep your eyes up.¡±


    Ampelius blinked, trying to steady himself. The voices grew louder in his ears, overlapping murmurs that seemed to coil around his thoughts. A wave of doubt crept in, the persistent whispers threatening to erode the line between reality and hallucination. Am I losing it? He shook his head sharply, wanting himself to focus on Nova¡¯s steady presence.


    They continued through the hallway, the strange sounds growing louder to Ampelius, though Nova appeared unaffected. Every creak of the floor, every shifting shadow in his peripheral vision, felt like an imminent threat. His grip tightened on his rifle. The weight of the weapon was both comforting and suffocating. The air seemed heavier here. The noises he heard almost drowned out the pounding of his heart. Ampelius¡¯s nerves were on edge, his breaths shallow, his senses straining for any hint of danger. Eventually, they reached a T-intersection. Ampelius spotted a paper sign on the wall and moved quickly to read it.


    ¡°If we go right, we¡¯ll find more auditoriums and a maintenance room at the end. Left takes us to the main lobby and the front entrance. We need to go left.¡±


    Nova nodded, but before they could proceed, the sudden sound of fast-approaching footsteps shattered the fragile calm. Ampelius spun around, his pulse spiking as the noise cut through his spiraling thoughts. In an instant, Nova was grappling with a masked figure dressed in white, the sharp clang of metal striking metal echoing through the hallway. Ampelius instinctively raised his rifle, his mind snapping into focus. Aim. Steady. Protect.


    But before he could pull the trigger, movement in his periphery drew his attention. Another figure emerged, and the sight of the baseball bat swinging toward him froze for a split second. His last coherent thought was a surge of helpless fury: I should¡¯ve seen this coming. The impact exploded with a sickening thud. Pain seared through his skull, bright and all-consuming, before the world dissolved into darkness.


    When Ampelius regained consciousness, pain seared through his skull, a dull throb pulsing in time with his heartbeat. He tried to move, but his hands and feet were tightly bound. The rush of blood to his head made his vision swim, a nauseating pressure building behind his eyes. As his vision cleared, a wave of horror hit him as he was hanging upside down, suspended from the ceiling of the auditorium.Panic surged through him, but he forced himself to breathe deeply. His wrists ached from the strain of the bindings digging into his skin. Stay calm, he thought. You¡¯ll survive this if you stay calm. Twisting his head, he scanned his surroundings. Nearby, Nova was also hanging upside down, limp and unresponsive. Ampelius¡¯s stomach dropped, was Nova dead?


    ¡°Nova! Hey! Are you still with me? Say something!¡± Ampelius called out, trying to keep his voice low.


    Nova didn¡¯t respond. Ampelius watched him closely, noticing the faint rise and fall of his chest. Relief flooded him as Nova was still alive. He just needed to wake him up.


    Suddenly, Nova began to stir, struggling against his restraints, unaware of the situation. ¡°Nova! Over here! It¡¯s Ampelius. We¡¯re both tied upside down,¡± he whispered urgently.


    Nova stilled, peering in Ampelius¡¯s direction. ¡°Ampelius? By the gods, we need to stop ending up like this! I can only cheat death so many times before it catches up with me!¡±


    Ampelius let out a small, mirthless chuckle. The effort sent a jolt of pain through his pounding head. ¡°You sound confident. So, what¡¯s the plan for getting out of this?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not getting out of this,¡± a voice echoed from the darkness, low and cold, sending a chill through them both.


    A door creaked open, and the lights in the auditorium blazed to life, momentarily blinding them. When their vision adjusted, they saw a man sitting in one of the theater chairs directly below, looking up with a sinister grin. He was dressed in a white tuxedo with black trim and a white top hat, adding an air of twisted elegance. Flanking him were two masked figures, each holding a baseball bat and wearing spiked white masks.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Nova demanded, his voice laced with defiance.


    ¡°What do I want? What do I want?¡± The man in the tuxedo laughed, the sound devoid of warmth. ¡°An excellent question. What I want is simple. One of you will die slowly, and the other... will die painfully. Both for my amusement, of course. And for the amusement of my associates here.¡±


    ¡°Sorry to disappoint, but the two morons beside you will be the entertainment when we turn the tables,¡± Nova retorted, anger burning in his eyes. The man in the tuxedo snapped his fingers. One of the masked figures walked over to a lever on the wall. With a swift motion, the lever was pulled down, and the rope holding Nova was released, sending him crashing to the floor with a sickening thud.


    The two masked men wasted no time, savagely beating Nova with their bats. Ampelius watched in helpless horror, his heart racing as he heard Nova¡¯s pained grunts. Each sickening crack of the bats against flesh sent waves of fury and guilt through him. He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as if the pain could anchor him, stop him from breaking. He wanted to scream, to fight, but he was frozen and powerless, straining against the ropes that bound him.


    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough,¡± the man in the tuxedo said, waving his hand. ¡°He got the message. Hang him back up.¡±


    The lever was pulled again, and the rope slowly dragged Nova¡¯s battered body back to its original position. He hung limply, unresponsive to Ampelius¡¯s frantic calls.


    ¡°Nova, stay with me. Don¡¯t you dare give up,¡± Ampelius whispered, his voice cracking. The sight of Nova¡¯s bloodied face made his stomach churn. Fury coursed through him, boiling over into helpless rage. He felt like he was suffocating under the weight of his inaction. He took a few deep breaths, trying to keep his emotions in check before speaking. ¡°Do me next! I¡¯m getting numb.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve got other plans for you, my friend,¡± the man in the tuxedo replied, a wicked smile curling on his lips.


