Deep within an abandoned and contaminated city, Traytros faces more than just armed enemies: buried secrets, a hidden population... and the possibility that the mission he was assigned isn't what it seems.
Who should he really protect—his superiors, or those forgotten by the system?
When truth wears a mask and ideals crumble, there's only one option left: fight.
And this time... he'll fight alone.
After arriving in Fortul, we realized immediately that this wasn't like the capital. There were no paved roads. The air felt dense… almost toxic.
Before going any further, I asked Thomas:
—Do you know anything about this town? Why is the infrastructure so underdeveloped, and what's with the air?
He answered with a serious tone:
—Fortul has always lacked resources. Only locals used to live here. But the reason for the polluted air is a few kilometers from here: an abandoned industrial city.
—An industrial city?
—Yeah. It was a zone designated for factories. There were lithium plants, construction material factories… even a small nuclear facility. The city was meant to grow, but the project failed. Risk prevention was poorly handled, and the environment became contaminated.
—And the air... is it safe to breathe?
—It is, but if you live here for too long, you'll get sick. It's not an immediate danger, but I wouldn't take the mask off. The farther you are from the capital, the less reliable information we have. Who knows what else is out here?
I decided to take his advice and kept the mask on.
We infiltrated the town quietly. It was deserted. Entirely abandoned houses. It didn't look recent. Something was off. Not wanting to take risks, we didn't go deeper. Instead, we headed to the central area, where suspicious activity had been reported.
I asked Thomas:
—And what are we going to do once we get there?
—We'll try to get in, but it won't be easy. Where we're going… it's like a castle.
—A castle? Where exactly are we?
—We don't have precise intel. That's why we have to go in.
That didn't sit right with me.
As we approached, we planned to avoid the main gate. We were going to climb one of the walls using a grappling hook. But just as we were setting it up… the gate opened.
Several armed men came out. The sound of a truck approaching grew louder. Thomas's radar picked something up.
—The energy sensor just activated. Looks like we have enough evidence, he said.
I nodded.
—Distract them. I'll try to get inside, I added.
I sprang into action. Fired a shot into the air.
—Hey! Over here!
The men reacted immediately. They opened fire without hesitation. I took cover behind one of the castle's pillars. They were relentless. I waited for them to reload to counterattack. I managed to take several down. Some had reinforced armor, but in the end… I got through.
I entered the castle.
The first thing I found was a maze. Just then, Thomas radioed me:
—Copy?
—I read you.
—Did you clear the entrance?
—Yeah, it's all clear.
—Good. Keep going. The temple's center is at the end of the maze. I'll meet you there. If you encounter enemies, you're on the right path.
—And why aren't you helping?
—If you want to be first class, learn to handle things alone. You won't always have backup. Don't take too long. Over and out.
I sighed. This mission clearly carried weight.
I advanced through the maze. There was local artwork. Everything suggested this place had life… but where was everyone?
Suddenly, enemies appeared. They shot while shouting:
—We don't want the government here! You destroy everything!
I took cover, moved, fired back. I brought several down. One of the last ones shouted:
—Warn the others! He's not a regular soldier! Prepare yourselves!
I took advantage of his distraction and took him out. I checked their gear. Their armor was strange… handmade, with modern touches. Who were these people?
I pressed on. More firefights. Some enemies were better equipped. After clearing one group, I heard a sneeze.
I went on alert. Someone else?
I spotted a wall… one block was sticking out slightly. I pressed it. The wall opened.
Inside were people. Trembling women, children clinging to their mothers with red eyes. One of them could barely hold back his sobs, but his mother pressed him against her chest, covering his mouth.
I froze. Why were they hiding? Who were they running from? Us?
A girl looked at me with wide, wet eyes, not understanding. She raised her hand in a trembling, clumsy greeting. I… did the same.
The door slowly began to close, as if the world itself wanted to bury that moment.
Was this what we came to destroy?
I reached the temple. Old, but surprisingly well maintained.
I thought they might be living inside. I heard footsteps. I looked around, but saw nothing. Again. It was like they were playing with me.
Then a hum. A dagger! It grazed my mask.
—Show yourselves! —I yelled.
They emerged from different points like shadows. The first, dressed in yellow robes, had a calm yet firm gaze. Beside him, a man with a scarred face gripped his sword with brute strength.
Behind them, a younger, thinner figure with bloodshot eyes glared at me with distrust. The last one was different: his hair tied back, his expression unreadable, as if analyzing my every move.
They weren't regular soldiers. They were guardians.
—We know why you're here. We don't love violence, but if we must die for our people, we will.
They spoke in Latin. It caught me off guard.
—I don't want more bloodshed. We need to stop this —I told them.
—We agree. We're only protecting the villagers. We're not smugglers or rebels. Fortul was abandoned, and we decided to help.
—What exactly are you doing here?
—We live here. When we heard the attack, we hid the villagers. They don't speak Latin. We do, because of our training. We're the only ones who can defend this place.
—So… you're not rebels?
—No. The energy we use is for the people. They probably told you it was illegal activity.
—Nuclear energy?
—Yes. Beneath the temple is a small station that powers the castle and the village. The population grew. We consume more now.
—And how do you get it?
—From government distributors… without the government knowing. They sell it to us under the table.
It made sense… I'd heard of such dealings.
Thomas interrupted via radio:
—Traytros! There's a massive energy source below. I don't trust it. The doctor ordered action. Says they could become a threat.
—But they're using the energy for the village…
—Don't trust them! The doctor confirmed it! They're a threat! I'll wait inside the temple. Over and out.
I sighed. Who should I believe?
The leader looked at me.
—Your superiors gave you an order?
—Yes. But I don't have enough information to judge. They told me you're a threat…
—We refused to cooperate with them. They abandoned us and now want us to submit. If that's how it is… then we'll fight. Whoever wins decides the future.
We locked eyes in silence. The wind was the only voice left.
Suddenly, Thomas appeared in a tower.
—Traytros! Catch!
He tossed a sword. It landed in the ground. I picked it up.
—Let's fight. One-on-one. Honorably.
The leader nodded. They all dropped their weapons and drew swords.
—We'll all fight you. At once.
—Fine by me —I replied, steady.
I took my stance. I wasn't sure if what I was doing was right.
Was this justice… or just obedience? Who was I truly protecting?
The wind stopped. Everything fell silent… except my breathing.
There was no turning back.
—Let's see what you're made of…