    ¡°Good,¡± Ampelius muttered under his breath, unsure of what he could do but determined to stall. His voice was steady, but the effort it took to keep it that way was like holding back a dam on the verge of breaking.


    ¡°What¡¯s that? I need you to speak up! I can¡¯t hear you when you mumble!¡± the man taunted.


    Ampelius lifted his head slightly, locking eyes with the man despite the pounding ache in his skull. Fear clawed at the edges of his mind, threatening to overtake him. He wanted to shout, to demand answers, but he knew the man would revel in his panic. Instead, he forced a smirk, though his lips trembled slightly.


    ¡°You heard me,¡± he said, his voice sharp and defiant. Each word felt like a gamble, but Ampelius clung to his bravado as a shield against the chaos. Inside, his frustration churned. He hated the feeling of being a pawn, a spectacle for this sadistic showman, and the helplessness burned like acid in his veins. The man in the tuxedo tilted his head, his grin widening as if savoring Ampelius¡¯ defiance.


    ¡°Ah, there it is. That spark of resistance. I find it more satisfying when they think they still have a chance.¡±


    Before Ampelius could respond, the wall next to the exit exploded, sending smoke and debris everywhere. The masked men spun around, startled, gripping their bats tightly. Seconds passed in tense silence. Then, two projectiles whizzed through the smoke, striking the masked men down quickly. Ampelius¡¯ breath caught in his throat, the sudden turn of events so abrupt it felt unreal, like a cruel trick.


    The man in the tuxedo barely had time to react before a blue-tipped spear embedded itself in his chest. His eyes widened in shock as the spear began to glow, his body disintegrating into a thick, blue paste that splattered onto the floor. Ampelius stared, frozen, his mind grappling with the mix of horror and satisfaction at the grotesque justice unfolding before him. The lifeless body collapsed, leaving the theater eerily silent except for the faint crackling of the destroyed wall.


    From the smoke emerged a rather tall shadowy figure, a Zavon. Its presence sent a chill down Ampelius¡¯s spine, the sight of it jarring against the bizarre relief he felt moments earlier. It approached the spear lodged in the remains of the man in the tuxedo, adjusting it to vacuum up the blue paste. The efficiency of its actions struck Ampelius as unsettlingly clinical, as though the horror that had unfolded moments ago were nothing more than routine.


    It then turned its attention to the two other fallen bodies, swiftly repeating the process before holstering the spear on its back. Ampelius held his breath, his heart pounding against his ribs, half-disbelieving the sight in front of him. The sudden shift from terror to hope left his thoughts tangled and frantic. Was this salvation or something worse? Too soon, the creature¡¯s gaze shifted upward, locking eyes with Ampelius.


    ¡°Well, shit,¡± Ampelius muttered, the words slipping out instinctively, masking the chill of fear crawling up his spine. He braced for what he assumed would be his end.


    The Zavon calmly retrieved two boomerang-like weapons from its side and, with precise movements, flung them at the ropes, suspending Ampelius and Nova. Both ropes snapped in an instant, sending Ampelius plummeting to the floor. He landed hard on his back, pain exploding through his body, momentarily paralyzing him. A groan escaped his lips, the disorienting mix of relief and dread still clouding his mind. Nova hit the ground with a heavy thud, his body lifeless. Ampelius tried to move, to crawl toward his fallen comrade, but the pain was too intense. The Zavon approached Nova first, kneeling beside him and pulling out a red syringe. With practiced efficiency, it injected the syringe into Nova¡¯s abdomen, then stood and walked toward Ampelius, who watched helplessly.


    ¡°What did you inject him with? What do you want?¡± Ampelius demanded, his voice trembling.


    The Zavon didn¡¯t answer, kneeling beside him and preparing another syringe. Ampelius struggled, panic clawing at his chest, but his body refused to cooperate. The needle pierced his thigh, and as the strange liquid entered his bloodstream, a wave of euphoria swept over him. The pain vanished, replaced by an overwhelming sense of relief and renewed energy. Ampelius scrambled to his feet, his eyes darting to Nova, who still hadn¡¯t stirred. Relief warred with fresh panic as he saw Nova¡¯s chest rise and fall, alive, but barely.


    ¡°What did you inject us with?¡± Ampelius shouted, but the Zavon remained silent, stepping back to observe him.


    Ampelius scanned the room for a weapon, anything to defend himself, but found nothing. The Zavon continued to watch him, its expression unreadable behind the alien mask. Then, without warning, it began backing away, heading toward the hole in the wall it had entered through. ¡°Where are you going? Come back here, coward!¡± Ampelius yelled, frustration rising.


    Before the Zavon could leave, two more Zavons entered through the hole, weapons drawn. They spotted Ampelius and Nova, their body language becoming aggressive. Ampelius braced himself, but to his astonishment, the Zavon that had injected him suddenly turned on its own. In a swift motion, it stabbed one of the newcomers in the neck with a boomerang, then kicked the other back through the hole. The two Zavons engaged in a brutal struggle, shadowy forms clashing in the smoke. After a tense moment, one Zavon lifted the other into the air and tore it in half before tossing the remains aside.


    The victorious Zavon, now covered in blue blood, stared briefly at Ampelius and Nova before turning and walking off into the smoke, disappearing from sight. Ampelius¡¯s focus snapped back to Nova as he heard a faint grunt. ¡°Nova? You okay? Can you hear me?¡± he called, limping over to his fallen friend. Nova groaned as he stirred, his eyes slowly opening. ¡°Yeah, I think so. What happened? I remember getting beaten, but now I feel... really good.¡± Ampelius knelt beside him, checking him over. ¡°It¡¯s a long story,¡± he replied, helping Nova sit up.